By Hilarie Carpenter
The Grand Rapids-Kent County (MI) Convention/Arena Authority (CAA) announced the appointment of Michael B. Verhulst by Experience Grand Rapids to the seven-member board that oversees DeVos Place, DeVos Performance Hall and Van Andel Arena. Verhulst was officially sworn in at the CAA board meeting on Friday, October 7, for a term expiring December 31, 2024.
Verhulst is the Executive Vice President of Strategic Growth for Acrisure Benefits Group. Prior to 
starting this position in April 2022, 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, Inc. for nearly 16 years. Verhulst serves on the boards of 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 recently appointed to the Foundation Board of the Grand Rapids Chamber and is an advisory committee member of ArtPrize Leadership On Canvas.
“I’m thrilled to welcome Mike to the CAA,” said CAA Chairman Rick Winn. “His extensive professional and volunteer experience focused on a number of aspects of community development will be a tremendous asset to our venues. I look forward to working closely with him as we continue to look toward future opportunities.”
“It is an honor to join the CAA and to work alongside the other board members who have had such an impact in the community,” Verhulst said. “I’m excited to contribute to these venues that have proven to be such assets to West Michigan and will work hard to ensure their continued success.”
