Kelsey Heck Wood

Kelsey was born and raised in rural northern Michigan. Her mom was a waitress at a local restaurant, and worked long hours to put food on the table. As she grew up, Kelsey went on to benefit from Head Start and a great public education from McBain Rural Agricultural School, and became the first in her family to graduate from college.

In 2017, Kelsey put her organizing skills to use and worked alongside members and allies of the LGBTQ+ community to help pass Jackson’s non-discrimination ordinanceInspired by the testimony of those speaking in favor of this ordinance and the bravery of those who led the way before her, it was during public comment that Kelsey came out as bisexual. The ordinance passed 5-2, and continues to serve as a reminder that the toughest fights are always the ones worth taking on, and progress can be achieved when we come together and demand it.

When another opportunity to serve her community arose, and a vacancy opened up on her local city council, Kelsey was appointed to represent the people of Ward 5. In her time as a councilor, she fought hard for – and passed – progressive policies that would benefit the least privileged people in her community.

In her free time, Kelsey enjoys reading, cooking, and tackling DIY projects around the 100-year old home she shares with her husband, Conner, and two cats, Bingo and Dan.