Photo Credit: Justin Razmus

I'm Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon, and I am thrilled to serve the people of Cannon Township! I was appointed to a vacated seat on the Board on Monday, March 25, 2024 and then won the November 5 General Election. I take great pride in doing what is best for our community! It’s an honor to serve you.

My husband, Jake, and I moved here full time in 2014. (Before that, I grew up spending my summers here.) I am a mother to three boys—Blake, Dax, and Parks. Blake and Dax attend Lakes Elementary, where I’m actively involved and a member of the Parent Teacher Organization.

I am the President of Swift Printing, a women-owned, family-owned, B Corp business - where I’m a third-generation team member. In my free time, you’ll catch me at the BLI singing with the Bridge Street Band or catching frogs at turtle town with my boys. I love this community and I want to see it continue to thrive.

As a Republican candidate for this partisan position, I am committed to working with everyone to make Cannon Township an even better place to live.

Photo of Slaydon Family. Photo Credit: Jarrett Schwarz
Jes, Jake and the kids downtown Rockford
Jes leading the Annual Donut Dash to support the GRPD Foundation
Walt Gutowski, Blake Slaydon & Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon at Sullivan's Field
Blake and Dax Slaydon at Lakes Elementary
The Slaydon's with the Bostwick Lake Crew for the unofficial Triathlon.
Jes & Terry at the Township Office

Vision for Cannon Township

As a member of the Planning Commission, I understand the importance of balancing development, property rights, and the preservation of our township's beautiful natural assets. My focus is to continue prioritizing safety, maintaining quality roads, supporting excellent schools, and preserving our natural resources. I am committed to educating residents and visitors about the beauty of our community for future generations, in line with the Township's Master Plan.

A black-and-white photo of a smiling man and woman sitting close, with the woman leaning her head on the man's shoulder, holding his arm.
A band performing on an outdoor stage with five musicians, including a woman singer in a yellow skirt and sunglasses, and four men playing various instruments, under string lights. Green banners with signs for Bridgestreet Market and Lewandoski Marke
A woman sitting in a radio studio with a microphone in front of her. She is smiling, wearing a red t-shirt with a donut graphic and text, and a denim jacket. There is a window behind her, and the microphone has a white label with the logos of public
A family photo on the cover of a magazine, featuring a man, woman, and four children sitting on and near the steps of a house. The family appears happy and relaxed.
A smiling woman wearing sunglasses and a blue jacket is posing outdoors with a young boy in an orange shirt holding a water bottle and an ice cream bar, in front of a brick building.
Three smiling people standing together indoors: a blonde woman in a black jacket, a man in a gray T-shirt with a baseball stadium graphic, and a woman with dark hair wearing a purple jacket, all posing for the photo.

I’ve always had a call to serve, whether it be organizing a fun run/walking group to meet new people or facilitating my kids' idea to build a Little Free Library for our neighborhood. I feel fulfilled when I am a good steward for our community.

In 2022, I became involved with Cannon Township, initially joining the Zoning Board of Appeals as an alternate and swiftly transitioning to the Planning Commission. I have a passion for understanding due process and a commitment to learning. (Check out my experience below.)

I believe in approaching leadership with respect for all. I value understanding the history and reasons behind decisions. I want to learn from as many people as I can. Let’s connect!

Group of five smiling women standing outdoors in front of a brick wall, with a man and a musician with guitar in the background. They are wearing casual clothes, some with 'Lakes Elementary' t-shirts.
A woman and a man smiling and standing close together in front of a sign that says 'FRA•TEL• MAN•GA•B' in a restaurant or cafe.
A woman and two young boys standing on grass near a body of water on a clear sunny day. The woman is wearing sunglasses and a blue T-shirt, smiling. The boys are dressed in casual clothes, holding small items, with one boy wearing a Batman T-shirt an
Group of six people standing on a rooftop outdoor terrace during daytime, posing for a photo with glass doors and a cloudy sky reflected in the background.
A woman and three children standing on a sandy beach with green dunes and trees in the background. The woman is wearing sunglasses and a long-sleeve shirt, smiling, and holding a child's hand. One boy is sitting on the sand, another standing with an
Two people smiling at a social event, standing indoors with a glass wall behind them showing an outdoor terrace with potted plants and a city view, during daylight.

Experience

CAREER

Swift Printing Co. Grand Rapids, MI July  2014 - present

AWARDS

Crain’s Grand Rapids Business Journal Inaugural 40 under 40 Recipient. 2023

EDUCATION/CERTIFICATIONS

BOARDS

RECENT COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT/PROJECTS 

A man and a woman standing outdoors on a sunny day with green trees, bushes, and a flower bed in the background. The man is wearing a navy blazer, light-colored trousers, a striped shirt, and brown shoes. The woman is wearing a black blazer, green dr

A man and a woman standing outdoors on a sunny day with green trees, bushes, and a flower bed in the background. The man is wearing a navy blazer, light-colored trousers, a striped shirt, and brown shoes. The woman is wearing a black blazer, green dress, and beige heels.

Three people posing together inside a large tent, smiling for the camera, with others and plants in the background.

Three people posing together inside a large tent, smiling for the camera, with others and plants in the background.

A woman and three children stand in front of a large red sign that reads 'RACE TO CURE' at a golf course. There is a large electronic scoreboard behind them displaying details of a golf tournament, the 'Meijer LPGA Classic,' with a sponsorship logo f

A woman and three children stand in front of a large red sign that reads 'RACE TO CURE' at a golf course. There is a large electronic scoreboard behind them displaying details of a golf tournament, the 'Meijer LPGA Classic,' with a sponsorship logo for 'Hanes.' The scene is outdoors with a cloudy sky and other people visible in the background.

A smiling man and woman sitting in a radio studio with radio station equipment and a window behind them.

A smiling man and woman sitting in a radio studio with radio station equipment and a window behind them.

A man and a woman smiling for a photo indoors. The woman is holding a blue book titled 'Letter to the American Church' by Eric M. The man is wearing a dark suit with a blue tie, and the woman is wearing a black blazer over a gray dress. There is a sm

A man and a woman smiling for a photo indoors. The woman is holding a blue book titled 'Letter to the American Church' by Eric M. The man is wearing a dark suit with a blue tie, and the woman is wearing a black blazer over a gray dress. There is a small table with notebooks and a pen nearby, and a yellow wall in the background.

Three people standing inside Arnie's Bakery Store, smiling for the camera. Two men, one wearing a white hairnet and a white t-shirt, the other in a black t-shirt with the bakery logo. A woman in the middle wearing a floral top and a black skirt. Behi

Three people standing inside Arnie's Bakery Store, smiling for the camera. Two men, one wearing a white hairnet and a white t-shirt, the other in a black t-shirt with the bakery logo. A woman in the middle wearing a floral top and a black skirt. Behind them, a large sign that reads "Welcome to the Arnie's Bakery Store" and a smaller sign on a wooden frame.

A woman and an older man at a professional networking event, standing close together indoors, smiling at the camera. The woman is holding a drink in her right hand, wearing a black off-the-shoulder dress and a gold necklace. The man is dressed in a b

A woman and an older man at a professional networking event, standing close together indoors, smiling at the camera. The woman is holding a drink in her right hand, wearing a black off-the-shoulder dress and a gold necklace. The man is dressed in a black suit with a patterned tie, glasses, and has a gray mustache. There are other people and event booths visible in the background.

Three people smiling at a conference or event, with a woman wearing a name tag that reads 'Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon'.

Three people smiling at a conference or event, with a woman wearing a name tag that reads 'Jessica Gutowski-Slaydon'.