The Grand Rapids Chamber is proud to announce the participants of the 2026 Leadership Grand Rapids (LGR) Class. This diverse group of local leaders represents a wide range of industries, backgrounds, and experiences, united by a shared commitment to making a positive impact on the Greater Grand Rapids community.
Since its inception, Leadership Grand Rapids has equipped professionals with the tools, network, and insights needed to lead with confidence and compassion. Each year, participants engage in a 10-month program designed to explore the systems and issues that shape our region while building strong relationships across sectors.
“We are excited about welcoming the 2026 class into the LGR program and helping them become community trustees, invested in making West Michigan a thriving and prosperous place for all,” said Rick Treur, Director of Talent and Leadership. “As this will be the 40th year of the program, we look forward to taking time to reflect about the positive changes LGR grads have made in our community over the past four decades.”
Throughout the program, participants will engage in monthly full-day sessions focused on topics such as economic development, education, healthcare, justice, and leadership development. They will also participate in experiential learning opportunities and community engagement efforts to strengthen their leadership competencies and broaden their understanding of the community’s greatest opportunities and challenges.
Leadership Grand Rapids is a program of the Grand Rapids Chamber and is designed to inspire, connect, and equip leaders to make meaningful contributions in their organizations and the community. Alumni of the program include hundreds of influential leaders across business, government, nonprofit, and education sectors.
Senior Director of Membership
Grand Rapids Chamber
Vice President of Development
John Ball Zoo
Grand Rapids Promise Zone Director
Grand Rapids Community College
Attorney
Varnum LLP
Director of Early Childhood
Kent ISD
Executive Director
In The Image
Partner
Warner Norcross + Judd LLP
Business and Donor Relations Manager
Broadway Grand Rapids
Vice President/Chief Marketing Officer
AHC Hospitality
Managing Partner
Williams Group
Human Resources Business Partner
Amway
Associate Trust Advisor
Northern Trust
Senior Family Office Advisor
Greenleaf Trust
Director of New Teacher Development and Curriculum
Kentwood Public Schools
Technology Scouting Manager
BISSELL
Client Advisor
Acrisure
ESG Controller
Steelcase
Owner
Chick-fil-A
Chief Deputy
Kent County Sheriff's Office
Senior Vice President/Market President
Highpoint Community Bank
COO/Vice President
Patten Monument Company
Owner
Rivertown Insurance Group LLC
Vice President of Project Development
EV Construction Co
VP of Business Development
WORKFORCE Employment Specialists
Client Executive
Hylant
President
Kids Hope USA
Vice President of Marketing
Experience Grand Rapids
Administrative Director for Critical Care, Trauma and Emergency Services
Trinity Health Grand Rapids
Co-Founder and CEO
AYA Youth Collective
Director of System Building
KConnect
General Manager
AHC Hospitality - AC Hotel Grand Rapids Downtown
Manager, Board Governance
Corewell Health
Director of Human Resources
Grand Rapids Public Library
Senior Marketing Manager
Rockford Construction
Studio Director
Pure Architects
Founder/CEO
Flywheel Companies
Director of Leased Housing
Grand Rapids Housing Commission
Executive Director
Baxter Community Center
Director of Human Resources Operations
Cascade Engineering
President and Chief Litigation Counsel
SAG LAW P.C.
Chief Financial and Operations Officer
Frey Foundation
Associate Director of Communications
RDV Corporation
