At the March 6 City Commission meeting, Ryan Burdick was sworn in as City Commissioner, serving the First Ward. He was unanimously appointed to the vacant First Ward seat by City Commissioners during their Feb. 20 meeting. The seat was vacated by Commissioner Kris Pachla following his election to the Kent County Board of Commissioners in November.
An EGR resident of five years, Mr. Burdick previously served as a professional pilot at Flagship Private Air in Ypsilanti, where he managed both domestic and international trips. He is currently a stay-at-home dad and has served on the EGR Parks and Recreation Commission since 2021.
In appointing Mr. Burdick to the Commission, Commissioners noted his experience with local government and established relationships with his First Ward neighbors made him a great fit for this position.
Mr. Burdick holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Western Michigan University. He and his wife, Stephanie, have two children: Walter, 10, and George, 7. The family enjoys spending time in East and connecting with other residents when they are out and about.
As a City Commissioner, Mr. Burdick looks forward to listening to residents and connecting them with the right resources.
“I enjoy problem-solving, and I will give residents all the effort I can,” he said. “I follow up and follow through.”