Ken Bates

Ken Bates

Board Chair (Highland Park Member – Term Expires 2026)

Ken is a former City of Highland Park councilman who represented District 2. Born in Detroit, Michigan, Ken has resided in Highland Park for 20 years. He is a University of Michigan Ann Arbor graduate with a Bachelor of Liberal Arts degree.

Previous professional experience includes employment at the Detroit Regional Chamber of Commerce and research at Wayne State University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry Behavioral Neurosciences. As a recruitment specialist/research assistant in WSU’s Human Pharmacology Laboratory, guided individuals seeking information about recreational drug use and substance abuse.

As Assessment Specialist for Assured Family Services, assist youth and families with mental health recommendations and Juvenile Justice concerns involving Wayne County children. Duties include serving as a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee member. Ken’s passion for advocating for individuals and families led him to run for Highland Park city council in 2018. He was reelected in November 2019 to serve as City Councilman of District 2 in Highland Park for three years. He is currently a City of Highland Park Zoning Board of Appeals committee member.