Dick DeVos is a global businessman, public policy advocate, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and community leader. Dick and his wife, Betsy, have called Michigan home for decades, raising their family and growing their businesses in West Michigan.
As a businessman, Dick has spent his career in a variety of executive positions at national and international organizations including Amway, the National Basketball Association’s (NBA) Orlando Magic, and The Windquest Group.
As president of Amway, Dick was responsible for the company’s operations on six continents and 50 countries. Prior to assuming the presidency, he served as vice president of Amway International, where under his leadership, the company opened new markets and tripled international sales to exceed domestic sales for the first time in the company’s history.
Dick became president and CEO of the Orlando Magic when his family acquired the team in 1991, a role he held for three years. He currently serves on the board of directors for the Orlando Magic.
Dick and Betsy created their own business, The Windquest Group, where he served as president from 2002-2020. Today, he serves as chairman of the privately held enterprise and investment firm, mentoring business leaders and investing in companies to help them succeed and create value for their customers and employees.
In addition to business roles, Dick is a leader in public policy, advocating for policy rooted in free-market capitalism, individual freedom, and opportunity. He was Michigan’s Republican candidate for governor in 2006 and currently serves on the boards of the American Enterprise Institute and the West Michigan Policy Forum. Dick published a New York Times best-selling book, “Rediscovering American Values,” where he discusses the values needed to nurture the foundation of freedom and provide a foundation for the next generation to build upon.
Dick is a leader in the education freedom movement. He started the Education Freedom Fund, which awarded more than 4,000 scholarships to underprivileged children in Michigan. He is the founder of the West Michigan Aviation Academy, a tuition-free public charter high school that aims to provide a rigorous educational program through an aviation focus. He also served on the Michigan State Board of Education.
Dick is committed to helping his hometown of Grand Rapids continue to grow. He serves as the co-chair of Grand Action 2.0, helping to bring transformative projects to the community. Currently, Grand Action 2.0 is engaged in building an amphitheater and soccer stadium in downtown Grand Rapids.
Dick is a two-time national champion sailor, a certified jet aircraft and helicopter pilot, and a graduate of Northwood University. He has been married to Betsy for more than 40 years and they have four children and 13 grandchildren.
leadership positions
The Windquest Group
Chairman, 2020-Present
President, 2002-2020
Amway
Board of Directors, 2019-Present
President, 1993-2002
Orlando Magic (NBA)
Board of Directors, 1994-Present
President and CEO, 1991-1993
Grand Action Committee
1992 – Present
Co-Chairman, 1992-2018
Co-Chairman, Grand Action 2.0, 2020-Present
American Enterprise Institute
Board of Trustees, 2017-Present
Wakestream Ventures
Board of Directors, 2012-Present
West Michigan Aviation Academy
Founder and Board President, Sept. 2010-Present
The Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation
Chairman, 1989 – Present
RDV Corporation
Board of Directors, 1991–Present
Chairman, 2009–2019
Dick is born to Richard and Helen DeVos
Graduates from Forest Hills High School
Begins working full-time at Amway Corporation
Marries Betsy Prince
Graduates from Northwood University
Dick is appointed Amway’s vice president of foreign operations
Dick departs Amway and establishes the Windquest Group
The Dick and Betsy DeVos Family Foundation is founded
Dick is elected to the Michigan State Board of Education
Dick leads the Orlando Magic as president and CEO
Becomes co-chairman of Grand Action Committee
Dick returns to Amway as president, succeeding his father, Rich DeVos
Dick and Betsy co-chair the Education Freedom Fund
Dick’s releases his New York Times bestselling book “Rediscovering American Values”
Dick retires from Amway and leads the Windquest Group as president
Dick is the Republican nominee for Governor of Michigan
Dick opens the West Michigan Aviation Academy, a tuition-free public charter high school
Dick launches and leads the Regional Air Alliance of West Michigan
Dick is appointed chairman of the Spectrum Health System (now Corewell Health) board of directors. He serves on the board for a period of 10 years.
The DeVos Institute of Arts Management is created at the John F. Kennedy Center for Performing Arts
Dick and Betsy open Reserve Wine and Food in downtown Grand Rapids
Dick and his brother, Doug, are inducted into the Direct Sellers Association Hall of Fame
Dick actively campaigns in support of Michigan Right to Work Laws
Dick is honored by his alma mater, Northwood University, at its Outstanding Business Leader Awards
Dick and Betsy team up with neighbors to help create Project Clarity, a community partnership to improve the health and clarity of Lake Macatawa and the Macatawa Watershed.
Dick and his teammates win the Melges 32 Lauderdale Cup Championship
Dick is appointed to the Federal Aviation Administration by U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine L. Chao
Dick spearheads the relaunch of Grand Action, serving as co-chair of Grand Action 2.0
West Michigan Aviation Academy successfully graduates their 100th student pilot
Dick and Grand Action 2.0 begin development exploration for 31 acres of riverfront land in downtown Grand Rapids
Grand Action 2.0 announces Amway’s $33 million gift for professional soccer stadium
