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Ron is the seventh generation of his family to live in the Ann Arbor-Ypsilanti communties. Educated at Eastern Michigan Universtiy and the University of Michigan, Ron is Vice President of Development at Eastern Michigan University, where he returned after working for seven years as Vice President for Development for the Detroit Institute of Arts. Very active in the community, Ron serves on a number of boards including the Ann Arbor Street Art Fair, Ann Arbor Summer Festival, Scarab Club in Detroit, and the Ypsilanti Fund of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation. Ron also works closely with the Ann Arbor Convention and Visitors Bureau and maintains his longtime involvement with the St. Joseph Mercy Hospital Special Events Committee. With his family connections, and as part of his previous job as Assistant to the President of Eastern Michigan University, Ron has been either in charge or involved with most of the major events to take place in Washtenaw County for many years. Ron was directly responsible for the Parade of Sails in 1985 (historic sailing vessels) that served as the primary public interactive forum for the State of Michigan Sesquicentennial Celebration. As he broadens his activities into Detroit, Ron will have the chance to expand his knowledge about the people and programs throughout Michigan. Ron also serves as organist of the First United Methodist Church in Ypsilanti. The Ross/Simon/Matthews/Miller family has worshiped with this congregation for over 150 years. The 36 rank Lewis and Hitchcock pipe organ was donated by family friends, and enhanced in the mid 1980's as memorial to Ron's late Father.

Ron considers his greatest fortune to be the ability to travel the world. Always ready for adventure, Ron has explored most of Europe, traveled extensively in both North and South America, touched a small portion of Northern Africa, and journeyed throughout Asia. Often arm and arm with his good friend Sioux Shelton, their adventures have brought them in contact with the rich and poor, the famous and infamous. They have had the good fortune to obtain introductions to world reknown individuals including the Pope, the Queen of England, various ambassadors, the Prince of Monaco, shieks from Saudi, leaders of industry and popular figures including the late designer, Gianni Versace. Through their spirit, will and very strong determination, they have visited places not opened to tourists, and experienced events and local customs that happen only by chance and very lucky timing. The new century started with a trip to Paris and London. Next up - Africa for a camel safari, then off to Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi. Ron and Sioux laughingly tell people that they have police records in seven countries. Believe it!