Spent early years growing up on a family farm in Bourbon, IN. After graduating from high school, attended Purdue University obtaining a BS in Food Science. While at Purdue, met my future wife Mary. Later God blessed us with 2 children, Rob and Amy. For forty years, worked in the Refined Edible Oil (soy and…
Tory Richardson, A.A.E., is the President & Chief Executive Officer for the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. He is responsible for leading a team of approximately 110 employees that plan, organize, direct, and control all functions and activities of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport – the second busiest airport in Michigan. Tory joined the…
Brian Calley is a collaborative leader who combines the skills from an accomplished private sector career with a heart for public service and a record of getting things done. He is passionate about making the world work better for all people and uses an inclusive problem-solving approach to make a difference. As President of the…
Jeremiah Gracia joined the City of GR Economic Development Office in May 2020. He has 16 years of economic development experience working in the Columbus and Findlay, Ohio markets. His experience includes international business development working with companies from Japan, Germany, India, Netherlands, and many others. He is a member of the Michigan Economic Developers…
Mike Wall serves as the Executive Director of Automotive Analysis at IHS Markit. He 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…
In September 2019, Brad Garmon was named director of the Michigan Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry, a unique position that combines the resources of the Department of Natural Resources and the Michigan Economic Development Council to support and grow Michigan’s outdoor recreation lifestyle industry. Prior to this position, Garmon served as the interim CEO of the…
Join us as our new Club President, Paula Jastifer, shares her plan and direction for her Rotary year. Look for updates from our Community Engagement Committee and what you can do to guide future volunteer opportunities, along with learning about our Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee and why DEI is important.
Jon serves as the Director of Major Gifts at Davenport University. He brings over 22 years of non-profit business development and individual/corporate fundraising experience from community-based and higher education non-profits. He spent 12 years working in workforce development with nationally-recognized Trillium Employment Services in Seattle, Washington, six years in corporate fundraising with Habitat for Humanity…
Thomas DeJonge serves as Superintendent of Grand Rapids Christian Schools, a private, faith-based school system that enrolls 2,300 students in Preschool – 12 th Grade on five (5) campuses located throughout the Grand Rapids community. He has held that position since 2004. Prior to serving as GRCS’ Superintendent, Mr. DeJonge served for 25 years in…
Dr. Lisa Lowery is a native of Grand Rapids and a graduate of Ottawa Hills High School. She attended Michigan State University receiving her Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology, with Honors. Dr. Lowery then went on to receive her medical degree from the University of Michigan Medical School. After medical school, she completed a…