GRAND RAPIDS – The Kent County Board of Commissioners and the Kent County Department of Aeronautics are pleased to announce the appointment of Steve Heacock to the Gerald R. Ford International Airport Board. The seven-member body, appointed by the Kent County Board of Commissioners, is responsible for general oversight of the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. The Airport Board includes three Kent County commissioners, three Kent County citizens, and one citizen from a county other than Kent (but within the West Michigan region). Each member serves a three-year term.
Heacock was selected from a large pool of qualified candidates and replaces citizen representative Terri Lynn Land who left the board in December 2013. “Steve comes to the Aeronautics Board with some great qualifications,” said Dan Koorndyk, Chairman of the Kent County Board of Commissioners. “He has been a success in so many regards, and has done a phenomenal job as chairman of the Convention and Arena Authority (CAA). We believe his experience and expertise will serve the board well.” (The CAA owns and operates Van Andel Arena and DeVos Place.)
Steve will also function as a member of the Aeronautics Board’s Finance & Legislative Committee, which will hold its first meeting of the year on February 18. “Steve showed amazing vision during the six years he served on the Kent County Board of Commissioners – two years as the Chairman,” said Roger Morgan, Kent County Commissioner and Chairman of the Airport Board. “His ideas and insight will benefit the more than two million passengers who use Gerald R. Ford International Airport.”
Heacock, a Grand Rapids resident, is the Senior Vice President of Public Affairs for Spectrum Health Systems. From 2004 until 2010, he was the Chief Administrative Officer, General Counsel and Board Secretary of the Van Andel Institute.
Steve’s expansive background includes executive management, legal and accounting practice and significant community work. Prior to joining VAI, Steve was Chief Legal and Administrative Officer for IdeaSphere, a development stage health products company (2002-2004); Vice President of Development for Priority Health, a health insurance provider (1997-2002); a partner with the law firm Warner Norcross & Judd (business and health law; 1984-1997); and a CPA with Price Waterhouse (audit and tax; 1978-1982). Steve was born and raised in Gaylord, Michigan and is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and Michigan State University.
Heacock’s term runs through December 31, 2016.
