Bob Von Kaenal
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For Immediate Release: Contact Bill Herbst, herbst@seyferthpr.com, 616.776.3511

Hope Network Names Local Business Leader as New CEO

Bob Von Kaenel To Lead Evolution of Longtime Service Provider

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (Dec. 8, 2022)
Hope Network, a leading non-profit that provides healthcare and life services across the state, announced today that local business executive Bob Von Kaenel has been selected as their new President & CEO.  Von Kaenel will take over following the retirement of Phil Weaver, who is stepping down after 16 years at the helm.

A values-driven leader, Von Kaenel brings more than three decades of experience working with market-leading domestic and international companies. Most recently, Von Kaenel served as president of Kentwood Office Furniture, an employee-owned company based in Grand Rapids.  Previously, he was an executive at Herman Miller. 

“I am honored to have been selected to lead Hope Network”, said Mr. Von Kaenel. “I feel a calling to serve and am humbled to have the opportunity to build upon Hope Network’s legacy of service.  Our mission to help individuals with physical, social, and mental challenges is essential and noble.  I will be a fighter, an advocate and champion for this mission, while implementing strategies that make our organization a great place to work.”

A search committee chose Von Kaenel for his strong record of accomplishment and his passion for Hope Network’s mission. Von Kaenel was a member of Hope Network’s Board of Trustees for six years, which has given him firsthand knowledge of the organization which provides services to more than 34,000 people across the state thanks to the dedication and hard work of more than 2,800 employees.

“Bob’s direct knowledge of the things that Hope Network accomplishes every day, and his track record of business success makes him the right choice to lead as well as direct our resources where they can do the most good for the most people,” said Patrick Miles, Jr. Hope Network Board of Trustees Vice-Chair. 

Von Kaenel is only the fourth CEO in Hope Network’s history of more than 60 years and he’ll build upon the foundation of strong leadership set by his predecessors. 

“It’s been an honor to lead the dedicated, hard-working employees who help people overcome challenges every day,” said Phil Weaver, Hope Network President & CEO. “It was a blessing I never took for granted, and I look forward to seeing what heights Bob and our hard-working employees can achieve.”

Von Kaenel is a graduate of Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He and his wife Kim are the proud parents of four adult children and have five grandchildren. 

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About Hope Network: Hope Network is a leading statewide non-profit organization that provides healthcare and life services to 34,000 people in more than 240 Michigan communities annually. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the organization’s scope of services is deep and broad, spanning mental health, rehabilitation, transportation, autism, affordable housing, and more. Through a faith-centered mission and the efforts of 2,800 staff members, Hope Network goes to incredible lengths to help people overcome the physical, social, or mental barriers standing in their way.