State Representative Kurt Heise was elected in November 2010 to his first term in the Michigan House to represent residents in the City of Northville, Northville Township, the City of Plymouth, Plymouth Township, the City of Wayne and the eastern area of Canton Township.

Heise is a Trustee on the Plymouth-Canton Educational Foundation, serves on the Board of Directors for Friends of the Rouge, and formerly served as Chairman of the Rouge River Action Plan Advisory Council.

EDUCATION

Heise graduated from Dearborn Public Schools and then attended the University of Michigan where he earned a bachelor's degree with distinction in 1988. He then earned a law degree and a Masters of Law in Labor Law from Wayne State University Law School.

PROFESSIONAL

Heise began his career as a city attorney in Dearborn Heights and the City of Woodhaven, followed by serving as mayor's deputy in Dearborn Heights. From 2003 to 2009, Heise served as Director of the Wayne County Department of Environment where he played a significant role in the development of the State Watershed Alliance Act, was a member of the Blue Ribbon Commission for Lake St. Clair, and was appointed by the Speaker of the House to serve as co-chair of the Michigan Groundwater Conservation Advisory Council.

He then returned to practicing law in Plymouth Township, working with Plymouth and Canton Township's legal departments, and he worked as an environmental and energy consultant. Heise is also a consultant for Wayne State University's Urban Watershed program, is an Adjunct Professor at Wayne State University and frequent lecturer at the University of Michigan-Dearborn. He is a member of the State Bar of Michigan.

PERSONAL

Heise is a lifetime resident of Wayne County. He and his wife Catherine, live in western Wayne County with their two children -- Katie and Claire. Heise serves on the advisory board for his church, and volunteers for civic organizations including the Salvation Army and Plymouth Goodfellows.