Joel Hondorp was selected as the Grand Rapids City Clerk in April 2018

Prior to being selected as the City Clerk, Mr. Hondorp served as Byron Township Clerk from 2000 – 2018. During his tenure at Byron Township he was selected as the 2010 Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks Township Clerk of the year and in 2012 served as President of the MAMC. He also served as a Trustee in Byron Township from 1996-2000. He is a member of Rotary International, the Kent County Clerks Association, life-member of the Michigan Association of Municipal Clerks, the International Institute of Municipal Clerks, the Byron Township Fire Department and the VanSingel Fine Arts Foundation. He received his Certified Municipal Clerk status from the IIMC in 2009 and attained the status of Master Municipal Clerk in 2019.

Joel is a graduate of Byron Center High School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Michigan State University. He was a 2003 Fellow in the Michigan Political Leadership Program. Joel spent his college summers working for the City of Grand Rapids in the Water Department and the Waste Water Industrial Pretreatment Program.

After hours, Joel enjoys spending time with his family and attending all their various events. His hobbies include reading, golfing, fantasy football and cooking food outdoors. Joel is married to Brenda Hondorp and father to Emma and Sam.

Mary Jo Baweja, MA, LLP is the Founder and President of Blank Canvas Consulting. As a Clinical and Organizational Psychologist, Mary Jo helps leaders lead more effectively, teams function more effectively, and individuals become their best professional selves to take their career in the direction they want it to go. Mary Jo’s expertise ranges from fundamental leadership development, employee selection and development, behavioral assessment, team building, career coaching and workplace relationships

When not working to help organizations and individuals achieve lasting change, Mary Jo enjoys spending time with her husband and adult children, as well as photography, bike riding and hiking.

Dwight is a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, with roots in Benton Harbor, Michigan, where his upbringing was shaped by his father’s entrepreneurial spirit and his mother’s commitment to education. He attended Western Michigan University, focusing on Business, Communications, and Fine Arts. Dwight is dedicated to building strong community partnerships, revitalizing the internal DEI Champion network, and driving the company’s DEI recruitment strategy, all while staying committed to creating a more equitable world.

Beyond his professional role, Dwight is deeply involved in community service. He is an accomplished alto saxophonist, performs at The Pentecostals of Kentwood, and volunteers with the Senior PGA. He also mentors college students and serves on the boards of the Rotary Club of Grand Rapids and Inforum’s Next Gen Council. His contributions have earned him accolades, including the Building Bridges Through Education award and honors from Black Wall Street USA Ambassadors, and he has spoken at events for organizations like Hello West Michigan and the Michigan Chamber of Commerce. With every endeavor, Dwight remains focused on leaving a lasting legacy of inclusivity, leadership, and community impact.

Alexandra Wilson is the Director of Personal Giving for Samaritas and the creator of Drinks and Development. With more than ten years in the fundraising sector, she has lent her expertise to non-profits by sitting on boards, committees, and councils of many organizations including the Women of Habitat Kent, Humane Society of West Michigan, and Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.

Alex is the Board Secretary and a member of the Community Engagement Committee where she co-Chairs the Senior Neighbors Holiday Luncheon and the River Clean Up. She is also the Chair of the Service Above Self Awards Dinner and co-Chairs the Golf Affinity Group.
She enjoys golfing, boxing, volunteering, decorating and hosting. Mostly, she loves spending time with her friends and family including her plethora of rescue animals especially her blue heeler, Jax.

Shannon Kolarik is a Workplace Sales Advisor at Custer, the Steelcase Furniture Dealer for West Michigan. She graduated from Grand Valley State University in 2010 with a Bachelor’s degree in English. She enjoys learning about the diverse companies that make Grand Rapids unique and creating environments for their employees to thrive. Shannon has been a Rotary Board Member for 4 years and is involved in several committees within Rotary, including Club 77 (co-founder and co-chair), Women of Rotary, Service Above Self, and the Charities Foundation.

Her volunteer activities include Habitat for Humanity, Kids Food Basket, Village Water Filters, Ronald McDonald House, Hand 2 Hand, Family Promise, and various Women’s Ministries including the Working Moms Group she helps lead. She enjoys reading, golfing, traveling, and spending time with her husband and two girls. Her happy place is anywhere there is sunshine and water.

Brian P. Hauenstein is President and Principal of Oasis Senior Advisors. With over 30 years of leadership in retail marketing and community service, he is dedicated to helping families navigate senior living decisions with compassion and clarity. Brian also serves as a trustee, board member, and advisor across several health and human service organizations. His work reflects a deep commitment to building trusted relationships and delivering personalized support to those in transition.

Jax Merritt is the Sales and Service Manager at Alliance Financial & Insurance, bringing over 13 years of expertise in the insurance industry with a strong focus on client relationships, leadership, and community impact. Known for her strategic mindset and passion for service, Jax is also a proud graduate of the University of Phoenix, where she earned her MBA after completing her Bachelor of Science in Business and Human Resources. Her academic journey began at Aquinas College, shaping a foundation of values and curiosity that still drives her today.

Beyond the office, Jax is a dedicated community leader. She currently serves as Co-Chair for both Women of Habitat Kent—supporting affordable housing initiatives—and STRIVE, a Rotary Club of Grand Rapids program that mentors local students as they prepare for life after high school. She also serves on Rotary’s Community Engagement Committee, helping to build meaningful connections and projects that benefit the Grand Rapids area. Her commitment to making a difference is matched only by her enthusiasm for life outside of work.

Originally from Athens, Michigan, Jax now calls Grand Rapids home. When she’s not supporting her team or serving the community, you’ll likely find her firing up the grill for a barbecue competition or singing along at a live concert. Whether she’s leading a team, mentoring youth, or mastering the perfect brisket, Jax brings energy, heart, and a little spice to everything she does.

Claire Horlings is a health plan analyst for HAP CareSource, a joint venture between a Michigan-based insurance company and a national health plan. She holds a BA in Journalism from Michigan State University and is a proud Spartan.

Claire is also an experienced fund and business development professional, having worked previously in financial services and the nonprofit sector. Claire has more than 20 years of experience volunteering for a variety of organizations including Forest Hills Public Schools, Bethany Christian Services and Clark Retirement Community.

Claire previously served as Board Secretary for the club; currently serves as co-chair of the Community Engagement Committee and is also the Board President of the West Michigan Asian American Association. She lives in Grand Rapids Twp. and she and her husband, Rod have three children.