Mark Odland
Mark Odland is a native of South Dakota and earned his undergraduate degree in Political
Science and Economics from Augustana College where he and his wife, LaRae, met as students
and were married in 1971. Following graduation, he began his lifetime career with State Farm
Companies where advancement opportunities resulted in five relocations throughout the country.
The Odlands moved to Michigan in 1994 when Mark became Vice President, Operations of the
Michigan Region. In 2001 he was promoted to Vice President, Operations of the Illinois, Indiana,
and Michigan zone, and retired in 2009.
Mark has always been a strong advocate of continuing education and earned several professional insurance designations
including the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriter (CPCU). He completed graduate work at the Darden School
of Business at the University of Virginia where he earned a Certificate in Management. In 2010 Mark was inducted into the
Michigan Insurance Hall of Fame.
Mark served as the founding Chairperson and CEO of the Insurance Institute of Michigan from 2003-2005, was a member
of the Board of Directors and Chairperson of the Michigan Catastrophic Claim Association from 2006-2007, and served on
numerous other boards throughout his career. In retirement, Mark continues his community involvement as a member of
the South Haven Township Planning Commission, and now is a new board member of Caring Circle.
Laura Starks
Laura recently has become a third generation licensed funeral director, joining her grandfather and
father at Starks Family Funeral Homes. She attended Lake Michigan Catholic Schools and Michigan State
University. Following graduation in 2014, Laura served her apprenticeship under her father. She enrolled
in Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science and graduated in August 2016.
Laura is a member of the St. Joseph Catholic Church, is an avid reader, and enjoys traveling. She
especially likes going to the beautiful beaches in our area. Since the passing of her mother, Tracey,
in 2004, Laura and her family have been supporters of Lory’s Place. She is honored to carry on
this tradition into the future as a new board member of Lory’s Place.
Kellye Wilson
Kellye has been volunteering with the “at risk” population in Atlanta from the age of 16. While
living in her home state of Georgia she spent 15 years matched in one-to-one relationships with
the mentally ill through Compeer Atlanta.
After moving to Michigan in 2006, Kellye became interested in the vision and mission of Lory’s Place.
While in her role at Whirlpool Corporation as Director of Sales, she began volunteering at Lory’s Place
as a facilitator for their evening groups. Soon after, Kellye was invited to join the Hospice at Home
Advisory Board. “I thoroughly enjoyed volunteering at this level, but after one year I had to move
away from Michigan giving up my precious spot with the Advisory Board team,” says Kellye. Upon
her return to Michigan, she reengaged with Lory’s Place, facilitating school and adult groups.
For the last five years Kellye has been a Territory Manager with Lifetouch National School Studios. As a
leader within this organization she continually invests in the community, and has the bandwidth and skills to
contribute greatly as a board member at Lory’s Place. She is honored to be selected and excited to join the
efforts to grow Lory’s Place as a new board member.