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President & CEO, Wedgwood Christian Services
Best Supporting Man

Throughout his career, Dan Gowdy has demonstrated his intent to promote diversity, advocate for equality and elevate strong talent and good character in the workplace. He firmly believes in leveraging his organization’s strengths, passions and wisdom to provide transformational services to youth and families throughout West Michigan. 

At Wedgwood, Gowdy has initiated an ongoing leadership development program and helped establish an Employee Development fund to provide employees financial assistance to continue their education. Previously, Dan spent 24 years at Hope Network where he led successful grassroots legislative advocacy efforts for autism funding, prison reform, created an agency-wide training program for 2,700 staff, and led efforts to create a Diversity Council. Gowdy, who’s a Native American and Citizen of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma, holds a bachelor of theology and a doctorate in organizational leadership. He’s also a husband, father and “Pops” to a strong little granddaughter.

This recognition, Gowdy explains, represents the hundreds of strong, capable women he’s had the privilege and honor to work with. “In all honesty, they were strong and capable without me,” Gowdy says. “I’ve simply had the opportunity to support them and work alongside them for a part of their journey.”

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