Marshall Kilgore

Marshall Kilgore is a passionate human rights advocate focused on empowering underserved and marginalized communities in Michigan. He joined the Environmental Council in July 2025. As the movement building coordinator, he creates a powerful and diverse environmental movement, collaborating closely with the Environmental Council’s member organizations while guiding efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion.

He has shown his dedication to civic engagement through other roles, including as a deputy field organizer for Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s 2018 campaign. Most recently, he was the community relations director for Kyra Harris Bolden during her 2022 campaign for the Michigan Supreme Court. Bolden made history as the first Black woman to serve as a justice on the Michigan Supreme Court.

In addition to his political work, Marshall has made significant contributions to nonprofit organizations focused on environmental justice, LGBTQ+ rights, and addressing homelessness.

Currently, he serves as the City Commissioner for the 3rd Ward in Grand Rapids, Michigan, where he has made history as the youngest and first openly LGBTQ+ individual to hold this position.

Marshall earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Western Michigan University, where he received the Tim Hurttgam Memorial Prize in 2021 for his advocacy efforts in promoting a sustainable environment, global peace, equal rights and fair wages.

In his spare time, Marshall enjoys cooking for loved ones and taking breaks to explore Manistee National Forest.