Staff Directory 

John Bruce, Executive Director (ext 221)

Mr. Bruce has been leading the Neighborhood Club since 1971. A former teacher, Mr. Bruce received a B.A. and M.A. degrees from the University of Detroit. He has volunteered for both the Grosse Pointe Public Library Board and the Grosse Pointe School System Board of Education. He wields many skills in contributing to the success of the organization. Among them are writing, financial and personnel management, team building and rapport with the volunteer community. The Neighborhood Club has witnessed phenomenal growth under Mr. Bruce’s stewardship. He lauds the staff and Board of Trustees for making the Neighborhood Club such a great place. “The combination of professional expertise, commitment and enthusiasm contribute to making  the Neighborhood Club staff an outstanding team, and the board has responded to a variety of community needs,” Bruce said, lastly adding, “I’m most proud of the Neighborhood Club’s involvement in the growth of women’s and girl’s participation in athletic, recreation and fitness activities.”

Betz Johnson, Recreation Director (ext 222)

Ms. Johnson has worked full-time at the Neighborhood Club since May 1973. She received a B.S. in Recreation from Western Michigan University. She plans, supervises and evaluates programs according to Neighborhood Club Board policy. She additionally purchases and conducts inventory of recreation equipment and evaluates the Nursery School Director and staff. She is largely responsible for increasing the participation of women in the programs. Ms. Johnson also volunteers for the Friends of the Parade which organizes both the Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit and the fireworks for the Fourth of July. A veteran of the Neighborhood Club, she loves providing services for the community all while being in a workplace that is communal “This is a close-knit family staff. It’s fun to come to work,” she said.

Kevin Zizio, Assistant Recreation Director (ext 223)

Mr. Zizio has worked full time for the Neighborhood Club since July 1988. He received a B.A. in Parks and Recreation from Central Michigan University and served as a Recreation Intern for the City of Novi. He is responsible for overseeing  youth and adult athletics, which include youth soccer, youth/adult basketball, youth t-ball and adult softball.   He has volunteered as a coach for Grosse Pointe Hockey and Grosse Pointe Shores Little League in addition to voluntarily heading Neighborhood Club teams. He likes Mr. Bruce’s leadership style and commends the other staff for being wonderful people. He appreciates Grosse Pointe, too. “It’s a great  community to work in,” he said.

James Troyer, Recreation Supervisor (ext 226)

Mr. Troyer has been working for the Neighborhood Club since October 1992. He received a B.A. in Parks and Recreation from Central Michigan University, and served as a Recreation Intern for the City of Huntington Woods. Mr. Troyer works with the Assistant Recreation Director and assists in adult and youth athletics such as: youth soccer, youth basketball, youth floor hockey, youth t-ball, youth indoor soccer, adult basketball and adult softball. Mr. Troyer is responsible for organizing and supervising the youth in-line hockey program, youth flag football program and the batting cage. Mr. Troyer also recruits, trains and supervises volunteer coaches; recruits, trains and assigns scorekeepers and officials; and, he supervises the work of seasonable and part-time employees. He volunteers as a coach and likes working at the the Neighborhood Club because of its altruistic mission regarding youth and its wonderful staff.

Sean Bruce, Finance Director (ext 220)

Mr. Bruce has worked full-time for the Neighborhood Club since February 1992. He received a B.S. in Public Affairs Management from Michigan State University and an M.A. in Finance  from Walsh College. Mr. Bruce manages all financial aspects of the Neighborhood Club. He has coached at Grosse Pointe South, St. Clare and in various community youth leagues.

George Guo, Computer Education Director (ext 213)

Mr. Guo has been with the Neighborhood Club since February 1990. He received an M.A. in Landscape Architecture from the University of Michigan. Mr. Guo maintains computer hardware and soft ware and directs and teaches computer training. He also assists with Web site management and Landscape Design. He recycles computers, donating them to people with financial need. Mr. Guo likes everything about his job from helping people with computer education to camaraderie with other staff members to the uplifting atmosphere of the organization

Kathy Eisengruber, Development Director (ext 216)

Ms. Eisengruber joined the Neighborhood Club in August 2005. She received a B.A. in anthropology from the University of Notre Dame. She began her work at the Neighborhood Club with copious fundraising experience. She served as Assistant Director of Regional Development for the University of Notre Dame after being both Executive Director of the university’s Sorin Society and Director of the Annual Fund. In her current duties, she fundraises in order to support the organization’s programs and keep them affordable to participants. She volunteers for Habitat for Humanity and the Bon Secours holiday bazaar. She is thrilled about working for the Neighborhood Club. “I like knowing that I am part of a team that is making a difference,” she said.

Linda Khalil, Secretary-Recreation Program (ext 225)

Ms. Khalil has worked at the Neighborhood Club since August 1984. She assists the Recreation Department and Nursery School Director in a variety of secretarial responsibilities: creation of brochures and flyers, preparation of team schedules and rosters and management of the nursery school eligibility list. When not working for the Neighborhood Club, Ms. Khalil volunteers for her church’s youth group and is involved with vegetarian cooking classes. Ms. Khalil is committed to maintaining the outstanding team ethos at the Neighborhood Club. “What I like is the respect you receive. Your opinion is valued no matter who you are. John Bruce creates a safe environment,” she said.

Paul DeFauw, Facility Manager (ext 214)

Mr. DeFauw has worked full time at the Neighborhood Club since July 1978. He received a B.S. in Physical Education from the University of Detroit. Mr. DeFauw directs the day-to day maintenance and operation of the Neighborhood Club facility. He also referees for Neighborhood Club teams. Strongly committed to his family, Mr. DeFauw is active in assisting his kids with their academic and athletic pursuits. As an employee, Mr. DeFauw praises the Neighborhood Club. “When you leave work everyday, you feel like you’ve accomplished things for Neighborhood Club Patrons,” he said.

Sue Sullivan, Nursery School Director (ext 228)

Sue Sullivan has worked part-time for the Neighborhood since September 1997. She received a B.S. in education and K-9 Michigan Teacher Certificate from Wayne State University. She has several roles as Nursery School Director from making lesson plans for children to conducting conferences with parents to ensuring children’s safety. She volunteers for both the Grosse Pointe Public Schools System, where her kids are educated, and her church, St. Philomena. She likes the cohesive nature of the Neighborhood Club. “I feel like I am a part of the community I live in,” she said

Rebecca Van Brienen, Registration Supervisor & Room Rental Contact (ext 210)

Mrs. Van Brienen has worked part time for the Neighborhood Club since October 1991. She is currently taking classes at Wayne State University. She responds to phone, fax, e-mail and personal inquiries regarding the Neighborhood Club programs and facilities. She helps with maintenance of the Web site and directs building use.

Katie Cotzias, Registration Administrator (ext 210)

Maggie Joseph, Thrift Shop Manager (ext 230)

Maureen Christian, Thrift Shop Marker (ext 232)

To contact our staff, call 313-885-4600.