LANSING, Mich., Feb. 13, 2023 — State Rep. Kristian Grant (D-Grand Rapids) has announced the formation of an 82nd District Council. This Council has been convened to identify the top pressing issues facing Southeast Grand Rapids and discuss solutions that will include programs, policy and funding and be closely tied to the work of Rep. Grant in Lansing.
“As I begin my work for the Legislature, it is important to me that from the beginning, I identify leaders who are already invested in the success of this district,” Grant said. “The people of Southeast GR deserve a team of experts who are dedicated to working hard for them and who have the resources to back it up. For far too long, this district has been left without the tools and the voice that they are entitled to. Now we have 21 voices, and I am focused on using them to improve the quality of life for those we serve.”
Members of the 82nd District Council are:
Elected Officials
Tony Baker – Kent County District 17 Commissioner
Nathaniel Moody – Third Ward GR City Commissioner
Kelsey Perdue – Third Ward GR City Commissioner
Healthcare
Tasha Blackman – CEO – Cherry Heath
Tanell Hills – Senior Community Liaison – Blue Cross Blue Shield
Community
Jerry Bishop – Pastor- Lifequest Church
Synia Gant-Jordan – Organizer – BLACK VOICES @ THE RIVER
LaKiya Jenkins – Executive Director – LINC UP
Arts
Dale Robertson – President & CEO – Grand Rapids Public Museum
Stephen Smith – Owner – Muse GR
Immigrant Communities
Rose Mayan – Immigrant Rights Organizer – Michigan United: Immigration Sector
Housing
Ryan Kilpatrick – Lead Consultant – Housing Next
Business & Economic Development
Guillermo Cisneros – President & CEO – West Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Rick Baker – President & CEO – Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce
Richard App – Retail Retention & Attraction Specialist – City of Grand Rapids
Jordoun Eatman – VP of Engagement & Inclusion – Experience GR
Mental Health
Dr. Carolyn King – Medical Director – C. King Psychiatry
Education & Workforce Development
Ronald Gorman – Assistant Superintendent of Instruction Service – Kent ISD
Jamon Alexander – President & CEO – West Michigan Center for Arts & Technology
Environment & Greenspace
Wesley Watson – West MI Regional Coordinator – League of Conservation Voters
Stacey Bare – Executive Director – Friends of GR Parks