Dick DeVos Biography

A graduate of Northwood University, Dick DeVos has spent his career working in a variety of positions at Amway, the NBA’s Orlando Magic, and The Windquest Group. He is also the founder and chairman of Regional Airline Alliance of West Michigan (RAAWM), a private sector initiative dedicated to providing world-class commercial air service in the region, and West Michigan Aviation Academy (WMAA), a High School that aims to provide a rigorous educational program, through an aviation focus, preparing students for unlimited opportunities, including college achievement, career success, and engaged citizenship.

While working at Amway DeVos held responsibility for all aspects of operation and strategic planning in 50 countries and six continents for Alticor, including its subsidiary companies Amway Corporation and Access Business Group. Alticor is engaged in direct selling, e-commerce selling, product development, manufacturing and logistics. In his final fiscal year ending August, 2002, Alticor reported sales of $4.5 billion

As Amway’s Vice President – International, he held responsibility for the company’s operations in 18 countries. Under his leadership, the company opened new markets and tripled international sales to exceed domestic sales for the first time in company history.

Along with his career, DeVos is active in a wide range of community initiatives. He chaired the Education Freedom Fund, which awarded more than 4,000 scholarships to underprivileged children in Michigan, started a charter school, and has served on the State Board of Education.

He was the Republican candidate for Governor of Michigan in 2006.

He has lead as chair/co-chair various Grand Rapids area downtown revitalization and regional health care improvements including a $75M arena, $212M convention center, and a $130M heart hospital, as well as a $90M medical school.

His New York Times best-selling book, “Rediscovering American Values” was published in 1997 and is available in seven languages.

DeVos currently serves as the President of the Windquest Group, a Grand Rapids-based firm he founded in 1989 with his wife, Betsy, that invests in technology, clean energy solutions, manufacturing and other growing sectors of our nation’s economy that create jobs and sustain local communities.

DeVos is a two-time National Champion sailor, a qualified jet aircraft and helicopter pilot, and a product of both the Harvard and Wharton Executive Study programs.

DeVos has been married to the former Betsy Prince for over 30 years and they have seven children and one granddaughter.