Grand Rapids Reporter

Grand Rapids Third Ward City Commissioner Nathaniel Moody announced his intention to resign his seat citing personal reasons. His resignation will be effective Sunday, Dec. 31.

In July 2018, the City Commission unanimously selected Moody from among three finalists to serve out the term of former Commissioner David Allen who resigned to focus on leading the then Kent County land bank, InnovLaB. Moody then won a reelection bid in November 2019 to his current term.

Mayor Bliss said she would consult with the City Clerk, City Attorney and her colleagues on the City Commission prior to announcing a formal process to fill Moody’s seat, which will occur after the holidays.   

“It has been an honor of a lifetime to serve the residents of this great city and to serve with my colleagues and friends on the City Commission,” Moody said. “I am proud to see many investments being made in the Third Ward, including the construction of a new MLK Jr. lodge and fire station. I am hopeful that I contributed to making this community a better place and have faith in the work that the Mayor, Commissioners, City Manager Mark Washington and staff continue to do. I intend to focus more time on my family and health, I will remain a strong voice in the community.”

Mayor Bliss regretfully accepted his resignation stating that Moody’s, “wisdom and compassion helped guide the Commission and community through some tough times during his service including the pandemic, economic recovery and civil unrest,” she said. “As a lifetime resident of Grand Rapids, Nathaniel’s love and passion for this community is unmatched. I valued our relationship as colleagues and look forward to his continued engagement with community in a new way going forward.”

Moody has served on various boards and committees including, the Grand Rapids Community College Foundation Board, Grand Rapids Area Association of Pastors, Grand Rapids Board of Education, Grand Rapids Black Chamber of Commerce Community Relations, Spectrum Health Community Services Board, Police Chief Advisory Committee, and Grand Rapids Urban League.

His list of awards and accomplishments include, Celebration of Soul Marvin & Malinda Sapp Legacy Award, Omega Psi Phi Perseverance Award, State of Michigan Tribute by Governor Jennifer Granholm, Leadership Award from Bethany Christian Services, Community Leader Award by Grace for the Nations Church, United Methodist Community Achievement Award, Grand Rapids Giants HC Toliver, Religious Life Award, and the Boy Scouts of America Whitney M. Young, Jr. Service Award, among others.

Nathaniel Moody was born and raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School in 1975 and later earned an Associates of Arts Degree from Grand Rapids Junior College. He went on to earn his Mortuary Science Degree from Worsham College in Chicago, Illinois. In 2016 received his Master of Arts Degree from Cornerstone Theological Seminary.

Original source can be found here.