Whitmer appoints 2 Michigan business leaders to board of trustees

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer appointed two Michigan business leaders to Grand Valley’s Board of Trustees on December 19.

Brandon Hofmeister, senior vice president; strategy, sustainability and external affairs at Consumers Energy, and GVSU alumnus Jason Trice, co-owner of Flint-based Bedrock Apparel, will join the board for eight-year terms beginning in 2025.

They take over seats previously held by Randy Damstra and Kate Pew Wolters, who left the board as their terms expired.

Trice, who earned a bachelor’s degree from GVSU in 2001, is well known to long-time Laker football fans. He was a 2017 inductee to the Laker Hall of Fame for the three years he spent as a wide receiver. He is a member of the GVSU Football Alumni Board of Directors.

Trice founded Bedrock Apparel in his hometown of Flint in 2017. The brand’s presence has gained a national following, having been featured by several celebrities and in national publications.

“Joining the board and serving GVSU is an honor, representing a chance for me to give back to an institution that is close to my heart,” Trice said. “With many challenges facing higher education, I truly think Grand Valley is well positioned to be a leader in providing innovation for Michigan’s future and unparalleled opportunities for its students.”

Hofmeister joined Consumers Energy in 2013 and has held his current position since March. He holds a bachelor's degree in government from Harvard College and is a Harvard Law School graduate. He served as an assistant professor of law at Wayne State University and as visiting professor of law at the University of Michigan, focusing on energy and climate law and policy.

Previously, Hofmeister was an energy and climate policy advisor and deputy legal counsel to Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm.

“GVSU is a pillar of higher education in Michigan and will play a vital role in shaping the future of our state’s economy,” Hofmeister said. “As a recognized leader in innovation, sustainability and educational value, Grand Valley is well positioned to continue its role as a magnet for talented students and as a resource for employers in all sectors.”

The two join the board as GVSU continues its work toward key initiatives outlined in the Reach Higher 2025 strategic plan and moves forward with growth-oriented projects like the creation of the Blue Dot Lab, an overhaul of the Eberhard Center on the Pew Grand Rapids Campus that is expected to break ground in 2025.

“During this time of truly exciting growth and evolution for Grand Valley, Brandon and Jason’s experience and commitment to our mission are such valuable additions to our board,” said Beth Emmitt, board chair. “GVSU is the flagship university of Michigan’s future, and community-minded leaders like Brandon and Jason help us continue our tradition of excellence, innovation and equitable access as well as guide our future success.”