My 1st Gig: Finding Leadership in the “Assistant To” Role — with Megan Rydecki
How Megan Rydecki Built Her Career on Curiosity and Community
Before she led one of West Michigan’s premier leadership programs, Megan Rydecki was answering phones, managing calendars, and learning the rhythms of local government as the assistant to the city manager in Wyoming, Michigan. That “to” matters, she jokes — a nod to The Office’s Dwight Schrute — but the distinction is fitting. The role wasn’t glamorous, but it became the foundation for everything that followed.
“It was my first job out of college,” she says. “And it gave me an instant network. I was sitting at the top of the pyramid, learning how everything in the city worked — and I just soaked it all up.”
That early role turned out to be a masterclass in leadership, communication, and community. Working directly with the city manager and deputy city manager, Megan was exposed to urban planning, development, and the often messy beauty of local politics. “Young people today don’t always look for assistant roles,” she notes. “But it was an amazing way to learn. I got direct feedback, I got to watch leaders in action, and I built relationships that shaped my career.”
From Wyoming to Washington — and Back Again
After her internship in Wyoming turned into a full-time position, Megan thought she might head to Washington, D.C., to work in international development. She eventually did — joining a USAID project focused on Afghanistan. Living on Capitol Hill and walking past the Capitol each day was thrilling, but she soon realized something important: while D.C. was exciting, her impact felt distant.
“In a big arena like D.C., you’re part of a much larger machine,” she says. “In West Michigan, you can see the results of your work. People are accessible. Collaboration moves fast. You can really make a difference here.”
That realization brought her back home, where she joined The Right Place to work in economic development before moving into community affairs at Consumers Energy and, later, higher education. Through every turn, that first gig kept echoing back — a reminder of what it means to build community, one conversation at a time.
Building a City — and a Legacy
During her time with the City of Wyoming, Megan had a hand in projects that are still shaping the community today. She remembers working along the 28th Street corridor, a stretch that has evolved into the city’s future City Center — a mixed-use district complete with housing, greenspace, and a planned pedestrian bridge connecting to Pinery Park.
“I’ll drive through there someday with my son,” she says, “and I’ll tell him, ‘I was part of that.’”
It’s a small but powerful statement — one that reflects the long arc of public service. The work may not always make headlines, but its impact endures.
Lessons for Young Professionals
Now, as Director of the Hauenstein Center for Presidential Studies at Grand Valley State University, Megan leads the Peter C. Cook Leadership Academy, a year-long cohort that helps students develop self-awareness and practical leadership skills.
When she talks to students about launching their careers, her message is simple: the best leaders don’t always start in the spotlight.
“You don’t need to be the one standing at the front of the room,” she says. “Be the person who shows up, follows through, and pays attention. Consistency and curiosity go a long way.”
Her advice echoes the lessons from her early days at City Hall — learn by watching, ask good questions, and remember that proximity is the ultimate teacher.
Owning Who You Are — and Where You Are
In the latter half of the episode, Allie, Ryan, and Megan explore something close to all their hearts: what makes mid-sized cities like Grand Rapids special — and how communities can attract and retain talent without pretending to be something they’re not.
“Everywhere has an indoor season,” Megan laughs. “For us, it’s snow. For other places, it’s hurricanes or extreme heat. The point is, own it. Build community around it. Make your place the best version of itself.”
It’s a sentiment that feels right at home in West Michigan — and one that mirrors Megan’s own path. Whether she’s helping shape students into thoughtful leaders or championing projects that make cities stronger, her story is a reminder that leadership starts not with a title, but with showing up, paying attention, and caring deeply about where you live.
Listen to this episode of My First Gig wherever you get your podcasts.
If Megan’s story resonated with you, share it with someone starting their own journey — maybe the next great “assistant to” who’s about to find their way into leadership.