Legacy Trust Services — West Michigan

Board Members

Legacy Trust is governed by a Board of Directors sharing our vision of providing clients with a financial partner focused on the financial well-being of its clientele predicated on accountability, performance and unsurpassed customer service.

Please click the links below for our Board of Directors’ profiles.

Lynn Afendoulis

Lynn Afendoulis, director of corporate communications at Universal Forest Products, Inc., has 30 years of extensive experience in media and corporate communications, including nine at Universal Forest Products. In her current role with the nearly $2 billion manufacturer of wood and wood-alternative products, Afendoulis is responsible for public and investor relations, internal communications and community affairs. Previously, she held positions as a reporter for The Grand Rapids Press and The Tampa Tribune, and as a senior consultant for the former Greystone Group, a consulting firm that had offices in Washington, D.C., Grand Rapids and Chicago. Afendoulis has used her communications experience and her commitment to community to benefit many non-profit organizations as well as her church. She currently chairs the Grand Rapids Student Advancement Foundation and has served on numerous boards, including Opera Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Youth Commonwealth, Circle Theatre and her church, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church. Afendoulis holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Michigan State University.

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Micki Benz

Micki Benz, Vice President of Regional Communications and Advocacy at Saint Mary's Healthcare, serves as spokeswoman for the health system and oversees the political advocacy process.  In her prior role as Chief Development Officer for St. Mary's, Mrs. Benz  developed and managed several major capital campaigns bringing in $62 million over the past 15 years.  Prior to joining Saint Mary's, she served as First Vice President of Business Development for Michigan National Bank, which is now Bank of America.  Mrs. Benz is committed to the local community and has volunteered actively for dozens of organizations and committees over the years, including her past positions as Chair of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce Board and Grand Rapids Urban League, as well as volunteer positions with Pilgrim Manor Retirement Community, Catholic Social Services, Downtown Grand Rapids YMCA and many others.  She has received numerous awards including the Athena Award from the Greater Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, and has been recognized among the most influential women in West Michigan by both the Grand Rapids Business Journal and Business Review.  Mrs. Benz received her undergraduate degree from the College of Mount St. Joseph on-the-Ohio and a master's degree in English from Loyola University of Chicago.

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Steven R. Heacock

Steven R. Heacock, has extensive experience in executive management, legal and accounting practice, and public service. He recently served as Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel for the Van Andel Institute, an independent research organization focused on cancer research. From 2002 to 2005, Mr. Heacock was the Chief Legal Officer and Chief Financial Officer of IdeaSphere, Inc., a privately held manufacturer of nutritional supplements and earth-friendly products. For five years, Mr. Heacock was an executive with Priority Health Managed Benefits, Inc., a dominant West Michigan health plan provider. For thirteen years, Mr. Heacock was an associate and partner with Warner Norcross & Judd, West Michigan’s largest law firm, where he specialized in tax litigation, general business and healthcare. Prior to law school, Mr. Heacock was a CPA with Price Waterhouse in Detroit. Mr. Heacock served as Chairman of the Kent County Board of Commissioners from 2000-2002 and continues to be a committed community leader serving on the boards of numerous social and economic development agencies. Mr. Heacock received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State University and a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of Michigan.

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Michael R. Julien

Michael R. Julien, is Vice President Taxes & Administration for Meijer Stores, a major retailer headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan with 182 supercenters and 60,000 employees in five Midwestern states. His current responsibilities include supervising the tax and administrative areas of Meijer and providing financial guidance and advice to and coordinating tax and financial planning matters and outside business interests for members of the Meijer family. Prior to joining Meijer in 1995, Mr. Julien spent 21 years with Arthur Andersen LLP as partner and lead tax consultant to client companies and family owners. In that capacity he developed close working relationships with prominent business leaders and families throughout West Michigan. Mr. Julien has served on the board of Cascade Charter Township since 1990 and currently serves as Township Supervisor. He is advisor to the Frederik Meijer Gardens Foundation, treasurer of the Frederik Meijer Charitable Trust and a trustee and treasurer of the Tassell-Wisner-Bottrall Foundation. He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan and is a certified public accountant.

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Wilbur A. Lettinga

Wilbur A. Lettinga is founder, chairman and CEO of Kentland Corp., a development company that owns and manages manufactured housing and recreational vehicle communities. He was the co-founder, chairman and CEO of Laser Alignment, Inc., a manufacturer of precision measurement instruments for the construction industry. He was also the founder and president of Lettinga & Associates LLC, a certified public accounting firm that he started in 1957. Active in the community, Lettinga serves as treasurer of the Spectrum Health Foundation Board and president of Hope Network Foundation Board. He served as chair of the Davenport University Board of Trustees for 14 years and continues to serve on the board, as well as on the Davenport Foundation Board of Trustees. Mr. Lettinga graduated from Davenport University in 1955; he has also received an honorary doctorate degree and distinguished alumni award.

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Bonnie K. Miller

Bonnie K. Miller, is a retired Senior Vice President with United Bank of Michigan. Ms. Miller possesses a strong background in banking as evidenced by her 37-year career in commercial banking and management with United Bank of Michigan. She was instrumental in developing organizational policies surrounding effective risk management and regulatory compliance. Ms. Miller continues to serve on the boards of United Bank of Michigan and the parent holding company, United Community Financial Corporation. Presently, she chairs the Audit Committee for United Bank. In addition to her banking credentials, Ms. Miller has been extensively involved as a volunteer or leader with numerous community organizations. This dedication has brought her several community service awards and honors. While her passions are abundant, she has been intensely drawn to organizations that assist women attain economic self-sufficiency along with those promoting multi-cultural understanding and racial healing. She currently serves on the board of directors for the Grand Rapids Community Foundation. Ms. Miller received her undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan.

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Mark A. Schut

Mark A. Schut, is a partner with Hendon & Slate, a multioffice full service CPA firm serving West Michigan for the past 25 years.  Prior to joining Hendon & Slate, Mark owned and operated his own tax, accounting and financial consulting firm, Mark A. Schut, CPA, PLC.  Both at Hendon & Slate and with his own firm, Mark has focused on the financial and accounting needs of many individual clients and well-known, high net worth families throughout West Michigan. He has worked as a certified public accountant with both large and medium-sized accounting firms and has further experience as an executive with a closely held real estate development corporation. Mr. Schut has held leadership positions with his church and has served on the board of directors of Mel Trotter Ministries since 1988. Mr. Schut received his undergraduate degree in business administration from Michigan State University and his Master of Science degree in accounting from Central Michigan University.

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Michael R. VanGessel

Michael R. VanGessel, a founding partner, president and CEO of Rockford Construction Co., brings nearly three decades of business experience in management, finance and human resources to the Legacy Trust Board of Directors. From the beginning of his career, Mr. VanGessel has helped Rockford grow from a two-person firm to a 200+ person firm with more that $350 million in annual revenues. Under his leadership, Rockford has completed major projects including the new J.W. Marriott in Grand Rapids, Williams Arena Station as well as projects for Meijer, Wolverine World Wide, Saint Mary’s Health Care and other area businesses. Dedicated to the community, Mr. VanGessel serves on the President’s Advisory Council of Davenport University and as a board trustee for its foundation. He is on the board of the West Michigan Minority Contractors Association, Calvin College Business Alliance, Keystone Community Church and several other area organizations. Mr. VanGessel is a member of the Young Presidents Organization, Greater Grand Rapids Home Builders Association, Economics Club of Grand Rapids and a volunteer at Guiding Light Mission. A native of Grand Rapids, he received his undergraduate degree from Michigan State in construction management.

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