CONTACT: campaign@drew4op.com, 573-673-2326

AmeriCorps Alum, Hopkins grad brings policy background, infrastructure expertise, national service experience to race

OVERLAND PARK, Kan. – Today, Drew Mitrisin, infrastructure policy professional and national service alum, announced his campaign for City Council for Overland Park Ward 2.

Drew, a senior transportation policy consultant at Burns & McDonnell, will bring nearly a decade of infrastructure policy experience and his boots-on-the-ground AmeriCorps national service background to the role of Council Member, focusing his priorities on infrastructure innovation, quality of life for families, and economic strength for the Overland Park community.

“Overland Park, especially our community in Ward 2, is a great place to raise a family, build a career, and enjoy access to our local parks, schools and amenities – pieces that work together to provide a great quality of life for our neighbors,” Mitrisin said. “As a new parent, I am excited about the opportunity to continue the positive momentum we’ve seen in Ward 2 to secure a future for our community that we are all able to enjoy.”

Mitrisin lives in Nall Hills with his wife, Angie, and newborn daughter, Reese. Prior to joining Burns & McDonnell, Mitrisin completed a year of AmeriCorps national service with City Year Washington DC, where he served in a 4th grade math classroom in an historically disadvantaged neighborhood. Following his year of service, Mitrisin worked at the nation’s largest association for the trucking industry where he helped advocate for driver safety policies, workforce development programs, vehicle emissions reductions, and infrastructure investments. Angie is a teacher at Apache Elementary School in the northwest corner of Ward 2, one of the most diverse schools in the Shawnee Mission School District.

“When I was sworn in for AmeriCorps by President Obama on the White House South Lawn, I gave an oath to ‘get things done for America,’ and that oath didn’t have an expiration date,” said Mitrisin. “My year of national service showed me that – while there are hurdles and obstacles – you can work together with a team and a community to solve challenges and improve outcomes.”

Mitrisin is endorsed by current Overland Park Ward 2 City Councilmember Melissa Cheatham, who won her 2021 election with 62 percent of the vote and has had an impactful role on City Council for the past 2 years.

“We need Council Members like Drew who will prioritize resilient, healthy communities. Drew’s background in sustainable transportation and green infrastructure will provide critical insights to make Overland Park a leader in tackling climate change and making our streets better and safer for all,” said Councilmember Cheatham. “I believe he will bring the fresh perspectives we need to stay relevant and continue attracting the jobs and families of the future.”

Born and raised in Columbia, Missouri, Mitrisin attended Hickman High School before moving to the Kansas City area and graduating from William Jewell College with a degree in political science and communication. During his time at Jewell, Mitrisin was also a starting pitcher and utility player for the NCAA Division II baseball team and was twice named the college’s Male Athlete of the Year. He went on to earn his Master of Arts in Public Management from Johns Hopkins University.

The son of a UPS driver and proud Teamster and an elementary school teacher, Drew has been shaped by his family experience and community. From seeing his dad deliver packages during winter weather with a smile on his face, then show up at Drew or his sister’s events in his brown uniform, to seeing his mother take on the great responsibility of teaching children how to read, Drew knows that all jobs have value and dignity. He’s also seen that a positive attitude and perseverance can contribute to success and he hopes to instill those values in his newborn daughter.

Today, Mitrisin works on some of the region and state’s largest infrastructure projects and works directly with public sector partners to engage the public and fund, plan and implement major infrastructure investments, particularly in the transportation and water industries. Mitrisin will bring his experience working on multi-billion dollar infrastructure projects to his role on City Council and intends to support city staff efforts to add efficiency, implement sustainability principles, and reduce costs in the delivery of road, bridge, and stormwater projects. 

“Overland Park can remain a top ranked community if we stay true to the lessons that got us to this point and execute a forward-thinking vision that aligns with our community values,” Mitrisin said. “Implementing Forward OP and Vision Metcalf are great steps toward unleashing the economic opportunities for Ward 2 and Overland Park by attracting and retaining quality jobs in strong and emerging industries. This campaign will prioritize innovative infrastructure and economic growth that serves current and future needs while also prioritizing public safety and city services that make Overland Park the welcoming community it is today.”

The Overland Park City Council election for Ward 2 and other wards will take place on November 7, 2023. A primary election will take place on August 1, 2023 if more than 2 candidates enter the non-partisan race. City Council Members serve 4-year terms, and each ward is represented by two City Council Members. The open Ward 2 seat is being vacated by Current Ward 2 Council Member Paul Lyons, who announced his decision to not seek reelection on January 3, 2023. 

Mackenzie Hoffman will serve as campaign treasurer.

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