Board of Commissioners

Doug Zylstra was born and raised in Ottawa County. He is a graduate of Calvin Christian High School, The University of Michigan, and the Eli Broad School of Business at Michigan State University. He is the President and owner of West Side Clothing since 1996. Commissioner Zylstra was elected commissioner for the City of Holland district in 2019 . Previously, he was on the Ottawa County Planning Commission from 2010 to 2017. He also served one term on the West Michigan Regional Planning Commission. He serves or has served on many board and committees including: the Finance Committee, SmartZone Board, Health and Human Services Committee, the Community Mental Health Board, the Talent and Recruitment Committee, as well the Local Emergency Planning Committee.

Rebekah Curran is a seasoned sales & marketing professional with 15 years of managerial experience with Marriott International, Hilton Hotels, Hyatt Hotels, and The Berkeley Hotel. In 2012, after completely submitting her life to Christ, she felt led to forge a new path into politics and fundraising. She is thankful for the honor of working for The Family Foundation, Amanda Chase for Virginia State Senate & Governor, Ben Carson's Presidential Super PAC, and Trump Victory. She also worked in fundraising to advance the cause of many non-profits. She has been married to her supportive husband, Jeff Curran, for 21 years. Together they have raised two amazing children, Devin & Conner. Rebekah, and her family, live in Georgetown Township and attend Resurrection Life Church in Grandville. As a first-time Commissioner, she is looking forward to bringing a new perspective and serving the people of Ottawa County.

Roger (Rog) Belknap is a lifelong West Michigan resident, having grown up in Chester Township and currently resides in Grand Haven Township. Belknap is a small business owner and has over 20 years of public service experience, most recently working for the Michigan Department of Transportation as the Transportation Asset Management Council Program Coordinator. He has infrastructure planning and management experience gained while working as the Public Works Director for the communities of Cedar Springs and Spring Lake. Rog also worked for the Kent County Road Commission as a Transportation Planner where he was involved with roadway information system management and coordination of community development initiatives. Rog earned Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Public Administration and over the course of his career obtained licenses for municipal utility operations and other vocational training. Belknap represents Ottawa County Commission District 9, which includes the townships of Grand Haven, Robinson and Precinct 5 of Spring Lake Township.

Roger A. Bergman was born in Holland, and attended Holland Christian Schools and Hope College. In 1966 He started working at Borr's Bootery and met his wife Karen that same year. They soon married and started a family after moving to their first home ten miles south of Holland in Allegan County. When Borr's opened a new store in Grand Haven, they moved north and followed the store to the city. In addition to being involved with the merchant's organization, they soon became active in starting a new church. At the same time, Roger was the legal guardian for two mentally challenged older brothers as well as was co-director of a financial planning ministry. In addition to this, Karen and he were raising two boys, Nick and Bryce. In 1999, Roger took his post on Grand Haven City Council where he served four years. Following that, Bergman served as Grand Haven's mayor for eight years. Next, Roger turned his attention to Ottawa County and was elected to the Board of Commissioners in 2012. As Roger looks back at this time, he sees how God has blessed him and my family in so many ways and is thankful.

Allison Miedema was elected in 2022 to represent District 11 as county commissioner.

Allison has a teaching degree from Grand Valley State University with a Master's degree in Early Childhood, and has taught preschool for 21 years in both public and private schools. Allison looks forward to bringing her expertise in child development to advocacy for the best interest of children in policy decisions made by Ottawa County. Through her work with hundreds of families, Allison fostered strong communication skills, relationships, team work, and goal setting.

Allison became involved in politics when she noticed the rights of parents and children, along with the everyday American citizen, were being neglected, abused, and overstepped by the government in response to Covid-19. Due to the government overreach in schools, which violated her own personal conscience and spiritual convictions, she resigned her much loved position as a teacher in August 2021. Allison understands the government must work for the people to protect life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness for citizens. She prioritizes freedom, the Constitution, and parental rights.

Allison is married to her best friend Brent and they have a teenage son. Her family is an active part of a local church where she has led a ladies Bible study, served as an active participant in the high school youth group, children's ministries, and more recently served on the pastor search team. Allison enjoys many outdoor adventures including camping and hiking, as well as enjoys reading and spending time with family and friends.