FOUNDATIONS & PHILANTHROPY
STACIE BEHLER
Group vice president, public affairs and communication; executive director Meijer Inc.; Meijer Foundation
At Meijer, the Walker-based grocery chain with annual sales of over $22 billion, Stacie Behler has oversight of five state Meijer political action committees and manages the company’s political involvement and state and federal policy work. Behler also directs all of Meijer Inc.’s community and philanthropic work, investing more than 6% of the company’s annual net profit back into the communities throughout the Midwest where Meijer stores are located. In addition, she manages all internal and external communications, including media relations and community, collegiate and professional sports partnerships and promotions. Her work with the Meijer Foundation includes assisting its trustees in their engagement and investments in arts, education, health and economic development of communities in Michigan. Behler originally joined Meijer in 2001 as senior legal counsel.
CHERI DEVOS
Founder CDV5, Grand Rapids
EDUCATION: Hope College (B) FIRST JOB: Day camp counselor at Park Township in Holland BEST ADVICE: While it’s almost cliché now, my dad’s “You can do it” phrase is still my go-to. His positive attitude was unending. He would always share a smile, a word of optimism and hope. DOWNTIME: Spending time with our kids, our family and our friends is most important to us, and any free time is devoted to them. GRAND RAPIDS ATTRACTION: Right now, we find ourselves visiting the Wealthy Street area ... there is a vibrancy there that is instantly recognizable.
EDUCATION: Oakland University (B), University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana (JD) BOARDS: YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, chair; Economics Club of Grand Rapids, vice chair; Grand Rapids Art Museum, trustee GREATEST CAREER ACHIEVEMENT: Transitioning from the legal field into continuously broader roles and responsibilities within one of the largest companies and foundations in the state; translating the business skills and leadership I have into membership, then leadership, of the largest nonprofit organizations in West Michigan.
MIKE GOORHOUSE
President, CEO The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area, Holland
Mike Goorhouse became president and CEO of The Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area in 2014 after serving two years as its vice president of donor development. Prior to that, he worked for six years at the Council of Michigan Foundations, providing member services to family foundations, community foundations and youth grant makers. His most notable accomplishments during his time at CFHZ include successfully completing a $35 million unrestricted endowment campaign — including 100 new estate gift commitments — and co-launching a multisector collaborative effort to significantly improve the affordability of local housing options.
Cheri DeVos is the founder of CDV5, a management, real estate and investment firm. The company owns and/or operates private development properties, commercial properties and several businesses, including the Michigan Sports Academies (MSA), various properties and projects supporting the expansion of Ada Village, the Ottawa Beach General Store and the Ada Village General Store. DeVos also is a member of the board of directors at RDV Corporation, is founder of the CDV5 Foundation and recently retired from the board of directors at Amway after 20 years of service. She previously served as Amway’s vice president of corporate affairs and the director of health and beauty marketing.
HOLLY JOHNSON
President Frey Foundation, Grand Rapids
EDUCATION: Calvin College (B), Grand Valley State University (M) FIRST JOB: Mawby Internship at the Council of Michigan Foundations BEST ADVICE: Communication is not what you say, but what the other person hears. So be sure to understand how other people are hearing you, especially in the relationships you care about the most. DOWNTIME: With a 3-year-old and a 4-month-old, “downtime” is literally “down” time on the floor playing cars, reading books and learning how to crawl. HIDDEN TALENT: My wife and I used to host Latin dancing parties at our house. Bachata and merengue are my favorite styles. PLAY YOU IN A MOVIE: Daniel Radcliffe
52 THE GRAND RAPIDS 200
Holly Johnson was named president of the Frey Foundation in August 2018. She leads the Frey team and directs a grantmaking program awarding nearly $6 million annually to nonprofit organizations throughout West and Northern Michigan. Based in Grand Rapids, the Frey Foundation is one of West Michigan’s largest family foundations. Johnson has spent her career in community-based philanthropy. She has previously led campaign efforts at Greater Ottawa County United Way and, most recently, had leadership roles at the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, serving as vice president of development for five years and president for six. She has been actively involved in many community organizations: Lakeshore Nonprofit Alliance; Council of Michigan Foundations; Council on Foundations; Association of Fundraising Professionals; West Michigan Planned Giving Group; Lake Michigan Estate Planning Council; and Lakeshore ATHENA. Currently, she is a trustee on the Grand Valley State University Foundation Board, serves on the board of Lakeshore Advantage and is a member of the Spectrum Health Finance Advisory Committee. EDUCATION: Hillsdale College (B), Grand Valley State University (M) FIRST JOB: Scooping ice cream at Temptations in Grand Haven
