Kent County MI : Chair, Committee Leadership Re-Elected by Board

NEWS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 4, 2018

For additional information contact:

Lisa LaPlante at [phone] [e-mail]

Chair, Committee Leadership Re-Elected by Board

Commissioners Also Approve Filling Vacancies on Various Boards, Commissions and Committees

GRAND RAPIDS - The Kent County Board of Commissioners this morning re-elected Commissioner Jim Saalfeld as Chair of the Board, his third year in this role. Commissioner Mandy Bolter was re-elected Vice-Chair of the Board and Chair of the Legislative and Human Resources Committee, and Commissioner Diane Jones was re-elected Chair of the Finance and Physical Resources Committee. Commissioner Carol Hennessy will continue to serve as Minority Party Vice-Chair. "I am honored and privileged to again be chosen to lead our Board of Commissioners. I know that all 19 members of the Board are working hard to deliver the important County services that make Kent County the 'gold standard' of counties in Michigan," said Chair Saalfeld. In addition to these changes, Chair Saalfeld made the following appointments to round out the new leadership team: Commissioner Hennessy will serve as Vice-Chair of the Finance and Physical Resources Committee, and Commissioner Stan Stek will serve as Vice-Chair of the Legislative and Human Resources Committee.

The Board also voted to appoint 55 residents and Commissioners to 22 boards, commissions, and committees. The County received more than 165 applications in August and September 2017 to fill vacant advisory positions. These residents and Commissioners will advise and make recommendations on certain policies and procedures that affect the residents of Kent County.

Three teams made up of Commissioners reviewed resumes and conducted interviews of applicants for the various vacancies. "We continue to see great enthusiasm by citizens wishing to serve their community and make Kent County great," said Jim Saalfeld, Board Chair. "There were many outstanding applicants this year. We look at every individual's life experiences and skills in hopes that their input will help enhance the services and programs that we offer."

Appointments include members of the following:

• • Agricultural Preservation Board

• • Area Agency on Aging of Western Michigan - Board of Directors

• • Community Health Advisory Committee

• • Community Action Agency Advisory Governing Board

• • Community Mental Health Authority Board (term begins April 1, 2018)

• • County Building Authority

• • Fire Commission

• • Friend of the Court Citizen's Advisory Committee

• • Gerald R. Ford International Airport Authority Board

• • Grand Valley Metro Council

NEWS RELEASE

• • Jury Commission

• • Kent County Family & Children's Coordinating Council

• • Kent District Library Board (Region 8)

• • Kent Hospital Finance Authority

• • Lakeshore Regional Partners Substance Abuse Oversight Policy Board

• • Land Bank Authority

• • Millennium Park Architectural Advisory Review Board

• • Pension Board

• • Public Works Board

• • Remonumentation Peer Review Group

• • Road Commission

• • Veterans' Affairs Committee

The complete list of appointments is attached to the email you have received. Learn more atwww.accesskent.com/Departments/BOC/boards_committees.htm.

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