Albion Economic Development Corporation
Who We Are
The Albion Economic Development Corporation (AEDC) works to attract and assist commercial and industrial businesses in the greater Albion area. We seek innovative, collaborative, solutions to modern business challenges, always mindful of the rich natural, economic, and cultural heritage of our community.
Virgie Ammerman, MBA, CPA, President & CEO
Virgie Ammerman, MBA, CPA, has served as AEDC's President and CEO since 2022.
She has extensive experience as a Senior Executive and Board Director driving sustainable growth and advocating for defined missions and visions. Virgie is adept at diplomacy, navigating political differences, streamlining operations, collaborating, designing and effectuating change, building high-performing teams, preparing and interpreting financial audits, designing and monitoring internal controls, fostering strategic partnerships, and driving community outreach efforts.
Virgie’s dedication to providing crucial recommendations to stakeholders including community members, investors, senior executives, and boards of directors is evident at AEDC as well as in her past roles with Monroe Community Mental Health Authority, Gleaners Community Food Bank of Southeastern Michigan, Hope Network, Spring Arbor University, and others.
She has earned a bachelor’s degree from Spring Arbor University, a Master of Business Administration from Western Michigan University, and a Master of Political Management from The George Washington University in Washington D.C, in addition to completing other certifications and leadership programs.
Margaret Avery, MPA, Grant Writer & Project Analyst
Margaret Avery, MPA, was raised in the Albion/Homer area and returned to the area to serve as AEDC’s Grant Writer & Project Analyst in June 2024.
Prior to joining the organization, Margaret worked in a variety of fields including managing both statewide political campaigns and nonprofit advocacy programs. With experience as an advocate for the community in multiple facets, Margaret’s passion lies within working to eliminate systemic injustices by improving the social, political, and economic landscape one day at a time.
Margaret attended Kellogg Community College and Grand Valley State University and has earned a bachelor’s degree in political science, women, gender, and sexuality and a Master of Public Administration in public policy analysis, advocacy, and evaluation.
Ta’Liyah Austin, Build Albion Fellow
Ta’Liyah Austin joined AEDC in an Albion Fellows position in July 2024.
She is a senior at Albion College and will earn a degree in business spring 2025.
Ta'Liyah runs her own hair and make-up businesses and has a passion for making people look and feel beautiful. She has a motive to set the best example for kids and to increase the esteem of the people in her community. She has served her community for the past three years by volunteering at events, establishments, and programs.
After graduating from college, Ta'Liyah plans to get into real estate, open a few businesses in her hometown, and be the person kids in her community can look up to.
Dichondra Johnson, MBA, MPA, Business Coach
Dichondra R. Johnson, MBA, MPA, brings over three decades of experience in economic and workforce development to the AEDC. Within public and private sectors, she has spearheaded major initiatives at the state, local, and federal levels, and served diverse communities throughout Michigan including strategic initiatives in veterans’ affairs, employment, and education strategy development.
Through leadership and education, Dichondra fosters sustainable growth and community well-being and empowers future leaders while stewarding economic and educational initiatives. She is deeply committed to mentoring, community service, and civic engagement, dedicating countless hours to volunteering and serving on various boards and committees across Michigan. Her involvement includes significant roles in community development and strategic participation in alumni initiatives at her alma maters.
A self-professed foodie, Dichondra enjoys attending and supporting multidisciplinary arts and museums, engaging in creative writing, and traveling in her spare time. She also delights in outdoor activities like walking, maritime activities, golf, attending sporting events, and spending time with family.
Dichondra holds a B.S. in arts administration and marketing from Eastern Michigan University, an MBA in marketing and global business from Davenport University, and an MPA in state and local government administration from Western Michigan University. She is also an alumnus of the Michigan Political Leadership Program at Michigan State University and a licensed Michigan realtor. Currently, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in business at Florida Atlantic University.
Jennifer Swanson, Executive Assistant/Board Liaison
Jennifer “Jenny” Swanson was born and raised in Albion before moving to Jackson in 2001.
Jenny has a passion for and background in serving the public and helping her community become familiar with Michigan laws and problem solving. Prior to joining AEDC in 2024, she worked for the State of Michigan as a legal secretary and the 12th District Court as Deputy County Clerk.
Outside of work, Jenny loves to be with her family and friends, take motorcycle rides with her husband, and cook for her family. She is also a proud mom of a University of Alabama student – Roll Tide!
Atiyah Artis, Build Albion Fellow
Atiyah Artis joined AEDC through the Albion Fellows Program in 2024.
The Albion College student is majoring in communications and plans to graduate in spring 2026.
As a Build Albion Fellow, Atiyah is dedicated to fostering positive change in the Albion community. She has actively contributed to various community programs focused on improving the quality of life and creating opportunities for local residents.
With a passion for community engagement and communication, Atiyah is committed to leveraging her skills and experiences to make a meaningful impact both on campus and in the broader community.
Camila Tapia, Albion College AmeriCorps Intern
Camila Tapia joined AEDC in the Public Health AmeriCorps Member position in September 2024.
The AmeriCorps member and Albion College student plans to graduate in the spring of 2026 with a degree in economics with a minor in data analytics. Additionally, she is a student leader of two Albion College organizations with the initiative to improve student activities and encourage campus involvement.
Camila’s passion for fostering economic growth for underserved communities stems from her extensive understanding of income inequality and economic segregation. She has always been an advocate for marginalized communities and takes time to research public policies and strategies that will strengthen communities.
At AEDC, Camila executes grants from the CHILL Program which provides homeowners with the means to repair and insure their homes. Through her work as an AmeriCorps member, she hopes to gain a meaningful experience by connecting with community members.
Being involved in community service is of high importance to Camila and revolves around her personal goals to help create healthy environments to unite communities.
She enjoys volunteering in her hometown of Katy,Texas, and now in Albion.
Tim Kurtz, Housing Solutions Advocate
Tim Kurtz serves as the AEDC’s Housing Solutions Advocate and primarily focuses on addressing homelessness. He joined the organization in September 2024.
He is a lifelong resident of Albion where he has served as a Senior Pastor for over 30 years.
Kurtz brings an extensive amount of philanthropic work and community service to his service of the greater Albion community. In 1984, he founded The Walk for Warmth, a statewide fundraiser now hosted annually by Community Action Agencies across Michigan. In the 40 years since its inception, this initiative has raised over $1 million to assist families with heating costs, providing a lifeline for countless residents through the harsh winters.
He also founded the Jackson Affordable Housing Corporation, which provides home ownership training and loans to low-and moderate-income families.
While at Region II Community Action Agency, he developed Project HOME which brought together local and state government, nonprofits, and building trades to acquire and rehab homes for sale to low- and moderate-income families.
He and his wife of 51 years have two children, seven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren.
Amber Kidder, Grants & Program Administrator
Amber Kidder joined the AEDC in October 2024 as the Grants & Program Administrator.
She was raised in Litchfield, and graduated from Trine University with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and forensic psychology.
Kidder is also a qualified intellectual disability professional (QIDP) and children's mental health professional (CMHP) who previously served as a juvenile probation officer, community outreach specialist and coordinator, and children's case manager for the Branch County Mental Health Authority.
She has experience working with individuals and communities to advocate for and address unmet needs through applied behavior analysis, community relations, and event coordination.
In her free time, Kidder serves as a volunteer firefighter, and enjoys spending time with her dogs and being outside year-round, especially hiking and snowmobiling.