Former Grand Rapids Mayor, Rev. George Heartwell is a graduate of Western Theological Seminary, who for 14 years led Heartside Ministries, working with and advocating for the cities’ most disadvantaged residents. He also served two terms as City Commissioner from 1992-1999, before being elected mayor in 2003. Rev. Heartwell was Grand Rapids’ longest serving mayor, serving until 2016 and focusing on issues like sustainability, social justice, and community development.