Dick DeVos

Biography for Richard M. “Dick” DeVos, Jr.

Founder, President
The Windquest Group
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Richard M. “Dick” DeVos, Jr.
Age: 52
Wife: Betsy (Prince) DeVos
Children: Rick, Elissa, Andrea, Ryan
Parents: Richard M. “Rich” and Helen DeVos
Residence: Ada, Michigan
High School: Forest Hills Central High School
College: BBA, Northwood University, Midland, Michigan; Executive Study Programs at Harvard Business School and the Wharton School

BUSINESS HISTORY

1989 – Present: Founder, President of investment company The Windquest Group.
1993 – 2002: President, Alticor, Inc. (formerly Amway Corp.)
1991 – 1993: President and CEO, NBA’s Orlando Magic
1984 – 1989: Vice President – International, Amway Corp.
1974 – 1984: Various entry-level and mid-management positions, Amway Corp.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

Dick is active in a wide range of community initiatives.   He was the Republican nominee for Governor of Michigan in 2006.  He chaired the Education Freedom Fund, which has awarded more than 5,000 scholarships to underprivileged children in Michigan. 

He has lead as chair/co-chair various Grand Rapids area downtown revitalization and regional health care improvements including a $75M arena, $220M convention center, and a $130M heart hospital.    

His best-selling book, “Rediscovering American Values”, published in 1997, is available in seven languages.

PRESENT AND PAST BOARD MEMBERSHIPS

• Chairman, Board of Directors, World Federation of Direct Selling Associations; 2002-2005 (Board Member since 2000).
• Governing Board, Orlando Magic, 1994-Present
• Member, Michigan Business Roundtable; 1997-Present.  (Co-Chairman 1997; Chairman 1998.)
• Member, Board of Trustees, Spectrum Health Foundation; 1990-Present.  (Chairman 1994-2005.)
• Co-Chairman, Grand Action Committee; 1992-Present.  (Chairman, Grand Vision Committee; 1991-1992.)
• Member, Board of Directors, Education Freedom Fund; 1994-Present (Chairman 1994-2005)
• Board of Directors and President, Alticor Inc.; 2000-2002.  (Previously Member, Board of Directors and President, Amway Corporation; 1993-2000.)
• Board of Directors, of Old Kent Financial Corp.; 1994-2002  (Board Member of Old Kent Bank from 1987-1994.)
• Board of Directors, Grand Rapids Economic Club; 1997-2001.
• Board of Control, Grand Valley State University (appointed by Governor Engler); 1995-2000.
• Board of Directors, National Association of Manufacturers (NAM); 1994-2000.
• Board of Directors, U.S. Direct Selling Association; 1993-1998.  (Vice Chairman 1995-1997; Chairman 1997).
• Elected Member, Michigan State Board of Education; 1991-1993.
• Board of Trustees, Davenport College of Business; 1991-2000.  (Now Davenport University).
• White House Commission on Presidential Scholars (appointed by President Bush); 1991-1993.
• Board of Directors, Kent, Ottawa, Muskegon Counties Foreign Trade Zone Authority; 1989-1996.
• Grand Rapids Area Co-Chairman, United Negro College Fund Drive; 1989-1992.
• Board Member of Directors, Project Rehab (Grand Rapids community drug rehabilitation program); 1978-1984.