About Us:

Jim Conner, Race Director- My first experience as a triathlete was in the Bahamas while on vacation. My sister in-law who has been participating in triathlons for several years convinced my wife Jennifer and I to run the relay event. Let me tell you it gets hot in the Bahamas in August! From there my wife became hooked. After watching her participate in a few local events I decided to throw my hat in the ring. I did my first 3 triathlons in West Michigan and really did not even know how to swim. Since then I have taken some swim lessons and improved moderately and have since competed in about 20 triathlons of varying distances. When we started talking about organizing a local event it was unanimous that we would do it for local kid’s charities as well as the promotion of the sport.

Kevin Einfeld, Sponsorship Director-  A Calvin College Graduate and president and owner of BDR Inc., a Grand Rapids based real estate development and construction company.  Kevin also serves on the board of directors of Kent Commerce Bank.  Previously, he has served on the local board of Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing.  Currently Einfeld is leading a team for Partners Worldwide, an organization of Christian businessmen seeking to mentor, finance, and coach businesses in developing countries.  In recent years Einfeld has visited Nicaragua on various occasions with the focus of assisting companies in expanding their businesses and creating job growth.  Kevin has always enjoyed biking and running. Five years ago he took swim lessons with plans for his first triathlon. He has since become addicted and does four triathlons annually.

Tom VanderSloot, Bike Course Coordinator - A lifelong resident of Rockford who has been involved in both bicycle racing and triathlon for many years. While historically enjoying much success through the swim and bike portions of the triathlon, Tom prefers to let others bask in the glory of victory by taking to the run at a leisurely pace. Tom helps people and businesses plan for their financial goals through his efforts at The Principal Financial Group. Tom also serves on the board of the Grand Rapids chapter of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, is an active member of the Rockford Rotary Club, and is a member of the SPOUT cycling team.

Ad Rosa, Race Transition Coordinator - I have been competing in triathlons since 1985, and I competed in over 350 triathlons including 8 Ironman (my favorite being Hawaii). I have a degree in Sports Medicine and currently work as a biomechanics specialist. Primarily with esthetics fabrication, bike fits, and gait evaluation. I am also a certified triathlon coach. I have coached many levels of triathletes from entry level to professional. I have directed two races. Grandville triathlon 1998 and 1999. Great Lakes 2000-2005. I am very proud to part of the Millennium Triathlon, and I hope to help make this race the best race in the West Michigan.

Rick Womack, Swim Course Coordinator - An Account Representative for Motion Industries in Grand Rapids.  He was a collegiate swimmer at GVSU and did his first triathlon in 2006.  Since then he’s completed five triathlons and three mountain bike races.  He’s hoping to complete an Ironman triathlon within two years.

Samantha Litzner, Volunteer Coordinator - Growing up the U.P. I was raised on outdoor recreation, including biking, swimming, hiking, and running (lots of running since that was what my dad was into)! I played sports through junior high and high school, with track and cross country as my forte. I ran my first half marathon at age 17, winning 1 st place in my age group. I’ve run many road races but have not had the experience of participating in a triathlon. I’m very excited to be working with this new event because I think it brings together a great balance of health, wellness, and good old fashioned fun!

Dan Modzeleski, Run Course Coordinator -  A life-long resident of West-Michigan. I started doing a few 5K’s and mountain bike races about 15 years ago. I did my first triathlon in 1999 as a dare and have dabbled in the sport ever since. I share the same enthusiasm as the other members of our organization, that of supporting the areas youth programs and growing the sport of triathlon. Even though I’ve been at this for close to ten years now, I still feel like a beginner at every event in which I compete. I feel this provides a good balance for as broad spectrum of athletes from beginners and seasoned triathletes.