About Us

Leadership

Chairman and CEO

David Van Andel  is the Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of Van Andel Institute. Son of founders Jay and Betty Van Andel, he is also currently Chairman and CEO of Idea Sphere Inc., is Vice-Chairman of The Right Place Program and is active in numerous business and community organizations. (more...)

george vande woude

Research Director

The current and founding Director of Van Andel Research Institute is George Vande Woude, Ph.D., former Director of the Basic Research Program at NCI-Frederick and Director of the Division of Basic Sciences at the National Cancer Institute. Dr. Vande Woude also serves as Distinguished Scientific Investigator heading the Laboratory of Molecular Oncology at VARI. (more...)

gordon van harn

Education Director

The Director of Van Andel Education Institute is Gordon Van Harn, Ph.D., former Professor of Biology and Provost at Calvin College. He has held membership on the governing board of the Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Rapids Christian Schools, and Christian Schools International. (more...)

Executive Team

  • Steven R. Heacock - Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel
  • R. Jack Frick - Chief Financial Officer
  • Joseph P. Gavan - Vice President of Communications and Development

VARI Deputy Directors 

Graduate School

Trustees

VAEI Council and VAI Graduate School Board