City names new parks, community development and utilities directors

City names new parks, community development and utilities directors

Published on December 29, 2025

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - The City of Grand Rapids today announced the appointments of three veteran leaders to serve as department directors following rigorous selection processes. Laura Cleypool has been named parks and recreation director, Selma Tucker has been appointed community development director and Wayne Jernberg will serve as the utilities director.

Cleypool has served as interim parks and recreation director after previously serving as the department's assistant director. She brings more than 25 years of experience in municipal and non-profit leadership, with a specialized focus on capital planning, recreation facility management and financial oversight. Cleypool holds a bachelor's degree from Aquinas College and a master's in business administration from Western Michigan University.

As parks and recreation director, Cleypool will lead the department's strategic goals and oversee the City's vast network of parks, programming and recreational facilities. She will be responsible for aligning the department's mission with the City's broader community health and wellness objectives.

"Laura distinguished herself as interim director and has a proven track record of aligning strategic goals with our mission," City Manager Mark Washington said. "She brings a unique blend of institutional knowledge and innovative vision to this permanent role."

Tucker joins the City leadership in February with an extensive background in strategy, policy development and community wealth building. He previously worked for the City from 2010 to 2013 and most recently served as the principal of local consulting firm, GSO Solutions and has served as director of strategic communications for the Michigan Municipal League. He holds a master's degree in public administration from Grand Valley State University.

As community development director, Tucker will oversee the City's efforts in identifying solutions for complex systemic problems by working with community-based organizations, housing developers and service providers. His role will focus on resident needs, urban development and fostering inclusive community growth.

"Selma's deep understanding of our community's needs and his expertise in policy development make him an ideal fit for this role," Washington said. "His previous experience with the City and his continued engagement in the community provides a solid foundation for his leadership."

Tucker and Cleypool will serve in the Community Services Group, under the direction of Connie Bohatch, senior managing director. She will work closely with both, especially focusing support on Tucker's work around housing affordability, homelessness response and inclusive community building.

Jernberg has most recently served as interim managing director of utilities and has been with the City of Grand Rapids since 2006. A licensed professional engineer with over 25 years of experience, he has led critical initiatives including the Lead Service Line Replacement program and the Lake Michigan Filtration Plant solar array project. He currently chairs the Michigan Drinking Water Advisory Council.

As utilities director, Jernberg will oversee the City's water, wastewater, and electric, lighting and communications (ELC) services. He will be responsible for the modernization and sustainability of the City's environmental services and vital water infrastructure.

"Wayne is a recognized leader whose technical expertise and commitment to modernization have already served our residents well," Washington said. "His leadership ensures that our most vital infrastructure remains resilient and sustainable for future generations."

Each director will oversee their respective departments' multi-million-dollar budgets and lead hundreds of public servants in the delivery of essential city services.

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