Local Government
Ottawa County Economic Development Corporation; 2020 to present – Appointed (Current Chairperson)
Ottawa County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority, 2020 to present - Appointed (Current Chairperson)
City of Grand Haven, City Council, 2015 to 2019 – Elected
City of Grand Haven, Planning Commission; 2011 to 2015 – Appointed
City of Grand Haven, Zoning Board of Appeals; 2007 to 2011 - Appointed
City of Grand Haven, Human Relations Commission; 1994 & 1995 – Appointed (Student Liaison
Community Experience & Volunteer Work
AmeriCorps Volunteer, Holland - Completed two, one-year commitments building simple and affordable homes for financially challenged families with Habitat for Humanity.
Lakeshore Habitat for Humanity & Tri-Cities Habitat for Humanity – After completing my AmeriCorps commitment, joined the staff of Habitat for Humanity in Holland as the Construction Coordinator and later was the Executive Director of Tri-Cities Habitat for Humanity in Grand Haven.
Love INC – Assisted with the opening and operations of the Love INC thrift store in Spring Lake where we raised money to assist those in need of food, shelter, and financial assistance.
The Salvation Army – Volunteered as an Advisory Board member for 12 years, two years as Chairperson. The Grand Haven Salvation Army serves Grand Haven, Spring Lake, Ferrysburg, Robinson Township, and Nunica through the operation of a food pantry, budget counseling, emergency housing, and with financial assistance for utilities and rent to those in the greatest need.
Serving In Mission – In 2004, Developed a business plan for the creation of a skills training center in Johannesburg, South Africa, while my wife coordinated short term mission and relief work around the country.
Business & Education
Owner & Licensed General Contractor, BruggerHouse Builders, LLC
GVSU, 2002 – MBA pre-req’s
Hope College, 2000 – Political Science
Grand Haven High School, 1996
Family
I am a third generation resident of Grand Haven. Together, with my beautiful wife, Jen, we are raising the fourth generation of West Michigan Brugger's. Jen recently completed her MSW at GVSU and is a full time Social Worker in the Reeths-Puffer School District working with elementary aged students. Kaiden is a Senior and Caleb is a Freshman, both at the Grand Haven High School. .
We're neither fully left nor fully right and we're teaching our boys that to be fully one or the other makes for a limited world view. When we isolate ourselves by listening to news and media outlets that only align with our opinions, we grow further apart as a nation. Confirmation bias is real and it divides is. This needs to change and our family is working to make that change. We invite you to join us.