PERSONAL HISTORY:
Born in Grand Rapids, State Rep. Robert Dean is the son of Henry and Lillie Dean. Henry Dean worked at Owens Aims and Kimball Construction in Grand Rapids and Lillie worked at a local nursing home. Growing up, Robert Dean and his family attended the Guiding Light Church of God and Christ in Grand Rapids.
Rep. Dean graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School in 1972. Afterwards, he worked for Interstate Brands Corp. in Grand Rapids, where he also was an AFL-CIO union member for seven years.
In 1980, Rep. Dean founded the New Life Church of God in Christ and has been its Pastor for 26 years.
GOVERNMENT EXPERIENCE:
State Rep. Dean served on the Grand Rapids School Board from 1990 to 1996, serving as president from 1995 to 1996. In 1999, he was elected City Commissioner and served until he resigned in 2006 to campaign for the State House of Representatives; he Cserved as president of the city commission from 2002 to 2003.
FAMILY:
State Rep. Dean and his wife of 32 years, Betty, have two adult Cchildren, Robert A. and Nathan H. They also are the proud grandparents of two grandsons, Robert, 2, and Nathan H. Jr., 9.
Rep. Dean’s History of Community Involvement
Pastor of New Life Church, City Commissioner, Grand Rapids Public Schools Board, Campfire Boys and Girls, State of Mich. Technology Vocational Education, Created Office of Homeless Services, Special Education Funding, Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, Christian Employment Assistance Team, Urban League, Grand Rapids Community College, Clergy and Laity Concerned, G.R. Area Center for Ecumenism, National Black Caucus, G.R. Opportunities Industrialization Center, Project Focus, Degage, Families for Kids, Kent County Children’s Coordinating Council, Directions Center, NAACP, Rotary Club, Senior Neighbors, Dwelling Place, Military Academics Committee, Family Talk, Fair Housing Center, Student Achievement Foundation, Clergy Interracial Forum, Coalition for Representative Government, Area Agency on Aging.