Meet Dan.

My name is Dan Burrill and I’m running for re-election for Kent County Commission in the 8th District.   

My time as Commissioner has been exceptional.  I have learned so many things and really feel like I have just gotten started. I’m not near ready to be done!

My roots run deep in this community.  I am a lifelong resident of Kent County and the 4th generation to call Wyoming home.  My parents both grew up in the Wyoming Park neighborhood.  My wife Leesa and I chose to live, work, and raise our two boys in this community because of its strong values and excellent schools.  I find it a privilege and an honor to serve the citizens of Wyoming.

I’m a 1992 Graduate of Grandville High School. I began selling real estate right out of high school for Ted Smith Diamond Realty.  I worked toward my real estate brokers license and was the licensed real estate broker at Smith-Diamond Realty for several years while also attending college.  I graduated Grand Rapids Community College with an Associate of Arts degree in December of 1995 and received my Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Aquinas College in May of 1998.

 I am currently an Associate Broker at Five Star Real Estate in Grandville. I am also a builder and a small business owner.  Through my company, Southwood LLC, I build several homes a year.  Many have been right here in the City of Wyoming.   As a small businesses owner and am well versed in problem solving and budgeting. I have brought both these skills to my work as your Kent County Commissioner. Small Business is the backbone of our community and I’m committed to maintaining an environment that is both business and community friendly.  

My wife Leesa and I have been married for 28 years and have two children. Blake is my oldest. He just concluded his service as Marine Corporal and is currently serving with the Air National Guard in Battle Creek while working towards his bachelors degree at Grand Valley State University. My youngest, Nicholas, is currently a student at Grand Valley State University. Leesa works at Grandville High School running the school store and helping lead the DECA program at the high school. (I like to describe DECA as a sports competition for business students). We live near the Kent Trail system just south of 56th street.  Most days you’ll find me walking my dog either on the trail or around the neighborhood.

If you see me on the trail or around town, please stop and say hi! I’m a very relational person and find that to be the building block of my good relationships with friends and colleagues. Leesa and I have a great friend group that we enjoy doing activities with in and around the community. Community is key!  I am committed to serving my community in any way I can. I like to be involved and believe it’s essential in giving back to the community. Over the years I’ve coached football, grade school basketball and refereed rocket football.  I also enjoy Tiger baseball, golfing, and hunting with my buddies up in the U.P.

My faith is also an important part of my life.  It has shaped me as a servant and calls me to love and serve my neighbor.  I’ve served as a deacon at my church and lead the charge to eliminate the church’s building debt in only a few short years.  I was also one of several members to be part of a pastoral search. I believe the search was harder than being a deacon, but I enjoyed the challenge of finding the right person to lead the church.  The right leadership is integral to the success of any organization. 

I feel my leadership skills and experience will help me serve the citizens of Wyoming and Kent County with the passion they deserve. For Kent County the future is bright! I am so excited to continue to serve and usher in this bright future!

DAN