Age
36
Occupation / Current Position
Assistant Prosecuting Attorney - Kent County
Education
Juris Doctorate - Western Michigan Thomas M. Cooley Law School, Bachelors BA Finance - Grand Valley State University
Experience & Qualifications
As an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Kent County since 2015, I have litigated thousands of cases throughout the District and Circuit Courts. I have tried countless jury trials ranging from simple misdemeanor offenses to First Degree Murder. Additionally, I represent local law enforcement in civil filings, and I have extensive experience in the treatment courts throughout Kent County.
As an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, I have made my career in the same place where Judges preside; inside of the courtroom. I have handled thousands of cases in my career and have tried countless jury trials. This experience has tested my knowledge of the laws, rules of evidence, and court rules. It is only with this experience that a Judge will be properly equipped to make the split second decisions that have a lasting impact on the people who appear before them. Additionally, my judgment has already been tested. As an APA, it is my decision on whether to file charges, what offers to make, and whether or not to proceed with a case. My experience, temperament, and judgment has earned me the endorsement of 19 Kent County Judges.
The biggest challenge facing the 63rd District Court is the volume of cases. It is the reason the new seat was added. As an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney, I have been assigned to numerous judges throughout my career. It was and is my responsibility to run their dockets efficiently while maintaining justice in our community. I have run three district court Judges dockets by myself at the same time. Having the ability to manage a high volume case load while maintaining justice for each individual who appears in court is founded in strong legal knowledge and experience. This skill set is essential to maintaining the function of the court.
The most important part of being a District Court Judge is providing justice and respect to the people appearing before the court. This skill set is founded in experience. I know first hand how the decisions a Judge makes can affect the people's lives who appear before it. I see it on a daily basis. Having a judge who is able to maintain objectivity under pressure, who understands the law, and who is able to maintain their temperament is essential to providing justice in our community.
Age
44
Occupation / Current Position
Senior Trial Attorney, Allstate
Education
Juris Doctor
Experience & Qualifications
Senior Trial Attorney, served as a police officer for more than 15 years, working as a patrol officer, SWAT team operator, hostage negotiator, narcotics detective, sergeant of road patrol, drunk driving enforcement instructor, school liaison officer, and more. Also served as a Criminal Law Professor at GVSU, Representative Assembly Member, State Bar of Michigan, and Zoning Board of Appeals member.
Campaign Phone
616-862-9410
I'm not your typical "law school to the bench" candidate. Along with serving as a Senior Trial Attorney at Allstate, I bring over 15 years of hands-on experience in law enforcement—everything from police officer, school resource officer, and narcotics detective, to SWAT team operator, hostage negotiator, and drunk driving enforcement instructor. I've also led as a patrol supervisor, managing patrol operations for the City of Walker. As an attorney, I've worked as a Senior Trial Attorney, served on the State Bar of Michigan's Representative Assembly, the East Grand Rapids Zoning Board of Appeals, and taught criminal law as an adjunct professor at Grand Valley State University. My resume and experience are unparalleled in this election.
One of the biggest challenges facing the 63rd District Court today is protecting judicial independence. No single family should control two out of three seats on the bench—especially with one family member serving as Chief Judge. In any judicial election, voters deserve to know the candidates and any ties they have to current members on the court.
As judge, I will maintain my independence and ensure all who come before the court have a chance to be heard.
Fairness and justice must come above all, no matter political, familial, or social connections. Justice is supposed to be blind, and it’s the judge’s duty to ensure the courtroom is a level playing field, where everyone has had their fair chance to be heard. I’ve experienced the justice system from every angle—as a police officer assisting the prosecution, as a criminal defense attorney, as a civil trial attorney, and as a member of the public. The courtroom can be intimidating, but everyone who steps inside deserves to know that, win or lose, they’ve received a fair and impartial hearing.
