Commissioners

Ryan Burdick and his wife, Stephanie, have been raising their two sons, Walter and George, in East Grand Rapids for the past five years. Ryan previously served as a professional pilot, where he managed both domestic and international trips. He is currently a stay-at-home dad and gained experience in local government by serving on the EGR Parks and Recreation Commission in 2021. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University. His family enjoys spending time in East and connecting with residents when they are out and about. As a City Commissioner, Ryan enjoys listening to residents and connecting them with the right resources.

Ryan was first appointed to the first ward seat in February 2023 then won reelection in November 2023. 

Home Address: 2904 Pioneer Club Road SE        Phone: (734) 926-5585  Email Ryan
Date Appointed: February 2023                            Term Ends: December 2027

Kate Skaggs moved to East Grand Rapids in 2018 after living in the Ottawa Hills neighborhood for four years. A central Ohio native, she has also lived in Tallahassee and Orlando, Florida and Ann Arbor. In 2020, she was appointed to the EGR Parks Commission and served for four years, including two years as Chair. During her tenure she supported the ongoing revitalization of EGR’s public playgrounds and parks. She also serves on the EGR Community Foundation. Kate is a small business owner and works in state government relations in Lansing. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, hiking, family travel adventures, and following her kids’ sports, music, and theater extracurriculars.

Kate Skaggs was appointed in July 2024.

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

Abbie Groff-Blaszak has lived in EGR with her husband, Robert, daughter Ellie and poodle, Queso since 2013. She has been an active volunteer, community educator and organizer with extensive experience in public service and governance. Professionally, Abbie previously spent 20 years as a public school teacher and administrator, a programs and policy leader at the Michigan Department of Education and as a nonprofit director. 

Laura Schwartz was elected to the commission in November 2021.