The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes individuals who formed the foundation of Michigan’s entrepreneurial and investment community, paving the way for the next generation with their leadership and expertise.
Jody Vanderwel has been actively involved with Grand Angels, which invests in early-stage businesses since 2005. From 2005 – 2016 she served as president of the organization. Since her retirement as president at the end of 2016, she has continued as a member of the investment committee of Grand Angels Venture Fund II, LLC, and of the board of Grand Angels. During her tenure, Grand Angels invested about $23,000,000 in 39 companies through 105 rounds of financing. Governor Snyder appointed Jody to the Michigan Strategic Fund Board, and she is currently a member of the Michigan Venture Capital Association Board, the Michigan Accelerator Fund I Advisory Board, the Baker Publishing Group Board, and the Fuller Theological Seminary Board.