Former Mayor Rosalynn Bliss became the City of Grand Rapids’ first female Mayor when she took office on January 1, 2016. She was re-elected for a second term in 2019 and was termed out of office on December 31, 2024.  She previously served as a Second Ward City Commissioner for 10 years.  

She earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology and criminal justice from the University of South Alabama and a master’s in social work from Michigan State University.   Mayor Bliss is active an active member of the community. She is Past President of the Michigan Municipal League and has served on the boards of the Downtown Development Authority, Experience Grand Rapids, Convention Arena Authority, Mayors Innovation Project Steering Committee, Urban Core Mayors, Future State Advisory Committee, Economic Club and Interurban Transit Partnership.   

Mayor Bliss has been recognized and honored locally as well as statewide for her commitment, dedication and work in the field of child abuse and neglect and for her leadership in the community.  She led Grand Rapids through the pandemic and was instrumental in moving forward transformational projects such as the river restoration project, Grand Rapids greenway, amphitheater and soccer stadium.