Grand Rapids, MI – March 31, 2025 – Cascade Engineering is pleased to announce the appointment of Eric Van Namen as the company’s eighth President, effective April 2, 2025. This leadership transition follows months of collaboration and thorough external assessments of potential candidates. Along with this transition, the company would like to express its heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Greg Bylsma as he announces his retirement after serving as President for the past three years.

Christina Keller, Cascade Engineering’s Board Chair and CEO, shared, “When Greg joined our team, we knew it was going to be for a short time. Under his leadership, we saw incredible success in our organizational journey towards improved financial visibility, acumen, and results, while retaining our vitally important Triple Bottom Line philosophies and culture. We are on solid financial footing, reinvesting, and growing with exciting opportunities ahead. We are grateful for his contributions and wish him the best in his next chapter.”

Greg Bylsma will join the Cascade Engineering Board of Directors, continuing to provide valuable insight and strategic guidance. Reflecting on his decision to retire, Greg shared, “After much reflection, I have decided it is time to step down and spend more time with my family, including my new grandchild. It has been an incredible honor to serve for the last three years, and I have full confidence in Eric to continue our work as an innovative solution provider to our customers. I look forward to supporting him as he leads Cascade Engineering into the future.”

Eric Van Namen has been with Cascade Engineering since September 2022, serving as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), where he has played a pivotal role in developing and executing the company’s financial strategy. As President, Eric will lead the Office of the President, which includes the following senior executives: Kenyatta Brame, Executive Vice President; Linda Brunzell, Vice President of Commercial Sales and Marketing; Steve Bushong, Vice President of Operations; and Scott Downer, Vice President of Cascade Cart Solutions. Eric will also work closely with CEO Christina Keller on the company’s growth and strategic direction.

Christina Keller expressed her enthusiasm about Eric's appointment, saying, “Eric is culturally aligned with Cascade Engineering and has already made a significant positive impact during his tenure as CFO. He is transparent, motivated, a true servant leader, and a team player. We could not be more excited to have him as the new President of Cascade Engineering.”

With nearly 30 years of experience in accounting, finance, sales, and operations, Eric has held executive positions at Lambert & Co., ODL, Inc., and Deloitte. He brings a wealth of experience, including leadership in financial analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and strategic planning, working with companies ranging from startups to large multinational organizations.

Eric shared his excitement about stepping into the role of President, saying, “I am incredibly honored to lead Cascade Engineering into its next chapter. This is an opportunity to continue the Company’s legacy of the Triple Bottom Line and to work with our talented team to further our mission of growth, sustainability, and excellence. Together, we will strive to create a lasting positive impact on our community, the environment, and our financial performance.

Eric holds a Bachelor’s degree from Hope College and a Master’s degree from Western Michigan University. He is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MACPA). Eric also serves on the board of Starlite Shores Family Camp and Overhead Door Company of Grand Rapids and is an active volunteer with Hand to Hand Ministries.

About Cascade Engineering:  Cascade Engineering is a U.S. based plastics engineering and manufacturing company headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Founded in 1973, the company is guided by its Triple Bottom Line of people, planet, and profit; and is proud to be a woman owned business.  Cascade Engineering is committed to being the highest value partner to our customers, by shaping ideas in plastics.