Occupation / Current Position
Mayor of Kentwood
Experience & Qualifications
Board of Trustees for the Michigan Municipal League, Chair and Vice-chair of The RAPID, Executive Committee member of the Grand Valley Metro Council, Vice Chair for Kent County’s Materials Management Planning Committee, EK High School’s YoungLife Committee, and President of the Kentwood Community Foundation.
As Mayor of Kentwood since 2013 and the former Kentwood City Engineer and Building Official since 2003, I bring over two decades of experience in city government. I have overseen balanced budgets, expanded public safety, improved roads and infrastructure, and managed growth while keeping Kentwood one of the most affordable and well-run cities in Michigan. My background in engineering gives me the skills to solve complex problems, while my years of servant leadership have built trusted relationships with residents, businesses, and regional partners. I understand the challenges of governing and have a proven record of delivering results, making me the most qualified candidate to continue serving Kentwood’s residents with integrity and vision.
My goals are to keep Kentwood safe, affordable, and welcoming while preparing for future growth. I will continue to prioritize public safety, maintain roads and parks, new housing starts, and support smart development that protects our neighborhoods. With limited resources, I have and will continue to focus on efficiency—leveraging grants, regional partnerships, and public-private collaborations stretching taxpayer dollars further. I will continue to work with City Commission and staff to ensure every budget decision is grounded in fiscal responsibility, maximizing value for residents. By focusing on core services and creative partnerships, we have and will continue to meet community needs without raising unnecessary costs.
Kentwood faces challenges of growth, affordable housing, and public safety in a changing environment. Our diverse community also requires thoughtful engagement to build unity and opportunity. I’ve prioritized strong police and fire services, worked with developers to expand housing, and invested in infrastructure to keep our city connected and vibrant. I will continue engaging faith groups, nonprofits, and community organizations to strengthen connections and support services. By taking a balanced, forward-looking approach, we can preserve Kentwood’s strengths while preparing for tomorrow. Above all, I have & will continue to encourage all residents to love thy neighbor—our best path to unity in a community with 90 nations & 116 languages.
A vibrant economy comes from attracting investment, supporting small businesses, and ensuring residents have opportunities to thrive. I will continue to champion Kentwood as a business-friendly city, streamlining processes for entrepreneurs and investing in infrastructure that supports commercial growth. At the same time, I work closely with regional partners, schools, and workforce programs to ensure we are preparing residents for good-paying jobs in today’s economy. By maintaining safe neighborhoods, excellent city services, and strong public-private collaboration, Kentwood will remain an attractive place for businesses to invest and families to live, building a stronger local economy for all.
Age
53
Occupation / Current Position
County Commissioner / Small Business Owner
Education
Bachelors of Science in Business Administration
Experience & Qualifications
Serving in my 4th term as a Kent County Commissioner, previous City of Kentwood Planning Commissioner, and Kentwood Zoning Board of Appeals. Public Service Leadership • Serving in her fourth term as Kent County Commissioner, representing Kentwood, Wyoming, and Grand Rapids with integrity, transparency, and accountability. • Member of the Finance & Physical Resources Committee, providing fiscal o
Campaign Phone
616-813-9397
I am serving in my fourth term as elected Kent County Commissioner. Serving on the Kent County Board of Commissioners, I serve on the Finance & Physical Resources Committee to manage a $648 Million budget, directing investments in public safety, health, housing and infrastructure for nearly 673,000 residents. I serve on local and national boards focused on aging, early childhood, veterans, immigration, and economic development, bringing neighborhood-level insight and national best practices. As a small business owner, real estate broker, and nonprofit leader, I understand housing, workforce, and economic challenges firsthand. My leadership style is a collaborative nature with proven results, ready to ignite Kentwood’s future.
My goals are to make Kentwood safer, stronger, and more connected by prioritizing public safety, attainable housing, small business growth, and expanded mental health services. I will maximize limited resources, I will focus on partnerships, innovation, and accountability to leverage county, state, and federal collaborations while engaging businesses, nonprofits, and residents. By aligning budgets with clear priorities, cutting inefficiencies, and maximizing grant opportunities, we can stretch every dollar. I will also ensure transparency and invite community voices to help guide decisions. Together, we will do more with what we have while planning smartly for future growth.
Kentwood’s most urgent challenges are public safety, attainable housing, infrastructure, economic growth, and mental health. We must invest in safe neighborhoods by supporting first responders and community policing. On housing, I’ll push for smart development that balances growth with affordability. For infrastructure, we’ll prioritize roads, water systems, and technology to meet future needs. As a small business owner, I know we must support entrepreneurs and job creation to keep our economy strong. Finally, expanding access to mental health resources will help families thrive. By building partnerships, leveraging grants, and ensuring fiscal accountability, we can address these challenges together.
To support a vibrant economy, I will focus on small business growth, workforce development, and smart investment in infrastructure. As a business owner, I understand the challenges entrepreneurs face, so I’ll work to reduce barriers, encourage local hiring, and create pathways for minority- and women-owned businesses. I’ll collaborate with schools, colleges, and training programs to equip residents with skills for today’s jobs and tomorrow’s industries. By improving roads, transit, and technology, we’ll attract new businesses while supporting those already here. Partnering with regional, state, and federal resources will maximize opportunities and ensure Kentwood remains competitive and thriving.
