ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc., and ChoiceOne Bank (NASDAQ: COFS) (“ChoiceOne”) are proud to announce Kara Lambourn, Assistant Vice President, Administrative Officer and Executive Assistant, as the inaugural recipient of the Matt Rodda Community Impact Award. The award was presented during an all-staff training day held October 12. In recognition of her community service, Lambourn will also receive a $2,500 contribution to direct to an organization or initiative of her choice.
“We are honored to establish the inaugural Matt Rodda Community Impact Award and proud to present it to Kara,” said ChoiceOne President Michael J. Burke, Jr. “Matt was a very special member of our ChoiceOne family—a devoted husband and father, a friend and colleague, and someone who genuinely cared about making our community a better place. He never sought recognition for his efforts. He simply believed that being part of a community meant showing up, helping others and making a difference wherever he could. Matt was a true community banker, and Kara exemplifies that same spirit.”
The Matt Rodda Community Impact Award will be presented annually to a ChoiceOne employee who demonstrates an extraordinary commitment to serving and strengthening the community in which they live and work. The award recognizes more than volunteer hours; it celebrates leadership, compassion and a willingness to invest time and energy in causes that make a lasting difference in people's lives.
“These are qualities Matt embodied every day, and they are qualities we want to recognize and celebrate for years to come,” Burke said. “Matt passed away in May following a courageous battle with cancer. His wife, Jennifer, shared the announcement by video, honoring Matt’s legacy as Kara was named the award’s inaugural recipient. Matt and Jennifer had four children.”
Pictured L-R: Mike Burke - President, Kara Lambourn - Administrative Officer and Executive Assistant, Kelly Potes - CEO
Lambourn was selected in recognition of her longstanding commitment to community service, particularly her leadership in fundraising for the Kiwanis Inclusive Playground. This project will be a unique and lasting addition to the City of Lapeer and the surrounding region, creating a place where people of all ages and abilities can come together to play, connect and grow.
“The vision behind this playground is simple but powerful: creating a place where everyone is welcome and everyone belongs,” Burke said. “Raising more than $1 million for a community project is no small task, yet Kara and her fellow Kiwanians have helped bring this vision closer to reality. Kara exemplifies the selfless spirit, generosity and commitment to community that Matt represented so well. Like Matt, she understands that strong communities don't happen by accident. They are built by people who care enough to get involved and make a difference.”
Lambourn joined ChoiceOne in 2019 as an Executive Assistant and was promoted to Administrative Officer and Executive Assistant in 2021, and Assistant Vice President in 2025. Before joining ChoiceOne, she spent nearly 25 years as the lead graphic designer at a local print, design and direct-mail company, where she also assisted with daily operations.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Health Services Administration and an associate degree in Medical Billing from Davenport University in Grand Rapids. An active community volunteer, Lambourn is a member and board secretary of the Kiwanis Club of Lapeer, where she is leading the planning and fundraising efforts for the nearly $1.5 million Kiwanis Inclusive Playground. She also participates in the club's annual fundraising events, chairs the Rubber Duck Dash and volunteers for numerous other activities and events throughout Lapeer County.
“Matt served as a vice president and regional manager of ChoiceOne Bank, overseeing seven branches in Lapeer County and Southeast Michigan,” Burke said. “He was active in the Kiwanis Club of Lapeer, serving as a member, board member, and past president. At the time, Matt was President-Elect and was scheduled to begin another term as president in October 2026. He participated in local initiatives, including the Kiwanis Inclusive Playground. He was also well known in his community as a youth basketball coach.
“Kara and Matt worked together on the Kiwanis Inclusive Playground and shared a passion for and commitment to bringing this project to our community. We are grateful for the opportunity to honor Matt's legacy through this award and to recognize employees like Kara who continue to make a meaningful difference in the communities we serve.”
About ChoiceOne
ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. is a financial holding company headquartered in Sparta, Michigan, with assets of approximately $4.4 billion, and the parent corporation of ChoiceOne Bank. Member FDIC. ChoiceOne Bank operates 54 offices in West, Central and Southeast Michigan. ChoiceOne Bank offers insurance and investment products through its subsidiary, ChoiceOne Insurance Agencies, Inc. ChoiceOne Financial Services, Inc. common stock is quoted on the Nasdaq Capital Market under the symbol “COFS.” For more information, please visit Investor Relations at ChoiceOne’s website choiceone.bank.