GRAND RAPIDS ? The chief commentator for CNBC and the emeritus CEO of Herman Miller will headline the Grand Angels? second annual Community Conversation Sept. 13 at Cornerstone University.
William Seidman, presidential advisor, policy chief and now chief commentator for CNBC will be joined by Max DePree, emeritus CEO of Herman Miller and author of the book Leadership is an Art.
Grand Angels, a group of accredited investors who promote economic development in West Michigan, is hosting the program sponsored by Comerica Bank.
?These are internationally recognized champions of stewardship,? said Grand Angels board chair John Jackoboice, ?both with deep roots in West Michigan.?
The Conversation will be held at Cornerstone University from 8 – 11.45 AM. Following the Conversation, Seidman and DePree will be guests at a luncheon for Grand Angel sponsors courtesy of the University.
Seidman transformed a successful family business into the global giant now known as BDO Seidman. He was President Gerald R. Ford?s chief Assistant for Economic Affairs (1974-77), co-chaired the White House Conference on Productivity for President Reagan (1983-84), and chaired the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (1985-91) and the Resolution Trust Corporation 1989-91.
DePree made his mark as leader of Herman Miller, the company founded by his father in 1923 and made famous during Max?s more than 30 years of leadership. Under his stewardship, Herman Miller earned its spot as one of ?the 100 Best companies to Work for in America.? Quoted by theorists and practioners alike, DePree?s devotion to ?servant leadership? inspired fans in boardrooms and at podiums, from Tom Peters and Peter Drucker to thousands of women and men who?ve dared take up the mantle of leadership in their organizations.
Grand Angels was founded by Charles Stoddard, founder and former CEO of Grand Bank, and Craig Hall, an industry leader in information systems technology for logistics management. By July 2006, there were over forty active members, ten of whom compose the governing board. Grand Angels is led by president Jody Vanderwel, a former corporate attorney with expertise in business and investment.
