KCRC Welcomes New Commissioner Robert VerHeulen
The Kent County Road Commission (KCRC) welcomed new road commissioner Robert VerHeulen at the organization’s board meeting on Tuesday, January 8. Commissioner VerHeulen was appointed to KCRC’s board on January 3 by the Kent County Board of Commissioners.
Commissioner VerHeulen formerly served three terms in the Michigan House of Representatives, for which he chaired the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation from 2013 to 2014. He also served as mayor of Walker, Michigan from 2001 to 2012 and represented Walker on the Grand Valley Metropolitan Council, Urban Cooperation Board, Interurban Transit Partnership Board, and West Michigan Sports Commission. Before taking public office, Commissioner VerHeulen worked as an attorney for Meijer Inc. and most recently as the Vice President and Deputy General Counsel to The Meijer Foundation. He has served on several boards for non-profit and philanthropic organizations including Mel Trotter Ministries, the Gerald R. Ford Boy Scouts Council, Plymouth Christian Schools, and the Christian Rest Home. Commissioner VerHeulen attended Grand Rapids Community College and graduated from the University of Michigan, receiving his juris doctorate from Wayne State University. Commissioner VerHeulen and his wife, Norma, have four daughters and ten grandchildren.
“Rob’s service to state and local government, along with his legal expertise will make him a true asset to our commission,” said Mark Rambo, KCRC’s board chair. “He is passionate about Kent County, and we are excited to have him join the team.”
Commissioner VerHeulen was appointed to replace Patrick Malone, who retired from the board in December 2018 after serving since 2007.
At the meeting, Mark Rambo was reappointed by the board to continue serving as chair, a position he has held since 2012. Cynthia Porter Janes, who was appointed to the Board in 2015, will serve a second year as vice chair.
Road commissioners are appointed to six-year terms by the Kent County Board of Commissioners. Each road commissioner represents the entire county rather than a specific district.