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)