Ryan Waller is the City of Marion's tenth city manager with more than 20 years of local government experience. He has served in the professionally managed Illinois communities of Highland Park, Lake Bluff and Lake County, and prior to his current role, served as the city manager of Indianola, Iowa for nearly six years.

Ryan is a believer in the Four C's (communication, collaboration and community engagement and customer service) and is passionate about public service and helping others. In addition to his work as a city manager, Ryan is a passionate philanthropist who volunteers countless hours. This includes more than 16 years of service on the Board of Directors for The Sommer Foundation, a not-for-profit that provides college scholarships to deserving high school seniors who have experienced the death of a parent, and despite the resulting emotional trauma, have performed in an exemplary manner.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Iowa and a master’s degree in public administration from Northern Illinois University.

Ryan and his wife Elizabeth are the proud parents of Hayden and Emma. He is an avid Hawkeye fan and lover of all professional Chicago sports teams.