4.13.17 – Fred Keller

Fred Keller founded Cascade Engineering in 1973 with the belief business can complement financial performance with important work in the social and environmental arenas. Driven by Fred’s belief, a small team of six employees has grown to be a company of 1,600 people serving a worldwide customer base.

From the very beginning, Fred Keller emphasized the key role business can play in building financial, social and ecological capital, often through partnerships with government and community agencies. His innovative management approach and work in advancing sustainability are featured regularly in business and industry publications.

With a passion for making a positive impact, Fred has served on the boards of the Meijer Corporation and Fifth Third Bank, West Michigan. He was formerly the board chair of the U.S. Department of Commerce Manufacturing Council and is a past chair and current member of the Board of Trustees for the W.K. Kellogg Foundation. Fred is also a trustee for the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation. In addition, Fred has been part of many community organizations and change initiatives including Talent 2025 and K-Connect.

A Grand Rapids, Michigan native, Fred earned a B.S. in materials science and engineering from Cornell University and an M.S. in business management from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.