David Combs lives with his family in the Eastwood neighborhood. He holds masters degrees in Public Administration and Organizational Development.
David's passion for public service began at an early age, inspired by his mother who worked as a social worker for the State of Michigan. Witnessing the positive impact that advocacy combined with government service can have on a community, he embarked on a career as an advocate tackling issues such as vaccine accessibility and nuclear disarmament. His advocacy efforts have spanned from local city councils to Congress. David ultimately decided to focus his energy on addressing the everyday concerns that Michiganders face, including access to housing, healthcare, and quality public infrastructure. He is also deeply committed to ensuring the rights of every individual to live their true identity in a safe and welcoming community.
David firmly believes that local government should be transparent and inclusive, working towards creating sustainable and equitable communities. He is determined to provide Kalamazoo Township with the kind of leadership that prioritizes these values.
Colleen Leonard, a proud mid-Michigan native and Kalamazoo College alumna, is honored to serve as a Kalamazoo Township Trustee. As a lead compensation analyst within HR operations at Stryker, Colleen brings a solid understanding of organizational dynamics, financial stewardship, and strategic planning.
During her time at Kalamazoo College, Colleen was a dedicated member of the volleyball team and her post-college years as a coach further refined her leadership and team-building skills. Her experiences on the court and in coaching taught her the importance of collaboration, strategic thinking, and effective communication.
As a Township Trustee, Colleen is focused on addressing key issues such as infrastructure improvements, public safety, and increasing community engagement. She is committed to fostering a thriving, inclusive community that meets the needs of residents while ensuring sustainable growth for the future.
Ashley lives with her husband and two young daughters in the Eastwood neighborhood and has been a Kalamazoo resident for over a decade now. As a new trustee, she looks forward to listening to our residents and working with them to continue building a community that is healthy and thriving for all who live here.
Her values lie with our environment; community activism; a place that is 'for the people by the people'; transparency; equity, and inclusion. She looks forward to engaging small businesses that are committed to building us up and promoting people over profits. I am committed to thinking creatively about how to engage and collaborate with our citizens, surrounding communities, and local organizations to achieve our goals.
Ashley holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science and is pursuing a graduate degree in public administration from Western Michigan University. Her past volunteer activities include Urban Alliance, Building Blocks, Kalamazoo Nonviolent Opponents of War, Engaging Local Government Leaders, and groups that work with the Kalamazoo Climate Crisis Coalition. I have also volunteered in several election cycles to get out the vote.
Craig Sherwood lives in the Westwood Neighborhood with his wife, two sons, and dog. As someone who grew up in rural Michigan, he learned from a young age the value of knowing your neighbors and being able to move past differences to show up for one another when times get tough. This belief in knowing one's community and seeing the value in doing so has stuck with him throughout life and acted as motivation for wanting to serve his community now as a Township Trustee.
He has owned and ran multiple businesses and understands the unique challenges a small business owner must face especially while trying to balance the other demands of life. Craig has lived the precarious balancing act that is being a parent, paying bills and maintaining a roof over head all while keeping a business running and will bring this perspective with him as a Trustee. An avid outdoorsman and trained wildlife biologist, Craig now helps to run a small business in conservation technology. He has also held a number of jobs in the past including in agriculture, outdoor education, research, retail, and heavy construction, working on large scale solar, wind, electrical, and natural gas infrastructure projects.
Craig's love for his community and state was the catalyst for wanting to serve, but a desire to help build a Township where everyone feels represented and that they too have a stake in our collective future will sustain him. He looks forward to learning more about the place he calls home and working with its residents to move forward together.
Lisa Mackie has served on the Kalamazoo Township Board of Trustees since November of 2020. In addition, Ms. Mackie is a Central County Transportation Authority member, the Public Media Network Board of Directors, and the Kalamazoo Township Climate Committee. Clerk Mackie earned her degree in Organizational Communication from Western Michigan University. She has lived in the community since 2000.
