CIVIC LEADERS

JUSTIN AMASH

U.S. Representative United States Representative for Michigan’s 3rd Congressional District, Cascade Township Justin Amash has been serving in the United States Congress for eight years. He has served and chaired numerous committees, including the Oversight and Government Reform, the Joint Economic, and Budget committees. Amash also served on the following subcommittees: Transportation and Public Assets, Government Operations, National Security, Homeland Defense and Foreign Operations, Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service, Labor Policy, Government Organization, Effi ciency, Financial Management, TARP, Financial Services and Bailouts of Public and Private Programs. He has voted on issues involving domestic policy, economic affairs and regulations, foreign policy and national security. Before he joined the U.S. House of Representatives, the Grand Rapids native served as the representative of the 72nd District in the Michigan House of Representatives from January 2009-January 2011. Prior to getting into politics, he was an attorney for his family business.

EDUCATION: University of Michigan (B) and University of Michigan Law School (J.D.) FIRST JOB: Corporate attorney for his family’s business NOTABLE: I recently left the Republican Party and became an Independent.

DARWIN “DAR” BAAS

Director Kent County Department of Public Works, Grand Rapids Dar Baas’ focus is the emerging circular economy, providing leadership and visioning to deliver waste diversion, energy recovery and sustainable material management strategies. Baas brings 25 years of environmental management experience in the public and private sector with experience in emergency response, hazardous waste transportation, environmental contracting, industrial cleaning, landfi ll, transfer station, material recovery facility and waste-to-energy operations. His current project is the $500 million sustainable business park on 250 acres next to the South Kent Landfi ll. He also is involved with policy formation at the local, state and national levels.

EDUCATION: Davenport University (B), Grand Valley State University (M) FIRST JOB: Resource recovery specialist, Ottawa County Health Department-Environmental Health Division BOARDS: Energy Recovery Council and Energy Michigan HIDDEN TALENT: I have a 3rd Dan black belt in Okinawan Shorin Ryu FAVORITE MOVIE: “A River Runs Through It” DOWNTIME: I enjoy day trips in the convertible, sitting on the front porch of my log home, enjoying time with family and friends, trying out area restaurants, brewpubs and distilleries throughout West Michigan.

ROSALYNN BLISS

Mayor City of Grand Rapids Rosalynn Bliss became Grand Rapids’ fi rst female mayor on Jan. 1, 2016. She previously served as a Second Ward City Commissioner for 10 years. She has over 20 years of experience in the fi eld of social work, especially in the areas of domestic violence and child welfare. Bliss serves on the boards of the Downtown Development Authority, Experience Grand Rapids, Convention Arena Authority, Economic Club of Grand Rapids, Friends of Grand Rapids Parks, Grand Rapids Promise Zone Authority, Interurban Transit Partnership and many others.

EDUCATION: University of South Alabama (B), Michigan State University (M) FIRST JOB: Working at the concession stand at a two-screen movie theater in my hometown. FAVORITE INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE: “Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on Earth.” Muhammad Ali FUNNIEST EXPERIENCE IN THE WORKPLACE: When people don’t realize I am the mayor, and they are complaining about local elected o cials. TOUGHEST CHALLENGE FACED: When I was a child, I was diagnosed with a rare bone disease that resulted in multiple surgeries on my legs with much of my childhood being spent in a wheelchair, on crutches or using a walker. I had some very di cult days and challenges and learned a great deal about the importance of being optimistic, believing in yourself, recognizing that your challenges do not defi ne you … along with the incredible power of people.

WAYMAN BRITT

Administrator/controller Kent County, Grand Rapids Wayman Britt was appointed the Kent County administrator/controller in January 2018. He had served as interim county administrator since July 2017 and as an assistant county administrator before that since 2004. In his present role, Britt manages all nonelected offi cial department operations and is responsible for carrying out the goals and policies established by the Kent County Board of Commissioners. He also serves as the county’s CFO, overseeing an operating budget of $444 million. Previously, Britt held management and leadership positions at Steelcase and Michigan National Bank - Central. He serves on numerous boards and councils, including Experience Grand Rapids, President Ford Field Service Council-Boy Scouts of America, Gerald R. Ford Foundation, The Right Place, Michigan Fitness Foundation and Trinity Health Michigan.

EDUCATION: University of Michigan (B) FIRST JOB: Cleaning and bu ng the fl oors of the Genesee County Administration building. HIDDEN TALENT: Growing up, I loved to sing and was active in the church choir and Glee Club. My singing is now strictly limited to solo performances in the bathroom or the car. TRIVIA: I captained the University of Michigan men’s basketball team to the NCAA championship fi nals in 1976. The men’s basketball defensive player of the year award at U-M is named in my honor.