Micki Benz is the 2014 Women of Achievement & Courage in Healthcare – West Michigan honoree in the Community category. The awards were established in 1990 to honor and recognize women whose accomplishments inspire others to achieve their life goals and undertake challenges making a positive difference for individuals, communities, and Michigan.
"This is an exceptional honor for me, because the values of the Michigan Women's Foundation—including improving the lives of those in our communities, treating everyone with respect, and living up to the trust that our stakeholders have placed in us—are remarkably similar to the values of my organization, Mercy Health. When organizations are aligned in their values, we can make a significant impact on the lives of those we serve and strengthen our communities."
Formally trained and educated as an English teacher, Benz worked at Davenport College (now Davenport University) before leaving for a career as vice president of Michigan National Bank (now Bank of America). For the past nineteen years she has served as vice president of Mercy Health Saint Mary's in several senior roles, including fundraising, community development, political advocacy, and communications. She has also taught in the graduate programs at Aquinas College and Grand Valley State University.
Benz has been involved in the community since she moved to Grand Rapids, in the late 1970s. She has served as chair of the Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce board, Leadership Grand Rapids, and Catholic Social Services (now Catholic Charities), and has been appointed to many other community boards and committees, including the Grand Rapids Historical Commission. She serves as vice chair of the East Grand Rapids Library Commission, chair of Pilgrim Manor Board of Trustees, and as a member of the board of Legacy Trust, the Saint Mary's Foundation, and the Literacy Center of West Michigan.
Benz has been the recipient of many awards and honors, including the Athena award and 50 Most Influential Women in West Michigan. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Mount St. Joseph on-the-Ohio in Cincinnati, and her Master of Arts degree from Loyola University of Chicago. She and her husband, John, are parents to Matt, who lives with his wife, Ashley, and their son, Henri, in Paris, France.
Visit here for information on the Women of Achievement & Courage West Michigan Celebration.
