Tasha Connelly

Tasha Connelly was elected to the Grand Rapids City Council in November 2016. She currently serves on the City's Policy and Ordinance Committee, the Grand Rapids Economic Development Authority (GREDA), the City/CountyCooperative Board, and most recently, the Human Rights Commission. Tasha has served on the Greenway Joint Recreation Association Board, the Grand Rapids Park and Recreation Board, and the Range Association of Municipalities and Schools (RAMS). Prior to taking office, Tasha volunteered at the Grand Rapids Planning Commission. 

Tasha is employed by ISD #318 as a Student Support Specialist. Previous employment includes work as a clinical staff member at Children's Mental Health Services and working in Minnesota's 1st and 9th Judicial Districts as a Guardian ad Litem, with appointments in both juvenile and family court cases. Prior to that, Tasha worked in Colorado's 17th Judicial District, where responsibilities included assisting deputy district attorneys, law enforcement, and judicial staff with the management of victims and witnesses in single-court division cases. 

Tasha graduated from Grand Rapids High School and attended Itasca Community College. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Magna Cum Laude, and a Master's degree in Marriage and Family Therapy, Summa Cum Laude. Tasha is an alumnus of the Blandin Leadership Program and is an Itasca County Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) trainer. She is also a member of the Philanthropic Educational Opportunities for Women, Chapter FV. Tasha and her family are members of the Community Presbyterian Church.

Tasha and her husband, Dan, have been married for 15 years, and together they have two sons. In her spare time, Tasha enjoys reading, playing piano, cross-country, downhill skiing, and cycling the City's over 50 miles of trail systems with her children. Her favorite pastime is spending time anywhere outdoors with her husband and sons.