Grand Rapids, Michigan (February 1, 2005) – The Van Andel Institute (VAI) today announced the appointment of corporate and community leader Steve Heacock as its chief administrative officer and general counsel. Heacock will assume the newly created position Feb. 1, 2005.
As CAO Heacock will have executive oversight of human resources and will also serve as chief legal counsel for the Institute. In addition to his role at VAI, Heacock will work with a team comprised of key stakeholders charged with exploring the proposed development of a medical school in West Michigan. Heacock will help manage the development group’s efforts and assist in the planning process.
“It is truly a pleasure to welcome Steve to the Van Andel Institute,” said VAI Chairman and CEO David Van Andel. “His history of significant contributions to support an organization’s mission, effectiveness and growth will provide substantial benefit and value to the Institute’s overall operation.”
Heacock’s expansive professional background includes executive management, legal and accounting practice and community and government relations. Since 2002, Heacock has served as chief legal and administrative officer, corporate secretary and treasurer and chief financial officer for Ideasphere Inc., a privately held development stage company. In 1997 he joined Priority Health Managed Benefits as vice president of development, general counsel and corporate secretary. Prior to his tenure with Priority Health, Heacock was a partner with the law firm Warner Norcross & Judd and worked for Price Waterhouse as a senior tax accountant. He also served as chair and commissioner on the Kent County Board of Commissioners from 1997 to 2002. Heacock is a graduate of the University of Michigan Law School and Michigan State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting.
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The Van Andel Institute is an independent research organization dedicated to preserving, enhancing, and expanding the frontiers of medical science, and to achieving excellence in education by probing fundamental issues of education and the learning process. Established by the Jay and Betty Van Andel Foundation, its goals include identifying new cancer genes and their proteins, developing new methods for detecting cancer before it becomes life threatening, and identifying new biological targets for therapeutic intervention.
