Who is Erin O’Rear?

Erin was born in 1989 to Greg and Lori Kelly. Her family spent the first 12 years of her life in Toledo’s Point Place neighborhood, before moving close to her mother’s 6 brothers and sisters in Monroe, Michigan. Having a large, close family has shaped her perspective on the importance of family life and community.

Erin attended Western Michigan University, where she earned a bachelor’s degree in 2011 in Film, Video and Media Studies and French. She began working at WTOL 11 in Toledo, first in the web department, and eventually becoming the producer of the 6 pm newscast. During her time at WTOL, she covered events such as the 2014 Water Crisis, the 2014 line of duty deaths of two Toledo firefighters, President Obama’s 2016 visit to Flint during its water crisis, and Toledo mayor Mike Collins’ death in office. Erin won an Emmy award for her work in 2017 before leaving news to stay at home with her children.

On the last day of 2013, Erin met her husband, Brandon, at the New Year’s Eve party at Bar Louie in Levis Commons. Brandon, born and raised in Athens, Georgia, is a chemical engineer at Alpont Methanol in Oregon. The two were engaged in September, 2015, and knew that they wanted to make Perrysburg their home. They have lived in Brookhaven for 9 years, and have 3 daughters: Fiona, Audrey and Iris.

Erin and Brandon, like many families, are very proud of our small town feel and amazing schools. Their two oldest daughters attended Perrysburg Schools’ preschool program at Union Elementary School, where Erin served on the PBIS committee as the parent representative. Their oldest daughters currently attend Frank Elementary, where Erin serves as the Vice President of the Frank Parents’ Club. She loves being able to support the staff and students at Frank.

Erin was appointed by Mayor Mackin to the Perrysburg Board of Zoning Appeals. Participating on the board has given Erin firsthand experience with the city’s zoning code, and essential skills important for a council member.

In her spare time, Erin enjoys biking around town with her girls and taking part in fitness classes at the Fort Meigs YMCA. She loves a baguette from Sur le Pouce and will always meet friends at Basil or Hangover Easy. Erin’s family is so grateful for the programs at Way Public Library. Her girls love spending their summer at the rec center, trying new activities. Erin is excited to serve the community she loves and work toward a more prosperous future for all of us.