Commissioners

Ryan Burdick and his wife, Stephanie, have been raising their two sons, Walter and George, in East Grand Rapids for the past five years. Ryan previously served as a professional pilot, where he managed both domestic and international trips. He is currently a stay-at-home dad and gained experience in local government by serving on the EGR Parks and Recreation Commission in 2021. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University. His family enjoys spending time in East and connecting with residents when they are out and about. As a City Commissioner, Ryan enjoys listening to residents and connecting them with the right resources.

Ryan was appointed to the first ward seat in February 2023. 

Home Address: 2904 Pioneer Club Road SE        Phone: (734) 926-5585  Email Ryan
Date Appointed: February 2023                            Term Ends: December 2023

Marc Schulz was elected to the City Commission in November 2021.

Ward 2

Chris Wessely and his wife Kim have lived in East Grand Rapids since 2013.  Together, they have four children plus a dog and a cat.  Chris graduated from Aquinas College as a Political Science and Communication major and graduated top of his class, valedictorian, from the Secchia Institute of Culinary Education in Grand Rapids.  Chris is the founder of the Sport & Social Club and the new Noodlepig Ramen shop, two local businesses in town.  On the side, Chris teaches private culinary and mixology classes.

Home Address: 1447 Woodcliff SE                       Phone: (616) 915-7090   Email Chris
Date Elected: November 2021                              Term Ends: December 2025

John Arendshorst and his wife Liz live in East Grand Rapids with their two daughters, who attend Lakeside Elementary. John is a partner with Varnum LLP specializing in employee benefits law. John serves on the as a member of the Infrastructure Committee, and is the City Commission's liason to the Planning Commission, where he served from 2015-2019, and the Parks and Recreation Commission. When not working, John enjoys biking, hiking, skiing, and cooking.

Laura Schwartz was elected to the commission in November 2021.