Born and raised in Kalamazoo, Mayor Bobby J. Hopewell has spent his entire adult career in the service of others. From his professional positions in healthcare to his board memberships and civic responsibilities, he has demonstrated leadership and passion for improving the lives of all citizens in Kalamazoo.

In addition to his role as mayor, Mayor Hopewell is currently the President and CEO of Mobile Health Resources (MHR). Prior to his current position, he served as the Administrative Director of Borgess Health Park in Battle Creek, Michigan and Hospitality Services Director at Borgess Medical Center in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Before joining Borgess, Mayor Hopewell served as the Community Relations Manager for Bronson Healthcare.

He served his first term as mayor to the Kalamazoo City Commission in 2003, Vice Mayor in 2005 and holds the record for the most consecutive days as Mayor since his 2007 appointment. Mayor Hopewell focuses on comprehensive community development, public safety services, accountability, equality, innovation and efforts to prepare young people for the world.

Like his work on the Commission, Hopewell has served with distinction in organizations that play a role in significantly improving our community. They include chairing the Michigan Urban Core Mayors Association and serving as a board member for the Michigan Municipal League and Pretty Lake Camp.

The Mayor has also been actively involved with organizations that are dedicated to local economic development. He serves on the boards of both the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Downtown Development Authority.

His contributions to the City of Kalamazoo and his community, both personally and professionally, have been recognized as well. He has received the Marcia Jackson Hunger Advocacy Award in 2013, the Literacy Advocate of the Year Award from the Kalamazoo Literacy Council in 2013 and the 2016 Western Michigan University Golden Apple/Keystone Alumni Award, just to name a few.

A graduate of Kalamazoo Central High School, he received an Associate's degree in Health Technology from Kalamazoo Valley Community College and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Service from Sienna Heights University, and a M.A. from Western Michigan University in Organizational Learning and Performance.