Meet Our Board
The Nicolas Nieboer Foundation is guided by a dedicated group of individuals committed to honoring Nick's legacy and empowering the next generation to defy their limits.
President
Eric Wenzel
Eric Wenzel first met Nicholas during his time on the Western Michigan University football team, where a genuine friendship quickly took shape. Throughout their relationship, Nick exemplified how to lead with positivity, stay grounded in faith, and make a meaningful impact on others regardless of life’s challenges. His perspective and strength left a lasting mark on Eric, influencing the way he approaches both adversity and leadership.
In his role as President, Eric is committed to carrying forward Nick’s legacy by fostering a message of hope, resilience, and encouragement. He is passionate about creating opportunities to uplift others and ensure that Nick’s story continues to inspire those in the community and beyond.
Eric lives in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he is dedicated to making a difference through service and leadership.
Treasurer
Jacob Lyle
Jacob Lyle had the privilege of meeting Nicholas during high school at Kalamazoo Central, where Nick consistently displayed a positive attitude, an uplifting spirit, and an ability to shine a motivational light on everyone around him. Nick’s outlook on life left a lasting impression on Jacob, inspiring him to carry forward that light and share Nicholas’s journey with others.
Today, Jacob is committed to honoring Nick’s legacy by helping extend that same encouragement, hope, and positivity to the broader community. He currently serves as Treasurer, leading the Foundation’s initiatives alongside President Eric Wenzel.
Jacob resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan, where he is actively involved in a variety of community events and initiatives, continuing to give back and make a meaningful impact.
Secretary
Jake Gideon
Jake Gideon first met and connected with Nick during Jake’s Freshman year on the WMU Football Team, where Nick would regularly visit practices, games, and workouts, even join in on some of those tough workouts. His energy, passion, and positivity were impossible to ignore, and the way he showed up and connected with everyone in that organization, left a lasting impression on Jake for the rest of his life.
Countless experiences like those over the years continue to motivate Jake, as he works to carry on Nick’s legacy by bringing that same encouragement and impact into the community. He serves as Secretary & Director of Community Impact, where he helps lead initiatives that create meaningful connections and opportunities for others.
Jake currently resides in Ada, Michigan where he is actively looking to be involved in a new community, through local events that are focused on giving back and making a difference.
Director of Donor Relations
Kyle Arnoldi
Kyle Arnoldi was honored to meet Nicolas during his time on the Western Michigan University football team, where Nick radiated infectious happiness, joy, determination, and love to everyone around him. Nick quickly became a true inspiration to Kyle, teaching him powerful lessons about facing adversity and maintaining a positive attitude when life throws unexpected challenges.
Kyle is committed to carrying forward Nick’s legacy by sharing his incredible story throughout the community and offering optimism, confidence, and uplifting support - just as Nick naturally did for others.
Kyle currently resides in Kalamazoo, Michigan and serves as a Board Member for the Nicolas Nieboer Foundation, where he leads projects and strategic initiatives across the West Michigan community.
Director of Marketing
Heath Baldwin
Heath Baldwin joined the Defy Your Limits - Nicolas Nieboer Foundation at the invitation of his close friend, Foundation President Eric Wenzel. Though he never had the chance to meet Nicholas, the Foundation's mission is deeply personal to Heath, a committed Christian who lost his own father to cancer.
As a board member and Marketing Director, Heath leads the Foundation's marketing and outreach. He holds a master's degree in Marketing Research and Analytics from Michigan State University and is a Nike-sponsored professional track athlete and Olympian.
A Kalamazoo, Michigan native, Heath now resides in Champaign, Illinois.