Grand Rapids Chamber hires VP of business, talent development

Attah Obande. Courtesy Grand Rapids Chamber

The Grand Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce hired the former co-director of SpringGR as vice president of business and talent development.

The Grand Rapids Chamber said Tuesday, April 19, it appointed Attah Obande to the role. He succeeds Dante Villarreal, who now is COO of Grand Rapids Law Group.

Obande will serve as a member of the chamber’s leadership team and will be responsible for the strategic direction of the chamber’s business growth-related services and initiatives. He will oversee the talent development, inclusion, and business services teams and programs.

“We are thrilled to add Attah’s expertise to our team as we continue to work toward supporting our business community and fostering a thriving and prosperous West Michigan for all,” said Rick Baker, president and CEO of the Grand Rapids Chamber. “Attah’s extensive background in business development and coaching entrepreneurs will be an incredible asset for our programs and how we serve our 2,400 members.”

Obande previously served as director of dream fulfillment at SpringGR, an entrepreneur development program working to expand the intellectual, social and financial capital of entrepreneurs with limited access to resources. His role included oversight of the program, business development and business coaching.

An inspirational speaker, certified coach and business leader, Obande also is founder and dream igniter of AGO Design Group, a consulting company working to empower individuals to live intentional lives. He is CEO of iNFable Socks, a social justice and awareness sock brand that connects the public to various causes with a portion of the proceeds from sock sales directed to charities to promote social responsibility.

“I am eager to put my experiences to practice with the Grand Rapids Chamber,” Obande said. “I look forward to serving the West Michigan business community as we position our members for success and growth.”

Obande grew up in a family of entrepreneurs in Nigeria. His dad was an attorney in private practice and owned a dry-cleaning business, a factory and a school, and his mother owned a hair salon and fashion design company.

Obande holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Calvin University and a Master of Business Administration from Cornerstone University.

People can contact Obande at attah@grandrapids.org.