10.3.24 - Club 77 Hosted by Rotarians Sheri & Asgi Fazleabas
2024-10-03 16:30 - 18:30 UTC | TBD
Join us for our monthly Club 77 event hosted by Rotarians Sheri & Asgi Fazleabas!
Time: 4:30 – 6:30 PM
Location:
See Weekly Update for Address
Parking: Ample street parking on the street around their home

10.10.24 - Karen Sadler - President, Michael Sadler Foundation
2024-10-10 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
The Michael Sadler Foundation develops and supports programs that emphasize the combination of academic excellence, athletic achievement, character strength and leadership.
Our Inspiration

Michael Sadler’s extraordinary life was abruptly halted when he died in a tragic car accident in Wisconsin on July 23, 2016. At the time, he was volunteering at a kicking camp to mentor young players. His commitment to helping others, contributing to community and embracing his love of family, friends, and society was constant. He lived his life with impeccable character. Only after his death did we realize the tens of thousands of lives he affected because of his integrity and the way he chose to live life.

Michael earned unparalleled recognition in academics and athletics. At MSU he earned a bachelor’s degree in Engineering and a master’s degree in Public Policy. He was an All-American as well as the first-ever, four-time Academic All American in MSU history. Michael was a member of the National Football Foundation Scholar-Athlete Class of 2014 and a William V. Campbell trophy finalist. He was awarded the Big Ten Conference Medal of Honor in 2014 for outstanding athletic and academic achievement. Awards that Mike received are now being renamed in his honor. Michael was proud to be a Spartan and was excited to be entering Stanford Law School. Click here to read more about his outstanding achievements, both on and off the field.

10.17.24 - Steve Heacock - President & CEO, Grand Rapids Whitewater
2024-10-17 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Steve Heacock
Speaker Topic: Grand River Restoration Project
GRWW’s mission is to recreate the spirit of the iconic grand rapids; to make the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids a more natural river environment and to enhance the sustainability of fish, wildlife and natural resources and provide access to recreation and fitness opportunities to all. Specifically, GRWW’s mission is to:

Reduce public safety hazards generated by low-head dams by removing the dams,
Create diverse riffles, runs, waves, and pools to restore aquatic riverine habitat and diversity,
Improve fish passage,
Recapture the sight, sound, and spirit of the historic and iconic rapids, for which the City is named, and
Enhancing distinctive recreational opportunities such as wading, angling, and whitewater paddling sports, that are safe, interesting, and substantial enough to engage residents, attract tourists, and serve as a catalyst for local, regional, and equitable economic development opportunities.

10.24.24 - Dr. Bill Pink - President, Ferris State University
2024-10-24 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Dr. Bill Pink

Speaker Topic: Ferris State University – Now and the Future

BIO:

Dr. Bill Pink strongly believes in the power of education and is passionate about providing opportunities for students and furthering Ferris State University’s commitment to ensuring the success of all students.
Dr. Pink in July 2022 became Ferris State’s 19th president and is the first African American person to lead the university since it was founded in 1884.
Prior to guiding Ferris State University, Dr. Pink served as president of Grand Rapids Community College in Grand Rapids, Mich. and was vice president for academic affairs at Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City Campus in Oklahoma.
Dr. Pink is involved in governance and policy development at regional and national levels, sharing expertise and gaining experience to share at Ferris State.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed him to be a leader on the Growing Michigan Together Council to help grow the state’s population and serves on the Michigan Economic Development Corporation executive committee, working to grow the state’s industry and workforce.
He is a member of the Higher Learning Commission board of trustees. He also serves on the American Council on Education board of directors, working with leaders from across the nation to shape public policy and to help more students gain a quality education.
In West Michigan, he serves on the boards of Corewell Health West Michigan, is board chair for the Heart of West Michigan United Way and board vice-chair for The Right Place.
Dr. Pink was named Newsmaker of the Year in Education by the Grand Rapids Business Journal in 2019 and was selected for the MCAN Lighthouse Award for expanding access to students of all ages across Michigan.
He is a sought-after speaker for events across the country with presentations focused on diversity, leadership, career and workforce development, and faith.
President Pink earned a Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Oklahoma in Instructional Leadership and Academic Curriculum, a Master of Education in Physical Education and Secondary Education from the University of Central Oklahoma, and a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Professional Education from Oklahoma Christian University.

10.31.24 - Milinda Ysasi - Second Ward Commissioner, City of Grand Rapids
2024-10-31 12:00 - 13:15 UTC | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Milinda Ysasi
Speaker Topic: Grow Grand Rapids: Why Filling Financial Gapis is Vital
Bio:
Milinda Ysasi was born in Grand Rapids and grew up on the Southeast side of the city. She attended Catholic Central and Grand Valley State University. She has been married to her husband, Rafael Castanon for over ten years. They live in Creston.
Milinda Ysasi leads The SOURCE, an organization focused on reducing employment barriers and creating opportunities for mobility for employees that work for their partner organizations. The SOURCE began as an idea by local CEO’s who wanted to retain talent in their companies and understood that talent is a differentiator for success.
Prior to The SOURCE, Milinda worked in human resources at Cascade Engineering, Herman Miller and Spectrum Health. She received her executive MBA from Michigan State University in 2019. In November 2019, Milinda was elected to serve as a City Commissioner for the 2nd Ward of the Grand Rapids.
Milinda is a co-founder of the Latina Network of West Michigan, an organic collective focused on changing the Latina narrative in the region. She was a 2018 Aspen Institute Economic Opportunities Job Quality Fellow. Milinda serves on the Chemical Bank West Michigan community board and the West Michigan Works! legislative committee.
Milinda has been recognized for her commitment and leadership with the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce ATHENA Young Professional award, the GVSU Alumni Service award, GR Business Journal 40 under forty, Young Nonprofit Professionals Network-GR DoGooder and Exemplary Executive awards, GR Business Journal 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan and as one of 200 Most Powerful Business Leaders in West Michigan.

11.7.24 - CLUB 77 - Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
2024-11-07 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Warner Norcross + Judd LLC, 150 Ottawa Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 at Warner Norcross + Judd LLP in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids!
Appetizers & adult beverages will be served.
You are encouraged to invite guests to attend!
Parking Instructions:
Parking is available in the Warner Building lot for a fee or street parking is available.
The entrance to the parking lot is located on Ionia Ave (between Pearl St NW and Lyon St NE)
Once you enter the building attendees can take the elevator to floor 15R after parking

11.14.24 - Tarah Carnahan - Executive Director & Co-Founder, Treetops Collective
2024-11-14 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Tarah Carnahan – Executive Director & Co-Founder, Treetops Collective
Speaker Topic: Treetops Collective and its mission to respond to refugees displaced by war, famine, or persecution
Bio:
Tarah received her Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Business from Lee University in 2008. Upon graduation, she settled in Asuncion, Paraguay where she started a small social enterprise with 17 women living and working in the city garbage dump. After moving to Grand Rapids, Tarah worked in several non-profits developing community programs and building marketing and fundraising campaigns. She also entered the stationery and gifts industry, creating products and doing sales and marketing. To fuse her two loves of community work and conscious brand production, she went on to complete a master’s in Sustainable Business from Aquinas College. In her personal life, Tarah has befriended local refugee families, walking alongside them through the resettlement process and connecting them with people and opportunities in Grand Rapids.

11.21.24 - J.C. Huizenga - Owner, Huizenga Group
2024-11-21 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: J.C Huizenga – Owner, Huizenga Group
Bio:
J.C.’s entrepreneurial penchant appears to run in the family. His grandfather emigrated from the Netherlands in 1893. By 1971, the family had created the world’s largest trash collection and disposal company, Waste Management, Inc.
After studying economics at Hope college and earning his MBA at Michigan State University, J.C. continued to grow his manufacturing enterprises which range from commercial electrical contracting to supplying automobile instrumentation components.
Translating his desire to reform education into action, in 1995 J.C. founded National Heritage Academies (NHA) which achieved four consecutive years on Inc. magazine’s list of the “500 Fastest Growing Private Companies.”
J.C. gives generously of his time and resources to a wide variety of organizations within West Michigan and around the world.

11.28.24 - NO LUNCHEON - Thanksgiving Holiday Observance
2024-11-28
There will be no luncheon on Thursday, November 28th in observance of Thanksgiving.

12.5.24 - CLUB 77 - Brookby House at Aquinas College
2024-12-05 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | TBD
UPDATE: This event has been postponed to a later date due to inclement weather conditions.
Join us for our December Club 77 at the Brookby House on the campus of Aquinas College!
ADDRESS:
250 Plymouth Rd SE, East Grand Rapids, MI 49506
TIME:
4:30 – 6:00 PM

12.12.24 - Grace Gavin - Co-Founder, Know Honesty
2024-12-12 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Grace Gavin – Co-Founder, Know Honesty
Speaker Topic: Solving Every Team’s # 1 Problem: Communication
Bio:
Grace is an open and honest expert, helping leaders simplify their communication and eliminate the divides that exist within organizations. As co-founder of Know Honesty, she guides people towards becoming masterful communicators day in and day out. Having experienced the transformative power of openness and honesty, Grace is on a mission to help others create that same freedom in their own lives.
Grace brings her heartfelt approach to every event, workshop, and interaction. She believes deeply that every human being brings a unique perspective to the world and that we all deserve to be heard and respected.

12.19.24 - Annual Holiday Luncheon Celebration
2024-12-19 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual fun-filled Holiday Luncheon Celebration on December 19th!
The Rotary Band “Twice December” and other entertainment will promise to make this luncheon a blast!

12.26.24 - NO LUNCHEON - Christmas Holiday Observation
2024-12-26
There will be no luncheon on December 26th in observance of the Christmas holiday.

1.2.24 - NO LUNCHEON - New Year's Holiday Observation
2025-01-02
Happy New Year!
There will be no luncheon on January 2nd in observance of the New Year’s holiday.

1.9.25 - Club 77 - President's Post-Holiday Open House
2025-01-09 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | TBD
Join us for the annual President’s Open House hosted by President Eunice Lopez-Martin at the home of Rotarian Paula Jastifer!
Address available on upcoming Weekly Updates!

1.16.25 - Club Update - President & Committee Chairs
2025-01-16 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
Join us for our annual Club Update meeting. President Eunice Lopez-Martin will present club updates and committee co-chairs will give updates and information on engaging as a Rotarian!

1.23.24 - Caitlin Whitington - Executive Director, ArtPrize
2025-01-23 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
SPEAKER: Caitlin Whitington – Executive Director, ArtPrize
SPEAKER TOPIC: Vision for ArtPrize in 2025 and Beyond
BIO:
Austin, Texas, transplant Catlin Whitington moved with his family to Grand Rapids to be at the helm of ArtPrize, the world’s most attended public art event
Catlin Whitington is no stranger to the arts or bringing large-scale events to life. The Austin, Texas, native worked as a planner for the South by Southwest (SXSW) Conference for nearly a decade before serving as vice president of campus operations at the city’s Long Center for the Performing Arts.
Building on his passion for increasing access to the arts, Catlin was wooed by Grand Rapids in 2023, where the high quality of life is intrinsically linked to the community’s identity. As the executive director of ArtPrize, Catlin is bringing his experience and expertise to the 15-year-old marquee event – and leading its evolution into ArtPrize 2.0.
On his Texas experiences
I was born in Austin, Texas. I also grew up overseas in Thailand for several years, and then lived in New Mexico and southern Colorado for a little while. But I kept coming back to Austin; I really loved the culture and the scene there. I’m an artist, a musician, and a creative. Moving back to Austin in the late 90s, it was a really happening scene for artists and musicians. I studied commercial music management and music and music production at the community college, and then studied urban planning at the University of Texas. I was specifically looking at how events and municipalities work together, and the economic impact of events and how tourism and tourism marketing drive economic development.
I started working with SXSW after I graduated and worked in the planning department, working with community venues, the city and a lot of the stakeholders.
But I had two young kids, and it was taking a lot out of me every year producing that event. I went to work for the Long Center for Performing Arts in October 2019 as VP of operations. It was the home of the ballet, symphony, and opera in Austin, but we also hosted a lot of community events. Then we ran into the pandemic, and I spent the next three years trying to keep the venue functional.

1.30.25 - Charles Elwood - Microsoft AI MVP & Founder of SolisMatica LLC
2025-01-30 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Aquinas College – Donnelly Center, 157 Woodward Ln SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49506, United States
SPEAKER: Charles Elwood – Microsoft AI MVP & Founder of SolisMatica LLC
SPEAKER TOPIC: Advancing Michigan with AI and Giving a Voice to the Voiceless
BIO:
Charles Elwood, a Microsoft AI MVP, has a story that’s anything but artificial.
With roots in South Dakota to his tech-savvy life in Michigan, Charles’s journey is a blend of innovation, cutting-edge technology and a passion for AI. From aspiring Power BI MVP to influential AI leader, Charles showcases the transformative power of technology and the importance of adaptability. As founder of SolisMatica, specializing in advanced AI solutions that allow clients to securely interact with their own data through intuitive chat interfaces, Charles’s contributions are directly aligned to the vision of making Michigan a nexus for technological advancement and a prime destination for global AI-driven education.
Now, he’s revolutionizing education and envisioning how AI is helping to create a more inclusive society.
What exactly is a Microsoft AI MVP and how did you become one?
A Microsoft AI MVP (Most Valuable Professional) is a recognition given to exceptional, independent community leaders who share their passion, technical expertise, and real-world knowledge of Microsoft products with others. About three years ago, I was deeply involved with Power BI (Business Intelligence) and wanted to be a Power BI MVP. During this hackathon I was participating in, I developed a project using AI to monitor rooms of people and read their body language. This innovative approach led my team at Microsoft to nominate me for the AI MVP award instead. Initially, I didn’t realize its significance, but as AI continues to grow in importance across various industries, this recognition now means a lot more to me.

2.6.25 - Club 77
2025-02-06 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | SilverBirch, 1400 Leonard Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
Join us for our February Club 77 hosted by Neil & Rebecca Marchand at SilverBirch!

2.13.25 - Tynae Richardson - DEI & Engagement, Acrisure
2025-02-13 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
SPEAKER: Tynae Richardson – DEI & Engagement, Acrisure
SPEAKER TOPIC: Inclusion and Belonging on Purpose
BIO:
Passionate and Experienced Human Resource Leader with a demonstrated history of working in the large corporate and non-profit industry. Strategic Partner with Executive Directors, Managers, & employees to build strong companies. Skilled in Organizational Development, Management, Employee Relations, Directing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Strategic Mapping, Project Management, Employment Law, Learning & Development, Leadership, Human Resource Information System, and Microsoft Office. Strong human resources professional with a Bachelor’s Degree focused in Political Science and Government from Michigan State University.

2.20.25 - Service Above Self Community Engagement Luncheon
2025-02-20 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual Service Above Self Community Engagement Luncheon!
Rotarians and guests will get creative and work on projects during the luncheon to support local non-profits Meals On Wheels & Emmanuel Hospice.

2.27.25 - LaSandra Gaddy - President & CEO, Grand Rapids Community Foundation
2025-02-27 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: LaSandra Gaddy – President & CEO, Grand Rapids Community Foundation
Speaker Topic: Centering Community Voice
Bio:
As president and CEO, LaSandra guides the Community Foundation’s staff and Board of Trustees in their fundraising, grantmaking and community leadership efforts. A passionate servant leader, she is focused on expanding the scope and impact of the Community Foundation in its second century.
With decades of nonprofit and corporate leadership experience in West Michigan, LaSandra has extensive expertise in team development, strategic planning, forming collaborative partnerships and fundraising. She previously served as CEO of Women’s Resource Center and in various executive leadership roles in the nonprofit sector focused on building long-term, sustainable change, forming collaborative partnerships and fund mobilization. Prior to her nonprofit work, LaSandra spent 15 years in banking, including serving as a vice president in retail, business banking and wealth management. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree from Cornerstone University and an Executive MBA from Grand Valley State University.
LaSandra enjoys spending time with family, a good podcast and/book on audible, working out or enjoying a sporting event.

3.6.25 - Club 77
2025-03-06 16:30 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Our Daily Bread, 3000 Kraft Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49512, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 event filled with great conversation, drinks, and appetizers!
Location:
Our Daily Bread Ministries
3000 Kraft Ave SE
Grand Rapids, MI 49512

3.13.25 - Ken James - Chief Compliance & Title IX Officer, Muskegon Community College
2025-03-13 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Ken James – Chief Compliance & Title IX Officer, Muskegon Community College
Speaker Topic: Emotional/Psychological Safety, Civility, and Communication
Speaker Bio:
James was director of management learning and development at Hackley Hospital for a year before becoming assistant vice president for affirmative action in 2008 at his alma mater, Grand Valley State University. He subsequently worked as an independent consultant with Meijer, Inc. as a general training specialist and part of a team that developed, implemented, and piloted comprehensive regional ethics training initiative that was adopted organization-wide in 2012.
“Over my professional career I have striven for and continually supported the betterment of organizations by initiating and maintaining dialogue of underserved and mainstream populations in whatever role I was in. The experience I have gained from my time working with the business community, municipal governments, healthcare systems, nonprofits and higher education have allowed me to see multiple facets on approaches to building consensus while providing me with the knowledge to navigate any barriers to teamwork.”
He joined Spectrum Health University in 2012 as a senior learning advisor and was a key contributor to a corporate university team that garnered two national awards for Best Corporate University and Excellence in Leadership Development. In 2015, he became a senior recruiter for Spectrum Heath Talent Acquisition and led a team that developed and implemented an organization-wide, paid internship program for 100-plus summer interns annually.
A native of San Diego, CA, James earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Kentucky State University and a master’s degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University.
“MCC is a huge part of my professional foundation,” added James. “I served as director of the Intercultural Community Leadership Academy, a community program that operated out of MCC. I was honored to be a recipient of the Love in Action award in 2007, presented by MCC. Also, as past chair of the Muskegon County Diversity Committee, I was part of numerous Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Day Breakfasts held in Collegiate Hall.”
Named to the Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 Under 40 in 2007, James has been active with Leadership Muskegon, Leadership West Michigan, and Leadership Grand Rapids. He has been an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University and serves as a deacon and board member with Renaissance Church in Grand Rapids. He serves on the boards of Home Repair Services and Cascade Community Foundation. He is the African American Heritage Fund Chair for the Grand Rapids Community Foundation, the diversity chair for the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives, and co-chair of the Grand Rapids African American Health Institute Advisory Council. A Legacy Lunch Committee member, he is a Diversity Council member with the Grand Rapids Young Professionals.
He and his wife, Tamasha, are the parents of three teenage daughters.

3.20.25 - Gloria Lara - Commission Chair, Michigan Civil Rights Commission
2025-03-20 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Gloria Lara – Commission, Chair, Michigan Civil Rights Commission
Speaker Topic: Michigan Civil Rights Commission Update and the Impact on Businesses
Bio:
Commission Chair Gloria Lara is the former Executive Director of Lakeshore Ethnic Diversity Alliance, a Holland, MI-based non-profit organization, which works to build bridges between organizations and individuals throughout our communities and across the state, helping to educate and engage all of us in moving forward a vision of racial equity. Lara previously served as the chief executive officer of the Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Girl Scouts of Michigan Shore to Shore. She also held executive-level positions at Chrysler Corporation as well as at major automotive suppliers.
Additionally, Gloria has served on the Corewell Health System – West Board of Directors from 2022 to 2023, on the Spectrum Health System Board from 2017 to 2022, and on the Spectrum Health Hospital Group Board of Trustees from 2012 to 2017, chairing the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Committee from 2016 to 2017. A native of Los Angeles, CA, Lara earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in accounting from California State University, Fullerton, and a Master of Business Administration degree from Harvard Business School, Boston, MA. Lara is an Independent, appointed to the Commission by Governor Whitmer for a term that began in December 2020.

3.27.25 - Ryan VerWys - President & CEO, ICCF Community Homes
2025-03-27 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Ryan VerWys – President & CEO, ICCF Community Homes
Speaker Topic: Affordable housing Issues in Kent County
Bio:
Ryan Verwys is the President and Chief Executive Officer of ICCF Community Homes, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable housing and supporting economic development in communities across the region. With a passion for empowering individuals and families through accessible housing solutions, Ryan has played a pivotal role in guiding ICCF toward its mission of creating vibrant and sustainable communities.
Ryan’s leadership approach is grounded in collaboration, community engagement, and a deep understanding of the unique needs of the individuals ICCF serves. Under his leadership, the organization has expanded its reach and impact, developing new affordable housing projects, securing funding for community initiatives, and fostering partnerships that strengthen the social fabric of the neighborhoods they serve.
Before assuming the role of President & CEO, Ryan held various leadership positions within the affordable housing and community development sectors. His background includes expertise in strategic planning, fundraising, and program development, which he utilizes to ensure ICCF’s long-term success and sustainability.

4.3.25 - NO LUNCHEON - SPRING BREAK
2025-04-03
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 (America/Detroit) | 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 (America/Detroit) | 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.
