Biography

Gary Leitzell was born in McKeesport, Pennsylvania in 1961. In 1970 he relocated to Chippenham, England. He attended public schools and focused on taking courses so that he could study geology at college. He has worked since the age of fourteen doing a morning paper route, pumping gas and doing stock work at the local grocery store. He worked in a food factory in London during summers while attending college.

Gary Leitzell graduated with a bachelors degree in geology in 1982 and returned to the United States with a suitcase, backpack and $600 in his pocket.

Gary Leitzell worked in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania between 1982 and 1994 in retail management and insurance sales. For a while worked with an established auction company. During those years he learned to manage groups of people effectively and fairly.

In 1992 Gary Leitzell pursued some hobby interests and wrote some hobby related books that he self published.

In 1994 Gary Leitzell moved to Dayton, Ohio to help a friend by renting his Walnut Hills neighborhood home.

Gary Leitzell bought that home so that his friend could return to England with his family.

Gary Leitzell started his own hobby related business upon arrival in Dayton and was able to establish a solid base of loyal clients very quickly.

Gary Leitzell joined his neighborhood association in 1996 and became a the president of the Walnut Hills Association in 2004; a position that he still holds. He became a member of the Southeast Dayton Priority Board in 1999. He has been chairman of that board since 2008.

Gary Leitzell and his wife bought a second home in the Walnut Hills neighborhood in 2001. They painstakingly took on the task of returning the antebellum home (which had been converted into 4 apartments) to its former glory.

Gary was able to document the home's colorful history. The journey can be viewed at “This Old Crack House” .

Gary Leitzell is the proud father of Elizabeth whom he educates at home. You will often see the two of them together at public meetings and functions that Gary attends as a community volunteer and leader.

Gary Leitzell believes in unifying our city of neighbors. Stronger neighborhoods make a stronger city.

Gary Leitzell doesn't quit when the job gets tough.

Gary Leitzell comes up with creative solutions to solve problems that gets results.

Gary Leitzell is not a politician. He is an experienced problem solver in the community.

Gary Leitzell has a strong work ethic.

Gary Leitzell is running for Mayor of Dayton because he knows that creative ideas and solutions will establish Dayton as a world class city.