2.5.25 - Ronald Mcdonald House Dinner Prep - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-02-05 16:00 - 18:00 (America/Detroit) | Ronald McDonald House, 1323 Cedar St NE, Grand Rapids, 49503, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to prep meals at Ronald McDonald House!
Sign Up Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-54335268-ronald
Date: Wednesday, February 5th @ 4:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Location: 1323 Cedar St NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Details:

5 volunteers needed

2.6.25 - Club 77
2025-02-06 16:30 - 18:00 | 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 | 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.

2.19.25 - Women In Rotary - Wine, Women, and Watercolors
2025-02-19 17:30 - 20:00 | LaFleur Marketing, 549 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 201, Grand Rapids, 49505, United States
Join Women In Rotary for a Valentine’s Event with Wine, Women, and Watercolors featuring local artist Shelby Kregel. Shelby will instruct us in a floral watercolor painting!
Date: Wednesday, February 19th
Time: 5:30 – 8:00 PM
Location: LaFleur Marketing – 549 Ottawa Ave NW, Suite 201 Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Cost: $60.00, includes appetizers and painting materials. Submit payment by 2/1 to Paula Jastifer via Cash or Venmo (Paula’s Venmo: @PJAST81)
Bring: Your favorite beverage

2.20.25 - Service Above Self Community Engagement Luncheon
2025-02-20 12:00 - 13:15 | 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 | 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 | 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

3.12.25 - Village Water Filter Build - Volunteer Opportunity for New Members & STRIVE
2025-03-12 16:00 - 18:00 | Village Water Filters, 4064 Division Ave S., Grand Rapids, 49548, United States
The Community Engagement is excited to announce the Village Water Filter Build, which will assemble water filters for those in need!
***This volunteer event is for New Members & STRIVE students and mentors.
Date: Wednesday, March 12th
Time: 4:00 – 6:00 PM
Location: Village Water Filters – 4064 Division S. Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Sign Up: Use the QR code on the attached flyer or this link: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-55272406-village
Volunteers Needed: 10 Rotarians (New Members) + 5 STRIVE Students + 5 STRIVE Mentors = 20 Total

3.13.25 - Ken James - Chief Compliance & Title IX Officer, Muskegon Community College
2025-03-13 12:00 - 13:15 | 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 | 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 | 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.

3.29.25 - Joint Service Project w/ Rotary Club of Muskegon @ Kids Food Basket
2025-03-29 09:15 - 11:30 | Kids Food Basket, 1300 Plymouth Dr NE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49505, United States
The Community Engagement Committee and President Eunice Lopez-Martin have announced that our club will host the next Joint Service Project & Social Gathering with fellow Muskegon Rotarians at Kids Food Basket!
Back in August, over 60 Rotarians and family members gathered at the Boys and Girls Club of Muskegon Lakeshore, hosted by the Rotary Club of Muskegon, to clean up debris and the facility’s grounds. It was an amazing turnout and an opportunity to unite our two clubs to do good in the community. Now it’s our turn to host!
Service Project & Social Gathering Details:
Volunteers will create/pack healthy and nourishing meals for kids, followed by a Social Gathering at a nearby family-friendly restaurant
Fun & Family-Friendly Activities:
This is a family-friendly volunteer opportunity, so bring them along! Kids & teens will have a station to decorate paper lunch bags with artistic and loving messages for the kids receiving lunches!
Date: Saturday, March 29th
Volunteer Arrival: 9:15 AM for a brief welcome and orientation session
Service Project Time: 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Social Gathering Time: 12:00 – 1:30 PM
Location Speciation Cellars
Address 928 Wealthy St SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49506
Directions From KFB to Speciation Cellars
Location: Kids Food Basket – 1300 Plymouth Dr NE Grand Rapids, MI 49505
Sign Up: Sign Up Genius Link.
Volunteers Needed: 50 – 60
Contact: Katharina Häusler-Gross – Co-Chair, Community Engagement Committee

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 | 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.

4.12.25 - Indian Trails Camp - Spring Clean Up
2025-04-12 09:00 - 23:00 | Indian Trails Camp, 0-1859 Lake Michigan Drive, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians, STRIVE students and friends to clean, fix and paint at our long-time community partner, Indian Trails Camp, as they prep for another year of service to the community!
Date: Saturday, April 12th
Time: 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM
Location: IKUS/Indian Trails Camp – O-1859 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-55437943-indian
Details:

25 + volunteers needed
Indian Trails Camp has been a long-time community partner and is also an essential organization to our club. This is a great opportunity to work alongside our STRIVE students and lead by example to show them what it means to be an active member of Rotary and how Service Above Self can impact the community.

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.

4.19.25 - Ramp Build w/ DAKC & Home Repair Services
2025-04-19 08:30 - 13:00 | TBD
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to partner with DAKC & Home Repair Services to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to build a ramp!
Date: Saturday, April 19th
Time: 8:30 AM – 1:00 PM
Location: Grand Rapids Area (location TBA 3 days before event)
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-55438048-ramp
Details:

8 volunteers needed
Help build a ramp that provides needed accessibility to someone’s home

Contact: Dave Bulkowski and Andrea Nucci

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.

4.30.25 - AYA Youth Collective - Spring Clean Up
2025-04-30 15:00 - 17:00 | AYA Youth Collective, 320 State St SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
Volunteers will learn about A.Y.A. and lend their helping hands through this service project. We will tour the drop-in center, roll up our sleeves, and head outside for spring clean-up in the yards at the center and their neighboring Cherry St. home.
Let the raking, trimming, mulching, and planting begin. Let’s beautify these properties for this deserving organization and the young people they serve!
Date: Wednesday, April 30th
Time: 3:00 – 5:00 PM
Location: AYA Youth Collective – 320 State St SE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-55438156-ayayouth
Volunteers Needed: 10

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!

5.3.25 - Greenwood Cemetery Clean Up - Volunteer Opportunity
2025-05-03 09:30 - 13:00 | Greenwood Cemetery, 1373 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49504, United States
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to provide the following volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to clean up the grounds at Greenwood Cemetery!
Date: Saturday, May 3rd
Time: 9:30 – 1:00 PM
Location: Greenwood Cemetery – 1373 Leonard St NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504
Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-56118856-greenwood
Volunteers Needed: 15

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.

5.13.25 - 2025 Service Above Self Award Dinner Celebration
2025-05-13 18:00 - 21:00 | The Cultural Center at St. Nicholas, 2250 E. Paris Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI, 49546, United States
Tickets on Sale!
We are excited to announce that tickets are now on sale for the 2025 Service Above Self Award Dinner Celebration! Don’t miss this special evening—purchase your tickets today: Get Your Tickets Here

2025 Service Above Self Recipient: Alan Abraham
We are proud to announce that Alan Abraham has been selected as the recipient of the 2025 Service Above Self Award, recognizing his exceptional dedication to service and leadership within our community. This prestigious award is presented annually in honor of Frederik Meijer, a visionary leader whose commitment to service and community continues to inspire us all. Alan’s life and work embody the true spirit of Rotary, and we are thrilled to honor him for his years of selfless contributions.
Alan’s journey with Rotary began on January 1, 1987, when he became a member of our club after being appointed General Manager of his family’s company, S. Abraham and Sons, Inc., based in Grand Rapids, MI. As his company expanded throughout Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio, Alan saw Rotary as an invaluable way to connect with others and make a lasting impact. Inspired by his family’s legacy of service—his grandfather a Shriner and his uncle a Lions Club member—Alan understood the importance of community involvement from an early age.
Alan’s dedication to giving back is evident in his charitable work, which has largely focused on children. He has served and continues to serve many organizations, including the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum, Kids Food Basket, Indian Trails Camp, and Van Andel Institute, among others. Through his family business, he also ensured that children in need received donations of candy and other resources. Alan’s work in these areas highlights his belief in the power of empathy and the importance of helping those less fortunate.
In addition, Alan was a founding member of the North Naples Sunset Rotary Club in Florida, and his charitable work extends to organizations such as Grand Valley State University and Michigan State University. His philosophy centers around “family, faith, and ability”, which have shaped his humble approach to service and his deep commitment to others.
As Alan humbly puts it, “family, faith, and ability” have been instrumental in his ability to support and give back, always focusing on service rather than recognition. His belief in Rotary’s motto, “Service Above Self,” is the driving force behind his many contributions.
When Alan is not serving the community, he enjoys golfing, working out with a personal trainer, traveling with his wife, and attending Michigan State basketball & football games as a long-time season ticket holder.
We invite you to join us in celebrating Alan’s remarkable achievements and commitment to our community at the Service Above Self Award Dinner, held in honor of Frederik Meijer, on May, 13, 2025 at St. Nicholas Cultural Center. This special evening will honor Alan’s legacy of service and his significant impact on countless lives.
Mark your calendars for Tuesday, May 13, 2025 for the SAS Award Celebration Dinner!

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.

5.20.25 - Cultural Awareness Roundtable w/ Guest Speaker Skot Welch
2025-05-20 17:30 - 19:00 | AllArtsWorks Viewing Studio, 333 Cesar E. Chavez Ave SW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49503, United States
You’re Invited!
Cultural Awareness Roundtable
With Special Guest Facilitator: Skot Welch
Hosted by the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids
Date: Tuesday, May 20th
Location: All Art Works Viewing Studio
Time:

5:30 PM — Networking & Light Refreshments
6:00 PM — Roundtable Begins
7:00 PM — Event Ends

Sign Up: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-56390088-cultural
Join us for an engaging evening of conversation, connection, and cultural awareness with renowned cultural expert Skot Welch.
Don’t miss this opportunity to grow together as a community.

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!

5.7.25 – Ramp Build w/ DAKC & Home Repair Services
2025-06-07 08:00 - 12:30 | TBD
Our Community Engagement Committee is pleased to partner with DAKC & Home Repair Services to provide another volunteer opportunity for our Rotarians and friends to build a ramp!
Date: Saturday, June 7th
Time: 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Location: 5731 Sandy Ct SE #79, Grand Rapids, MI 49548
Signup Here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0B4EA8A823A0FD0-57051399-ramp
Details:

8 volunteers needed
Help build a ramp that provides needed accessibility to someone’s home

Contact: Andrea Nucci

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
