Biography

Nancy DeBoer, born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, has been a dedicated public servant and educator in the Holland area for over four decades. She was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in November 2022, representing the 86th District, which includes the City of Holland, most of Holland Township, and all of Park and Laketown townships in Allegan and Ottawa counties. A member of the Republican Party, DeBoer has a rich history of community involvement and leadership.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: DeBoer earned a Bachelor of Arts in Secondary Education from Calvin College. She has also completed 20 hours of postgraduate coursework at Western Michigan University and is a graduate of Leadership Holland.

• Professional Experience:

  • Began her career as a middle and high school English teacher.
  • Co-founded the West Michigan Character Council in 2002, serving as its executive director for 17 years.
  • Co-hosted the morning radio show on WPNW The Pledge from 2013 to 2015.
  • Served as assistant director for the She Leads Michigan organization and hosted the Heart and Soul segments on WLNS-TV.

• Political Experience:

  • Served on Holland’s City Council starting in 2005.
  • Elected as the first female mayor of Holland in 2015, serving two terms through 2019.
  • As mayor, led initiatives such as:
  • Renovating the Civic Center without increasing taxes.
  • Closing the city’s coal power plant and building a new $260 million natural gas power plant, reducing electrical prices by 10%.
  • Overseeing the development of a new business block, including a parking garage, theater, restaurants, and condos.
  • Expanding the city’s snowmelt system to become the largest in North America.
  • Approving over 2,500 housing units for various income levels.
  • Elected to the Michigan House of Representatives in 2022, representing the 86th District.
  • Serves as the chairwoman of the House Education and Workforce Committee and is a member of the House’s Energy, Health Policy, and Rules committees.

DeBoer's extensive experience in education, community service, and political leadership underscores her commitment to the residents of the greater Holland area.