Mike Verhulst

Monday, February 20, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

Chamberlain MPR, Niemeyer Building

Michael Verhulst is the executive vice president of strategic growth for Acrisure Benefits Group. He started that position in April, prior to which he served as vice president of Rockford Construction for over four years, vice president of business development and community relations for Wolverine Building Group for over three years and president and owner of Summit Landscape Management for nearly 16 years. 

In addition to his work with Acrisure, Verhulst serves on the boards of Convention Arena Authority, Grand Valley Metro Council, Priority Health, YMCA of Greater Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Symphony, Gerald R. Ford International Airport and Experience Grand Rapids. He was also recently appointed to the Foundation Board of the Grand Rapids Chamber and is an advisory committee member of ArtPrize Leadership On Canvas.

Anita Hitchcock

Monday, March 13, 2023, 7:00 p.m.

Chamberlain MPR, Niemeyer Building

Anita Hitchcock graduated from Ottawa Hills High School, attended the University of Michigan and graduated from Aquinas College earning a Bachelor of Arts Degree.  Anita continued her education graduating from Thomas M. Cooley Law School in Lansing where she earned a Juris Doctorate. 

Anita was appointed Grand Rapids City Attorney on July 12, 2016 to provide professional legal work and direction over all legal matters of the City.  Anita oversees a law department of seventeen attorneys and administrative staff, which requires good problem solving skills while using sound judgment and an ability to be patient while honing a great skill of multi-tasking. 

Prior to being appointed City Attorney, she held the titles of Assistant City Attorney then Director of Criminal Enforcement giving her nearly 14 years of criminal litigation experience. Anita prosecuted law violations under the Grand Rapids City Ordinance Code for the health, safety and welfare of the citizens of Grand Rapids.  She was successful in prosecuting cases including criminal misdemeanor ordinance violations, housing and zoning code violations and tax enforcement violations while striving on a daily basis for fairness and justice for all parties involved. Anita managed the Criminal Enforcement Division and supervised the Division’s attorneys and administrative staff.