Ryan Eichelberger
For City Council
MEET
Ryan Eichelberger
Ryan Eichelberger is a lifelong Oregonian and proud Siuslaw High School graduate who has called the Florence area home for most of his life. After building a successful career in business leadership, Ryan and his family chose to return home because they believe Florence is the best place to raise a family.
Ryan has been married to his wife for more than 20 years, and together they are raising four boys, all of whom currently attend schools in the Siuslaw School District. His family is deeply invested in the future of Florence, and Ryan understands firsthand the importance of strong schools, safe neighborhoods, and a thriving local economy.
Throughout his life, Ryan has dedicated countless hours to serving young people in the community. His commitment to youth includes serving through:
Youth Development Professional with the Boys & Girls Club of Western Lane County
Volunteer leader with the Boy Scouts of America
Mentor and leader in youth religious programs
Former PTA Board Member
Youth sports coach for soccer, football, and basketball
Passionate advocate for helping young people develop confidence, character, leadership, and a strong work ethic
Professionally, Ryan has spent more than 20 years leading large organizations in the health insurance industry, overseeing operations, building high-performing teams, improving efficiency, and managing complex budgets. His experience has taught him the value of accountability, fiscal responsibility, and thoughtful leadership—principles he believes are just as important in local government.
Ryan is running for Florence City Council because he believes local government works best when it is transparent, fiscally responsible, and focused on serving the people. He is committed to protecting Florence's small-town character while supporting responsible growth, strengthening public safety, investing wisely in infrastructure, and ensuring that taxpayer dollars are spent carefully.
Above all, Ryan believes Florence's greatest strength is its people. As a husband, father, volunteer, coach, and community member, he is committed to helping ensure that Florence remains a place where families can thrive and future generations are proud to call home.
“I'm running because I believe Florence deserves practical leadership, responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, and a city government guided by common sense not partisan politics. I am proud to call Florence home and I would be honored to earn your vote.”
Turning Tragedy Into Purpose
On July 7, 2000, Ryan Eichelberger's family experienced an unimaginable tragedy when his youngest brother was struck and killed while crossing Highway 101 in a marked crosswalk in Florence.
Rather than allowing that loss to define them, Ryan's family turned their grief into action. Determined to prevent another family from experiencing the same heartbreak, they spent years advocating for a safer way for pedestrians to cross Highway 101. They petitioned the State of Oregon, worked alongside Senator Gordon Smith, and rallied community support to improve safety at the crossing.
Their persistence ultimately led to Florence receiving a state grant to install the flashing yellow pedestrian crossing lights that remain in use today.
For more than two decades, those crossing lights have helped thousands of pedestrians safely cross one of the community's busiest highways. The project stands as a lasting testament to what determined citizens can accomplish when they work together to solve a problem that affects their community.
Read more about Ryan’s story here.