Gordon R. Canfield came to Grinnell in 1952 and graduated from Grinnell High School in 1957. In 1960 he began his career at Grinnell Mutual Reinsurance Company and in 1997 retired from that organization as Senior Vice President.

The Grinnell City Council appointed Canfield mayor in September, 1999, filling the remainder of the term left by the death of mayor Robert Anderson. He then stood for election unopposed in November of that year. Prior to being mayor, Canfield chaired the Grinnell Hotel-Motel Tax Committee and the Grinnell Sister City Association, Inc."
mayor@grinnelliowa.gov

Born and raised in Iowa, Oliva Wright moved to Grinnell in 1976, living at the same Main Street address since then. Oliva operated a Home Day Care for 30 years.
She is an active member of the UCC Church and has served in many capacities at the church, most recently as the Christian Education Coordinator. She also belongs to the American Legion Auxiliary, PEO, Garden Club, and the Poweshiek County Democrats.
She enjoys doing anything with crafts, flower gardening, and interior decorating. Oliva is currently working at Dorrie’s clothing store two days a week while enjoying her retirement from daycare.
wright@grinnelliowa.gov

Shannon McNaul has been a resident of Grinnell since 1996. She is married with two young children and works as the Executive Director of the Galaxy, the local youth center. Shannon has a degree in Psychology and Sociology and is a state licensed Social Worker. Prior to serving on the City Council Shannon served with the Recreation Board and many other philanthropic committees within Poweshiek County. She enjoys Grinnell and her work on the City Council.
mcnaul@grinnelliowa.gov

Jim White has been on the council since Jan . of 1986 and before that he served on the planning and zoning board. He and his wife Marcia have three children. He has been President of the Chamber, a member of the Rotary Club, and a board member of Grinnell 2000. With his church St. Mary's Catholic, he is a trustee and has been a member of 3rd degree KC's and also 4th degree KC's, as well as the Elks Club and the Eagles here in Grinnell. He owns and operates Bates Flowers on Broad Street.
white@grinnelliowa.gov

He was born and raised in Solon, Iowa and graduated from Solon High School. He is a graduate of William Penn College with a degree in Education. Also, he is married and has two children.

Wilson spent 14 years on the Grinnell-Newburg Board of Education before running for City Council from the 4th Ward. He works for Iowa Telecom.
wilson@grinnelliowa.gov

Steve is the second ward alderperson appointed by the Council to serve the balance of his late wife Patti's term. With an undergraduate degree from St. Ambrose University and a Masters in Public Affairs from the University of Iowa, his education does prepare him some what for the responsibility of serving the second ward. Steve is a sales engineer for a manufacturer's representative headquartered in Des Moines, Brilco Incorporated. Steve has three grown children; Courtney, Kevin and Julie.
spwitt@hotmail.com

Byron has been a Grinnellian for over thirty years.  He is a graduate of Grinnell High School and the University of Iowa and attended Grinnell College for two years.  He served in the United States Army for nine years with tours of duty in Europe and the Middle East.  Byron is the owner of Worley's Woodworking where he makes hand crafted custom furniture and reproduction millwork.  Byron also works for Maytag in Newton.  He has been a council member since January of 2000.
worley@grinnelliowa.gov