Ruth I. Van Vliet

Ruth serves as the Chief of Staff for Dennis Archer, Jr. Overseeing his parent company sixteen42 ventures, which houses the portfolio of companies, (Ignition Media Group, ACS, Central Kitchen + Bar and The Vinyl Society) investments, and properties of Dennis Archer, Jr. Acting as a trusted advisor and proxy to the CEO, Ruth represents company leadership at key meetings, negotiations, and strategic engagements, ensuring alignment with business objectives and driving seamless execution.

Ruth began her career in early childhood education, where she spent several years as a teacher in the Michigan School Readiness Program (MSRP). Dedicated to fostering early childhood development, she cultivated skills in curriculum planning, team collaboration, and student engagement. However, inspired by her desire to expand her impact beyond the classroom, she pivoted to the business sector in 2011. She took on a role as the Executive Operations Manager and Motivational Support Leader at VIP Fitness, where she applied her organizational expertise and people-centric mindset to build scalable business processes. During her time at VIP Fitness Ruth shaped the company’s motivational culture, helping over 6,000 clients achieve their health goals. She also played a key role in the company’s expansion from one to three locations, demonstrating her ability to drive growth and operational efficiency.

Following her success in the fitness industry, Ruth further refined her skills in finance, operations, and project management at Harbour Results, Inc., a manufacturing consulting firm. As the Executive Office Manager, Financial Controller, and Special Projects Coordinator, she managed financial reporting, budgeting, and special initiatives overseeing Harbour IQ’s assessment services , contributing to the company’s profitability and process improvements. Her role allowed her to develop expertise in financial operations and strategic project execution.

Beyond her professional achievements, Ruth is deeply committed to philanthropy and community service. She actively fundraises and volunteers for several organizations, as a cancer survivor she is deeply committed to Melanoma awareness, working with Game on Cancer, and Connect Melanoma. A parent to two hearing impaired children led to her involvement with the Hearing Association of Michigan. She also works with the Rhonda Walker Foundation, Avalon Healing Center, Forgotten Harvest and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Her dedication to giving back reflects her ongoing mission to make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.

Ruth Van Vliet’s unique journey from educator to business leader is marked by her strategic vision, operational expertise, and unwavering commitment to growth, innovation, and making a lasting impact.