Mike Goorhouse

Philanthropy Executive
Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area
http://www.cfhz.org
Secondary Education - Math and Spanish
Class of 2008
Alma Mater:
Calvin University
http://calvin.edu

Independent Alum of the Day

Mike Goorhouse is president and CEO of the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area (CFHZ). Mike’s involvement with CFHZ goes back 13 years when he joined the Youth Advisory Committee. He has since spent his entire career in philanthropy including working with private foundations, community foundations and youth grantmakers at the Council of Michigan Foundations, before joining the CFHZ staff in 2012. Mike has been named one of Grand Rapids Business Journal’s top 40 business leaders under the age of 40 and one of the nation’s top 30 Civic Leaders under the age of 30 by the National Conference on Citizenship.

Mike holds a Master of Public Administration in Nonprofit Management from Grand Valley State University as well as a bachelor's degree in secondary education from Calvin College.  He is a Certified Gift Planning Associate and a Certified Fund Raising Manager. Mike has served on numerous nonprofit boards including Kids Food Basket, Learning to Give and the Association for a More Just Society.


My motivation

Wanting to use the skills God has given me to bless the world in as many ways as I can. I have been richly blessed and I do not deserve any of what I have been given, so I believe it is my responsibility to give back to others.

My latest accomplishments

Personally - I was recently named to the Grand Rapids Business Journal's list of top 40 business leaders under the age of 40. I was honored to be the youngest person named to the list this year.

Professionally - Being named as President/CEO of the Community Foundation of the Holland/Zeeland Area was a dream accomplishment. My dream job since I was a sophomore at Calvin was to run a community foundation and it is still a bit surreal to have achieved that goal at such a young age.

Next big goal

The Community Foundation is about to launch a very significant campaign that will have a major impact on the Holland/Zeeland area for generations to come. The goals will be big and I am excited to be a part of leading a successful campaign.

Why is choosing your own path important?

I believe that God calls each and every one of us to pursue a unique path through life. No two journeys are the same and it is important to use your unique skills to bless others.

Favorite place on campus

Tennis Courts

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