Megan Rydecki
Director
Megan Rydecki joined the Hauenstein Center in January 2023. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations and a Masters in Public Administration, both from Grand Valley State University.
Prior to joining the Hauenstein Center, Megan spent time in the public, private and nonprofit sectors, serving at the City of Wyoming, International City/County Management Association, The Right Place, CQL, and most recently, Consumers Energy. Her community involvement is extensive, highlighted by service to Grand Rapids Whitewater, the Grand Rapids Public Museum, and the Board of Trustees at Grand Valley State University. These experiences have allowed Megan to recognize the leadership potential in everyone, and she is dedicated to empowering the next generation of leaders for the betterment of the world.
In her free time, Megan enjoys traveling with her husband, Noel, playing with her rambunctious dog, Sir Edmund, running with friends and enjoying community.
Contact: [email protected]
Brent Holmes
Associate Director
Brent Holmes joined the Hauenstein Center in February 2018. He served as the acting director from September 2020 to January 2023. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Human Resource Management from Davenport University.
Prior to joining the Hauenstein Center, he worked with Gaylord Community Schools as a Student Support Specialist. Brent is a U.S. Army veteran with 20+ years of leadership instruction and training, as well as recruitment experience with young adults. He is passionate about all the things that Colonel Ralph Hauenstein saw were necessary in the presidential studies center – most of all, the development of the leadership, talent, and capacity for service in the rising generation.
In his free time, Brent enjoys spending time at the camper with his wife, Julie, and their family, watching college sports, and traveling.
Contact: [email protected]
Kahler Sweeney
Program Manager, Common Ground Initiative
Kahler Sweeney joined the Hauenstein Center in August 2022. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Public Administration and a Master of Public Administration from Grand Valley State University.
Previously, Kahler worked as the Main Street Manager for the City of Otsego. Before graduating, he worked as the diversity, equity, and inclusion graduate assistant at the Dorothy A. Johnson Center for Philanthropy, participated in the Hauenstein Center’s Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy and served in the Michigan Army National Guard. His leadership philosophy is action-oriented, believing that everyone can find ways to engage directly with the issues they care most about.
In his free time, Kahler enjoys working towards his annual reading goal, trying not to crash his drone, volunteering, and visiting cities large and small with his wife, Megan.
Contact: [email protected]