City Council Members

Below, you can find a list of all members currently serving on the Taylor City Council along with their titles and brief biographies. Contact information such as work emails and phone numbers can also be found near their respective sections. 

DOUG GEISS
City Council
Title: City Council Chairman
Phone: (734) 374-1320 / dgeiss@ci.taylor.mi.us
 

City Council Chairman Doug Geiss was the top vote-getter among those running for council and now returns to serve his third term on the legislative body.

He graduated first in his class from Truman High School in 1988. He went on to earn a bachelor's degree in engineering and a master's degree in business administration from the University of Michigan.

After receiving his engineering degree, he went to work for the Ford Motor Company, quickly moving up the ranks to management by age 29. 

Geiss served for three terms as a Michigan state representative, from 2009 to 2014. While in Lansing, he fought to expand state incentives for companies that make advanced batteries for hybrid and electric vehicles leading to investments of nearly $6 billion in Michigan and generated more than 63,000 jobs.  

While on the Education Committee, he led the effort to increase the drop-out age in the State of Michigan, from 16 to 18.  This change has resulted in fewer high school drop-outs and an increase in the State graduation rate.  

His “Next Michigan” legislation led to the creation of the Detroit Regional Aerotropolis Corporation, a public-private organization that drives economic development in the region.

Prior to joining the Michigan House in 2009, he served on the City Council, first as chairman pro-tem and then as chairman. During that time, he helped balance the budget by reducing overtime expenses and the use of city-issued cars, rather than raising taxes. He helped establish an early storm warning system and created a pedestrian-friendly walking path at Heritage Park. 

He also implemented a city ethics ordinance for employees and elected officials to ensure that elected officials always keep our residents' best interests in mind.

Geiss is a lifelong resident of Taylor, where he lives with his wife, State Senator Erika, and their two children, Michael and Ella.

Experience and Education:

    ◦    State Representative for the 22nd District (2009-present)

    ◦    Taylor City Council Chairman (2005-2008)

    ◦    Taylor City Council Chairman Pro-Tem (2001-2005)

    ◦    Engineer at Ford Motor Company (1993-present)

    ◦    Masters in Business Administration, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (2000)

    ◦    B.S. Mechanical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor (1992)

    ◦    Valedictorian, Truman High School (1988)

    ◦    Campaign Staff for Congressman William D. Ford (1985-1993)

    ◦    Received the Douglas A. Fraser, UAW Scholarship (1988)

    ◦    U.S. House of Representatives Congressional Page (1986-1987)

JILL BRANDANA
City Council
Title: City Council Chairwoman Pro Tem
Phone: (734) 374-1320 / jbrandana@ci.taylor.mi.us

City Council Chairman Pro Tem Jill Brandana is a lifelong resident of Taylor, attended Taylor Schools and graduated from Taylor Center High School. By way of her second-place finish in the council run-off in November 2021, she holds the pro tem position.

Brandana has said that growing up, she was taught the value of education, hard work and the importance of giving back to the community. She came from a strong union family, as her father (Herman), grandfather and four uncles were all plumbers in Local 98. 

Her mother (Mary) was secretary/treasurer of the Democratic Club of Taylor for decades. Brandana has also previously volunteered at the Democratic Club for many years, serving as vice president and president of its Women’s Auxiliary.

Similar to Geiss, Brandana has previously served the City of Taylor as pro tem, She served for two four-year terms (2005-2013). During that time, she also served on the Taylor Planning, Community Development, Fringe Benefit and Beautification commissions.

She has worked as a legal professional for over 30 years. While working, she earned a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Michigan.  She also attended the 10-month Michigan Political Leadership Program through Michigan State University.  

She and husband Ron are proud to call Taylor their home for over 25 years.

ANGIE WINTON
City Council
Title: Councilwoman
Phone: 734-374-1320  / awinton@ci.taylor.mi.us

City Councilwoman Angie Winton has served as a City Councilwoman since February of 2019 when she was appointed due to a vacancy. She was elected to a new four-year term – her first as an elected official – In November 2021.  

Winton has been a resident for over 40 years. She is a 1996 graduate of Taylor Center High School and a graduate of Eastern Michigan University with a Bachelor degree in Business Management.  

 She currently serves as the chief human resources officer at a non-profit agency that serves seniors. and has over 20 years of experience in HR and business administration. She priorities include a fiscally sound budget, public safety, infrastructure improvements and parks and recreation.
 
She is married to husband Eric and mom to Faith and Skylar. During her free time, she enjoys volunteering, attending amusement parks and bowling.  

Significant Accomplishments:

    ◦    Taylor City Councilwoman since February of 2019

    ◦    Taylor Rotary Board Member & Rotarian

    ◦    Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) 2019-current

    ◦    Detroit SHRM Member

    ◦    Wayne County Women’s Commissioner Member 

    ◦    Taylor Recreation Commissioner since 2015

    ◦    Founder & President of Metro Detroit Share- a volunteer based non-profit that helps families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss 2008-current 

    ◦    Founder & Member of the Southeast Michigan Perinatal Loss Coalition

    ◦    SWCRC Member 

    ◦    Henry Ford Center for Women’s and Children’s Health Committee 2010-2014

    ◦    Meals on Wheels & Holiday Meals on Wheels Volunteer

HERMAN “BUTCH” RAMIK
City Council
Title: City Councilman
Phone: 734-374-1320 / bramik@ci.taylor.mi.us

This is the fourth time City Councilman Herman “Butch” Ramik has been elected to City Council. Butch has been a resident for 48 years, since 1973.

He states that he will continue to work with all elected officials to move the community forward, and knows without doubt that he can and will continue to face all challenges in the future, as he’s done the past four years.

Ramik served in the military during the Vietnam War, with the 23th Infantry Division out of Chu Lai. He returned home a highly decorated soldier after being awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Combat Infantryman’s Badge and other military citations. He went on to become an Army drill sergeant at Fort Leonardwood, Missouri.

After leaving the military, he served on the Taylor Police Department for 20 years, where he also earned a Purple Heart, Medal of Valor and Mayor’s Medal. Overall, he served in law enforcement for 35 years … and he misses it every day.

He is married to his wife of 49 years, Jeanette. They have a daughter, Christy, and four grandchildren. They also have a small poodle named Teddy.

Significant accomplishments:

    ◦    Class president of his Police Academy Class 1977

    ◦    Founder of the Taylor Veterans Museum

    ◦    Elected VFW Post 4422 Commander three times

    ◦    Assistant coordinator of the Schoolcraft College Police Academy for 10 years

    ◦    SWAT Assistant Team Leader for 12 years.

LINDSEY ROSE
City Council
Title: City Councilwoman
Phone: (734) 374-1320 / lrose@ci.taylor.mi.us

City Councilwoman Lindsey Rose is serving her first term on City Council. She is very excited to be a part of this new journey and cannot wait to learn, grow and apply her knowledge and diverse skill set to the benefit of Taylor and its residents.

Rose bought her first home in Taylor. She was elected to the position of precinct delegate for the last two election cycles, where she represented her neighborhood. She is also a small business owner who founded “Sunday Morning Breeze,” a Taylor-based business.  

When not running her business, she enjoys volunteering. Rose has volunteered at the Heritage Park Clean-Up Days, St. Vincent de Paul Food Pantry and various local animal shelters. 

She has one sister, two brothers, four nephews and two nieces. She helped raise her nephew, Sawyer. She is an animal lover and has three cats:  Appa, LeoBitz and Banana.

IRA SLAVEN
City Council
Title: City Councilman
Phone: (734) 374-1320 / islaven@ci.taylor.mi.us

City Councilman Ira Slaven is also new to the City Council. Slaven was born on Mary Street in Taylor, educated in Taylor Schools and graduated from Taylor Center High School. He has lived his entire life in the community, retired from the Taylor Fire Department as a Fire Inspector and was a member of Local 1252 International Association of Fire Fighters.

Ira served his country in the U.S. Air Force. While on active duty in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, he joined Bethel Masonic Lodge in Sault Saint Marie, and upon being honorably discharged, transferred to Taylor’s Golden Ark Masonic Lodge, where he has been active for many years. He has also been extremely active in many other charitable organizations.

During his tenure on the fire department he was involved in the Goodfellows. He was also an active member of the Taylor Metropolitan Club, which had a loan closet for crutches, wheel chairs, hospital beds and many other items, all free of charge to Taylor residents.  The Metropolitan Club was an organization made up of Firemen, Policemen, Postal Workers and School Employees.  

He and his wife Gayle, have five children, Joseph, Judith, Joanna, Jayson and Jessica; they have 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Significant Accomplishments:

• Fire inspector, Taylor Fire Department (retired)
• Member Local 1252, International Association of Fire Fighters
• U.S. Air Force (retired)
• Member, Taylor's Gold Ark Masonic Lodge
• CEO of Grand Lodge of Michigan 2007-08
• Presiding officer, Scottish Rite Masons
• Awarded 33rd degree in Masonry (2005)
• Member of the Shriners for over 50 years
• Past president of Park Shrine Club and charter member of Taylor Shrine Club
• Presiding officer Nankin Chapter Order of Eastern Star
• Former member Taylor Metropolitan Club
• Taylor Northwest Little League coach, board member, treasurer
• Active in Taylor High School Food Pantry