Megan Rydecki currently serves as the Director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University, a role she has held since 2023. Under her direction, the Center pursues its mission of raising a community of ethical and effective leaders for the 21st century. As part of that mission, Megan serves as a mentor for the Hauenstein Center’s Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy, a leadership development program for undergraduate and graduate students – and a program she herself participated in as a student.
Prior to joining the Hauenstein Center, Megan held a variety of roles in the public, private, and nonprofit sectors. These include positions in local government, economic development, international development, utilities and technology. Her community involvement is extensive, highlighted by current service on the Board of Trustees for the Grand Rapids Public Museum and as a founding member of the Grand River Network Board. Past board service includes Girls on the Run, the Women’s Resource Center, Grand Rapids Whitewater, and the Board of Trustees for GVSU. These experiences have allowed Megan to recognize the leadership potential in everyone, and she is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders for the betterment of west Michigan and the world.
Megan holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a Masters in Public Administration. Outside of work you’ll find her wrangling her two young sons in partnership with her husband and dog, traveling, running, and spending time with friends.