GRANDE RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) Serving Western Michigan, Phil Catlett, is officially retiring from his position at the end of the year.
The BBB made the announcement on Monday.
Catlett has served as President & CEO of the BBB Serving Western Michigan for 10 years. Prior to his time with the BBB, Catlett started his career in radio.
Officials say he moved his way up from Account Manager to eventually holding National Sales Manager and Vice President titles for some of the largest radio communications companies serving West Michigan.
Over the years, Catlett has pushed the growth of the BBB Serving Western Michigan to better serve the community with education programs, and to maintain a robust database providing trusted information on companies and charities, officials said.
Catlett managed the local BBB through two office moves, changes in the national structure of the BBB, positive Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives, the pandemic and the changing landscape of the employee workplace.
“Phil’s steady and consistent leadership, particularly in the last 18 months, has been critical to the BBB’s success,” current BBB Chairman of the Board Mark Tomasik said in a statement. “His charismatic presence and ability to command an audience has resulted in the BBB raising its profile throughout west Michigan and particularly within the Grand Rapids business community. I particularly recall Phil standing up on stage at the Econ Club, in a room with close to 1,000 people, and presenting awards to our local businesses here in West Michigan. Phil is always smiling and positive. I can’t recall a single instance over the past 5 years where he wasn’t upbeat and excited about the possibilities that lay ahead.”
The International Association of Better Business Bureaus (IABBB), the network hub for BBBs, has undergone significant structural and process changes over the past 10 years.
Officials say Catlett has worked closely with IABBB leadership and his peers to help those causes and to position BBB Serving Western Michigan as one of the top BBB’s in the system.
“The people and institutions of West Michigan make it a great place to live, work, and enjoy our family.” Catlett said in a statement. “We are blessed. I am grateful to everyone who has been a part of this journey. BBB Accredited Businesses and Charities, The Board of Directors, our talented team of BBB Professionals in West Michigan and throughout North America. The BBB has been around for 109 years now, and I hope this trust-building work will continue with much success for centuries to come.“
The Board of Directors are currently concluding their search for Catlett’s replacement.
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