Bio of Kent County Commissioner Kris Pachla

About Kent County Commissioner Kris Pachla

Kris Pachla serves as the District 19 Kent County Commissioner, which includes parts of Grand Rapids and all of East Grand Rapids. With a Ph.D. in Education Policy and experience as a physics teacher and former Director of GVSU’s Regional Math & Science Center, he has focused on expanding STEM programs for minorities and women. First elected as an East Grand Rapids City Commissioner in 2019, Kris championed sustainability, environmental protections, improved public safety, multi-modal mobility, and revitalized parks and playgrounds. He remains deeply committed to building an inclusive, welcoming Kent County that supports early childhood systems, affordable housing, reproductive freedom, and environmental justice.