The City of Grand Rapids has a new commissioner at City Hall. Tuesday evening, the Grand Rapids City Commission voted to hire Nathaniel Moody after an extensive candidate search. Moody fills the 3rd Ward seat vacated by David Allen in June.
Commissioners unanimously voted in favor of Moody after a long discussion at the commissioners meeting. The vote came a week early, as the city had advertised the vote would be held July 31st.
According to the city, Commissioner Moody is senior pastor of Brown Hutcherson Ministries. He also serves on the Children’s Advocacy Council, Grand Rapids Community College Foundation Board and Grand Rapids Area Association of Pastors. He is a former member of the Grand Rapids Public Schools Board of Education, Police Chief Advisory Committee and Grand Rapids Urban League, among other boards and committees. He is a lifelong resident of Grand Rapids and has been married to his wife, Laura Moody, for 39 years.
During the hiring process, Moody pointed to his vast experience working in community relations as grounds to be considered for the position.
“These experiences demonstrate my ability to carry out my duties as Third Ward commissioner,” Moody said. “I will use my wisdom to make reasonable and righteous decisions on behalf of my community.”
Moody won the job over finalists Ryan Anderson and Austin Dean while being sworn in immediately following the vote. The hire is only to finish out Allen’s current term—the seat will be up for grabs again in August of 2019.
