8.21.25 - Rich MacKeigan - General Manager, ASM Global
2025-08-21 12:00 - 13:15 (America/Detroit) | 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!

11.20.25 - Dr. Chet Zelasko, Ph.D - Scientist, Speaker & Author
2025-11-20 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Dr. Chet Zelasko, Ph.D
Speaker Topic: Be the example for the change you seek in others (Health & Wellness)
Bio:
Dr. Chet Zelasko, PhD is a health scientist, speaker, and author who specializes in translating complex scientific research into practical health and wellness strategies. With a PhD in Exercise Physiology and Health Education from Michigan State University, Dr. Zelasko has spent decades helping individuals and organizations make informed decisions about nutrition, exercise, supplementation, and disease prevention. He is the founder of Chet Zelasko PhD LLC and previously served as Chief Research Scientist for the Better Life Institute in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
A respected educator and communicator, Dr. Zelasko is the host of Straight Talk on Health, a podcast and radio program on WGVU Public Media, where he critically examines health headlines and popular wellness trends. He’s also a member of the American Society for Nutrition and certified by the American College of Sports Medicine. His speaking engagements and seminars focus on cutting through misinformation to help people take control of their health with evidence-based strategies. His philosophy is simple but powerful: “Eat less. Eat better. Move more.”

12.11.24 - Tory Richardson - President & CEO, Gerald R. Ford International Airport
2025-12-11 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Tory Richardson – President & CEO, Gerald R. Ford International Airport
Topic: Update on airport expansion and news since his last visit in 2021
Bio:
Tory Richardson serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority, overseeing Michigan’s second-busiest airport and leading a team responsible for strategy, infrastructure development, operational excellence and community partnership.
Since joining the Authority in September 2019, he has directed the airport’s growth trajectory – including the landmark “Project ELEVATE” expansion program – and has emphasized guest experience, regional economic impact and future-forward aviation development.
With nearly three decades of aviation leadership across multiple airports, his experience spans operational management, business development and strategic transformation. In previous roles he served as Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer of the Columbus Regional Airport Authority, and Executive Director of Airports for the Fort Wayne-Allen County Airport Authority.
Tory holds a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from the University of Dubuque and has earned the Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) credential. He has also served in leadership positions with the American Association of Airport Executives and Airports Council International-North America.
His leadership at the Gerald R. Ford International Airport is helping position the region for increased connectivity, economic vitality and world-class travel service for West Michigan.

12.18.24 – Annual Holiday Luncheon Celebration
2025-12-18 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual fun-filled Holiday Luncheon Celebration on December 18th!
The Rotary Band “Twice December” and other entertainment will promise to make this luncheon a blast as we celebrate the holidays!

12.25.25 - NO LUNCHEON - Christmas Holiday Observation
2025-12-25
There will be no luncheon on 12.25.25 in observance of the Christmas Holiday.

1.1.26 - NO LUNCHEON - New year's Day Holiday Obervance
2026-01-01
There will be no luncheon on 1.1.26 in observance of New Year’s Day.
Happy New Year!

1.8.26 - Club 77 - President's Post-Holiday Open House
2026-01-08 16:30 - 18:00
Join us for the annual Club 77 – President’s Post-Holiday Open House hosted by Club President Shannon Kolarik at Silva!
Location:
SILVA
975 Ottawa Ave NW
Grand Rapids, MI 49503

1.15.26 - Club Update: President & Committee Co-Chairs
2026-01-15 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas – Wege Ballroom, 1700 Fulton St E., Michigan, 49506, United States
Join us for our annual Club Update meeting. President Shannon Kolarik will present club updates and committee co-chairs will give updates and information on engaging as a Rotarian!
This is a great luncheon if you are interested in seeing how the club has progressed this year, learning about all the great things our committees have been up to, strengthening club opportunities, and making an impact in the community.

1.22.26 - Donna Murray-Brown - President & CEO, Inforum
2026-01-22 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas – Wege Ballroom, 1700 Fulton St E., Michigan, 49506, United States
Speaker: Donna Murray-Brown – President & CEO, Inforum
Speaker Topic: Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders in Our Community
Bio:
Donna Murray-Brown is President and CEO of Inforum and a nationally respected leader in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. With more than 25 years of experience spanning banking, philanthropy, and nonprofit leadership, Donna is known for guiding organizations through growth, transition, and transformation. At Inforum, she leads efforts to advance women’s leadership by supporting women across all career stages and partnering with companies that understand women’s leadership is critical to performance, innovation, and long-term success.
Donna previously served as the inaugural Vice President of Strategy and Development at the National Council of Nonprofits and as President and CEO of the Michigan Nonprofit Association, where she led statewide initiatives including Michigan’s Census 2020 complete count and COVID-19 response efforts. Her leadership has been recognized nationally, including being named twice to the NonProfit Times Power & Influence Top 50 list and receiving Crain’s Detroit Business Most Influential Women in Michigan honor. Donna is based in Farmington Hills, Michigan

1.29.26 - Cathy George - Vice President & Head Coach, Grand Rapids Rise
2026-01-29 12:00 - 13:15 | Aquinas – Wege Ballroom, 1700 Fulton St E., Michigan, 49506, United States
Speaker: Cathy George – Vice President & Head Coach, Grand Rapids Rise
Speaker Topic: The Evolution of Grand Rapids Rise Professional Volleyball
Bio:
Cathy George serves as Vice President and Head Coach of the Grand Rapids Rise (professional volleyball), bringing strong leadership, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to athlete development to the organization. In her dual role, she oversees both the competitive direction of the team and key organizational initiatives that support the Rise’s growth, culture, and community presence.
As Head Coach, Cathy is known for her emphasis on excellence, accountability, and team connection. She is dedicated to building a high-performance environment where athletes can compete at their best while developing as leaders on and off the court. Her coaching philosophy centers on discipline, teamwork, and continuous improvement—values that shape the Rise’s competitive identity.
In her Vice President role, Cathy collaborates with organizational leadership to strengthen community partnerships, fan engagement, and long-term program development. She plays a vital role in establishing the Rise as a premier women’s volleyball organization in West Michigan and works to advance opportunities for athletes, staff, and the broader community to connect through sport.
Cathy’s leadership reflects her passion for elevating the sport of volleyball and fostering a culture of growth, respect, and competitive spirit. Through her work with the Grand Rapids Rise, she is helping to build a strong foundation for professional volleyball in the region and inspire the next generation of athletes.

2.5.26 - CLUB 77 @ Home Repair Services
2026-02-05 16:30 - 18:00 | Home Repair Services, 1100 South Division Ave, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States

2.12.26 - Tony Gerheiser - Executive Director, American Red Cross - West Michigan Chapter
2026-02-12 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Tony Gerheiser – Executive Director, American Red Cross – West Michigan Chapter
Speaker Topic: American Red Cross – Making Communities More Resilient
Speaker Bio:
Tony Gerheiser is the Executive Director of the American Red Cross West Michigan Chapter, leading humanitarian services across 12 counties in the region. He assumed this role in September 2023, bringing a passion for community service and extensive experience within the Red Cross.
Tony began his Red Cross career in 2015 with the Service to the Armed Forces program, where he supported military members, veterans, and their families through vital workshops and outreach. He later served as an account manager for biomedical services, overseeing more than 100 blood collection accounts at community, business, and educational organizations throughout West Michigan.
Before joining the American Red Cross, Tony served as a squad leader in the Michigan Army National Guard, with service overseas in Afghanistan, Germany, and Poland. He holds a bachelor’s degree in public health from Central Michigan University.
In his capacity as Executive Director, Tony acts as a key community liaison and advocates for Red Cross programs — including disaster relief, blood services, volunteer engagement, and support for military families — helping strengthen the chapter’s impact throughout West Michigan.

2.19.26 - Service Above Self (SASy) Community Engagement Luncheon
2026-02-19 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Each year, the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids comes together for a meaningful and hands-on service project at theService Above Self (SASy) Luncheon. Dedicated to making a tangible difference in our community, Rotarians will support the impactful work with local organizations Samaritas & Emmanuel Hospice!
Service Project Details:
Samaritas – Decorating and writing notes to foster kids and their families, providing encouragement and cheer.

Emmanuel Hospice – Two projects: we will fill lotion cups for their massage therapists to use when working with those under their hospice care, and we will create individual essential oil bottles for staff to use with patients and families

2.26.26 - Dave Logan - Content Strategist, Logan Media Consulting
2026-02-26 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Dave Logan – Content Strategist, Logan Media Consulting
Speaker Topic: Launching Satellite Radio
Bio:
Specialist in new product start-ups and turnarounds of underachieving media properties. Able to quickly and clearly define team goals and produce forward motion on complex creative projects. Hands-on nurturing of creative talent through motivational leadership. As a Content Manager with over 30 years of experience in media, with a proven track record of success in developing and executing content marketing strategies that drive traffic, engagement, ratings, and revenue.
Skilled in all aspects of content creation, from ideation to execution. In previous roles, was responsible for developing and executing the company’s content and marketing strategy while working closely with product teams to create engaging and informative content. That included helping users understand and favor our products. Also managed a team of writers and editors and oversaw the production of a wide range of broadcast content, including on-air programming, blog posts, white papers, and social media posts.

3.5.26 - CLUB 77 Hosted by Guiding Light
2026-03-05 16:30 - 18:00 | Guiding Light, 255 Division Ave S., Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States

3.12.26 - Jon Ippel - Executive Director, Amplify GR
2026-03-12 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Jon Ippel – Executive Director, Amplify GR
Speaker Topic: What is a Purpose Built Community
Speaker Bio:
A Grand Rapids native, Jon Ippel serves as the Executive Director of Amplify GR. Jon comes to the organization with 15 years of community development experience. Before joining Amplify GR, he worked in local government in the areas of city administration, sustainability, and community development. In those capacities, Jon launched a nationally-recognized and award-winning environmental sustainability program, developed several public-private partnerships that created over 300 affordable housing units, coordinated over $1 billion in City infrastructure projects, and served as the city director for the 2012 NBA All-Star Weekend.
Jon feels passionately about the momentum in Grand Rapids and is committed to ensuring more residents in our community benefit from community growth through a holistic approach focusing on education, housing, jobs, entrepreneurship, and community wellbeing.
Jon is proud of the partnerships Amplify GR has formed with neighbors, nonprofits, and local businesses alike. These relationships allow Amplify GR to provide additional resources to both residents and businesses in the community.
Outside of work, Jon enjoys spending time with his beautiful wife and two kids.
For more information on Amplify GR and work in the community, visit: https://amplifygr.org/

3.19.26 - Troy Thrash - President & CEO, Kalamazoo Air Zoo
2026-03-19 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Speaker: Troy Thrash – President & CEO, Kalamazoo Air Zoo
Speaker Topic: Kalamazoo Air Zoo Impact on our Region & Inspiring the Next Generation Through Aviation, Space, and STEM
Bio:
Troy Thrash is the President and CEO of the Kalamazoo Air Zoo, one of the nation’s premier aerospace and science museums. Since joining the Air Zoo in 2014, Troy has led significant growth in attendance, educational programming, and community impact, while overseeing major capital projects and nationally recognized exhibits. With a background in nonprofit leadership, aviation education, and strategic development, Troy is passionate about inspiring future generations through aviation, space exploration, and STEM learning. Troy is also a proud Rotarian and a member of the Rotary Club of Kalamazoo.
To learn more about the Kalamazoo Air Zoo, visit: https://www.airzoo.org/

3.26.26 - Carla Moore - CEO, United Methodist Community House (off-site luncheon)
2026-03-26 12:00 - 13:15 | United Methodist Community House, 904 Sheldon Ave. SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49507, United States
Join us for an off-site luncheon at United Methodist Community House!
Speaker: Carla Moore – CEO, United Methodist Community House
Speaker Topic: Expansion of UMCH’s Space and Resources in 2026
Bio:
Carla Moore serves as CEO of United Methodist Community House in Grand Rapids. In this role, she leads one of the community’s longstanding neighborhood-based nonprofits dedicated to empowering children, youth, and families through education, enrichment, and support services.
With a strong commitment to equity and opportunity, Carla oversees programs that provide early childhood education, after-school support, workforce development, and family assistance — helping neighbors build stability and achieve long-term success. Under her leadership, the organization continues to strengthen partnerships and expand its impact across the southeast side of Grand Rapids.
Carla is passionate about collaborative community work and believes lasting change happens when organizations, businesses, and civic leaders come together in service.

4.2.26 - CLUB 77 - Hosted by Gerald R. Ford Presidential Foundation
2026-04-02 17:00 - 18:30 | Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, 303 Pearl St NW, Grand Rapids, Michigan, 49504, United States
Join us for our monthly Club 77 social event hosted by the Grand Rapids Presidential Foundation!
The event will be held at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.

4.16.26 - Interact Luncheon
2026-04-16 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual Interact luncheon, where our Interact students lead the luncheon, and we celebrate all the exciting things they have done this year!
More about Interact:
A Rotary Interact Club is a service and leadership club for students, typically ages 15–18, sponsored by a local Rotary club. Interact clubs empower students to develop leadership skills, build friendships, and make a positive impact in their school and community through hands-on service projects.
Supported by Rotary International, Interact members learn the value of “Service Above Self” while gaining real-world experience in teamwork, organization, and community engagement.

4.23.26 - STRIVE Luncheon
2026-04-23 12:00 - 13:15 | Kent Country Club, 1600 College Ave NE, Grand Rapids, 49505
Join us for our annual STRIVE luncheon, where we meet all the STRIVE students and mentors, and they share their experiences with our club!
More about STRIVE:
STRIVE (Students Taking a Renewed Interest in the Value of Education) is a Rotary mentoring program designed to support high school seniors in achieving academic and personal success. Sponsored by a local Rotary club, STRIVE pairs students with Rotarian mentors who provide encouragement, accountability, and guidance throughout the school year.
Through goal-setting, consistent check-ins, and recognition of achievement, the program helps students strengthen attendance, improve performance, and build confidence as they prepare for graduation and future career or educational opportunities.
