The Grand Rapids City Commission
Second Ward Commissioner Ruth Kelly
Phone: 456-3035
Ruth E. Kelly was born, raised and educated in Grand Rapids. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Aquinas College in political and social science and her Masters in Educational Technology from Grand Valley State University. Once her children were in school, Ruth worked as a community organizer for Eastown, Baxter, and the South East End Neighborhood Associations.
She was the first recipient of the Gerald R. Ford Leadership Scholarship because of her work with neighborhood business associations and community groups. Her participation in the city has included serving on the Dyer-Ives Foundation Board, the Community Development Citizens Commission, and the Cable Television Advisory Forum, as well as work on local millages and campaigns for the city and the schools. Ruth retired from teaching for the Grand Rapids Public Schools where she worked as a certified Montessori instructor and taught Social Studies at the middle school level.
She continues to be involved in various forums and service activities that seek to make a difference in the Grand Rapids community. Ruth has a passion for grassroots organizing and believes that citizen participation is the driver of solutions for our city.
Ruth was appointed by the City Commission on April 13, 2010, to complete the term vacated by David LaGrand which ends 12-31-2011.