Rick Lasch Appointed to MSU Research Foundation Board of Directors

Entrepreneur, investor, and MSU alumnus Rick Lasch joins the MSU Research Foundation board, bringing startup experience and a history of supporting the university.

Entrepreneur, investor, and MSU alumnus Rick Lasch joins the MSU Research Foundation board, bringing startup experience and a history of supporting the university.

EAST LANSING, Mich. (June 10, 2025) — The MSU Research Foundation announced the appointment of Rick Lasch to its board of directors, effective June 6, 2025. A technology entrepreneur, private investor, and MSU alumnus, Lasch brings a unique blend of startup experience, philanthropic leadership, and deep university engagement.

“Rick’s entrepreneurial background and strong ties to Michigan State make him an outstanding addition to our board,” said David Washburn, Chief Executive Officer of the MSU Research Foundation. “He understands the value of innovation and has a deep appreciation for the university’s role in advancing economic development. He will be a tremendous asset to our work.”

Lasch co-founded healthcare analytics company Medical Reliance Group in 1998 and led its national expansion as CEO. He served on its board until 2013 and remained a significant shareholder through the company’s initial public offering in 2015. Medical Reliance Group later became Inovalon Holdings, Inc., a healthcare technology company specializing in cloud-based data analytics and intervention platforms. His leadership in the startup ecosystem reflects a strong belief in customer-centric growth, team-based management, and the power of strategic partnerships.

Today, Lasch is an active advisor, investor, and board member. He serves on the MSU Athletic Director’s Leadership Council and has been a longtime board member of the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s. He frequently shares his insights with other entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of operational discipline, team alignment, and communication in building lasting businesses.

A committed philanthropist, Lasch and his wife Suzanne supported the construction of the Lasch Family Golf Center, now home to MSU’s men’s and women’s golf programs. The 18,000-square-foot facility includes practice areas, team spaces, and coaching offices, and was part of the university’s Empower Extraordinary campaign to enhance the student-athlete experience.

“MSU gave me the foundation to think critically, build creatively, and lead with purpose,” Lasch said. “Those skills shaped my experience as a founder and continue to guide how I invest in and support others. I’m honored to serve in this role and contribute to the next generation of Spartan innovators and entrepreneurs.”

Lasch holds a Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from the MSU Broad College of Business.