Who is Erin O’Rear?

Erin was born in 1989 to Greg and Lori Kelly. She spent the first 12 years of her life in Toledo’s Point Place neighborhood before her family moved to Monroe, Michigan, to be closer to her mother’s six siblings. Growing up surrounded by a large, close-knit family shaped Erin’s deep appreciation for community and the importance of strong family values.

She attended Western Michigan University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in Film, Video, and Media Studies, with a minor in French, in 2011. Erin began her career at WTOL 11 in Toledo, starting in the web department and eventually becoming producer of the station’s 6 p.m. newscast. During her time at WTOL, she covered major regional and national events, including the 2014 Toledo Water Crisis, the line-of-duty deaths of two Toledo firefighters, President Obama’s 2016 visit to Flint, and the passing of Toledo Mayor Mike Collins. Her outstanding work earned her an Emmy Award in 2017. Erin later made the decision to step away from journalism to stay home with her children.

Erin met her husband, Brandon, on New Year’s Eve 2013 at Bar Louie in Levis Commons. Brandon, a chemical engineer originally from Athens, Georgia, now works at Alpont Methanol in Oregon. The two were engaged in September 2015 and chose to build their life in Perrysburg, where they have lived in the Brookhaven neighborhood for nine years. They have three daughters: Fiona, Audrey, and Iris.

Like many families, Erin and Brandon are proud to call Perrysburg home, drawn by its strong sense of community and exceptional schools. Their two oldest daughters attended Perrysburg Schools’ preschool program at Union Elementary, where Erin served on the PBIS committee as the parent representative. Today, Fiona and Audrey attend Frank Elementary, where Erin serves as Vice President of the Parents’ Club, actively supporting staff and students.

Appointed by Mayor Tom Mackin, Erin serves on the Perrysburg Board of Zoning Appeals. Her work on the board has given her valuable insight into the city’s zoning code and practical experience with the decision-making processes that shape responsible growth—skills that directly apply to her goals as a city council member.

Outside of her civic and family responsibilities, Erin enjoys biking around town with her daughters, taking fitness classes at the Fort Meigs YMCA, and enjoying a baguette from Sur le Pouce. She’s always happy to meet friends at Basil or Hangover Easy, and her family treasures the many programs offered at Way Public Library. In the summer, you’ll often find her girls exploring new activities through the city’s rec center.

Erin is passionate about serving the community she loves and is committed to helping shape a strong, inclusive, and prosperous future for all Perrysburg residents.