Washington State Gov. Jay Inslee yesterday appointed Battle Ground resident Richard (Dick) Rylander Jr. to fill the open District 5 seat on the Clark County Council.

Rylander will be sworn in by County Clerk Scott Weber at 9:45 a.m. Tuesday, May 3 prior to the 10 a.m. council meeting.

The Clark County Council in March voted to forward the names of three individuals to Governor Jay Inslee to fill the unexpired term on the county council.

Eileen Quiring O’Brien earlier this year vacated the seat when she retired.

“The public sets high professional and ethical standards for those in public office, and if we want to maintain its trust and support, we must always meet or exceed those standards,” Gov. Inslee wrote in the appointment letter. “We must serve to the highest of ethical principles, place the public’s interest above any personal or private inters, and always ensure state resources are efficiently used for public purposes only.”

“Thank you for your willingness to serve the people of Washington.”

Rylander, since January 2014, has served as President of BioPharmaceutical Strategies LLC, and since September 2016, has volunteered as Executive in Residence at Oregon Health and Science University to assist researchers, physicians and faculty in assessing the commercialization potential for technologies including diagnostics, devices, drugs and digital products. Rylander earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing and finance from California State University Sacramento and a Master of Business Administration from City University of Seattle.

Rylander has served on the Clark County Clean Water Commission and as a board member on the Meadow Glade Neighborhood Association.

“I wish to express my thanks to Gov. Inslee for reviewing both quickly and thoroughly the list of three nominees provided by council,” said Council Chair Karen Dill Bowerman. “Dick brings to the council strong involvement that is already developed with District 5 and keen interest in resident engagement. His professional background shows data and technical experience which is reflected in extensive volunteer service in Clark County.”

The current term for District 5 ends Dec. 31, 2022, and the seat will be open for election later this year.