4.3.25 - NO LUNCHEON - SPRING BREAK
2025-04-03 | MI
There will be no luncheon or Club 77 on April 3, 2025, in observance of spring break. See you on April 10th at our next luncheon!

4.10.25 - Andy Guy - Chief Outcomes Officer, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
2025-04-10 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Andy Guy – Chief Outcomes Officer, Downtown Grand Rapids Inc.
Speaker Topic: Grand River Greenway Projects
Bio:
Andy Guy serves as Chief Outcomes Officer at Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., responsible for place management and city building in Downtown Grand Rapids. Guy directs DGRI’s policy, strategy and communication initiatives in this role.
Guy brings 15 years of broad experience in Michigan’s mobility and urban revitalization movement. Prior to joining DGRI, Guy served as Associate Director of Governor Rick Snyder’s Office of Urban Initiatives. He also served as Director of Metropolitan and Environmental Initiatives at Grand Rapids-based Wondergem PR.
A graduate of Michigan State University, Guy lives in Downtown Grand Rapids with his wife and two daughters, who attend Grand Rapids Public Schools.

4.17.25 - Interact Luncheon
2025-04-17 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for a special luncheon led by the Rotary Interact Club! This event brings together community members for a delicious meal while supporting a good cause. The Rotary Interact Club is a youth-driven organization focused on leadership, service, and community engagement, and they are excited to share this experience with you.

4.24.25 - STRIVE Luncheon
2025-04-24 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual STRIVE (Students Taking Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) student mentorship luncheon. We will celebrate and highlight all the progress and wonderful things the student mentees and mentors have been up to!
ABOUT STRIVE:
Strive is a motivational mentoring program that targets high school junior and senior students who want to improve their educational status and their life prospects. Students are paired with a mentor who is a caring, reliable, positive role model who meets regularly on a one-on-one basis. The goal is to build the student’s self-esteem and reinforce the student’s successes. Mentors also help the student set and achieve educational and personal goals, with grades, attendance, and attitude.

5.1.25 - CLUB 77 & Membership Recruitment Event
2025-05-01 16:30 - 18:00 | Blandford Nature Center, 1715 Hillburn Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504, 49504, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 event hosted by Rotarian Bob Tsironis at Blandford Nature Center! This is also our Membership Recruitment Event, so invite your colleagues, business clients, and friends!

5.8.25 - David Vessey - Philosophy Professor, GVSU
2025-05-08 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: David Vessey – Philosophy Professor, GVSU
Speaker Topic: Philosophical Reflections on Artificial Intelligence
Bio:
​David Vessey is a Professor of Philosophy at Grand Valley State University (GVSU), where he has been a faculty member since 2008. He specializes in 19th and 20th-century Continental philosophy, with a particular focus on hermeneutic phenomenology and the philosophical tradition of interpretation.
Vessey earned his Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame in 1996, following a B.A. in Mathematics and Philosophy from St. Olaf College, where he graduated magna cum laude and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.
His research interests include the works of Hans-Georg Gadamer, J.G. Fichte, Wilhelm von Humboldt, Edmund Husserl, Maurice Merleau-Ponty, and Jean-Paul Sartre. Vessey’s scholarship explores themes such as intersubjectivity, language, time-consciousness, and embodied subjectivity. He has contributed to the field through various publications and presentations, including keynote addresses and conference papers.
In addition to his academic work, Vessey is actively involved in the North American Society for Philosophical Hermeneutics (NASPH), serving as both a board member and treasurer.

5.15.25 - Scott Vander Kooy - President, Comprenew
2025-05-15 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Scott Vander Kooy – President, Comprenew
Speaker Topic: Protecting People and Planet
Bio:
Scott Vander Kooy started Comprenew in 1986 as an IBM mainframe refurbisher in Grand Rapids, Michigan. As computers became more affordable and more electronics began entering the waste stream, Comprenew expanded its services to include recycling to help reduce this environmental threat. Today, Comprenew is one of the highest certified electronics service and recycling companies in the world.
Because electronics is the fastest growing part of our waste stream, Scott would like to share about the importance of doing everything we can to ensure that electronics do not harm people and the environment. Through Comprenew’s recycling procedures and zero-landfill policy, Scott works to ensure electronics are only a benefit to society.
Growing up in Illinois, New York and Michigan, Scott’s favorite subject in school was Science. In college, he studied Business/Economics and Political Science at Calvin University. He is passionate about equity, environmental protection, business leadership and spending time with family at his lake cottage. Scott and his wife, Jan, have three grown children and two grandchildren.

5.22.25 - NO LUNCHEON - Memorial Day Observation
2025-05-22 | MI
There will be no luncheon on May 22nd in observance of Memorial Day.

5.29.25 - Mark Washington - City Manager, City of Grand Rapids
2025-05-29 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Mark Washington – City Manager, City of Grand Rapids
Speaker Topic: Balancing Commerical and Community Interests in Decision Making for City Development
BIO:

Mark Washington has been Grand Rapids’ City Manager since October 2018. As City Manager, he functions as the municipal corporation’s Chief Executive Officer. He oversees a $690 million budget, a 2700-person workforce and all city departments, operations, policies and programs related to public safety, economic development, community services, mobility, infrastructure, health, environment, recreation and community engagement. He is committed to making Grand Rapids a city that is nationally recognized for being equitable, welcoming, innovative and collaborative with a robust economy, safe and healthy community and the opportunity for a high quality of life for all.

Since arriving in Grand Rapids, Mark has led efforts to create a strategic plan, increase efficiencies of government services, establish an equitable economic development and mobility strategy, create a public safety oversight and accountability office, establish an equity office and innovation office, launch a homeless outreach team and reaffirm the City’s commitment to sustainability.

Mark has 27 years of experience in public sector service. Before becoming Grand Rapids’ City Manager, he served as Assistant City Manager for the City of Austin, Texas. In that role, he assisted the City Manager in operating a workforce of 14,000 employees and a $4.1 billion budget. He also provided direct executive oversight to several departments, including human resources, labor relations, fleet services, communications and technology management, building services, innovation, telecommunications, regulatory affairs and the Austin Convention Center. He provided executive leadership on labor contract negotiations, improving police oversight and community relations, hosting and planning large events such as South by Southwest (SXSW) and creating public-private partnerships to address community challenges such as equity, homelessness, digital inclusion, housing/tenant rights, right-of-way uses for disruptive technology and workforce development for marginalized populations.

Before that, Mark served as Director of Human Resources and Civil Service for the City of Austin. In that role, he led efforts that resulted in the City of Austin being recognized among the top 10 employers by Forbes Magazine thanks to efforts around strategic planning, talent management, employee engagement, labor management, risk management, equity, benefits and leadership development. He previously served as Assistant Director of Human Resources for the City of Fort Worth, Texas (6,500 employees), overseeing compensation, benefits, wellness, safety and workers’ compensation. He also served as Street Services Operations Program Manager for the City of Fort Worth, overseeing its in-house street maintenance and overlay program.

He has a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Tarleton State University, a master’s degree in business administration from Amberton University and a master of arts degree and doctorate degree in education from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Mark is a member of the International City/County Management Association, Michigan Municipal Executives, and Grand Valley Metropolitan Council. He also serves on the Downtown Grand Rapids Inc., Spectrum Health Community Commitment, National Forum for Black Public Administrators, TenthFuture Inc., Art Prize and Tarleton State University College of Business advisory boards. He is a Trustee of the Michigan Municipal League and Paul Quinn College. He previously served as State President of the International Public Management Association Texas chapter and is a former board member of the Texas Municipal Human Resources Association and Austin Area Urban League, among other organizations. He holds the following certifications: International City/County Management Association Credentialed Manager (ICMA-CM) International Public Management Association-Senior Certified Professional (IPMA-HR-SCP), Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR), HR Certification Institute and Society for Human Resources Management Senior Certified Professional (SHRM-SCP) and Certified Government Benefit Administrator certification from the state and local Government Benefit Association (CGBA), among others. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and he is an ordained minister.

6.5.25 - Club 77 Hosted by Feeding America West Michigan
2025-06-05 16:30 - 18:00 | Feeding America West Michigan, 3070 Shaffer Ave SE, Kentwood, Michigan, 49512
Join us for our monthly Club 77 event hosted by Feeding America West Michigan! Invite your colleagues, business clients, and friends for fellowship, appetizers & adult beverages!

6.12.25 - Rotary Youth Exchange Program (RYEP) Relaunch Luncheon
2025-06-12 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
The Rotary Club of Grand Rapids is excited to announce the return of the Rotary Youth Exchange Program (RYEP)! After a pause in recent years, we’re bringing this life-changing opportunity back for local students and families. Join us to learn how the program works and how you can get involved—as a student, a host family, or a volunteer. We will also have a past RYEP student give a testimonial on how the program transformed their lives.
What is RYEP?The Rotary Youth Exchange Program is an international exchange program for high school students, sponsored by Rotary International. Students aged 15–19 spend a school year living with host families in another country, attending school, learning a new culture, and becoming global citizens. At the same time, our community will welcome an inbound student from abroad, offering them a home-away-from-home experience.
This Program Involves:

A full academic year abroad for outbound students
Hosting an international student here in Grand Rapids
Cultural exchange, language learning, and leadership development
Support and guidance from Rotary clubs at home and abroad

6.19.25 - Kevin Guskiewicz - President, Michigan State University
2025-06-19 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Kevin Guskiewicz – President, Michigan State University
Bio:
Kevin M. Guskiewicz, a neuroscientist, academic leader and concussion researcher, was appointed president-elect of Michigan State University on Dec. 8, 2023, by the MSU Board of Trustees and started as president on March 4, 2024.
A member of the University of North Carolina’s faculty since 1995 and founding director of the Matthew Gfeller Sport-Related Traumatic Brain Injury Research Center and the Center for the Study of Retired Athletes, Guskiewicz was appointed UNC’s Chancellor in 2019. He is a nationally recognized expert on sport-related concussions and maintains an active research portfolio, serving as co-principal investigator on two multi-center research grants. He has published over 200 peer-reviewed papers in the areas of sports medicine and neuroscience.
His team’s groundbreaking work has garnered numerous awards and has influenced concussion guidelines in the NFL and NCAA. In 2011, Guskiewicz received the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship for his innovative work on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of sport-related concussions. In 2011, he convinced the NFL and NCAA to change the kickoff rule, which resulted in a 50% reduction in concussions on kickoffs. In 2013, Time magazine named him a Game Changer, one of 18 “innovators and problem-solvers that are inspiring change in America.”
Guskiewicz earned a bachelor’s degree in athletic training from West Chester University, a master’s in exercise physiology/athletic training from the University of Pittsburgh and a doctorate in sports medicine from the University of Virginia.
Born and raised in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, he and his wife Amy have four children: Jacob, Nathan, Adam and Tessa.

6.26.25 - President's "Passing of the Tiller"
2025-06-26 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids on June 26th for our annual “Passing of the Tiller” Luncheon, a special tradition marking the transition of club leadership.
During this ceremony, outgoing 2024–2025 President Eunice Lopez-Martin will officially pass the presidential tiller to incoming 2025–2026 President Shannon Kolarik. We’ll celebrate the accomplishments of President Eunice’s term and hear her reflections on a successful year. Incoming President Shannon will also share her vision and goals for the upcoming Rotary year.
This event is a great opportunity to honor our leadership, connect with fellow members, and look ahead to an exciting new chapter for our club.

7.3.25 - NO LUNCHEON - 4th of July Observance
2025-07-03 | MI
There will be no luncheon on July 3rd in observance of the holiday.

7.10.25 - President's Message - Shannon Kolarik
2025-07-10 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual President’s Message luncheon where new 2025-2026 Club President Shannon Kolarik will share her club goals and plans for the year!

7.17.25 - CLUB 77 - Grand Rapids Children's Museum
2025-07-17 17:00 - 19:30 | Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, 11 Sheldon Ave NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
You’re Invited! Rotarian Maggie Lancaster and 2025-2026 Club President Shannon Kolarik invite you to a special event to kick off the 2025–2026 Rotary year.
Bring the whole family—kids, grandkids, nieces, and nephews are all welcome. Please join us for a fun-filled and memorable evening together. We look forward to seeing you there!
Please Note: This event replaces our regular weekly luncheon. We will not be meeting at Kent Country Club at noon that day.

7.24.25 – Annual IKUS/Indian Trails Camp Luncheon
2025-07-24 12:00 - 13:15 | Indian Trails Camp, 0-1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
On Thursday, July 24th Rotarians and guests will gather at Indian Trails Camp for our annual picnic!
Since 1952, the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids has partnered with Indian Trails Camp, mentoring for at-risk high school students, reduction of childhood hunger, projects to reduce physical barriers for the disabled, support for the elderly in need, and educational scholarships. The motto of Rotary is “Service Above Self”.

7.31.25 - Randy Thelen - President & CEO, The Right Place
2025-07-31 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Randy Thelen – President & CEO, The Right Place
Bio:
As President and CEO of The Right Place, Randy Thelen leads the economic development strategy for the Greater Grand Rapids Region. To achieve the region’s vision of being one of the leading growth economies in the nation, Randy collaborates with business and community leaders to focus efforts on strengthening three strategic pillars: People, Place, and Prosperity.
Since taking the helm at The Right Place in 2021, the organization has supported the creation and retention of 4,000+ jobs and $1B+ in new capital investment for the region. Under Randy’s leadership The Right Place has grown to support an 8-county collaborative in the Greater Grand Rapids Region. Randy has expanded the organization’s initiatives to include community development and placemaking, along with increased talent retention, expansion, and attraction services. Randy also championed the launch of a 10-year regional tech strategy that will position the region as one of the leading tech hubs in the Midwest.
Past Experience
Randy joined The Right Place team in 2021 after serving as Senior Vice President of economic development at the Downtown Denver Partnership. There he led efforts to attract investment, recruit and retain business, and advocate for housing, retail, and public policy initiatives. He supported downtown projects totaling more than $1 billion in investments.
Prior to his role at the Downtown Denver Partnership, he led the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership, a two-state, eight-county regional economic development effort. Randy executed a $24 million Prosper Omaha strategy which brought $3.9 billion in new capital investment and 13,000 new jobs to the area.
Randy’s career began at economic development organizations in Evart and Monroe, Michigan before he moved to the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). From there, he was hired as the first President of Lakeshore Advantage, where he led attraction of $1.2 billion in investments and 8,000 jobs during his 10-year tenure.
Education

Master of Art in Applied Economics | Binghamton University
Bachelor of Arts in Economics | Alma College

8.7.25 - CLUB 77
2025-08-07 16:30 - 18:00 | MI
Join us for our monthly Club 77 event, more details to come!

8.14.25 - Eugene "Gene" Khorey - WWII Veteran - U.S. Army, 86th Infantry Division
2025-08-14 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for a remarkable opportunity as 99-year-old World War II veteran Eugene “Gene” Khorey will share his first-hand experience from the battlefield. Gene is one of the last living members of the Greatest Generation right here in Grand Rapids. He will share personal insight into pivotal moments of WWII—from combat in France to the post-war aftermath in the Pacific.
His reflections on humanity, conflict, and reconciliation resonate deeply in today’s world.
Gene will be joined by Joel Westphal, Deputy Director of the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Library and Museum, for a special discussion-format program exploring history, service, and the personal cost of war.
A Glimpse into Gene’s Story
• Drafted at just 18, Gene first set foot overseas in January 1945, landing in France as part of the U.S. Army’s 86th Infantry Division
• Over a grueling span of 70 days in combat, he witnessed the devastation of war—“buildings destroyed, huddling with fellow soldiers for warmth, often hungry and freezing”
• Reflecting on his combat experience, Gene shared: “War is hell and I hope in the world that we never get into another war”
• After Victory in Europe, he continued service in the Philippines, assisting with the surrender of Japanese forces before returning home to a hero’s welcome in New York
• Post-war, Gene built a distinguished career in education—teacher, principal, then superintendent—playing a meaningful role in school integration and community leadership
• He credits his wartime experience with shaping his philosophy of empathy: “Why do we keep killing each other? You’re just like me… We’re dealing with human beings.”

8.21.25 - Rich MacKeigan - General Manager, ASM Global
2025-08-21 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Rich MacKeigan – General Manager, ASM Global
Speaker Topic: Updates on ASM Global Venues in Grand Rapids
Bio:
Rich MacKeigan will revisit our club and give updates and exciting developments since he last spoke to our club in 2022. Rich has served as General Manager for ASM Global in Grand Rapids since 1998, overseeing Van Andel Arena, DeVos Performance Hall, and DeVos Place. As Regional GM, he also supports multiple ASM venues across the Midwest. Under his leadership, these venues have grown into major economic and cultural anchors, consistently ranked among the nation’s best for booking and guest experience.
A native of Canada, Rich earned degrees from Dalhousie University and St. Thomas University and gained early experience in Miami and Ottawa before making Grand Rapids home. He also serves as Executive Director of the Grand Rapids–Kent County Convention/Arena Authority and sits on several civic and industry boards. Rich is a passionate advocate for venue excellence, community engagement, and regional growth.

9.4.25 - Club 77 Hosted by Habitat Kent
2025-09-04 16:30 - 18:00 | Habitat Kent Workspaces & Learning Center, 425 Pleasant St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 hosted by Habitat Kent.
More details to come!

9.11.25 - Mark Andresky - District Governor, District 6290
2025-09-11 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual District Governor luncheon!
Speaker: 2025 District Governor Mark Andresky
Speaker Topic: District 6290 Goals & Updates
Bio:
Mark Andresky is the District Governor and Trainer for Rotary District 6290, Past President of the Charlevoix Rotary Club, and serves on his club’s Board of Directors and as the club’s Rotary Foundation Chair. He was a Rotary Ambassadorial Scholar, studying in Strasbourg, France, in 1988 – 89.
Mark Andresky, CExP, CEPA, CBI, M&A is a Principal with Performance Business Advisors, LLC. He concentrates his practice on helping business owners throughout the state of Michigan increase their personal and business wealth through comprehensive transition planning and mergers, acquisitions, and divestitures. He is a Certified Exit Planner, Certified Business Intermediary, Mergers & Acquisitions Master Intermediary, Business Appraiser, and Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker.
Mark is the Past-President of the West Michigan Chapter of the Michigan Business Brokers Association, a Director of its state Board, and an active member of the Exit Planning Institute, International Business Brokers Association, M&A Source, International Society of Business Appraisers, and Business Enterprise Institute.
Mark earned his Bachelor of Arts degree summa cum laude from Washington and Jefferson College. He writes and speaks regularly throughout the country on a variety of transition planning, business valuation, and real estate topics.

9.18.25 - Mike Wall - Executive Director of Automotive Analysis, S & P Global Mobility
2025-09-18 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Mike Wall – Executive Director of Automotive Analysis, S & P Global Mobility
Speaker Topic: Automotive Industry Outlook
Bio:
Mike brings over 25 years of financial analysis, forecasting, consulting and manufacturing experience to the firm, with a primary focus on assisting financial firms and manufacturers in their evaluation and understanding of the auto industry, as well as in-depth analysis of vehicle markets and trends.
Mike has extensive experience working with both manufacturing and financial firms. With a knowledgebase established studying and covering the automotive industry as well as experience in financial analysis and banking, Mike is able to offer clients timely and relevant insight, thereby aiding their strategic planning or investment analysis processes. Moreover, he has a deep background in the area of vehicle forecasting and market trend analysis allowing him to assist clients in their assessment of near-term risks and planning scenarios.
Prior to joining S&P Global Mobility, Mike was the Director of Forecasting at IRN, Inc. He has also held financial and analytical positions in the manufacturing and banking sectors. Mike graduated Summa Cum Laude with an undergraduate degree in Finance from Grand Valley State University. He later earned the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation.

9.25.25 - David LaGrand - Mayor, City of Grand Rapids
2025-09-25 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas – Wege Ballroom, 1700 Fulton St E., Michigan, 49506, United States
Speaker: David LaGrand – Mayor, City of Grand Rapids
Speaker Topic: City Updates and News
Bio:
David LaGrand was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from Calvin College and earned a law degree from the University of Chicago in 1992. When David returned to Grand Rapids, he served as an Assistant Kent County Prosecutor before entering private practice in 2000.

10.9.25 - Carlos Sanchez - Executive Director, Casa Latina Davenport University
2025-10-09 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Carlos Sanchez – Executive Director, Casa Latina Davenport University
Speaker Topic: Casa Latina at Davenport University
Bio:
Carlos Sanchez, born in Mexico City, is the Executive Director of Casa Latina at Davenport University. Before joining Davenport, he spent ten years at Ferris State University, where he developed two key initiatives: LEADeres, a professional development and leadership program, and Emprende, a Spanish-language entrepreneurship program. Both initiatives are designed to serve the community by cultivating Latinx leaders and entrepreneurs.
Davenport’s new initiative, Casa Latina, will offer twelve programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels in a bilingual format (50% Spanish and 50% English), fully online.
Carlos is a graduate of the International Business program at Davenport University. He also holds a Design and Innovation Management Certification and a Master of Arts in Design from Kendall College of Arts and Design.

10.16.25 - "Flickering Candles" - Past Club Presidents Luncheon
2025-10-16 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for a special luncheon where our Club Past Presidents (Flickering Candles) will join us and share their stories about the growth of the club and the impact leading the club had on each of them.

10.23.25 - Bev Thiel - Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Kent County
2025-10-23 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Bev Thiel – Executive Director, Habitat for Humanity Kent County
Speaker Topic: Imagine Capital Campaign for Affordable Housing in Kent County
Bio:
Bev has been Executive Director of Habitat for Humanity Kent County since 2019. She has dedicated her career to the not-for-profit sector and is an advocate for racial equity in affordable housing. Focusing on equity in leadership from a female perspective drives her and those she seeks to empower. Bev has extensive experience in operations, a strategic emphasis on administration, fiscal development, efficiencies, and quality. As an integrator for Habitat, she serves to provide a focus on pathways to affordable housing and sustainability to the organization.
Bev lives in Cedar Springs with her husband Randy. She has two grown children and two beautiful granddaughters.

10.30.25 - Britany Affolter-Caine, PhD - Executive Director, Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M)
2025-10-30 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Britany Affolter-Caine, PhD – Executive Director, Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M)
Speaker Topic: Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M)
Bio:
Dr. Britany Affolter-Caine is the executive director of Research Universities for Michigan (RU4M), an alliance of Michigan State University, the University of Michigan and Wayne State University. As one of the nation’s top university innovation clusters, the URC is a leading engine for innovation in Michigan and the Great Lakes region. Britany also serves as a director on the Michigan Strategic Fund board.
Prior to the URC, Britany was the talent director for Ann Arbor SPARK, has supported nonprofit organizations in strategic development, policy and program management and worked as a senior research associate for the Metropolitan Policy Program of the Brookings Institution on the Great Lakes Economic Initiative. She earned her PhD in higher education policy from the University of Michigan (2008), a M.Ed. in secondary education from Wright State University (1999), and a BA in political science from Wittenberg University (1996)

11.6.25 - Club 77 Hosted by Consumers Credit Union
2025-11-06 16:30 - 18:00 | Consumers Credit Union, 220 54th St SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49548, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 event hosted by Consumers Credit Union!
