Downtown Market Welcomes Two New Board Members

Posted on June 21, 2021 by Downtown Market

The Grand Rapids Downtown Market, the region’s preeminent destination for innovative food experiences, today announced the addition of Melissa Collar and Richard MacKeigan as new members of the Board of Directors. Collar, Chief Counsel and VP of Strategic Partnerships for Rockford Construction, joined the Board in May. MacKeigan serves as ASM Global’s Regional General Manager, and joined the Board earlier this month.

“Melissa and Richard bring unique expertise to the Downtown Market Board of Directors,” said Charlie Secchia, Board Chair. “Melissa’s extensive experience in real estate law and Rich’s background in large venue and event management are complementary to the Board’s efforts as we continue to foster growth and innovation within the Market.”

In her role with Rockford Construction, Melissa directs and manages the company’s legal needs, strategic planning, business development and community involvement. With more than 25 years of legal experience with real estate, construction and development, Melissa offers a broad background of diverse experience ranging from public-private partnerships (P3s), renewable energy projects, mixed-use developments, health care hubs, and entertainment venues. She is also a licensed real estate broker.

Melissa joined Rockford Construction in May of 2020, having previously been a partner at Warner, Norcross & Judd LLP for over 25 years. Collar is chair of the Real Property Section of the State Bar Association of Michigan, and was named the 2015 and 2018 Grand Rapids Real Estate Lawyer of the Year. 

Richard MacKeigan joined ASM Global as General Manager of the Van Andel Arena, DeVos Performance Hall and DeVos Place, and serves as the Executive Director for the

Grand Rapids-Kent County Convention/Arena Authority. As ASM Global’s Regional General Manager and Regional Booking Director, he has built relationships with booking agents, promoters, managers and artists in an effort to increase bookings and provide a superior customer experience. Before coming to Grand Rapids in 1998, MacKeigan held marketing and management roles with large scale sports arenas in Ottawa, Canada and Miami, Florida. 

Richard is presently on the Executive Board of Directors for Experience Grand Rapids and a member of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM). He is also involved with Hospice of Grand Rapids, the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce and is on the board of Directors for the Economic Club of Grand Rapids.