Senator John Proos

DISTRICT AND FAMILY

State Senator John Proos was elected to the Michigan Senate in November 2010 to represent the 21st district of Berrien, Cass and most of Van Buren Counties. He served as State Representative of the 79th district from 2005 through 2010. Sen. Proos resides in St. Joseph with his wife Kristy and three children, Elena, Jack and Nora.

EDUCATION

Sen. Proos is a 1988 graduate of Lake Michigan Catholic High School. He holds a bachelor of Political Science from Marquette University, Milwaukee, WI and a Master's in Higher Education Administration from Michigan State University.

PROFESSIONAL

Over the past ten years, Proos has worked on the staff of Congressman Fred Upton serving in several different capacities, most recently as deputy chief of staff and district director. Proos also worked as vice president of Heritage Homes Inc. of Michigan in Berrien County.

PAST PUBLIC AFFILIATIONS

In addition to working for Congressman Upton, Proos has served as Berrien County Republican Party Chairman and has been a member of the Berrien County Republicans. Proos was also a member of the Berrien County Election Staff for the Bush/Cheney campaign in 2000. Proos was also a member of the Lakeland Regional Health System Community Benefits Committee and HOSTS mentor for Benton Harbor Area Schools.

COMMUNITY SERVICE AND AFFILIATIONS

In addition to family and political life Proos is active in many southwestern Michigan groups including the Rotary Club of St. Joseph/Benton Harbor and the United Way of Southwest Michigan. Proos is a board member of the Berrien Community Foundation and member of St. Joseph the Provider Knights of Columbus Chapter of St. Joseph Catholic Parish and the Coloma American Legion Post 362.

COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS

Proos is serving on the Senate Appropriations Committee for the 2011-2014 Senate term.  He is chair of the Corrections and Judiciary subcommittees; vice chair of the Department of Energy, Labor and Economic Growth subcommittee; and a member of the Human Services subcommittee.  Proos will also serve as vice chair of the Senate Energy & Technology Committee as a member of the Senate Finance Committee and Senate Redistricting Committee. 

LEGISLATIVE AWARDS

2005 Wine Michigan Legislator of the Year ?2006 Michigan State Medical Society Legislator of the Year ?2006 Literacy Advocate Award?2006 Michigan Agri-Business Association Agricultural Advocate Award

2007 Healthy Legislator Award, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

2008 Habitat for Humanity Legislative Build Co-Chair

2008 Healthy Legislator Award, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

2010 Small Business Association of Michigan Legislator of the Year

2010 Healthy Children's Award

2010 Habitat for Humanity Public Servant of the Year

2010 Michigan Food and Farming Systems Legislator of the Year

LEGISLATIVE ASSIGNMENTS:

Chairman of the Strategic Task Force on Job Creation

Chairman of the House Republican Caucus, 2007-08

Co-Chairman, Michigan Fire Service Caucus

Co-Chairman, Michigan Non-Profit Caucus

Co-Chairman, Southwest Michigan Caucus

Member, Michigan Legislative Sportsmen's Caucus

Member, Michigan Boating Caucus

Senator John Proos can be contacted by clicking here.