Commissioners

Kris Pachla and his wife Anne Marie Carson have lived in East Grand Rapids since 2016, when they moved back to West Michigan from the Washington, DC area. Kris works as the Director of the Regional Math and Science Center at GVSU and formerly taught high school physics.  He serves on the Finance and Personnel committees as well as the Joint Facilities Committee. Kris and Anne Marie have one young child, a dog and two cats. In his free time, Kris enjoys spending time outside, including running, biking and swimming.

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.