John Siemion
Community Leader | Volunteer | Advocate
Community Leader | Volunteer | Advocate
The Grand Haven Pride Board of Directors is the leadership team responsible for planning, organizing, and guiding the vision of the annual Grand Haven Pride Festival and related events. Made up of dedicated volunteers from across the community, the Board works year-round to ensure that Pride is not just a celebration, but a platform for visibility, inclusion, and connection. Board members oversee event planning, partnerships, fundraising, and outreach, all with the goal of creating welcoming spaces where LGBTQ+ individuals, families, and allies can come together. Through collaboration and advocacy, the Board helps foster a more vibrant, accepting, and united Grand Haven.
The City of Grand Haven Human Relations Commission works to promote respect, understanding, and equal opportunity for all who live, work, and visit our community. The Commission serves as a bridge between residents, city leadership, and local organizations to address issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion while fostering dialogue and collaboration. Commissioners advocate for fair treatment, encourage community engagement, and help ensure that Grand Haven remains a welcoming and inclusive place for everyone.
The Secretary of the Ottawa Area Intermediate School District Board of Education plays a vital role in maintaining transparency and accuracy in Board operations. Responsibilities include keeping official records of meetings, agendas, and correspondence, as well as supporting effective governance through collaboration with Board leadership and staff. The Secretary helps ensure that the Board’s decisions are well-documented and accessible to the community.
As a member of the Grand Haven Area Public Schools Board of Education for over two decades, including eight years as Board President, I worked to ensure high-quality education for all students in our district. I led strategic initiatives, strengthened community engagement, and supported policies that fostered academic excellence, equity, and fiscal responsibility. Through collaboration with administrators, educators, and families, I helped guide the district through growth, change, and innovation while keeping students at the center of every decision.
The Ottawa Area Intermediate School District Board of Education governs the regional education agency that supports local districts by providing specialized programs and services. As Vice President, the role includes helping guide policy, overseeing resources, and fostering collaboration among districts to improve educational outcomes countywide.
As a member of the Michigan Association of School Boards Board of Directors, I represented local districts from Region 3 while helping shape statewide policies, programs, and advocacy efforts that strengthen public education. I partnered with education leaders from across Michigan to provide governance training, promote effective school board practices, and advance legislative priorities that support student success.
As a Director on the Grand Haven Schools Foundation Board, I contributed to advancing the foundation’s mission of supporting early childhood education and lifelong learning opportunities in our community. My work involved strategic planning, fundraising, and community outreach to ensure local children had access to the resources and programs they need to thrive. I collaborated with fellow board members, educators, and donors to expand the foundation’s impact and strengthen its role in fostering educational excellence.
As Co-Chair of the Grand Haven Pride Festival, I helped guide the event’s vision, planning, and execution—bringing together community members, volunteers, and partners to create an inclusive, joyful celebration of LGBTQ+ pride. My role involved coordinating logistics, fostering collaboration among committee members, engaging local businesses and organizations, and ensuring the festival reflected both our community’s diversity and its shared commitment to equity and belonging.
Email: john@siemion.com