MEET KIMON KOTOS

Flint native brings national political experience to West Michigan

A native of Michigan, Kimon Kotos enjoyed professional and political success in southern California before family obligations brought  him back to West Michigan

Born in 1952 in Flint, Michigan to Greek parents, Kimon Kotos attended Flint Public Schools, Los Angeles Unified Schools UCLA and the Music and Arts Institute of San Francisco, where he studied music theory.  In addition to an active studio and performing  career as a professional musician,   Kotos’ employment  background includes organic food production and sales, and community improvement

Currently , Kotos is the producer and host of Where Do We Go From Here, on Comcast channel 77. The weekly program profiles community leaders and programs in Muskegon County .  Topics have included business development, youth opportunity, sustainable agriculture, alternative energy production, substance abuse prevention, veterans care, arts and culture, job training, and faith-based community involvement. 

Kimon and his wife have been active in the development and promotion of the Sweetwater Local Farmers Market in Muskegon.  The market is the only certified organic farmer’s market in West Michigan. 

Kotos’ political career began  in 1994, as a consultant to his mentor, Congressman Dale E Kildee, D-Flint.  His active political career has put him in major positions of responsibility with national campaigns , including Latin outreach for Governor Mark Warner, Virginia, regional leadership for the Gore campaign in southern California., and in 2004 serving as the national field organizer in the presidential campaign of Congressman Dennis J Kucinich, D-Ohio.  .

Kotos and his wife Terrie Hampel have been married since 1998 and live in North Muskegon.  A west Michigan native, Hampel grew up in Grandville, and received her bachelors from Grand Valley State University.  She works for the Muskegon County Health Department.