More About Our Leadership
Major Tim Meyer was installed as the Divisional Secretary of the Grand Valley Area Command in Kent County, in June of 2022. He has been an officer for 32 years, serving as a Corps Officer, in Divisional Headquarters appointments, and on the staff at the College for Officers Training (CFOT) in Chicago. Major Tim was previously the Grand Valley Area Commander for the Great Lakes Division.
Major Tim holds degrees from Asbury College and Marian University and is a U.S. Air Force veteran. He is also an alumnus of the International College for Officers (London, ENG), Olivet Nazarene University, and has completed three Biblical Education Tours of Israel.
Prior to becoming an officer, he was employed as the Assistant Territorial Music Secretary for the USA Southern Territory (Atlanta, GA), and as the Business Administrator for the Genesee County Command in Flint, MI. Major Tim began music lessons at age five, and has played in numerous brass bands, including touring England with the Chicago Staff Band (Flugelhorn soloist). He also sings in the Central Territorial Staff Songsters.
Majors Tim and Lori have three grown daughters and four grandchildren. He is an avid runner, having recently completed his 12th marathon to raise funds to fight human trafficking.
We are pleased to welcome Majors Valerie A. Nance & Mark A. Nance to the Grand Valley Area Command. Major Mark is the Officer for Mission Integration and Major Valerie is the Area Command Program Officer.
Before joining the Grand Valley Area Command in 2023, they served as the Corps Officers in Muskegon.
Cathy Blackburn was hired as Development Director in March of 2024. Cathy is passionate about making a positive difference in the lives of others and that has been evident throughout her career. Born in Holland, Cathy grew up in Hudsonville and graduated from Hudsonville High School. She then attended Hope College and graduated with a B.A. in Communications, Education and English. She also completed the Institutes for Organizational management program though Notre Dame.
The first part of Cathy’s career was focused on marketing, communications and public relations working for education, business, and health care. In 2014 she transitioned to fundraising and has worked for Hope College and GVSU in this capacity.
In addition, Cathy served as the president of Senior Marketing Group-The Lakeshore Area, an all-volunteer group designed to bring together senior serving businesses to benefit the senior citizens in West Michigan, for 18 years. Additionally, she has served on the board for Community Action House in Holland and with the Children’s After School Achievement program run thought Hope College.
“I’m excited to develop relationships with donors and the greater community to help share the story of The Salvation Army," Blackburn said. "We are truly “Doing the Most Good,” through the services we provide that improve the quality of life for people in Kent County."
Cathy is a graduate of Leadership Holland and has complete the Institutes for Healing Racism program, both of which were incredibly impactful on her.
Cathy is married to Tim Blackburn, who works for Agewell. They have three children. Abbie is 28, Noah is 26 and Sophie is 22. She is grateful they all live in West Michigan. During the summer, she has a seasonal campsite in Bear Lake (north of Manistee) and loves spending time there.
You can contact Cathy at Cathy.Blackburn@usc.salvationarmy.org or at 616-490-5486.