Peter F. Secchia
Vitae
Degrees & Awards
Bachelor's Degree
Bachelors Degree for Michigan State University — School of Business, Major in Economics, Dec. 1962
Honorary Doctoral Degrees
- Honorary Doctor of Laws, Grand Valley State University, May 1990
- Honorary Doctor of Laws, Davenport College, June 1993
- Honorary Doctor of Laws, Cooley Law School, May 1993
- Honorary Associates in Arts, Grand Rapids Community College, May 1993
- Honorary Degree Doctor of Humanities - Michigan State University, December 1997
- Honorary Doctor of Public Service, John Cabot University, May 1999
- Honorary Doctor of "Nap", Knapp Academy, June 3, 2008
Awards
- OSIA/National — Marconi Award as "Man of the Year" (1989)
- Medal of Friendship Award — Rome, Italy (1992)
- Cavaliere della Grande Croce (The Knight of the Great Cross/Govt of Italy) (1993)
- U.S. Department of State Distinguished Honor Award (1993)
- Recipient/Louis A. Smith Distinguished Jurist Award/Cooley Law School (1993)
- Michelangelo D'Oro Children of the World Award, Boys' Towns of Italy (1993)
- "Peace Award" — International Committee for Peace (1993)
- Michigan Master Entrepreneur of the Year, MLPFS/Ernst & Whinney (1994)
- Rotary International — "Paul Harris Fellow" Award
- "Joseph Mondelli Award of Merit", Order Sons of Italy (1995)
- "Business Person of the Year" — Economic Club of West Michigan (1995)
- "John Hannah Distinguished Alumni Award" - MSU (1995)
- "Medal of Honor/Ellis Island" — NYC (1997)
- "National Education & Leadership Award", OSIA - Washington DC (1997)
- "Christopher Columbus Award", Michigan Grand Lodge/OSIA (1997)
- MSU/Eli Broad College of Business "Outstanding Alumni Award" (1998)
- West Michigan Junior Achievement "Business Hall of Fame" (5/29/99)
- Distinguished Alumni Award — MSU (1999)
- Distinguished "Service to Our States Award" from the National Governors Association (8/5/01)
- Millennium Park "Outstanding Contributor" Award (9/13/04)
- National Italian American Foundation "Special Achievement Award for International Affairs" (10/15/05)
- Woodrow Wilson International Center "Scholar for Public Service" Smithsonian Institute (4/19/06)
- Boy Scouts 2006 Building Character Award — "2006 Distinguished Citizens" (4/29/06)
- Founding Values Initiative Award created the "Secchia Award for Heartfelt Commitment" — (5/10/06)
- Grand Rapids Community College Secchia Institute for Culinary Education — (10/18/07)
- Secchia Medical School named at Michigan State University — (4/21/08)
- American Red Cross "Hometown Heroes" — (5/2/08)
- Grand Valley State University Enrichment Dinner Honoree — (6/10/08)
- Davenport Excellence in Business — (5/8/09)
- American Award of the Italy-USA Foundation (10/04/12)
- Joe Falls Inspiration Award for the Special Olympics Michigan — (2012)
- GR Sports Hall of Fame — The Warren Reynolds Lifetime Achievement Award — (10/08/13)
- Legacy Award — Mateen Cleaves "1 Goal 1 Passion" — (11/20/14)
- Grand Rapids Business Journal Newsmaker "Nonprofits/Philanthropy" — (1/25/17)
- Grand Rapids Business Journal Newsmaker "Sustainability" — (1/25/17)
- Carol Van Andel Award for Peter & Joan — (4/27/17)
- Millennium Park "Something’s Grilling" for Peter & Joan — (9/12/18)
Miscellaneous Activities
- Founded "Secchia Public Affairs Center" at John Cabot University in Rome. A generous gift to create an American student gathering place for information/December 1993
- Co-Founded "West Michigan Academy for Hospitality Sciences" - a charter high school for the restaurant and hospitality industry
- Chairman, The Secchia Commission '94, by Executive Order of Michigan Governor John Engler "Strategic Planning for the 21st Century."
- Final Report entitled "Toward a User-Friendly Government." Learn More
- Founder of "East Meets West" — This business group later became "Michigan Business Roundtable" of 44 top CEOs in Michigan.
- The National Italian American Foundation Board voted to name their D.C. headquarters building "The Ambassador Peter F. Secchia" building (1996).
- Member - Council of American Ambassadors — (20 years)
- American Legion Post 401 — (40 years)
- First Chairman and Founder of the "Celebration on the Grand" - (1980)
- Chairman of the MSU Major Donor Trip to Italy — (1998)
- Chairman, Secchia Millennium Commission (1999) by Order of Mayor and County Commission. A White House designated commission.
- Chairman, Michigan Commission on Public Pension and Retiree Health Benefits. By Executive
- Order of Michigan Governor John Engler (1999) Learn More
- Chairman Millennium Park Fundraising (2002-TBD) to build one of the nation's largest urban parks.
- Chairman — President Ford's 90th Birthday Celebration (July 2003)
- Chairman of the MSU Major Donor Trip to Italy — (2004)
- Republican State Committee voted to have their Lansing headquarters building named after Peter F. Secchia (10/2005)
- Chaired MSU's Berkowitz Center Building (Basketball Operations)
- Co-Chaired with Kirk Gibson on the Smith Academic Center at Michigan State University
- Chaired the dedication of the Van Andel Arena
- "Secchia Hall" at GVSU dedicated in (2000)
- Chaired the closing of the Welsh Auditorium and its Re-Opening two years later
- Named the Secchia Lobby at the DeVos Place
- Named the Meijer Heart Center Lobby
- Led the effort to bring the MSU Medical School to Grand Rapids
- The "Secchia Institute for Culinary Education" at Grand Rapids Community College was named
- Named the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Lobby
- Largest gift to the Neighborhood Business Alliance ever given (2006)
- The National Italian American Foundation "Ambassador Peter F. Secchia Voyage of Discovery Program"
- Chairman of the Grand Opening of the Downtown Market — (9/05/13)
- Carol Van Andel "Angel of Excellence" Award — (4/27/17)
Political Activities
1989
Confirmed/U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Italy (served until january 1993)
Political Activities upon the Ambassador's Return:
1994
- Hosted Lake Michigan BBQ Major Donor Reception @ 18847
1995
- Co-Chairman, Bob Dole for President National Campaign
- Posthumus Re-Election Committee
1996
- Co-Chairman, Bob Dole for President National Campaign
- Emcee/Kent County Lincoln Day Dinner (3/18)
- Emcee/Max Fisher Award to Rich DeVos (7/18)
1997
- Team 100 Member/Michigan
- Emcee — KCRC Summer Reception (6/16)
1998
- Team 100 Member/Michigan
- Eagle Member
- Reception for Justice Cliff Taylor @ 2833 (6/98)
- Chairman, "West Fest" formerly Lake Michigan BBQ (6/98)
- Speaker, Major Donor Dinner / "Election Wrapup" (12/98)
- Chairman, E. Spencer Abraham Fundraiser (12/98)
1999
- Team 100 Member/Michigan
- Chairman, Lake Michigan BBQ (7/99)
- Fundraising for Governor George Bush
2000
- Fundraising for Chuck Yob (6/29/00)
- Fundraising for Vice Presidential Candidate Dick Cheney (9/6/00)
- Fundraising for "The Supremes" (9/26/00)
2001
- Honorary Chairman for the Bush-Cheney Inaugural Committee
- Fundraising for J.C. Watts event (3/26/01)
- Connect Michigan Campaign
- Posthumus Advisory Team
- Lake Michigan Summer Reception (9/5/01)
2002
- Finance Co-Chairman for Bill Hardiman for State Senate Committee
- Finance Co-Chairman for "Lt. Governor Dick Posthumus for Governor"
- George W. Bush Pioneer, Ranger, and Super Ranger
2003
- Pioneer Event for Bush-Cheney for the '04 campaign
- Fundraising for Senator Patty Birkholz (11/10/03)
2004
- Maverick Event (3/30/04)
- Speaker, Bill Morelli for State Representative (4/27/04)
- Chairman for the Rich DeVos/Jay Van Andel Tribute (5/10/04)
- George W. Bush Pioneer, Ranger, and Super Ranger
- Fundraising Event for Justice Stephen Markman (10/8/04)
- Honorary Chairman — D.C. Inaugural Ball (2004)
2005
- Chairman of the Finance Committee for Bill Hardiman
- Chairman of the Finance Committee for Dick DeVos for Governor (in 2006)
2006
- Chairman of the Finance Committee for Bill Hardiman
- Chairman of the Finance Committee for Dick DeVos for Governor
- Chairman of the Coalition to Elect Justice Samuel Alito to the United States Supreme Court
- Chairman of the Charities Board for "Moral Identification" Grants for the American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit
- Head Fundraiser for Bouchard for U.S. Senate
2007
- Chairman of the Charities Board for "Moral Identification" Grants for the American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit
2008
- Chairman of the Charities Board for "Moral Identification" Grants for the American Society of the Italian Legions of Merit
- Reception for Senator John McCain — (7/17/08)
- Reception for Cliff Taylor — (9/23/08)
2009
- Luncheon for Bobby Jindahl — (11/17/09)
2010
- Chairman for the Michigan Political Leadership Program in Grand Rapids — (2/26/10)
- Chairman for the "R and R" Reception with Karl Rove — (5/27/10)
2012
- Luncheon for Congressman Mike Rogers — (2/10/12)
2013
- Head Fundraiser for Governor Snyder event — (5/28/13)
- Head Fundraiser for Attorney Bill Schuette event — (9/19/13)
2014
- Head Fundraiser for Governor Snyder event — (5/7/14)
- Head Fundraiser for Donijo DeJonge event — (10/07/14)
2015
- Head Fundraiser for Jeb Bush event — (11/12/15)
2016
- Head Fundraiser for Justices Joan Larsen & David Viviano — (7/15/16)
2017
- Head Fundraiser for Bob Young for Senate — (8/29/17)
- Head Fundraiser for Bill Schuette event — (9/28/17)
2018
- Head Fundraiser for Bill Schuette event — (9/18/18)
Community/Civic Activities
1989
Confirmed/US Ambassador to the Republic of Italy (served until jan. 1993)
Community/Civic Activities upon the Ambassador's Return:
1993
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation
- Trustee, George Bush Library at Texas A&M
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy
- Board of Directors, Old Kent Financial Corporation
- Member, World Cup Michigan 1994
- Chair, Outstate Venue Committee, World Cup Michigan 1994
- Founding Member - George Bush Foundation
- Co-Chairman, Diplomatic Liaison Committee, Bush Foundation
- Member, Grand Action Committee
- Member, New York/Rome Sister City Advisory Committee
- American Cancer Society "Great American Lock-Up" Honorary Chairman
- Potter's House "Bocce Tournament Fund Raiser" Honorary Chairman
- GR Public Schools "Corporate Charity Jam" Honorary Co-Chairman
- Member, President's Club/Reagan Alumni Association
- Member, Board of Trustees, Blodgett Memorial Medical Center
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
1994
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy
- Board of Directors, Old Kent Financial Corporation
- Board of Trustees, John Cabot University/Rome, Italy
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Chairman, GR Public Schools "Corporate Charity Jam"
- Potter's House "Bocce Tournament Fund Raiser" Honorary Chairman
- Co-Chairman, Community Salute to Betty & Jay Van Andel
- Chairman, Secchia Commission I to Re-Engineer State Government
- Hon. Chairman, Italian American Cultural Center/Student Recognition Night
- Advisor, Baxter Community Center
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
1995
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy - Rice Univ.
- Board of Directors, Old Kent Financial Corporation
- Board of Trustees, John Cabot University/Rome, Italy
- Board Member, West Michigan Economic Club
- Chairman, GR Public Schools "Corporate Charity Jam"
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Founding Director, West Michigan Academy for Hospitality Sciences
- Chairman, W. Michigan Foundation for a Trade Academy
- Co-Chairpersons, Cystic Fibrosis "Evening with the Stars" (w/JP)
- Board of Directors, National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), Washington, DC
- Fund Raising Chairman, Mackinac Island Governor Residence Restoration
- Organizer, "East Meets West" (GR/Detroit Business Leaders)
- Honorary Co-Chairpersons, "Festival of Trees" - Special Olympics (w/JP)
- Urban Produce Advisory Committee
- Chairman, World Affairs Council Dinner
- Appointment — Member Michigan Civil Service Commission
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
1996
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- GVSU — Grand Design 2000
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy - Rice Univ.
- Board of Directors, Old Kent Financial Corporation
- Board of Trustees, John Cabot University (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Chairman, NIAF 2000 (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Chairman, Development Committee (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Board Member, West Michigan Economic Club
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Founding Director, West Michigan Academy for Hospitality Sciences
- Board of Directors, National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), Washington, DC
- Fund Raising Chairman, Mackinac Island Governor Residence Restoration
- Honorary Advisory Committee — Urban Produce, Inc.
- Member Michigan Civil Service Commission
- Board of Advisors — Mackinac Center for Public Policy
- Co-Chairman/Fund Raising, MSU Academic Center for Athletes
- Commissioner, Michigan Civil Service Commission
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
1997
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- GVSU — Grand Design 2000
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy - Rice Univ.
- Board of Directors, Old Kent Financial Corporation
- Board of Trustees, John Cabot University (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Chairman, NIAF 2000 (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Chairman, Development Committee (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Board Member, West Michigan Economic Club
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Board of Directors, National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), Washington, DC
- Chairman, Bella Figura Committee (NIAF)
- Honorary Advisory Committee — Urban Produce, Inc.
- Board of Advisors — Mackinac Center for Public Policy
- Co-Chairman w/Kirk Gibson/Fund Raising, MSU Academic Center for Athletes
- Co-Chairman, Gerald R. Ford Museum Re-Dedication Ceremony (4/17)
- Chairman, AIDA Triumphal March Parade (9/6)
- Co-Chairman, Special Olympics (Lansing 8/4)
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- Organizer, Rich & Helen DeVos' Return to Grand Rapids (10/97)
- Co-Chairman, Chief of Police Farewell Reception
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
1998
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- GVSU — Grand Design 2000
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy - Rice Univ.
- Board of Directors, Old Kent Financial Corporation
- Board of Trustees, John Cabot University (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Chairman, NIAF 2000 (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Chairman, Development Committee (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Board Member, West Michigan Economic Club
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Board of Directors, National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), Washington, DC
- Chairman, Bella Figura Committee (NIAF)
- Honorary Advisory Committee — Urban Produce, Inc.
- Board of Advisors — Mackinac Center for Public Policy
- Co-Chairman, Special Olympics (Lansing/Aug)
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- Co-Chairman, Chief of Police (Hegarty) Farewell Reception
- Emcee — Chamber's Salute to West Michigan (6/98)
- Co-Chairman — Fundraising/MSU Student Athletic Building
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
1999
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- GVSU — Grand Design 2000
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy - Rice Univ.
- Board of Directors, Old Kent Financial Corporation
- Board of Trustees, John Cabot University (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Chairman, NIAF 2000 (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Chairman, Development Committee (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Vice Chairman, West Michigan Economic Club
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Board of Directors, National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), Washington, DC
- Honorary Advisory Committee — Urban Produce, Inc.
- Board of Advisors — Mackinac Center for Public Policy
- Co-Chairman, Special Olympics (Lansing/Aug)
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- Co-Chairman, RDV/JVA Economic Club Tribute
- Committee Member, Coit School Project
- Chaired Secchia Commission II for John Engler
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
2000
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy — Rice Univ.
- Board of Directors, Old Kent Financial Corporation
- Board of Trustees, John Cabot University (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Chairman, NIAF 2000 (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Chairman, Development Committee (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Vice Chairman, West Michigan Economic Club
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Board of Directors, National Italian American Foundation (NIAF), Washington, DC
- Honorary Advisory Committee — Urban Produce, Inc.
- Board of Advisors — Mackinac Center for Public Policy
- Co-Chairman, Special Olympics (Lansing/Aug)
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- Co-Chair w/Kirk Gibson — MSU Capital Fund Drive for Breslin Area
- Honorary Chair — Gus Macker Basketball Tournament — for GR Public Schools' Athletics
- Chairman — NIAF Dinner in Rome, Italy (June)
- Chairman, West Michigan Economic Club (Sept. — May of '01)
- Chairman, Secchia Millennium Commission
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
2001
- Co-Chair, Heartbeat 2001
- Chairman, Women's Big Ten Tournament (2001)
- Chairman, Fundraising Committee for the expansion of the Breslin Arena at MSU
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy — Rice Univ.
- Board of Trustees, John Cabot University (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Chairman, NIAF 2000 (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Chairman, Development Committee (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Vice Chairman, West Michigan Economic Club
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Co-Chairman, Special Olympics (Lansing/Aug)
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- Chairman, West Michigan Economic Club
- MSU Campaign Cabinet
- Co-Chariman, 20th Anniversary of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
2002
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy — Rice Univ.
- Board of Trustees, John Cabot University (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Co-Chairman, Special Olympics (Lansing/Aug)
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Board of Directors, Blue Cross/Blue Shield
- Finance Chairman for Phase II of the Millennium Park
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
2003
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy — Rice Univ.
- Board of Trustees, John Cabot University (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Co-Chairman, Special Olympics (Lansing/Aug)
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Finance Chairman for Phase II of the Millennium Park
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- Declaration of Independence (helped to bring this exhibit to Grand Rapids)
- Presidential Room at the Gerald R. Ford Museum (Secchia Family funded)
- Co-Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford 90th Celebration Committee
- CPEG Committee
- Logie Legacy Committee (Steering Committee & Executive Committee)
- Silent Observer honoring Rich DeVos (9/19/03)
- KABOOM! project at the Joe Taylor Park in Grand Rapids, MI (10/18/03)
- Baxter Community Center Campaign Cabinet
- Master of Ceremonies for the "Hope on the Hill" for the Van Andel Institute
- Kent County Millennium Park Fundraising Chairman
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
2004
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy — Rice Univ.
- Board of Trustees, John Cabot University (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Co-Chairman, Special Olympics (Lansing/Aug)
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Phase III of the Millennium Park
- Millennium Park Architectural Control Committee
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- CPEG Committee
- Baxter Community Center Campaign Cabinet
- Co-Chairman of DeVos Place Dedication
- GR Public Schools "Corporate Charity Jam" Honorary Co-Chairman
- Kent County Millennium Park Fundraising Chairman
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
2005
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy — Rice Univ.
- Board of Trustees, John Cabot University (JCU) Rome, Italy
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Co-Chairman, Special Olympics (Lansing/Aug)
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Phase III of the Millennium Park
- Millennium Park Architectural Control Committee
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- CPEG Committee
- Baxter Community Center Campaign Cabinet
- Co-Chairman of DeVos Place Dedication (2/1/05)
- GR Public Schools "Corporate Charity Jam" Honorary Co-Chairman
- Kent County Millennium Park Fundraising Chairman
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
2006
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy — Rice Univ.
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Co-Chairman, Special Olympics (Lansing/Aug)
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Phase III of the Millennium Park
- Millennium Park Architectural Control Committee
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- CPEG Committee
- Baxter Community Center Campaign Cabinet
- Founder of the West Michigan Sports Commission
- Chair of the Civic Theatre Grand Re-Opening (9/20/06)
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
2007
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy — Rice Univ.
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Co-Chairman, Special Olympics (Lansing/Aug)
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Phase III of the Millennium Park
- Millennium Park Architectural Control Committee
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- CPEG Committee
- Baxter Community Center Campaign Cabinet
- West Michigan Sports Commission
- GVSU Lecture Series
- Statues Program in Downtown Grand Rapids
- KCRC Leadership
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
2008
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy — Rice Univ.
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Co-Chairman, Special Olympics (Lansing/Aug)
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Phase III of the Millennium Park
- Millennium Park Architectural Control Committee
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- Baxter Community Center Campaign Cabinet
- West Michigan Sports Commission
- GVSU Lecture Series
- Statues Program in Downtown Grand Rapids
- KCRC Leadership
- Secchia Garden Lecture Series at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
- Co-Chair of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce West Michigan Policy Conference
2009
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy — Rice Univ.
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Co-Chairman, Special Olympics (Lansing/Aug)
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Phase III of the Millennium Park
- Millennium Park Architectural Control Committee
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- Baxter Community Center Campaign Cabinet
- West Michigan Sports Commission
- GVSU Lecture Series
- Statues Program in Downtown Grand Rapids
- KCRC Leadership
- Secchia Garden Lecture Series at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
- Co-Chairman of the Retirement Celebration for Kurt Kimball
- Co-Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Legacy Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Executive Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Endowment & Development Committee
- Co-Chairman of the Special Olympics of West Michigan (SOMI) Basketball Tournament (3/27/09)
2010
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy — Rice Univ.
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Co-Chairman, Special Olympics (Lansing/Aug)
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Phase III of the Millennium Park
- Millennium Park Architectural Control Committee
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- Baxter Community Center Campaign Cabinet
- West Michigan Sports Commission
- GVSU Lecture Series
- Statues Program in Downtown Grand Rapids
- KCRC Leadership
- Secchia Garden Lecture Series at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
- Co-Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Legacy Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Executive Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Endowment & Development Committee
- Chair of "Izzo Goes to Broadway" (5/11/10)
2011
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy — Rice Univ.
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Co-Chairman, Special Olympics (Lansing/Aug)
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Phase III of the Millennium Park
- Millennium Park Architectural Control Committee
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- Baxter Community Center Campaign Cabinet
- West Michigan Sports Commission
- GVSU Lecture Series
- Statues Program in Downtown Grand Rapids
- KCRC Leadership
- Secchia Garden Lecture Series at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
- Co-Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Legacy Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Executive Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Endowment & Development Committee
2012
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Leadership Committee, James A. Baker III Institute for Public Policy — Rice Univ.
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Co-Chairman, Special Olympics (Lansing/Aug)
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Phase III of the Millennium Park
- Millennium Park Architectural Control Committee
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- Baxter Community Center Campaign Cabinet
- West Michigan Sports Commission
- GVSU Lecture Series
- Statues Program in Downtown Grand Rapids
- KCRC Leadership
- Secchia Garden Lecture Series at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
- Co-Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Legacy Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Executive Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Endowment & Development Committee
2013
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Millennium Park Architectural Control Committee
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- Baxter Community Center Campaign Cabinet
- West Michigan Sports Commission
- GVSU Lecture Series
- Statues Program in Downtown Grand Rapids
- KCRC Leadership
- Secchia Garden Lecture Series at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
- Co-Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Legacy Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Executive Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Endowment & Development Committee
2014
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Millennium Park Architectural Control Committee
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- Baxter Community Center Campaign Cabinet
- West Michigan Sports Commission
- GVSU Lecture Series
- Statues Program in Downtown Grand Rapids
- KCRC Leadership
- Secchia Garden Lecture Series at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
- Co-Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Legacy Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Executive Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Endowment & Development Committee
2015
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Millennium Park Architectural Control Committee
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- Baxter Community Center Campaign Cabinet
- West Michigan Sports Commission
- GVSU Lecture Series
- Statues Program in Downtown Grand Rapids
- KCRC Leadership
- Secchia Garden Lecture Series at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
- Co-Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Legacy Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Executive Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Endowment & Development Committee
2016
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Millennium Park Architectural Control Committee
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- Baxter Community Center Campaign Cabinet
- West Michigan Sports Commission
- GVSU Lecture Series
- Statues Program in Downtown Grand Rapids
- KCRC Leadership
- Secchia Garden Lecture Series at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
- Co-Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Legacy Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Endowment & Development Committee
2017
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Millennium Park Architectural Control Committee
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- Baxter Community Center Campaign Cabinet
- West Michigan Sports Commission
- GVSU Lecture Series
- Statues Program in Downtown Grand Rapids
- KCRC Leadership
- Secchia Garden Lecture Series at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
- Co-Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Legacy Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Endowment & Development Committee
- Head Fundraiser for Parkinson’s Research
2018
- Trustee, Gerald R. Ford Foundation (Also on Executive Committee)
- Trustee, George Bush Library
- Trustee, Grand Valley State University Foundation
- Member, Grand Rapids Rotary
- Member, Michigan Business Roundtable
- MSU Capital Campaign Cabinet
- Millennium Park Architectural Control Committee
- MSU RIA Advisory Board
- Baxter Community Center Campaign Cabinet
- West Michigan Sports Commission
- GVSU Lecture Series
- Statues Program in Downtown Grand Rapids
- KCRC Leadership
- Secchia Garden Lecture Series at the Fredrick Meijer Gardens
- Secchia/Perles/Kelley Special Olympics
- Co-Chairman of the Gerald R. Ford Legacy Committee
- Member of the Gerald R. Ford Endowment & Development Committee
- Head Fundraiser for Parkinson’s Research
- Member of the West Michigan Aviation Academy Campaign
Speaking & Lecturing Activities
1989
Confirmed/U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Italy (served until january 1993)
Speaking/Lecturing Activities upon the Ambassador's Return:
1993
- The Economic Club of Grand Rapids, AGPH (2/22)
- East Grand Rapids High School Auditorium (2/26)
- Waverly High School (3/9)
- Delta Waverly Rotary Club (3/9)
- Kent County Republicans/Lincoln Day Dinner (3/23)
- GVSU Graduate Marketing Class (4/8)
- Interchange, Association for Professional Communicators (4/21)
- American Legion/Fire Fighter of the Year Banquet (4/23)
- Republican Women's Federation/Flint (5/7)
- Employers' Association Annual Luncheon Meeting (5/12)
- GR Community College Commencement Address (5/14)
- Cooley Law School Commencement Address (5/15)
- Union High School Commencement Address (6/3)
- OSIA State Convention (6/5)
- John Cabot University Commencement Address (6/18)
- Harbor Springs Kiwanis Breakfast Meeting Speaker (7/14)
- GR Rotary — Tribute to Paul Henry (7/29)
- Perles Golf Outing — Dinner Remarks (8/9)
- Grand Rapids Rotary (9/9)
- Grand Rapids Lions Club (9/14)
- Zeeland Chamber of Commerce (9/23)
- Economic Club of Lapeer County (11/18)
- Monroe County Republicans (11/18)
- Participant, Grand Rapids Dunkers (12/13)
- Downtown Coaches Club, Lansing (12/17)
1994
- Grand Rapids Association of Life Underwriters (1/20)
- Hospice Annual Dinner, GR (2/25)
- Grandville Rotary/Geribee's (2/28)
- Intro/Dick DeVos, Economic Club (3/7)
- Waterford Lincoln Day Dinner, Traverse City (3/18)
- Economic Club/GR, Secchia Commission (3/21)
- Young Republicans/Davenport (4/9)
- Intro/Adm. Owens, GR Rotary (4/14)
- Wayne 11th President Dinner (4/21)
- Grand Rapids City Management Staff S/C (4/22)
- Michigan Employment Security Com. S/C (5/10)
- Amer Society for Public Admin. S/C (5/26)
- Davenport College Graduation (6/12)
- Mich Assoc of Counties S/C (8/23)
- UFP Trainee Banquet (8/26)
- Michigan Job Corp S/C (9/19)
- Michigan First S/C (9/19)
- World Affairs Council of Inland Southern California (11/9)
- World Affairs Council of the Desert/Palm Springs (11/13)
- Golden K Club (Sr. Kiwanis) (11/17)
- Mich Assn of CPA's, S/C (12/7)
- Executive 100 Club/Intro (12/16)
- Deloitte — GR Team, "Involved" (12/22)
1995
- ASPA S/C Speech, Lansing/Capitol Commons (1/10)
- Old Kent Financial Corporation Officer Dinner (1/16)
- Kent County Republican Convention (1/19)
- Community Mental Health Boards, Lansing (1/25)
- Rotary International, Lansing Center (1/27)
- MAIC, Lansing (2/8)
- Kent International Assn of School Boards (2/9)
- Muskegon Economic Forum @ SPX (2/23)
- Public Sector Consultants, Lansing Center (2/24)
- Michigan County Social Services, Lansing - S/C (3/8)
- Silent Observer Roast for Chuck Yob (3/9)
- GVSU Cook/Dewitt Center (4/3)
- Yale Lecture (4/5)
- Rotary Event @ Gerald R. Ford Museum (5/18)
- Professional Engineers, Boyne Highlands (5/20)
- AMBUCS, Holiday Inn South (5/24)
- Administrative Law Section, Sugar Loaf (6/1)
- Hospital Finance Authority, Grand Traverse Resort (6/2)
- Mackinac Conference, Mackinac Island (6/3)
- Government Management Interns, Lansing (9/6)
- Kalamazoo Republican Luncheon (9/7)
- North Kent Kiwanis (10/3)
- Grand Valley Metropolitan Council (10/16)
- National Italian American Fndtn - Houston (10/30)
- Ottawa County Republican Com. (11/14)
1996
- Middleville Rotary (1/16)
- Michigan Road Builders Assn., AGPH (1/19)
- Michigan City Managers Assn., AGPH (2/7)
- MSU/Eli Broad Grad School of Management/MBA Class (2/26)
- Grand Rapids Lions, Penn Club (3/5)
- Order Sons of Italy in America, Spring Banquet (4/14)
- Lansing Community College, Business & Technical Forum (4/18)
- Michigan General Counsel Assocication, Detroit (5/7)
- Mackinac Center for Public Policy, President's Council/Detroit (5/7)
- Emcee/Reflections on the Grand (5/16)
- '96 Michigan Practice Annual Meeting (Deloitte), Livonia (6/4)
- Grand Haven Rotary (7/8)
- Annual Convention Fireside Chat MSAE & MMPI, AGPH (7/12)
1997
- Intro/Ken Kies @ Economic Club (4/14)
- Detroit Div. FBI Management Retreat/Mt. Pleasant (5/13)
- Howell Breakfast Club (6/6)
- Grand Haven Community Center "Life as an Ambassador" (10/14)
- Close-Up Keynote Address "You Can Make a Difference" (10/29)
1998
- St. Vincent College/Pennsylvania (2/98)
- MSU International Business Forum (2/98)
- Hope College UN Banquet (3/98)
- UFP Trainee Class Luncheon Speaker (8/98)
- MSU Means Business (10/14/98)
1999
- MSU College of Business, Commencement Speaker (5/8/99)
- Introduction of John Majors @ Economic Club Annual Dinner (5/10/99)
- Jenison Chamber of Commerce (5/20/99)
- Kalamazoo Republican Fundraiser (10/12/99)
- Grand Rapids/Veterans Day Program Speaker (11/11/99)
2000
- Griffin Business Series (1/13/00)
- MAPERS (5/22/00)
- Distinguished Speaker Series @ Haworth College of Business (9/25/00)
- Lowell Rotary Club (10/11/00)
2001
- Excellence in Business Dinner — Tim Russert (5/22/01)
- Economic Club Annual Dinner — Justice Antonin Scalia (5/23/01)
- Northview Senior Citizens Father's Day Luncheon — (6/12/01)
- Silent Observer "Roast" of John Canepa — (11/13/01)
- Alma College (topic is on international & domestic business) — (11/16/01)
2002
- Ambucs — (2/14/02)
- Women's City Club — (10/03/02) (Subject: Millennium Park)
- "Breakfast Club" — (11/13/02) (Subject: Millennium Park)
2003
- Union High School — (5/16/03) (Subject: Getting involved in politics)
- American Bell Association (6/30/03) (Welcoming the Association to GR)
- Grand Rapids Rotary North (7/22/03) (Subject: Millennium Park)
- West Grand Neighborhood Organization (9/4/03) (Subject: Millennium Park)
- Leadership Grand Rapids (9/23/03) (Subject: Millennium Park)
- Grand Rapids City and Kent County Staff (9/23/03) (Subject: Millennium Park)
- Grand Rapids Convention and Visitors Bureau (9/23/03) (Subject: Millennium Park)
- GVSU Seidman School of Business (9/25/03) (Subject: Millennium Park)
- St. Andrew's School (10/21/03) (Subject: Millennium Park)
- Van Andel Institute ("Hope on the Hill"): (11/8/03)
2004
- Grand Rapids Convention and Visitors Bureau (2/17/04) (Subject: Millennium Park)
- Michigan Republican Party Event (2/18/04) (Subject: "Get Involved")
- Georgetown Township (2/19/04) (Subject: Millennium Park)
- Cummings School (2/26/04) (Subject: Millennium Park)
- Rapid Wheelmen (5/18/04) (Subject: Millennium Park)
- Speaker, Comm-PAC Spring Reception in Kalamazoo (5/19/04)
- Forest Hills Northern Middle Schoot (5/21/04)
- Grand Forum (5/24/04) (Subject: Millennium Park)
- Kent County Parks Foundation (6/2/04) (Subject: Millennium Park)
- Grand Rapids Young Professionals (7/29/04) (Subject: UFP)
- Corporate Growth (9/15/04) (Subject: UFP)
- Rotary Luncheon (9/16/04) (Subject: Millennium Park)
- Calvin College (10/7/04) (Subject: RNC impressions, Upcoming Presidential Election)
- Byron Center Christian Middle School (11/1/04) (Subject: Presidency)
2005
- Allendale Chamber of Commerce (3/15/05) (Subject: Millennium Park)
- Roaster for the Silent Observer of Mike Jandernoa (4/26/05)
- Grand Rapids Boxing Charity Event "Official Ring Announcer" (4/29/05)
- Co-Chair of Reception honoring NAM President John Engler (5/10/05)
- Co-Chair of Opera Grand Rapids dedication to Jay & Betty Van Andel (5/14/05)
2006
- AMBUCS Speech (8/17/06)
- Holland Chamber of Commerce (9/12/06)
- Neighborhoold Ventures (9/27/06)
- GVSU Metro Council (10/05/06)
- Commercial Alliance of Realtors (10/11/06)
- GVSU Beta Alpha Psi (11/09/06)
- Take Pride in GR (11/14/06)
2007
- Take Pride in GR — MNBA Speaking Engagement (1/12/07)
- Take Pride in GR (1/18/07)
- Business in Michigan — St. Joseph (1/19/07)
- Press Club Speech (10/24/07)
2008
- MSU Entrepreneurship Association (2/20/08)
- Knapp Charter Academy Kindergarten Graduation (6/3/08)
- Terryberry Event (7/11/08)
2009
- National Reading Awareness Month at Martin Luther King Academy (3/18/09)
- Grandville Chamber of Commerce (9/15/09)
- GR Area Chamber of Commerce Speech at the Econ Club (10/5/09)
2010
- e2e Speech (Entrepreneur to Entrepreneur) in Holland (2/23/10)
- Turnaround Management Association (5/18/10)
2011
- University Club in East Lansing (6/21/11)
- Saint Thomas The Apostle Catholic School — reading to the children (11/03/11)
2013
2014
- SOMI Luncheon
2015
- SOMI Luncheon
2016
- City2Shore (11/08/16)
- SOMI Luncheon
2017
- Forest Hills Business Association (01/12/17)
- SOMI Luncheon (6/6/17)