About Chris

Chris has committed his life to service — service to country, service to family, and service to community. He is a US Navy veteran, a husband, father and grandfather, an employee in the nonprofit sector, and a volunteer to those in need.

  • 55 years old
  • Native of the Holland area, graduated from Holland HS in 1986
  • Descendant of the settlers of Zeeland, ancestors arrived in Ottawa County in 1847.
  • Joined the US Navy in 1987. Upon completion of advanced training served onboard several commands that were assigned to the 32nd Street Naval Station in San Diego. During his time in the Pacific Fleet, Chris completed three deployments, the final one being as a staff member of DESRON 21 in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm.
  • Married to Sarah since 1992, two sons and one grandchild.
  • Resident of District 2 for nearly 30 years
  • A.A in Youth Services, B.S. In History, and M.A in Public Administration. Chris’s love of the past led him to develop educational programming around the history of Holland.
  • 25 years working in the nonprofit sector, up to and including his current position as a community nutrition instructor.
  • Serves as a volunteer with the Ottawa County Community Emergency Response Team (CERT)
  • Member of the board of Community Mental Health of Ottawa County (CMHOC)
  • Member of the Advisory Board of Ottawa Food
  • Member of the American Legion and VFW