J.C. Huizenga is a member of the Board of Directors of the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.
Huizenga is an entrepreneur, education reformer and business leader. He is the chairman of and founder of Huizenga Group, which operates seven diverse manufacturing companies, a commercial contracting firm, and a consumer products packaging company.
In 1995, Huizenga began (and presently chairs) National Heritage Academies, now serving over 51,000 students in 76 schools across nine states. National Heritage was founded out of Huizenga’s conviction that every child deserves the opportunity to achieve their dreams. National Heritage was listed in Inc. magazine’s “500 Fastest Growing Private Companies” four consecutive years.
In 2008, Huizenga launched a high school initiative, PrepNet, which operates 4 charter high schools serving over 1,600 students in Michigan. These high schools have been recognized for high achievement with challenged students. In 2013, PrepNet was listed in Inc. Magazine’s “500 Fastest Growing Private Companies.”
In Michigan, Huizenga is known for his active volunteer leadership and philanthropy, serving on boards such as the Seidman School of Business advisory board, the Grand Valley State University Foundation board, and the Salvation Army Divisional Advisory board.
In addition to being a member of the Mackinac Center's Board of Directors, Huizenga has also chaired the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, served as a national judge for Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year competition and is a member of the Acton Institute board of trustees.
Beyond Michigan, Huizenga’s volunteerism can be seen in his work as past chair of the Haggai Institute International Board and chair of the U.S. board of Stephen’s Children, a Middle East organization dedicated to serving the needs of underprivileged children in Cairo, Egypt.
Through the years, Huizenga has been recognized for his accomplishments in business as well as his leadership in school reform and his worldwide philanthropy.
Huizenga earned a bachelor’s degree in economics from Hope College in Holland, Michigan and his MBA from Michigan State University. J.C. and his wife, Tammy, live in the Grand Rapids area. He has one son, David.
