It has been my honor to serve the residents and businesses of Kentwood for the past 18 years. Kentwood continues to grow with many new businesses opening their doors, providing jobs for our residents, and adding quality to our lives. It has been my privilege to lead the charge in many different initiatives during my tenure. I look forward to meeting you door-to-door and sharing the great news about our city!

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Here’s some more information about who I am and my experiences.

 

For the last 8 years I have served the citizens of Kentwood as Mayor and head administrator.  By City Charter, the Kentwood Mayor is the head administrator for the City managing the day-to-day operations.  I gained valuable experience while working for Kentwood as the Director of Engineering and Inspections for the 10 years prior to becoming Mayor.  I was able to achieve many accomplishments during those 10 years including the project manager for City Hall reconstruction project and the construction of the new Library, planning engineer for the City’s non-motorized trail systems, and the construction of numerous road and infrastructure projects throughout the city.

 

As Mayor I have had the privilege to lead numerous initiatives including the full implementation of police body cameras for the protection of both our residents and officers, preparing for a potential solar energy project by leading the technical study for our staff, and guiding the city’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility study and program.  Learn more about these projects and programs under the “Initiatives” tab.

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I have always loved working with people to solve problems, encouraging growth, and serving the common good for those around me.  Servant leadership and a deep sense of personal responsibility are two character traits that have directed my actions for most of my life and have served my family, friends, citizens, and the corporate world, well.  I have been an excellent student, dedicated husband, father, leader and reliable employee.  Graduating with honors from a Virginia high school, I attended Virginia Tech’s Engineering School earning a BS in Engineering.  I started working immediately after graduating from Virginia Tech for a national manufacturer of civil engineering product solutions.  My life in Kentwood started in 1989 when the company transferred me to the area.  I was responsible for servicing the customers in over 40 counties.  I learned what it was like to serve both company and customer, to understand the world of marketing, manufacturing, and construction as well as being a responsible citizen and community leader.

 

Having just moved to Kentwood, I helped plant a church and soon became an elder, treasurer, and youth leader.  I met my wife, Susan, while passing out bulletins one Sunday morning.  A year later we were married.  We have been married for over 25 years and have three wonderful daughters.  Ever since we were married we have been the off-site advisors for Calvin College’s Mu Kappa group, a missionary and third culture group for students.  Throughout the years, we have mentored students and led small groups.  We believe the best investment one can make is in people, for the rewards will continue for generations to come.