About
BACKGROUND
Nasim Ansari is one of the most recognizable faces of the Kalamazoo County and Portage (Michigan) area.
His willingness to engage with anyone that speaks with him about the issues brought forward has earned him a reputation lasting decades.
The single most important thing to Nasim is his constituents' well-being. He has advocated for citizens of all walks of life in every position he has held throughout his career as a public servant and as a government employee within the city of Kalamazoo. His affinity for senior citizens likely comes from spending time with them while playing pickle ball and pool at the Portage Senior Center. Youth all around the area walk up to him and warmly address him "Mr. Ansari, you were my teacher!", referring to his K-12 substitute teaching
Community
Nasim Ansari is one of us. He understands the concerns of Portage citizens and stands among the community to face issues at eye level
His entire career has been dedicated to public service, on and off record. Whether securing a discount on water utility bills for senior citizens in Portage or working on transparency within local government, Ansari has worked selflessly in his capacity as public servant. His platform commitments remain fostering economic growth and providing citizen-centric policies that support longevity and purpose. His vast experience also translates to time on committees and boards, but also his relationship with the "average Joe" demonstrating his interest in community prosperity.
Education
Ansari earned a Master's of Science in Chemistry and is a Western Michigan University Alum with a Master's Degree in Business Administration, where he focused on economics.
He believes that in addition to the invaluable education attained at Western Michigan University the life-lived education has been through the extraordinary communities of Portage and Kalamazoo County. Having had the privilege of serving as a President of the Portage Small Business Association, Parks & Recreation Commissioner, Portage City Council member and Pro Tem Mayor of Portage (to name a few), he has met many outstanding people.
Experience
Here is a glimpse of the myriad memberships, committees Ansari has served on, time spent, experience gained and valuable insight gleaned from years working in our community in the public service sector:
- Pro Tem Mayor of Portage
- Portage City Council member
- Kalamazoo County Commissioner
- Member Kalamazoo County Local Emergency Planning Committee
- Vice-Chair Intergovernmental Cooperation Committee
- Parks and Recreation Commissioner
- Board of Directors Convention and Visitors Bureau
- Board Member Portage Community Center
- President Portage Small Business Association
- Retired Local Government Employee
- Adjunct Professor — Area Colleges
- Portage Small Business owner
- Member Portage Local Development Finance Authority
- Member Kalamazoo County Environmental Health Advisory Council
- Substitute Teacher — K-12
- Member Michigan Asian Pacific American Affairs Commission