Legacy Trust, the largest private trust bank headquartered in Grand Rapids, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michelle Van Dyke to its Board of Directors. Van Dyke is widely recognized throughout the area for her business instincts, banking experience and civic leadership.
Since 2016, Van Dyke has served as the president and CEO of Heart of West Michigan United Way in Grand Rapids. Under her leadership, the organization invested more than $17 million in the community in 2022-23, supporting 568 nonprofit agencies and more than 63,000 people in Kent County.
Prior to joining United Way, Van Dyke served as president of Fifth Third Mortgage Company. It was one of several senior-level positions she held during a stellar 30-year career with the bank. She joined Fifth Third in 2001 through the acquisition of Old Kent Bank, and over the next 15 years assumed a number of leadership roles including, president and CEO of the Western Michigan affiliate, regional president for each of Fifth Third Bank’s Michigan affiliates and was also responsible for leading the affiliates in St. Louis and Ohio in 2011. While at Old Kent, Van Dyke served as senior vice president and manager of the Central U.S. Mortgage region. She was named president of Old Kent Bank, Illinois, in 2000.
“Michelle has been a visionary business and civic leader in Grand Rapids for decades, and the entire community has benefited from her efforts,” said Tracey Hornbeck, president and CEO of Legacy Trust. “Her C-suite experience in the banking industry is second to none. She brings a blend of financial insight and civic commitment to every room she enters. We are thrilled to add her to our Board.”
After concluding her career with Fifth Third Bank, Van Dyke was appointed to serve on the Fifth Third West Michigan Advisory Board of Directors, a role she fulfilled for eight years. She added to her community involvement late last year when she accepted an appointment to the Steering Committee of the Kent County 2050 regional visioning process. The Steering Committee provides oversight and input into the overall planning process and serves as advisors and decision-makers on the final vision.
“It’s a great honor to join the other highly respected leaders on the Legacy Trust Board,” said Van Dyke. “I have tremendous respect for the company’s locally-based leadership, and their individualized approach to investment strategies, wealth management and trust services. It’s the kind of personalized service that all customers desire.”
Van Dyke has received several prestigious business awards during her career, including being named one of American Banker’s “25 Most Powerful Women in Banking” four times between 2007 and 2014, and a “Woman to Watch” in 2005, 2010, 2011, and 2015. She also was recognized six times as one of “The 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan” by the Grand Rapids Business Journal. And, just last year, she was named one of the 200 Most Influential Business Leaders in West Michigan by Crain’s Grand Rapids Business.
“Michelle is an extraordinary business, banking and community leader who possesses a level of professional experience that can benefit any organization she’s affiliated with,” said Legacy Trust Board Chair, Steve Heacock. “She will bring great insight to our organization. We’re confident her wisdom will help our firm grow and benefit our customers and shareholders.”
Van Dyke also serves on the Davenport University Board of Trustees. Her appointment to the Legacy Trust Board was finalized on January 26, 2024.