Professional Background:

Deputy Police Chief Daniel Mills retired from the City of Portage in 2022 after eighteen (18) years of service to the Portage community. Before that he worked eighteen (18) years for the Grand Rapids Police Department and had obtained the rank of Lieutenant before joining the Portage Department of Public Safety. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Aquinas College and is a graduate of the 234th session of the FBI National Academy. He currently is the vice president for consulting services at The Rossow Group.

What qualifications and experiences prepare you for this role?

I have experience in leadership at the Club, District and International levels. I have demonstrated an ability to add members and build clubs. I am skilled in leadership development, team building, and supporting others in the achievement of the highest levels of Personal Growth and Involvement. I have been a successful club president and lieutenant governor, including Distinguished Club President. I lead the Breakfast Optimist Club of Kalamazoo to be recognized as the Optimist International Club of the Year in Optimist Year 2017/2018.

What are your top priorities?

Supporting emerging leaders and supporting the organization as a whole.

How will you support and strengthen local Clubs, Districts and the Optimist International Organization?

I will support the mission of Optimist International to the best of my ability. I will always make myself available to clubs, districts, and Optimist International. I wholeheartedly believe in the mission!

Why should members vote for you?

For over 30 years I have been developing the traits of good leadership. Sometimes the lessons learned along the way were difficult, but they were also rewarding. I strive to live the Optimist Creed daily. I endeavor to find joy in every day. I am an excellent listener and I appreciate different perspectives. I believe in having a voracious curiosity to learn new concepts and I continually hold myself to a high standard.

Final Statement to Members:

I believe that being a leader is more than its simple definition of a person who commands or guides an organization or group. Leaders must possess a myriad of sanguine qualities, including, but not limited to, enthusiasm, assertive thinking and reflective listening. Every good leader should demonstrate fervor for the stated goal, vision and mission statement and must be obligated to create a passionate environment for others to follow.

I believe in caring for every person I am responsible for at work and at play. I believe in honesty and integrity. I believe in truth. I believe in positivity and perseverance and I believe with positive thoughts, hard work, and determination you can accomplish great things.