After spending time in the Michigan State Senate, this prominent Republican figure went on to become the forty-sixth Governor of his state, a role he held with distinction from 1991 all the way through 2003. Before rising to national prominence, he laid the foundation for his career by earning a degree in economics from Michigan State University. He then pursued his legal education and received his J.D. from Western Michigan University’s Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Remarkably, at just twenty-two years old, he began his political journey serving in the Michigan House of Representatives—showing early promise and dedication. His first marriage, which was to fellow Michigan legislator Colleen House Engler, lasted from 1975 until 1986. Later, he found personal happiness again when he married attorney Michelle DeMunbrun. Together, they welcomed triplet girls, adding a joyful chapter to his life beyond public service. Throughout it all, his name remained synonymous with leadership, resilience, and family values—qualities that defined both his professional and personal legacy.
He held the position of C.E.O. at the National Association of Manufacturers, or NAM, from 2004 all the way through 2011. During that time, he played a key role in shaping the organization’s direction, and his leadership left a lasting impact. He was widely recognized for his dedication, and under his guidance, NAM advanced its mission significantly. His tenure as C.E.O. spanned seven years, marking a pivotal chapter in the association’s history.