John Michael grew up in Onaga, Kansas and attended the University of Kansas for both his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering and Master of Civil Engineering. He and his husband Grant first moved in together to Lenexa almost by accident in 2019—were it not for the Watercrest sign on the highway, they may not have found their new home here!

Growing up, John Michael’s family was a consistent reminder to give back to his community. His grandfather was involved with the local water board while he was little, and his father took on both water board and school board during his his teen years. These and more contributed to John Michael’s desire to do something for Lenexa, eventually steering him to the Planning Commission for nearly 5 years.

In his free time, John Michael reads (currently wrapping up Brandon Sanderson’s Wind and Truth), exercises at the Lenexa Rec Center or on Little Mill Creek trail, cooks and bakes, and spends time with his husband Grant, cat Cricket, and family and friends. He is pursuing an MBA through the University of Missouri - Kansas City, and participated in the 2025 Leadership Lenexa cohort.