Posted on July 30, 2025
Mary Free Bed CFO and Former Patient Named Leader in Finance
It’s been 15 years since Ryan Podvin graduated from Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital following a spinal cord injury. After completing his rehabilitation, he returned to Mary Free Bed—not just to visit, but to lead. For the past 13 years, Ryan has been a vital part of our finance team, helping guide the hospital’s continued growth with clarity, compassion and strategic vision.
Now, he’s among Crain’s 2025 Grand Rapids Business Notable Leaders in Finance at the very organization he entered as a patient. Crain’s Notable Leaders recognizes best-in-class executives across a range of industries making a difference in their jobs and in their communities.
We’re so grateful for everything Ryan has contributed to our organization over the years,” said Kent Riddle, Mary Free Bed president and CEO. “Mary Free Bed has achieved remarkable growth and stability under Ryan’s leadership, not only because of his guidance but because of who he is as a person.”
Podvin oversees financial strategy for Mary Free Bed, which employs more than 2,400 people and cares for 110,000 patients each year. Podvin also led the financial strategy for Mary Free Bed’s expansion into several other states, including Virginia and West Virginia.
Podvin is also playing a key role in leading Mary Free Bed’s partnership with Corewell Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital to establish Michigan’s first pediatric rehabilitation hospital. The new facility broke ground in August 2024, and is expected to open its doors in Fall of 2026.
Read Ryan’s feature over at Crain’s Grand Rapids Business for their Notable Leaders in Finance.
