Richard Dale "Rick" Snyder (born August 19, 1958) is an American politician, business executive, venture capitalist, and accountant. He is the 48th Governor of Michigan. A member of the Republican Party, he assumed office as the 48th governor of Michigan on January 1, 2011. From 2005 to 2007, Snyder served as the chairman of the board of Gateway, Inc., based in Irvine, California. Prior to his election as governor, he was chairman of the board, chief executive officer, and co-founder of Ardesta LLC, a venture capital firm based out of Ann Arbor, Michigan. Snyder was mentioned as among the possible picks to be the Republican Party candidate for Vice President of the United States in 2012. On February 3, 2014, he announced his candidacy for re-election as Governor of Michigan in 2014.
He was awarded the 2010 Joseph Jefferson Award (Non-Equity Division) for Director of a Play for "Killer Joe" at the Profiles Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.
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He was nominated for a 1999 Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Supporting Role in a Play for "The Beauty Queen of Leenane" at the Steppenwolf Theatre Company in Chicago, Illinois.
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He was nominated for a 1986 Joseph Jefferson Award for Musical Direction for "Quilters" at the Northlight Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.
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An ensemble member of the Steppenwolf Theatre Company.
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He is an accomplished stage actor.
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He has two sons, Jeff (b. 1982) and Ryan (b. 1983) with wife Susan.