Yolanda C. Haynes appointed to Southfield City Council

January 8, 2024

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Southfield City Council appointed Yolanda C. Haynes to fill the seat vacated by former Councilwoman Taylor at the December 18, 2023 City Council Meeting. Councilwoman Haynes will fill the vacancy created by the resignation of Linnie Taylor who was appointed to serve on Oakland County Board of Commissioners. Councilwoman Haynes will complete the term until November 2025.

“Mrs. Haynes has diligently served this community for many years,” commented Mayor Dr. Kenson Siver. “She has been actively involved in her neighborhood association, various civic affairs, and a great supporter of the Southfield Public Library. She will make an excellent addition to the Southfield City Council.”

Councilwoman Haynes is a longtime Southfield resident, volunteer, and servant leader in various organizations in the city. She currently serves as President of the Friends of the Southfield Public Library and has been a member for over 15 years. In this role, she was able to assist in providing funding for the famous Marshall Fredericks’ “Boy and Bear” statue now located in the lobby of the Southfield Public Library. Her other responsibilities include securing funds for programming and educational enrichment for the Library. In support of the library’s mission to “Help People Succeed,” the Friends has created the mission “Help the Library Succeed.” The Friends has been her long-time focus and priority because of her love of the library while spending time in the library with her homeschooled children. She is also a director of Friends of Michigan Libraries Board.

Mrs. Haynes is a member of the Southfield Police Department Citizen’s Advisory Board, Friends of Southfield Public Arts, Southfield Parks & Garden Club, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Task Force, and the Southfield Historical Society. She is also a recipient of Mayor Siver’s Extra Mile Award. Additionally, Councilwoman Haynes has worked as a consultant, speaker, teacher, and entrepreneur.
Councilwoman Haynes joined the Southfield Area Chamber of Commerce, where she worked as Business Developer. She connected and built relationships with many businesses in the community. She hosted networking events that led to long-term membership in the Chamber. As a presenter and speaker for various programs, she bridged the gap between large and small businesses of diverse cultures and industries. She also assisted in the success of many Chamber signature events and was a recipient of the Chamber’s Volunteer of the Year Award.

As a Communication Co-Chair of the National Association of Women Business Owners Greater Detroit Chapter (NAWBOGDC), she implemented the first introductory program to new and prospective members. She also directed and hosted programs for corporations and small businesses to help educate and enrich the membership.

Councilwoman Haynes is the former Chair of Southfield Youth Assistance where she helped to support programs for families and children in the community. During her time as chair, she sought to provide programs for at-risk youth and students in the Southfield Public Schools.

Councilwoman Haynes has been actively involved in the election process, serving as both Election Inspector and Chair. She has received training in voter registration, campaign management, and assisted in the election process as a Precinct Delegate. She also trained her children to serve along with her.

Councilwoman Haynes attended Jackson State University and is a 2001 Michigan Political Leadership Program Alumni. She is the mother of nine children and has been married for 39 years to Houston Haynes III. She considers herself a trained servant leader that will do her best to uplift any organization or cause that she supports.

“I consider it an honor to serve on the Southfield City Council,” commented Councilwoman Haynes. “I am very humbled to be appointed by my peers that are familiar with the work that I have done in the community.”