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Former $3B revenue CEO Alan Turfe elected chair of Western Michigan University Board of Trustees
Zoom Home Lending chair now leads WMU Board
Mar. 13, 2026 at 6:03pm
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Former $3 billion revenue CEO Alan Turfe was unanimously elected chair of the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees. Turfe, who currently chairs Zoom Home Lending, the nation's fifth-largest mortgage lending company, will leverage decades of Fortune 500 leadership to drive innovation in University governance and student ROI.
Why it matters
Turfe's extensive experience leading large national enterprises provides a "practical, forward-looking perspective" that will help position WMU to navigate the changing landscape of higher education and better serve students and communities.
The details
One of the board's recent actions was to approve the purchase of a Newell Rubbermaid building in WMU's Business Technology and Research Park to meet future academic, operational and athletic needs in a cost-effective manner. Turfe brings leadership experience across industries including automotive, e-commerce, metals, medical devices, biotechnology, life sciences and pharmacy.
- On March 13, 2026, Alan Turfe was unanimously elected chair of the Western Michigan University Board of Trustees.
The players
Alan Turfe
Former chairman, president and CEO of J M Smith Corp., a $3 billion pharmaceutical distribution and technology company. He has held executive leadership roles with P&L responsibilities at Thermo Fisher Scientific, IDEX Corp., GM and Fresenius Medical Care, and currently serves on the boards of Perigon Health, Detroit Medical Center Rehabilitation Institute and Arkestro.
Russ Kavalhuna
President of Western Michigan University.
What they’re saying
“That ability to think across sectors and champion innovation helps position our University to serve students and our communities.”
— Russ Kavalhuna, President, Western Michigan University
What’s next
One of the board's recent actions was to approve the purchase of a Newell Rubbermaid building in WMU's Business Technology and Research Park to meet future academic, operational and athletic needs in a cost-effective manner.
The takeaway
Turfe's extensive Fortune 500 leadership experience will bring a practical, innovative perspective to the WMU Board of Trustees as they navigate the changing higher education landscape and work to ensure student success.
