Mayor Spotlight Archive

Colleen Brown
Mayor, Montrose

MontroseColleen started in local government when she ran for City Council in 2008 because she was upset that her community did not have curbside recycling. In 2014, she ran for Mayor when the incumbent Mayor stepped down. She won that election and held the Mayor position until 2024. In her time as Mayor, she has been involved with the Michigan Municipal League’s Elected Officials Academy (EOA) and was recently awarded at the 2024 Capital Conference for graduating from the fourth and final level of the Academy. In addition, Colleen is currently serving on the League’s EOA Board and Economic Development & Land Use Committee. She has been a member of the Michigan Association of Mayors (MAM) since 2020 and served on the MAM Board of Directors from 2023 to 2024.

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Robert Clark
Mayor, Monroe

Robert Clark has served as mayor of the City of Monroe since 2010, and previously served one term as a councilmember before being elected mayor. Currently serving as president of the Michigan Municipal League’s Board of Trustees, Clark has been engaged with the League for many years. Active within his community, Clark also serves on the Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Downtown Development Authority, and Monroe City Employee Pension and Post-Retirement Health Care board of trustees. He has also served as a voting member of the Monroe County Business Alliance, a board member of the River Raisin National Battlefield Foundation, and a member of the River Raisin Watershed Council. Prior to elected office, Clark served on the City of Monroe’s Citizens Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals. He is a member delegate of the Southeast Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), serving on the Budget and Finance Committee and past SEMCOG chairperson. He is in his fourth term as a member of the Michigan Municipal League’s Liability & Property Pool board of directors and has served as its chairperson. Clark is a graduate of William Penn College, Iowa, where he earned BA degrees in sociology and psychology. He completed 30 years of service with the Michigan State Police, retired at the rank of major, and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy. Clark has also served on the Michigan Association of Mayors (MAM) Board of Directors since 2020, with his current term expiring in 2024.

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Daniel Mahoney
Mayor, Jackson

Daniel Mahoney was elected Mayor of Jackson by voters in 2021 and 2023. He brings nearly a decade of public service to the position by representing the eastern half of the city on the Jackson County Board of Commissioners. Mahoney was the County Commissioner for District 7 from 2014 to 2021. When he was sworn-in as Mayor in December 2021, he became the city’s first African American Mayor. Mahoney was born and raised in Jackson and graduated from Jackson High School in 2000. He currently works as the African American Affinity Liaison for Jackson College and runs the nonprofit Many Hands Community Services. Mayor Mahoney is active in several community organizations, having served on the city’s Racial Equity Commission and the MLK Corridor Improvement Authority. As mayor, Mahoney is focusing on continuing Downtown Jackson’s forward momentum and extending that progress into neighborhoods. He’ll also prioritize economic development, public safety, street improvements, and continuing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. He lives on the city’s southeast side with his wife, Semaj, and their five daughters. His current term ends in December 2026.

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Brenda F. Moore
Mayor, Saginaw

Mayor Brenda F. Moore is a lifelong resident of the City of Saginaw and proud graduate of Saginaw High School and Delta College. When she was first elected to Saginaw City Council in 2013, she quickly became involved with the Michigan Municipal League (MML) by attending conferences and trainings to understand her role as a new official.

Since then, Brenda has completed all four levels of the MML Elected Officials Academy (EOA) and has held several leadership roles within the MML and its affiliate organizations. This includes her Board positions with the Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials (MBC-LEO), the Michigan Women in Municipal Government (MWIMG), and the EOA. In 2019, Brenda also became the first Black female president of the MML and was later awarded the Jim Sinclair Exceptional Service Award in 2021 to recognize her outstanding commitment to the citizens of her community.

Brenda is currently the president of MBC-LEO and was recently elected to the Michigan Association of Mayors (MAM) Board during the 2023 MML Convention. Her term on Saginaw City Council expires in 2026.

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Kevin Klynstra
Mayor, Zeeland

Kevin Klynstra was elected as mayor of the City of Zeeland in 2011 and was reelected for his sixth two-year term in November of 2021. Before becoming mayor, he was on Zeeland City Council for 16 years. He also worked for the postal service in Zeeland for 35 years.

Klynstra also serves on several boards and commissions, including Zeeland’s Planning Commission, Shopping Area Redevelopment Board (SARB), Cemetery and Parks Commission, Macatawa Area Express (MAX) board, Macatawa Area Coordinating Council (MACC), West Michigan Airport Authority (WMAA), and the Michigan Association of Mayors (MAM) board.

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Rebecca Hopp
Mayor, Ferrysburg

Rebecca Hopp was first elected to Ferrysburg City Council as a write-in candidate in 2009. She was then elected Mayor in 2017, and again in 2019. As Mayor, she has initiated the first ever strategic plan for the city, approved live streaming of council meetings, created the annual Arbor Day Celebration, and received Tree City USA recognition for the city. Mayor Hopp’s connection with the community is represented in her creation of the 4th of July poster contest for area children, Cops and Cones and the city’s first ever community playground build. Most recently, Mayor Hopp has researched, completed the application process and was awarded the Michigan Historic Marker in honor of Ferrysburg’s first African American land owner, Hezekiah Smith. This is the first historical marker for the City of Ferrysburg. In addition to her position as Mayor, Rebecca serves on several local boards; President of Tri-Cities Historical Museum, past President of Four Pointes Council for the Aging, Vice Chair for Ottawa County Land Bank Authority, Ottawa County  Economic Development and Vice President for Michigan Association of Mayors. Mayor Hopp has previously served as MML Board Trustee, President of the Elected Official Academy, President of Michigan Women in Municipal Government and has achieved Level 4 in the Elected Official Academy.

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David J. Tossava
Mayor, Hastings

David J. Tossava was elected mayor of the City of Hastings in November 2016. He began his career working for the Department of Public Works for the City of Hastings as a mechanic in 1978. Tossava held that position for 22 years before being promoted to superintendent of the Department of Public Works, a position he held until retiring in January 2006. He spent a total of 26 years working for the City of Hastings.

In November 2008, Tossava was elected to his first term as a city councilmember. He served two four-year terms as councilmember before being elected mayor in 2016. As mayor, he serves on the Planning Commission, Downtown Development Authority, Local Development Finance Authority and Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, Hastings-Barry County Airport Board, Cemetery Preservation Advisory Board, and the Commission on Aging Board for Barry County.

Tossava serves on the Michigan Association of Mayors Board of Directors and the Workers’ Compensation Fund Board for the Michigan Municipal League.

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Kimberley Sims
Mayor, Muskegon Heights

Kimberley Sims currently serves as mayor in Muskegon Heights, and she was recently elected by her peers as vice president of the Michigan Municipal League.

After graduating from Grand Valley State University with a B.A. in Film and Video Production, she mastered the art of sharing messages. Professionally, that mastery has lent support to the re-framing of mindsets, community actions, and advocacy that did not have a voice. Sims is working to ensure all voices are represented in the conversation, and that they are heard. Sims envisions a place where residents can live, work, and play; a place where our differences don’t divide us but are celebrated.

Sims is a member of the Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials and is a Level 2 graduate of the Elected Officials Academy

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Pauline Repp
Mayor, Port Huron

Mayor Repp was born in Kent County, England and grew up in both Canada and the United States, obtaining her U.S. citizenship in 1988.

She began her career in advertising and worked her way up to assistant to the publisher at The Times Herald.  She left The Times Herald in 1977 to care for her young family.

In 1983, she began work at the City of Port Huron as executive secretary to City Manager Gerry Bouchard, who came to depend on her as an intelligent, competent and trusted employee. Pauline was promoted to the position of city clerk in 1989 and served in that capacity for nearly 20 years, retiring with the designation of Master Municipal Clerk. Pauline has an Associate’s Degree in Business Management. 

Pauline’s concern for Port Huron led her to first run for the city’s Charter Commission in 2009, and she was elected and appointed as its chairperson.  Later in 2009, she ran for a position on City Council. As the top vote-getter, she was appointed mayor, a position she has held since then, being re-elected four more times.

Pauline serves on Southeastern Michigan Council of Government’s (SEMCOG) Executive Committee and is Chairperson of its Transportation Coordinating Council as well as serves on its Finance Committee.  She is the Vice-President of the Michigan Association of Mayors, serves on the Lake Huron Medical Center Board, the St. Clair County Land Bank Authority, and the St. Clair County Child Abuse Neglect Council, as well as being actively involved with many other local organizations.

Pauline and her husband have four children and five grandchildren. 

Her dedication, professionalism and vast knowledge of the city give her the insight and ability to serve the community well.

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Phil O'Dwyer
Mayor, Berkley

Phil O’Dwyer has been mayor of Berkley since 2011 and had previously served on the city council for six years. He is a member of the Michigan Association of Mayors, a delegate to the National League of Cities, a member of the South Eastern Michigan Council of Governments (SEMCOG), and is a member of the Woodward Avenue Action Association Board of Directors. Mayor O’Dwyer was born in Holycross, Co.Tipperary, Ireland. He immigrated to the United States on August 16,1973 and became an American citizen in 1979. He has been a Berkley resident since 1980. He studied psychology at the University of Detroit and the University of Notre Dame and holds a Doctorate in Counseling Psychology from Wayne State University. Currently, he is President and Clinical Director of Brookfield Clinics, Garden City, Michigan. He is also an adjunct professor in the Graduate School of Counseling at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. He has also authored several academic publications and is a national consultant on Mental Health issues. Mayor O’Dwyer is a 2015 inductee in the Michigan Irish American Hall of Fame.

 

Suzanne Pixley
Mayor, Eastpointe

Suzanne Pixley has been Mayor of Eastpointe since November 2007, and has served on the City Council since 2005.  She has been very involved in the community serving as a past president of the Eastpointe Rotary, president of the Historical Society, as a Lion, and on the boards of the Eastpointe Roseville Chamber of Commerce, the Networking Forum and PACE (Police and Community for Equality).  She has previously served on various Michigan Municipal League committees, as a Region 1 officer, and a three-year term on League’s Board of Trustees. In 2016, she received the League’s Ambassador Award for exemplary service by completing all four levels of the League’s Elected Officials Academy program. She was recently elected to the Michigan Association of Mayors Board of Directors. In her spare time, she has published three books about the City of Eastpointe—its history, legendary locals, and redevelopment.

 

Wendell Dompier
Village President, Baraga

Wendell Dompier has served as the village president of Baraga, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, since 1998. Wendell has always had a strong sense of community. He has been a member of the Lions Club, Lumberjack Days committee (20 years), Baraga Fire Department (15 years retired), and an EMT B with Bay Ambulance. He retired from the Ojibwa Casino Resort after 26 years. He is currently serving on the Bay Ambulance Board of Directors and the Baraga DDA. Wendell was appointed to the Michigan Association of Mayors Board in November 2015.

 

 

Lee Kilbourn
Mayor, Auburn

Lee Kilbourn has been mayor of Auburn since 2011. He previously served as mayor when elected in 1981. Kilbourn has served on several community organizations and the Auburn-Williams Fire District for 25 years. He is currently a member of the Auburn-Williams Lions Club, the Auburn Downtown Development Authority, and the Auburn-Williams Intergovernmental Committee. Kilbourn graduated from Oral Roberts University with a bachelor's degree in business. He and his wife, Kathy, are second generation owners of their family's 57-year-old furniture business and proud grandparents of two children.

 

Frank Campbell
Mayor, City of Hastings

 

Frank began his service to the citizens of Hastings in 1980, serving a two-year term on the City Council. He then served two years on the City Planning Commission before returning to the City Council, serving twelve years. In 1994, he served as Mayor Pro-Tem and was elected as Mayor in 1996. He served in that capacity through 2003, In 2008, Frank was elected to another term on City Council, where he served until he was elected as Mayor again in 2012. He continues in that capacity today. Frank also serves on the Downtown Development Authority, LDFA/BRA, and Planning Commission. He is also a member of numerous other groups and organizations, including the American Legion, Hastings Kiwanis, Hastings Elks Club, and Hastings Masonic Lodge #52.

 

Deb Doyle
Mayor, City of Durand

Deb Doyle has served on the Durand City Council for nearly 30 years. Active in her community and the Michigan Municipal League, serving as President of the League board in 2007-08. In 2013, she was awarded the League’s highest individual honor - an Honorary Life Membership and also the Ambassador Award, the first ever Level Four graduate of the League’s Elected Officials Academy program. In 2009, she established the Tim Doyle Scholarship Fund, in honor of her late husband, and as a result of the scholarship fund, dozens of elected officials have been able to receive League training at no cost. A talented artist, Doyle has also donated her artwork on many occasions to support the League Foundation and many other charitable organizations.

Jeff Hingston
President, Village of Mackinaw City

Jeff Hingston has actively served the Village of Mackinaw City and surrounding area since the 1980s. His venture into municipal leadership started in the 1980s as a trustee for Wawatam Township. He went on to serve two terms as a Mackinaw City village trustee starting in the 1980s, including two years as the village president pro tem. He’s been the Mackinaw City village president since September, 2009. He is currently a member of the Michigan Association of Mayors board of directors, the Mackinaw City Downtown Development Authority and former board member and president of the Mackinaw City Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he’s been a member of the Mackinaw City Lions Club for more than 30 years. He is a 30-plus year business owner/operator in Mackinaw City, grandfather of ten (soon to be eleven) and is very privileged to call Mackinaw City his home.

Ronald F. Gillham
Mayor of Huntington Woods

Ron Gillham has served the residents of Huntington Woods continuously since 1972. He served first on the zoning board of appeals in 1972, city commission in 1977, and Mayor since 1981, making him one of the longest serving Mayors in Michigan. Awards include the SEMCOG Regional Ambassador Award, and the MML Michael A. Guido Award. He has served as the Vice President of the Michigan Municipal League Board, and Chair of the Southeast Oakland County Mayors Association. He is currently Vice President of the Michigan Association of Mayors. Since 1959, he and his wife Shirley have lived and raised a family of 3 children and 7 Grandchildren in Huntington Woods. He is proud to live in the 10th best Small/Suburban city in the U.S.!

Jim Rynberg
Mayor of Fremont

Jim Rynberg has been Mayor of Fremont since December, 2004, and has served on the city council since 1985. He began his service with the city in 1979 as a member of the Fremont Planning Commission. He is Newaygo County Director for United Way of the Lakeshore; member of the board for the Michigan Association of Mayors; and member of numerous other groups and organizations, including the Foster Grandparent/Senior Companion Advisory Council, Fremont Rotary Board, and West Michigan Shoreline Regional Development Council. He also has been honored for his service to the Fremont/Yahaba City Friendship Program.

Susan Baldwin
Mayor of Battle Creek

Susan Baldwin is serving her fifth term as a city commissioner and fourth year as Mayor of Battle Creek. She is on the Battle Creek Unlimited Board, Calhoun County Consolidated Dispatch Board, Planning Commission and Public Transportation Committee. She is currently serving as president of the Michigan Women in Municipal Government, and on the boards for the Michigan Municipal League and Michigan Association of Mayors. A retired attorney, Baldwin practiced for 14 years in corporate health care and managed care programs.

Paul Grondin
Mayor of St. Ignace

Paul Grondin has been Mayor of the City of St. Ignace since March of 2006, and is currently serving his third full term as mayor and has been a member of the St. Ignace City Council since February, 2002. He previously served two terms on the St. Ignace Area Schools Board of Education, in the capacity of Trustee, Treasurer, and President. Mayor Grondin currently serves as Vice-President of the Mayors board of Directors. He is a strong supporter of his city's many year-around activities which visitors enjoy participating in when visiting the City of St. Ignace.

Leon Clark
Mayor of Mason

Leon Clark has been mayor of Mason, Michigan, since 2005 and has also been a firefighter for the city’s fire department since 1979. He is a member of the Michigan Association of Mayors and in 2012 was named the Association’s Advocate of the Year for being a strong advocate for Mason and its community. Mayor Clark’s many accomplishments include introducing the popular Mason Sun Dried Music Festival. He also was recognized for his strong support of Mason’s Rayner Park & the Rotary Stage in Rayner Park. Mayor Clark spearheaded the humanitarian aid project of transporting a fire truck from the city of Mason to its new Sister City, Viti, Kosovo.

Jacqueline Noonan
Mayor of Utica

Jacqueline Noonan is currently serving her 13th term as mayor of the city of Utica— she is the first woman to serve in that position.She previously served a four-year term on the Utica city council. Noonan is currently president of the Michigan Association of Mayors and vice president of the Michigan Municipal League Board of Trustees. She is generally recognized as the architect of Utica’s rebirth and ongoing success as a tiny full-service city in the midst of Detroit’s suburban rim.