At almost 3 years old, my daughter Madison is both my biggest supporter and greatest
joy. Becoming a dad was the single most consequential event in my life and has reshaped
my perspective on many things. One of those is the desire to make sure Dearborn is the
same incredible city for Madison to grow up in that it was for me.
My wife of five years Melissa, was also born and raised in this city and
unapologetically proud of our hometown. Although we met and fell in love while living
and working in downtown Detroit, when it was time to make a home and start a family, we
both knew there was only place to do that — Dearborn.
Most who knew my dad John B. O’Reilly Jr., knew him as Jack. But he was always just
“Dad” to me. He was a mentor, hero, and model for the public servant I hope to be. My
dad would also want me to mention that I am a grandson of John B. O’Reilly Sr., who was
all those things to him. For me, he was the cool grandpa with the great stories. My mom,
Chris, continues to be the emotional rock of our family and someone who’se guidance I
could not embark on this endeavor without.
I had the privilege of growing up in two of Dearborn’s most vibrant communities; steps
from Levagood Park and Aviation Subdivision. While they are almost opposite geographical
ends of the city, they are home to an incredibly diverse set of neighbors and cultures
that make Dearborn great.
I am a 3rd generation product of St. Alphonsus School that sat on Warren and Shaefer. I
was also part of one of the first high school classes to graduate from Henry Ford
Academy charter school at Henry Ford Museum and Greenfield Village. I then attended the
University of Michigan Dearborn and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in business and
marketing.
You can often hear me on podcasts or in person celebrating our city’s successes, while
also serving as one of its biggest defenders. Like my father did years ago, when
Dearborn was unfairly attacked by bigots and ignorant people in the media, I have stood
up to detailing the lies and ignorance of others while speaking to my amazing experience
growing up and living here.
