About Mary
Greetings Grandville School District Voters,
As a lifelong Bulldog, my love for Grandville Public Schools goes back to my earliest years as a young Preschooler when I attended Riverbend Elementary. I spent the majority of my elementary school years growing up in Standale and after my time at Riverbend, was a proud student at Cummings Elementary. During my 5th grade school year, my family moved to the city of Grandville and I transferred to West Elementary. I truly have the best memories of all my teachers during these formative years and can still list them off by name!
I went on to attend Grandville Junior High (current Administration building) and was part of the first class to go all the way through the “new high school” grades 9-12, graduating with the Class of 2001. During my time in high school, I was a National Honor Society student, participated in ‘Business Professionals of America’, Quiz Bowl, and at the same time began working part-time when I was 15 years old to begin saving for a car and college expenses. As many of you remember, Rivertown Crossings Mall was just opening at this time and jobs were aplenty for the high schoolers!
Being a Grandville student prepared me well for the rigors of college, the work world, and entrepreneurship. The focus on strong academics and encouraging lifelong learning is something I’ve always appreciated about Grandville Public. I’ve also always been grateful for Grandville’s focus on student safety. Having been in high school myself when the Columbine shooting occurred, I remember Grandville High School implementing safety drills immediately in the aftermath of this horrific event. This issue was and continues to be critically important to address daily.
Which brings me to the heart of my desire to be a part of the Grandville School Board - my husband and I have a 6 year old son who attends Grand View Elementary and a 4 year old daughter who is right behind him. I want my kids, and ALL of the kids in Grandville Public, to have an amazing public school experience - like myself and many others have experienced throughout the years.
My priorities as a Grandville School Board member would focus on maintaining the high level of academic excellence that Grandville is known for and continuing to focus on safety and support for all students, teachers, and administration. I believe my education, career history, and being a current small business owner would allow me to make significant contributions to Grandville Public Schools.
-
Lifelong Bulldog, attended Riverbend Elementary, Cummings and West Elementary.
-
Raised in Standale, our family moved to the city of Grandville in 1994.
-
National Honor Society, Business Professional of America, and Quiz Bowl member.
-
Began working at the age of 15 in the Grandville community.
-
Graduated with honors in 2001.
-
Attended Grand Rapids Community College, transferred to Grand Valley State University. Bachelor's Degree in English Language and Literature, 2005. Dean’s List.
-
Masters Degree in Organizational Learning and Performance from Western Michigan University, 2011.
-
Career in Human Resources, spending several years serving the community through my work at the Grand Rapids Downtown Development Authority and the Grand Rapids Downtown Market.
-
Currently, Founder & CEO of The Social G Co., a social media marketing company serving small to mid-sized businesses.
-
Highly involved in our local business community, including being a member of the Economic Club of Grand Rapids and attending numerous local Chamber happenings. (Grandville Jenison Chamber & Walker Chamber of Commerce).
-
Grand View Elementary PTC Board Member, Secretary.
-
Parishioner at St. John Vianney Catholic Church.
-
Married Brandon Gunther in 2016 and have two children, William (6) and Grace (4).