About Emily

About Emily

On her journey to becoming a city commissioner, Emily knocked doors six days a week for over eight months, even in the early and cold days, visiting over 7,000 doors.

It is that passion that drove her to attend her first Kentwood City Commission meeting in 2014 and stand up during the general comments to ask about the level of crime that was occurring in her neighborhood. Her regular attendance at meetings was born out of an interest to educate herself on how local government worked. Emily was not just an attendee, but rather a vocal participant at these meetings, and was ultimately appointed to the parks and recreation, followed by the planning commission. It is this active leadership approach and her work in Kentwood and West Michigan that has helped Emily be successful as a commissioner. And why she wants to be your next mayor. To stay connected on this important journey, feel free to join our email list. This is also a great way to let us know if you would like to get involved and help Emily be your voice by volunteering for her campaign.
That was the beginning of her public service in Kentwood. It was during this time that she began accumulating a “to-do” list of all the changes she wanted to see, and make, in her community. Including bringing much-needed representation to the table for everyone. It is this active leadership approach and her work in Kentwood and West Michigan that has helped Emily be successful as a commissioner. And why she wants to be your next mayor. To stay connected on this important journey, feel free to join our email list. This is also a great way to let us know if you would like to get involved and help Emily be your voice by volunteering for her campaign.
Emily’s managerial and active leadership experience has been shaped through her work in both the private and public sector throughout her career, including here in West Michigan. Having served in operations, sustainability, recycling, sales and in non-profit development capacities has contributed to her success in serving Kentwood residents. Here are some of the organizations that have helped shape Emily’s career:

Padnos

Republic Services

CQL

Heart Of West Michigan United Way

Padnos

Republic Services

CQL

Heart Of West Michigan United Way

And she is currently working in a patient services capacity at Spectrum Health in our vaccine clinics, helping our community successfully move past the pandemic. Her community engagement experience includes:

Past Parks and Recreation and Planning Commissioner
Past Board Member of the Humane Society of West Michigan
Member of Kent County’s City/County Building Authority
Vice-Chair of Kalamazoo County’s Solid Waste Committee
Michigan Political Leadership Program Fellow
Kentwood Arts Commission member

A graduate of the University of Central Florida (BA) Michigan State University (MS) and Northwood University (MBA), Emily considers herself a lifelong learner and believes access to education is a critical component to success. As a fellow of the Michigan Political Leadership Program, she learned about public policy and engaging with constituents in a meaningful way, adding to her grassroots experience and approach to actively listen to Kentwood residents.

Emily is an advocate for animal welfare and has two needy rescue cats at home – Lennon and Harry. Her family lives in the Greater Lansing area and her many cousins live throughout the U.S.

It is this active leadership approach and her work in Kentwood and West Michigan that has helped Emily be successful as a commissioner. And why she wants to be your next mayor. To stay connected on this important journey, feel free to join our email list. This is also a great way to let us know if you would like to get involved and help Emily be your voice by volunteering for her campaign.

“My decision to run for mayor has been a personal one. Decisions are not black and white and leadership is more than balancing budgets and managing resources. It’s also about leading the city with a vision while promoting empathy and kindness for all of us – including our New American and refugee neighbors. As your mayor, I will encourage neighbors to get involved in city leadership roles to have more equitable representation to build a stronger Kentwood.”

— Emily Bridson