The Kentwood City Commission has appointed Maurice Groce to fill a commissioner-at-large vacancy. On Dec. 18, the City Commission voted for the appointment of Groce to fill the vacant commission seat through November 2019. Of the 20 applications submitted, 16 residents were interviewed for the opening, which arose in November with the resignation of Richard Clanton.
Clanton formerly served as a city commissioner from 2001 to 2012 and as mayor from 2012 to 2013, completing the term of the late Richard L. Root. He then served as a commissioner-at-large beginning in April 2017. A move outside the City necessitated his early departure from the seat.
“We are excited to welcome Maurice back to the Commission,” said Mayor Stephen Kepley. “His knowledge of our community and City operations will be invaluable and we look forward to working with him.
“I also want to thank Richard Clanton for his many contributions to Kentwood, most recently as mayor and commissioner. We deeply appreciate everything he has done to make our city a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family.”
A 29-year resident of Kentwood, Groce brings more than three decades of operational business and management experience to the role. He is the current academy liaison officer for the West Michigan Aviation Academy, a position he has held since 2012.
Previously, Groce served as a vice president – branch manager for Mercantile Bank, among other roles, and as a financial planner for Prudential Financial. Prior to that, he worked at Steelcase as director of supply chain management, plant manager, manufacturing superintendent, and director of quality and strategic planning. He has also held a number of engineering positions.
Since 2007, Groce has been heavily involved with the City of Kentwood, fulfilling previous appointments to the Local Officers Compensation Committee, the Housing Commission and the Planning Commission. He also served as the 2nd Ward Commissioner for more than two years.
"I’m truly honored for the opportunity to serve as commissioner at-large,” Groce said. “I look forward to collaborating with my fellow commissioners on community efforts in partnering with our citizens, schools and businesses to ensure a safe, diverse and fiscally responsible city with economic, educational and cultural opportunities.”
Groce holds a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Oakland University, as well as a bachelor’s degree in business administration and master’s degree in management, both from Aquinas College.