RICK CHAPLA

Rick is a life-long citizen and resident of West Michigan.  He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Urban Studies from Aquinas College and a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Michigan.  For 16 years, he helped rebuild the City of Muskegon’s lakefront while serving as the Director of Planning and Economic Development.  

As a consultant with WW Engineering and Science, Rick specialized in government relations, grant writing, strategy development and problem-solving services for many communities. He joined The Right Place, Inc. as Vice President of Strategic Initiatives where he helped propel and direct the reconstruction of the City of Grand Rapids Economic Development Department and created its Brownfield Redevelopment Authority.  

A regionalist thinker, Rick helped create partnerships and organizations within the West Michigan region advancing economic development and governmental collaboration. Today, he operates an incorporated consulting practice.