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Meet the Members
Sam Cox, Mayor
Current term expires 12/31/27
Sam Cox is a longtime Grinnell resident with deep roots in the community. A graduate of Grinnell High School, Class of 1987, she earned an associate degree in merchandising from Ellsworth Community College in 1989. Sam spent many years working in retail management in Des Moines and Iowa City before returning home to Grinnell to focus on family and community. Her professional background also includes experience in real estate and bank lending. In 2012, she purchased Saints Rest Coffeehouse and has since overseen its continued success as a local business and community gathering place.
Sam is the proud wife of U.S. Army veteran Shawn Cox and the mother of five children. She is also a longtime advocate for animal welfare, having fostered or adopted more than 30 animals and supported local shelters through outreach and fundraising. Sam ran for the Iowa State Senate in 2023 and brings her passion for Grinnell, small business, and community well-being to her role as mayor.
John D. Cox, First Ward
Current term expires 12/31/29
John D. Cox moved to Grinnell with his family in 2019, though he has had ties to the community since 2011, when he married his wife, Heather, who grew up in Grinnell. When they relocated with their children, Sydney and Xander, they knew Grinnell was home. Since moving to the community, John and his family have been actively involved through schools, athletics, drama, entertainment, and dance.
When describing Grinnell, John often says, "It's big enough to have food delivered to your house but small enough people know what food was delivered to your house." He values Grinnell's balance of small-town heart and larger-town amenities, which inspired his decision to serve in local government. John serves on the Public Works and Grounds Committee, is chair of the Public Safety Committee, and is a small business owner and member of the Grinnell Area Chamber of Commerce. He is honored to represent Ward 1 and serve the residents of Grinnell.
Rachel Bly, Third Ward
Current term expires 12/31/29
Rachel Bly grew up in Mount Vernon, Iowa and came to Grinnell in 1989 to attend Grinnell College. After graduating with a bachelor's degree in political science, she spent time in Washington, D.C., before returning to the Grinnell area. She is currently the Assistance Vice President of Auxiliary Services at Grinnell College.
Rachel holds a master's degree in public administration as well as a degree in emergency management, and she has a long-standing interest in politics and public policy. She is committed to being active in the community and serves on several local boards, including the GRMC Foundation, Mayflower Foundation, Poweshiek Economic Development Collaborative, and the League of Women Voters. She is also involved with Camping4Girls, the Poweshiek Mental Health Consortium, Poweshiek County Democrats, and a variety of activities and hobbies.
Rachel is a longtime downtown resident and building owner, and takes pride in stewarding a piece of Grinnell's history. Her son, Davis, grew up in Grinnell and now lives in Chicago.
Shane Hart, Fourth Ward
Current term expires 12/31/27
Shane Hart has called Grinnell home since 2006. Shane and his wife, Lisa Hart, moved to Grinnell after a single visit, planning to stay just a year. But as they like to say “we got Grinnelled.” Welcomed by the community, they quickly became involved in local service organizations, youth sports, their faith community, and more.
Since then, the Harts and their four children are proud to still call Grinnell home. Shane is the General Manager of the Grinnell College Golf Course, a 56-acre green space and event venue. He enjoys his role with Grinnell College and the opportunity to help strengthen the ties between the college and the wider community.
Shane values his service on the City Council and appreciates the chance to better understand and support the work that keeps Grinnell moving forward.
Jo Wray, Second Ward
Current term expires 12/31/27
Jo grew up on a farm south of Grinnell. She is a graduate of Grinnell High School and is a life long resident of Poweshiek County. In 1979 she began her career as Poweshiek County auditor retiring in December 2006. The Grinnell City Council appointed Wray in September 2010 to fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Steve Witt. She was elected to the position in November of 2010 and ran unopposed. Jo had served on the Grinnell Public Safety Task Force Committee. Jo is a life long member of the Grinnell United Methodist Church. She also belongs to the Drummond Club and serves on the Greater Grinnell Development Board. As a member of the City Council, Jo serves as Chairman of the Finance committee and as a committee member of the Planning committee. She previously served on the Public Works and Grounds committee.
Jo and her husband, Larry, reside in Grinnell. Their son and two grandchildren also reside in Grinnell.
Byron Hueftle-Worley, At Large
Current term expires 12/31/27
Byron has been a Grinnellian for over forty 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. He has been a council member since January of 2000.