Brian McGrain is proud of his deep connections to Lansing and Ingham County.  Born at St. Lawrence hospital, Brian spent his childhood outside of the state, attending schools throughout the U.S., in Japan, and in Germany, before graduating from high school in Virginia.  He returned to the Lansing area nearly sixteen years ago to attend Michigan State University, where he received both his Bachelors degree in Urban and Regional Planning and his Masters degree in Public Administration and Urban Studies.

Brian is a 4th generation graduate of Michigan State University.  His father (Brian E. McGrain of Fairview, Pennsylvania), his grandparents (Thomas and Eleanore McGrain of Okemos), and his great-grand-aunt (Alice Jennings, formerly of Okemos) were all graduates of MSU, as well as several other family members.  Brian also spent four years working at the University’s Institute for Public Policy and Social Research.

Brian currently serves as the Associate Director/Chief Operating Office of the Community Economic Development Association of Michigan (CEDAM).  CEDAM is a state-wide trade association which provides advocacy and training services for its members, which are predominantly community-based nonprofit development organizations.  Brian oversees operations, trainings, and communication efforts for CEDAM, as well as handling some partnership-building and advocacy initiatives.  Brian has a decade of experience in the community development industry and is a proponent of the transforming power of community reinvestment.

In his spare time, Brian is engaged in a number of community service activities.  He has served as President and is a current board member of the Grand River Connection, the young professionals’ group of Greater Lansing.  He also serves on the City of Lansing Board of Zoning Appeals, is a frequent supporter of local political campaigns, and was a former member of the Franklin Street Community Housing Corporation Board.  He is partner in a small rental holdings company, CJM Properties LLC.  Brian is a member of American MENSA and has been a parishioner at St. John’s Parish in East Lansing for sixteen years.

Brian enjoys the great quality of life offered by the Greater Lansing area.  He is a cheerleader for his neighborhood, city, and region.  Brian is excited about the opportunity to serve his community in a greater capacity and looks forward to continuing to represent District 3 on the Ingham County Board of Commissioners.