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Alumni Stories

21 Broad Spartans named to Crain's 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan

By Kelly Ulrich
Wednesday, December 10, 2025

West Michigan’s business landscape is shaped by leaders whose vision, expertise and community commitment drive the region forward. This year, 21 Broad Spartans are among those recognized for their impact. In Crain’s Grand Rapids Business’ third edition of the 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan, these Broad alumni stand out as key contributors to the region’s economic strength, entrepreneurial momentum and culture of innovation.

The annual list is curated solely by Crain’s editorial team to highlight the executives whose leadership shapes major investments and fuels long-term growth across West Michigan. The honorees represent a mix of established voices and rising leaders, and the profiles compiled by Crain’s offer a glimpse into their backgrounds, experiences and perspectives.

Among this distinguished group, Broad Spartans continue to demonstrate the excellence, adaptability and leadership that define the Broad College of Business.

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Graphic announcing Dan Bowen, principal of Dempsey Ventures, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Dan Bowen, principal, Dempsey Ventures (B.A. Marketing '88)
Graphic announcing Jason Byrd, managing partner of Concurrence Holdings, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Jason Byrd, managing partner, Concurrence Holdings (B.A. Finance '97)
Patrick Cebelak, president, Triangle Associates Inc. (B.A. Accounting '90)
Graphic announcing Pamella DeVos, co-founder of the Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Pamella DeVos, co-founder, Daniel and Pamella DeVos Foundation/DP Fox Ventures/Pamella Roland (B.A. General Business Administration '84)
Graphic announcing Meghan Distel, president and CEO of Broadway Grand Rapids, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Meghan Distel, president and CEO, Broadway Grand Rapids (B.A. Marketing '92)
Graphic announcing Rachel Gorman, president and CEO of the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Rachel Gorman, president and CEO, Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce (MBA '20)
Graphic announcing Steve Heacock, board chair and former CEO of Grand Rapids Whitewater, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Steve Heacock, board chair and former CEO/president, Grand Rapids Whitewater (B.A. Accounting '78)
Graphic announcing Tracey Hornbeck, president and CEO of Legacy Trust, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Tracey Hornbeck, president and CEO, Legacy Trust (B.A. Accounting '93)
Graphic announcing J.C. Huizenga, founder and chairman of Huizenga Group, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. J.C. Huizenga, founder and chairman, Huizenga Group (MBA '76)
Graphic announcing John Kerschen, president and managing partner of Charter Capital, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. John Kerschen, president and managing partner, Charter Capital (B.A. Financial Administration '87)
Graphic announcing Jeff Lobdell, president of Restaurant Partners Management LLC, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Jeff Lobdell, president, Restaurant Partners Management LLC (B.A. Hotel and Restaurant Management '88)
Graphic announcing Scott McLean, managing director of The 4100 Group, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Scott McLean, managing director, The 4100 Group (B.A. Accounting '93)
Graphic announcing Michael Nelson, president and CEO of Amway Corp., as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Michael Nelson, president and CEO, Amway Corp. (B.A. Materials and Logistics Management '90)
Graphic announcing Ray Reitsma, president and CEO of Mercantile Bank, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Ray Reitsma, president and CEO, Mercantile Bank (MBA '86)
Graphic announcing Kelly Springer, president and CEO of Metal Flow Corp., as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Kelly Springer, CEO and president, Metal Flow Corp. (B.A. Accounting '91)
Graphic announcing Bradley Thomas, principal at Progressive Companies, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Bradley Thomas, principal, Progressive Companies (MBA '03)
Graphic announcing Travis Ward, partner at Crowe LLP, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Travis Ward, partner, Crowe, LLP (B.A. Accounting '08)
Graphic announcing Mark White, president and CEO of Shape Corp., as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Mark White, president and CEO, Shape Corp. (MBA '00)
Graphic announcing Kara Wood, executive director of Grand Action 2.0, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Kara Wood, executive director, Grand Action 2.0 (B.A. General Business Administration '00)
Graphic announcing Milinda Ysasi, city commissioner for the City of Grand Rapids, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Milinda Ysasi, city commissioner, City of Grand Rapids (MBA '19)
Graphic announcing Aaron Zeigler, owner and president of Zeigler Automotive Group, as one of Crain’s 200 Most Influential Leaders in West Michigan for 2025. Aaron Zeigler, owner and president, Ziegler Automotive Group (B.A. Marketing '95)

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