Meet Our Mayors
Christopher Taylor, Mayor of Ann Arbor
Christopher Taylor was elected in November 2014 after three terms representing the Third Ward on Ann Arbor City Council. While on City Council, Taylor served on the Parks Advisory Commission, Budget Committee, Taxicab Board, City Administrator Search Committee, Council Rules Committee, and the Senior Center and Mack Pool Task Force.
Professionally, Mayor Taylor is a corporate/commercial attorney. He is a partner in the Ann Arbor law firm of Hooper Hathaway, where his practice focuses on the representation of local and regional businesses, individuals, and nonprofits.
Mayor Taylor has earned four degrees from the University of Michigan. During his years at the University of Michigan, he served as editor-in-chief of the Michigan Law Review and as president of the Inter-Cooperative Council, a 550-member housing cooperative.
Active in the community prior to holding elected office, Mayor Taylor has served on the board of directors of nonprofits including 826michigan and FestiFools, and has performed with numerous local choirs and community theaters.
Mayor Taylor has lived in Ann Arbor for over 30 years. He is married to Ann Arbor native Eva Rosenwald, and they have two children who attend Ann Arbor Public Schools.
Mark A. Behnke, Mayor of Battle Creek
Mark A. Behnke is the mayor of Battle Creek and previously served as the city’s mayor in 2000 and in 2007. He is in his 26th year of serving on the Battle Creek City Commission.
A strong believer in responsive and transparent city government, Mayor Behnke’s focus as mayor includes working with the schools and strengthening the city’s neighborhoods to attract new business and home investment.
His goal for 2020 is to establish opportunities and extend a hand up for the homeless and less fortunate by working with others to produce job opportunities and affordable home ownership.
Mayor Behnke graduated from Saint Joseph’s College in Rensselaer, Indiana in 1980. He is married to Gerardyne M. (Geri) Drozdowski and they have two children.
Kathleen Newsham, Mayor of Bay City
Kathleen Newsham has been a resident of the City of Bay City for 59 years. She is a homemaker and works at Nelsen and Company. Mayor Newsham is married, has three children, and five grandchildren. She has served Bay City as an 8th Ward City Commissioner for 6 years, and was elected mayor in November 1997; and again, as city commissioner in 2003, which, in that community, is a non-partisan position. In 2015 and 2019, Mayor Newsham was once again re-elected as the mayor.
Mayor Newsham is active in various Citizens District Councils, Lions Club, is a Eucharistic Minister, and a member of the Finance Committee. She is a current board member for the Salvation Army, and is also on the board of directors for the St. Patrick’s Parade Association. Mayor Newsham is a community activist and volunteered for Paint-N-Pride, the Ed Golson Compost Day, the Boys and Girls Club “Just Say No to Drugs” March, and the new community beautification project with our sister city, Goderich, Ontario, America’s in Bloom.
Mayor Newsham presides over various community social functions and presented community leaders and volunteers with proclamations exemplifying their good work. She also performs many weddings throughout the city.
Abdullah Hammoud, Mayor of Dearborn
The proud son of immigrant parents, Mayor Abdullah Hammoud has been an unwavering advocate for his hometown of Dearborn for more than a decade. As Mayor, he is committed to reinventing government to deliver results for working families and residents in every corner of the city.
Throughout his career, Mayor Hammoud has provided bold leadership for Michigan and Dearborn with a thoughtful, pragmatic approach to government that puts people first. As the city’s seventh mayor, that will include investing in infrastructure, improving public health and safety, and delivering quality services while lowering the tax burden on residents.
In three terms representing Dearborn in the Michigan House of Representatives, Mayor Hammoud has pushed for resources and shaped policy to improve quality of life and create a more resilient city. That work secured nearly $100 million in direct investment in transformational infrastructure projects such as the Miller-Rotunda Bridge. He remains committed to addressing Dearborn’s aging infrastructure while pursuing innovative solutions to mitigate chronic flooding and upgrade technology to improve the city’s operations.
His deep roots in environmental advocacy date back to his election as the youngest member for the Michigan League of Conservation Voters in 2014 where he fought to protect Michigan’s land, air, and water, and develop environmentally conscious policy. As State Representative, he rallied the community to hold polluters accountable and provided the blueprint for the current policy passed by City Council to improve Dearborn’s air quality.
Blending his background in epidemiology and finance, Mayor Hammoud has also served as a state and national health expert advising major health care systems where he developed strategies to maximize revenue streams, create cost-saving strategies, and identify gaps in health care coverage. This included helping manage the $45 billion UAW Retiree Medical Benefits Trust Fund while at the Center for Healthcare Research and Transformation, as well as serving as the Vice Chair of Michigan’s $30 billion Health and Human Services Budget in the Michigan House of Representatives. As mayor, he will use this experience to help properly fund Dearborn’s pension system and maximize city revenue while creating cost-savings that provide tax relief.
A product of Dearborn Public Schools and three-time graduate of the University of Michigan, Mayor Hammoud believes in the transformative power of education. He has master’s degrees in business administration and public health, and a bachelor’s degree in science.
He and his wife, Dr. Fatima Beydoun, are excited to raise their family in Dearborn and advocate for children and families across the city.
Mike Duggan, Mayor of Detroit
Mike Duggan is mayor of the City of Detroit. Born in Detroit, Mayor Duggan has spent his entire career working in the city to solve some of the most complex issues facing Detroiters, including crime, blight, and access to jobs.
In his first term, Mayor Duggan got to work restoring basic city services for all Detroiters. He established the Department of Neighborhoods, placing staff in each of the seven city council districts to help residents address concerns of blight in their community. He also took an active role in projects that installed more than 60,000 new LED street lights to streets (some left in the dark for years), removed nearly 17,000 blighted and abandoned houses, and dramatically improved police and EMS response times, bringing them down to the national average.
Now in his second term and with city services back to levels Detroiters expect and deserve, Mayor Duggan has turned his attention to building “One Detroit for Everyone.” This mission of an equitable revitalization has included creating and preserving affordable housing, revitalizing long-neglected neighborhoods, and ensuring every Detroiter has access to jobs and job trainings through the Detroit at Work program.
Mayor Duggan continues to be accessible to residents, attending at least one home gathering each week to help him keep in touch with Detroit residents, their needs, and their evaluation of the city’s progress.
Sheldon Neeley, Mayor of Flint
Sheldon Neeley was elected mayor of the City of Flint on Nov. 5, 2019. He previously served in the Michigan House of Representatives, representing the 34th District, which includes most of the City of Flint.
Mayor Neeley grew up in Flint, attending Flint Northern High School before enrolling at Delta College where he earned an associate degree. He then received a bachelor’s degree in communication from Saginaw Valley State University.
He served as a Flint City Councilman for nine years, representing the 6th Ward, the most diverse area—economically and racially—in the city. He was the first African-American councilman to represent that ward.
Mayor Neeley has worked as president of the local Nabet-CWA union and as a broadcast engineer for WJRT-12 TV. He worked with the Civil Service Commission and as director of Flint City Junior Golf, founded by his father Sam Neeley. He also worked for 10 years in Flint Community Schools as a counselor.
Mayor Neeley is married to his wife of 22 years, Cynthia, and they have two daughters who are both in college.
Rosalynn Bliss (UCM Chair), Mayor of Grand Rapids
Rosalynn Bliss became the City of Grand Rapids’ first female mayor when she took office on January 1, 2016. She previously served as a Second Ward City Commissioner for 10 years.
Mayor Bliss is also Grand Valley State University’s endowed chair for the Frederik Meijer Honors College. She earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of South Alabama, and a master’s in social work from Michigan State University. She has over 20 years of experience in the fields of domestic violence and child welfare prior to serving as mayor.
Mayor Bliss is an active member of the community. She is past president of the Michigan Municipal League (2016-2017) and serves on the boards of the Downtown Development Authority, Experience Grand Rapids, Convention Arena Authority, Economic Club of Grand Rapids, Mayor’s Innovation Project, and Interurban Transit Partnership, among many other organizations.
She has been recognized and honored locally as well as statewide for her commitment, dedication, and work in the field of child abuse and neglect, and for her leadership in the community.
Mayor Bliss is committed to supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs as well as addressing disparities in the community and making sure that Grand Rapids is a great place for everyone.
Daniel Mahoney, Mayor of Jackson
Mayor Daniel Mahoney was elected to the Mayor’s Office in Nov. 2021. 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 Dec. 2021, he became the City’s first African-American Mayor.
Mayor Mahoney was born and raised in Jackson and graduated in Jackson High School in 2000. He currently works as the African-American Affinity Liaison for Jackson College and runs the non-profit Many Hands Community Services. The Mayor is active in several community organizations, having served on the City’s Racial Equity Commission and the MLK Corridor Improvement Authority.
In his time 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.
David Anderson, Mayor of Kalamazoo
David Anderson is a graduate of Kalamazoo Central and Western Michigan University (B.B.A. Accountancy) and has been a city resident for over 30 years. He has been employed by Kalamazoo Community Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services since 1982, where he currently serves as the Director of Housing and Facilities. Prior to joining KCMHSAS, Mayor Anderson worked as a self-employed building contractor for over 20 years.
In addition to serving on the City Commission, Commissioner Anderson serves as president of the LIFT Foundation and as chairperson of the Kalamazoo County Public Housing Commission.
Mayor Anderson is married to Cori Terry of Wellspring/Cori Terry & Dancers, a Kalamazoo-based modern dance company located in the Epic Center in downtown Kalamazoo. They are the parents of four grown daughters, all of whom are graduates of Kalamazoo Central High School.
Andy Schor, Mayor of Lansing
Andy Schor was elected 52nd Mayor of Lansing and took office on January 1, 2018.
Upon taking office, Mayor Schor immediately began focusing on the priorities of his campaign—neighborhoods; economic development; infrastructure; and Lansing schools.
Under Mayor Schor’s leadership, Lansing expects approximately $2 billion in new investment in the city in the next few years. The city was also named the No. 1 affordable city to live in the United States based on high quality of life and low cost of living. The city has become transparent and engaging with the citizens of Lansing as well as the many visitors and daytime workers.
During his 2019 State of the City Address, Mayor Schor announced Lansing 2030, a Lansing vision plan highlighting the ways that Lansing will be its best self: a diverse, dense, livable, and welcoming environment. Lansing will offer amenities and necessities needed to retain and sustain residents through all stages of life: children as they grow, young people starting careers, families putting down roots, established professionals looking to expand their businesses, and retirees.
Mayor Schor proudly serves on the Manufactured Housing Commission, the Accelerator of America Board, and the Capital Area United Way Board.
Mayor Schor previously served as an Ingham County Commissioner for 10 years, followed by five years in the Michigan House of Representatives representing residents of the 68th District.
He and his wife, Erin, have lived in Lansing for over 20 years, and their children attend school in the Lansing Public School District. Mayor Schor graduated from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, earning Bachelor of Arts degrees in political science and history.
Kenneth D. Johnson, Mayor of Muskegon
Kenneth D. Johnson was elected the 67th mayor of the magnificent City of Muskegon in the great State of Michigan on Nov. 2, 2021, and he was sworn into office on Jan. 3, 2022. His current term runs through the end of 2025.
Mayor Ken Johnson’s family roots run deep in the community he serves, with his family first arriving in Muskegon in 1881. Like his father, Ken grew up on the City’s east end in the Sheldon Park neighborhood. Ken’s a proud K-12 graduate of Muskegon Public Schools, having attended Oakview Elementary, Steele Middle School, and Muskegon High School – GO BIG REDS!!
After high school, Ken attended The George Washington University, where he earned a dual B.A. in International Affairs and Political Science. He returned to Muskegon in 2009 with a desire to help move Muskegon forward. He became active in the Nims Neighborhood Association, of which he remains a board member, and ran successfully for the City Commission in 2013. Having returned to Muskegon working remotely as a senior analyst for a global media analysis firm headquartered in Washington, D.C., Ken has since transitioned to a financial planning career to serve his community in another way.
Prior to being elected mayor, Ken served two, four-year terms as an-at-large City Commissioner. He’s the first openly gay person to serve as an at-large commissioner and now as mayor.
Mayor Johnson is honored to preside as Chair of the most diverse City Commission in Muskegon’s history and to work with a great team of competent and caring staff. His priorities include improving governance, bolstering communications and community engagement, reviving the City’s Parks & Recreation Department, expanding entrepreneurial opportunities, enhancing the City’s environmental and fiscal sustainability, and expanding the array of quality and affordable housing options available.
Tim Greimel, Mayor of Pontiac
Tim Greimel has a proven track record of fighting for Pontiac residents and families. He has represented Pontiac in the Michigan legislature (2012-2018), serving as the Democratic leader of the Michigan House of Representatives for four of those years, and on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners (2007-12).
As County Commissioner, Tim worked to diversify our economy by attracting new businesses to Pontiac and led efforts to provide health insurance for our most vulnerable citizens. He established an innovative micro-loan program to help small businesses start up and grow. When the economic downturn hit, Tim successfully worked with members of both parties to balance the county budget without raising taxes.
As a State Representative and the House Democratic Leader, Tim worked across party lines to establish Healthy Michigan, providing affordable access to health insurance to over 650,000 Michiganders. In a Republican-led legislature, he passed two laws to raise Michigan’s minimum wage and index it to inflation.
Tim holds a bachelor’s in economics and political science, a master’s degree in public policy, and a law degree, all from the University of Michigan. Before being elected to the state legislature, Tim practiced civil rights law, representing employees who were discriminated against and retaliated against in the workplace.
Tim was elected Mayor of the City of Pontiac in November 2021 and is looking forward to getting to work for the residents of the City of Pontiac.
Brenda F. Moore, Mayor of Saginaw
Mayor Brenda Fay Moore is a life-long year resident of the city of Saginaw. She was born in Saginaw and is a proud graduate of Saginaw High School. Brenda also earned an Associate’s degree from Delta College. Mayor Moore understands the value of the family unit and is passionate about helping individuals receive the support and assistance they need to improve their lives.
Since her election to City Council in 2013, Mayor Moore quickly became involved with the Michigan Municipal League by attending conferences and training to understand her role as a newly elected official. Since then, Brenda was elected to the Board of Trustees for the Michigan Municipal League where she has most recently served as President of the Board. She has also served as 2nd Vice President for the Michigan Black Caucus of Local Elected Officials, President of the Elected Officials Academy, and the Municipal Finance Committee. Mayor Moore is also a member of the City County School Liaison Committee and hopes to positively impact our youth through her position on City Council.
Mayor Moore is a member of Greater Renaissance Baptist Church and often volunteers whenever and wherever she is needed to serve in her church. Brenda appreciates the outdoors and enjoys attending the many summer events in the city, including Jazz on the Jefferson, Light Up the City, and the Friday Night Live concerts. Mayor Moore loves her home in the heart of downtown Saginaw and is proud to serve the citizens of this beautiful city.