Public Service Pioneer

PUBLIC SERVICE PIONEER BRIDGET BOYLE'S JOURNEY AS THE FIRST FEMALE TIFFIN CITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

"I would like for any woman reading this to know that you can do it all. My best advice is to be organized, determined and present in all that you do," said Bridget Boyle ‘14 longtime City of Tiffin resident, active community representative and TU alumna.

As is the case with most positions, volunteer or otherwise, Bridget's time with Tiffin's City Council didn't start with her being elected as its current President. Having to first work her way through the ranks, she began her tenure as the First Ward City Council Seat in 2019. While she had to initially prove herself to the other members of the Council and to the public, she still made Seneca County history on January 1, 2022 when she was sworn in as the Council's first ever female President, a milestone that not only made local headlines, but marked a huge step toward someday achieving true gender equality in the workplace. Equally as impressive, Bridget was also recently appointed interim mayor of Tiffin.

"I don't take these responsibilities and privileges lightly," Bridget explained. "I know others, especially those of the next generation are looking to me for guidance and inspiration, and it's an honor to set an example for them, especially for young women every time I hold a meeting or give a speech."

Bridget went on to explain that the sense of pride she holds for her hometown and her deep connection to all its moving parts greatly informs how she makes decisions on its behalf.

"As City Council President, it is my mission to continue the development of our city while maintaining Tiffin’s true character," she said. "Although not every day of mine is spent in the Tiffin City Council Chambers, outside of office I am still - and hope to always be - an active member of our community who lives locally and enjoys the quaint charm of Tiffin."

A self-proclaimed busy-body, Bridget asserts that staying involved through political and public volunteer work - is as fulfilling as her day job, and she enjoys this active lifestyle she's created for herself.

"It's my honor to represent this great town," Bridget beamed. "I am especially proud to be part of a leadership team dedicated to the continued growth and flourishment of its downtown area, a passion project of mine as well. In addition to holding this office, I am a Vice President at Sutton Bank where I manage Sutton's Payments Partnerships. I absolutely love my job and am so thankful for the opportunities it has provided for me. As the Vice President of Payment Partnerships and Client Services, I travel the country managing our fintech partnerships. Juggling it all can get a little hectic, but I wouldn't have it any other way."

According to Bridget, she is equally proud of and grateful to the institution that prepared her for these positions and claims to owe much of her success to the education she received as a student at TU. Bridget graduated in 2014 with a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in managerial studies and remained involved in extracurricular activities throughout her four years on campus.

"I am such a proud Tiffin graduate," she exclaimed. "TU is a fantastic school with many ways for students to thrive as members of its community. During my studies, I had the opportunity to be a dynamic member of their business club and contribute my time as a volunteer for many campus events. In addition to being an involved student, I was also a full-time NCAA Division II athlete on the women’s volleyball team. I cherished every second of the experience."

Bridget continued with this train of thought, citing how Tiffin was the perfect environment for her to become the best version of herself due to its supportive and encouraging nature.

"Looking back, it was a ton of work to juggle so many commitments like I did," she remembered. "That said, after I proved to myself that I could handle achieving high academic honors while being a collegiate athlete, my confidence skyrocketed. I felt I could do whatever I wanted, and it was due in large part to the skills I developed from my professors and mentors as well as the support from my family. The consistent encouragement they gave me was what kept me going when I got overwhelmed. TU not only prepared me through trials while supporting me every step of the way, but helped mold me into the successful woman I am today. After graduation, I knew - and still know - that the sky’s the limit if you're willing to work for what you want."

Now, Bridget shows appreciation to her Dragon Family by staying involved as a member of the Tiffin Society. The Tiffin Society recognizes philanthropic leaders for their support and ambassadorship to TU. At annual levels, each member’s cumulative giving provides TU with the necessary resources to enhance the success of its students.

"I want to help TU’s growth and ensure its continued success in any way I can," she said. "It's the least I can do for a place that did so much for me. I am excited to continue my partnership with TU as an alumna and cannot wait to see how the school will expand and grow in the coming years. Furthermore, it is my pleasure to play some small part in helping the institution plan for its future."

Bridget encourages anybody with an interest in public service work to pursue the curiosity and suggests they begin by attending local city council meetings, networking with and supporting local businesses and participating in community events.

To learn more about the mission and current goals of the Tiffin City Council, visit tiffinohio.gov/city-council.