I am a licensed attorney with 30 years of experience in public interest and public service in Ohio with local, state and federal government. I have fought for access to justice, streamlined government services, and ensured a voice for the most vulnerable Ohioans.
I have been privileged to serve Worthington as a City Council member since 2018. I have been involved with many local organizations including as a member of the Board of Trustees for the Walnut Grove and Flint Union Cemeteries, a member of the Board of Directors for the Worthington Partnership, a member of the Board of Trustees for the McConnell Arts Center, a steering committee member of Worthington Bridges, and a member of the Boards for the Worthington Firefighters Dependents Board and the Worthington International Friendship Association (WIFA). I am a member of the Friends Foundation of Worthington Libraries, the Worthington Women’s Club and the Worthington Historical Society.
As the Chief Policy Officer for the Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging, I advocate for older Ohioans and the Area Agencies on Aging with Congress, federal agencies, the Ohio Statehouse, state agencies and others. I ensure that older Ohioans and the agencies that serve them have a voice at the table when policy decisions are made. I promote strong investment in senior services and the Area Agencies on Aging, advocate for more aggressive policies in the fight to stop elder abuse, and work for health care policy priorities that put people, especially older Ohioans, first.
I serve on the Boards of the HealthPath Foundation of Ohio and the Ohio Coalition for Adult Protective Services. I am a steering committee member of Advocates for Ohio's Future and a member of the Ohio Attorney General's Elder Abuse Commission. I also mentor new lawyers through a program with the Ohio Supreme Court.
I practiced nonprofit law with Southeastern Ohio Legal Services and Ohio State Legal Services Association for 10 years, representing individuals in consumer, housing, domestic violence, and other issues, as well as being a voice for low income Ohioans at the Statehouse, with state agencies, and in the courts.
When I oversaw state program policy and programs at the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, a position I held for eight years, I became acutely aware of and learned to maneuver competing interests and regulatory oversight, keeping in mind the ultimate goal of helping Ohio's residents succeed.
My family and I have resided in Worthington for 19 years. We have two children and we all enjoy many of the community events, activities and amenities our city has to offer.
POWER: Programs for Ohio Women Empowered to Represent
Advocacy on behalf of older Ohioans
Coalition of Age Friendly Communities of Ohio
Worthington International Potluck Picnic
Old Worthington Library Sculpture Garden - commissioned by the Friends Foundation of the Worthington Libraries
Worthington OctoberFest annual fundraiser for the Worthington Resource Pantry
Gary Smith Worthington Classic