A Leader Rooted in Service, Faith, and Education
Meet the man behind the mission - Ryan Riddell's story of business success, community service, and unwavering commitment to Miamisburg families.
Quick Facts
Meet Ryan Riddell
Ryan Riddell is a community leader and pastor based in Miamisburg, Ohio. With over 25 years of leadership experience, he has dedicated his career to serving others and building strong communities. His business background has provided him with valuable skills in budget management, strategic planning, and team leadership that directly translate to effective school board governance.
Ryan is most recognized for his passionate community involvement and faith-based leadership. As Lead Pastor of Shelter Community Church of the Nazarene in the Dayton area, he is dedicated to "leading every person into a life-changing relationship with Jesus." His role as a community pastor uniquely positions him to understand the needs of families and advocate for quality education.
As a father of three sons with his wife Beth, all deeply rooted in the Miamisburg/Dayton area, Ryan pours his energy into making it a better place for future generations. Whether serving families in his business or counseling someone at church, Ryan Riddell's approach is marked by compassion, trust, and a commitment to excellence. Now, he is ready to bring this servant-leader mindset and passion for education to the Miamisburg School Board.
"Leadership means putting people first — and our students deserve nothing less."
— Ryan Riddell
National Recognition: The 30 Days Homeless Project
A bold act of advocacy that earned national attention and demonstrated Ryan's commitment to understanding and serving others.
A Bold Act of Advocacy
In January 2011, Ryan voluntarily lived out of a van on the streets of downtown Dayton for a month to personally understand the struggles of the homeless and raise public awareness. Equipped only with a cot, a portable heater, and a few necessities, he braved the Ohio winter, saying, "I never really realized how bad the situation was… It's eye-opening to see what people who live like this have to go through."
During that month, Pastor Riddell walked the streets each day, befriending individuals experiencing homelessness, listening to their stories, and sharing their needs with a growing online audience. He updated a video blog and social media feeds daily, rallying support for specific people he met – from finding an 18-year-old a pair of shoes and a Bible, to helping a young man secure a job and a place to stay. By living as "one of them," he aimed to bridge the gap between his suburban congregation and those on the margins, embodying the principle that "Jesus became like us to reach us."
Featured In:
ABC News
"Pastor living in his van to help the homeless"
CNN "Intriguing People"
Featured during his 30-day campaign
Huffington Post
National coverage of homelessness advocacy
Associated Press
Comprehensive story distribution nationwide
Service Beyond the Classroom
Ryan believes the role of a School Board Member is more than policy — it's about being a partner with the community to raise the next generation.
Community Outreach
Through Shelter Community Church, Ryan has launched or supported ministries like weekly food distributions to the homeless in downtown Dayton, recovery groups, and other outreach "expressions" of faith in action.
- Weekly food distributions for homeless in downtown Dayton
- Recovery groups and crisis response initiatives
- Community charity drives and family support programs
Homeless Advocacy
Even after returning to normal life, Riddell couldn't "get it out of his mind" – the experience fueled ongoing action. He helped connect aged-out foster youth with mentors and resources, and began collaborating with other churches on a transitional housing initiative.
- Founded New Family Tree nonprofit for transitional housing
- Mentoring aged-out foster youth vulnerable to homelessness
- Providing stable home base and resources for young adults
Mentorship & Leadership
Ryan mentors emerging leaders in both business and faith communities, helping the next generation develop the skills and character needed to serve others.
- Young entrepreneur mentoring
- Leadership development programs
- Youth ministry involvement
Leadership Experience for School Board Service
Ryan's 25+ years of leadership experience have equipped him with essential skills for effective school board governance. Through his business background, he has developed expertise in budget management, strategic planning, team leadership, and stakeholder communication— all critical competencies for guiding educational institutions toward excellence.
His entrepreneurial approach to problem-solving and collaborative leadership style have proven successful in building teams and achieving results. Ryan understands how to balance competing priorities, manage resources responsibly, and make data-driven decisions that benefit the entire community. These skills, combined with his passion for education, make him ideally suited for school board service.
Financial Stewardship
His philosophy: "Serve people with excellence, integrity, and accountability" – principles that guide responsible resource management and transparent decision-making.
Collaborative Team Leadership
Proven ability to build high-performing teams, mentor emerging leaders, and foster collaborative environments where everyone can contribute their best efforts.
Innovation & Excellence
Committed to leveraging innovation and best practices to "elevate" outcomes for those he serves, whether in business, ministry, or public service.
Faith, Family, and Future
"As a father of three boys who have grown up in Miamisburg schools, I understand what families expect from their school district. As a pastor, I know the importance of serving others with integrity. As a business leader, I know how to make tough decisions and manage resources responsibly. This combination of experience is exactly what our school board needs."