Burriss understands the value of hard work, perspective, and what it means to achieve in the face of adversity.
Michaela Burriss, an active volunteer in the schools and local community organizations, is a first-time homeowner with her husband, Patrick. They proudly live on the Upper Arlington July 4th parade route with their two dogs Bowser and Koopa. They're grateful for what UA has to offer their family and proud to choose it as their forever home.
An attorney, Burriss has spent most of her career in the public sector including the U.S. Senate, Ohio Senate, and Ohio House of Representatives. In these roles, she's drafted policy and conducted constituent services to help residents navigate government bureaucracy and gain access to critical needs. She prides herself on her ability to be kind, listen, work with, and accomplish positive things for Ohioans no matter their political beliefs.
A small business owner herself, Burriss spent several years with Small Business Majority, a nonprofit organization advocating for public policy solutions to help small businesses. She traveled the state and country conducting research specific to municipalities' and their economic needs. Burriss also did nonpartisan education on issues ranging from access to capital, healthcare, and retirement. This statewide and national experience are why Burriss can identify innovative solutions to economic and residential development challenges.
A lifelong Ohio resident and native of Northeast Ohio who studied at Ohio University and Capital University Law School, Burriss was raised in poverty by a single mother who immigrated from Germany. She understands the value of hard work, perspective, and what it means to achieve in the face of adversity.
Michaela Burriss will bring these experiences with her to Upper Arlington City Council, providing a positive vision for the future that will increase prosperity for all who live here.
Current and Past Community Involvement
Board of Directors Treasurer-Elect, Member, and Class Graduate, Leadership UA
Co-Area Director, Upper Arlington Bridges
Volunteer Asst. Coach, UAHS Women’s Varsity Swimming
Speaker and Facilitator, UAHS Idea Day
Member, Equal UA
Member and Evening of Sparkle and Fashion Volunteer, Upper Arlington Women’s Club
Member and The Walk Volunteer, UACA
Member and Trolley Tour Check-In Volunteer, Upper Arlington Historical Society
Member, Friends of the Upper Arlington Public Library
Facilities Master Planning Process Participant and Attendee, UA Schools
Member, Capital University Law School Alumni Board
Barrister Leadership Program, Columbus Bar Association
At-Large Member, Ohio University Student Senate Alumni Board
Big Sister, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio
Board of Directors, Forge Columbus
Member, Women Lawyers of Franklin County
Member, Ohio Women in Government
Fellow, Ohio State Bar Foundation
Capital University Law School, Doctor of Jurisprudence
First-time Exam Taker and Member in Good Standing, Ohio Bar
“Students Giving Back to Students” Class Gift Recipient
Dean’s List
Secretary, Capital Equality Alliance
Ohio University, Bachelor of Arts, Political Science Pre-Law
Academic All-American, Varsity Swimming & Diving
Full Athletic Scholarship and Four-Year Varsity Letter Recipient, Varsity Swimming & Diving
University Standing Committee on Intercollegiate Athletics (Presidential Appointment)
Council of Student Leaders (Dean of Students Appointment)
Board of Directors, Center for Student Legal Services
President and Member, Student Athlete Advisory Committee
Director and Volunteer, Athens Beautification Day
Off-Campus Life Commissioner, Student Senate
Member, Student Trustee Selection Committee
Member, General Fee Advisory Council
2x All-MAC Academic Team Selection, Varsity Swimming & Diving
3x All-MAC First Team, 1x All-MAC Second Team Selection, Varsity Swimming & Diving
Most Improved Athlete, Varsity Swimming & Diving
Most Valuable Athlete, Varsity Swimming & Diving
Dean’s List
2x Dean of Students Citation Recipient
Mid American Conference Team and Relay Champion
Former School Record Holder and All-Time Top 10, Varsity Swimming & Diving