Central Ohio Workforce Leadership Academy Fellows

I serve as the Workforce Development Administrator for Knox County and oversee operations at the OhioMeansJobs One-Stop Job Center. We provide employment services to individuals ages 14+ as well as provide services to local businesses helping them recruit, train, and retain a quality workforce. We develop and deliver innovative workforce programming for our citizens and assist our business customers with solutions to workforce challenges. 

I am a mother to one grown daughter and three furbabies. I live in a 100 year old farmhouse-ish (without the actual farm) that my husband and I renovated in 2020 during the pandemic. My  hobbies include: home reno and decor projects, animal rescue (dogs), creating and sharing digital media content, building the aesthetic portion of websites, and making scrapbooks. 

At One Columbus, I lead emerging talent initiatives and strategic regional collaborations that connect workforce, education, and industry, with a focus on developing talent pipelines aligned to regional economic needs. With nearly two decades of experience in workforce development and HR, I am dedicated to creating equitable access to high-growth, in-demand careers across Central Ohio.

One Columbus is the economic development organization for the 11-county Columbus Region, we work with local and state partners to serve as the business location resource for companies across the Region and around the world as they grow, innovate, and compete within the global economy.

My family says my hobbies are coaching, socializing in English and Spanish, and telling people what to do…

In my role as Workforce Development Administrator, I oversee programs that empower individuals and families to achieve and sustain self-sufficiency. I’m dedicated to building and enhancing partnerships with community organizations, local businesses, and state agencies to better serve the workforce needs of our area.

I’m a married mother of two adult children and a devoted dog mom. I love spending time outdoors, family gatherings, and playing a good game of Euchre. 

As the HR Director for Licking County, I am dedicated to fostering a supportive and efficient workplace for all employees. My responsibilities include overseeing recruitment, managing employee benefits, and ensuring compliance with employment laws. I strive to develop and implement innovative policies that enhance workforce engagement and promote a positive, productive work environment.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy reading, hiking, woodworking and conquering new challenges – such as the occasional overnight backpacking adventure.  

I am the Executive Director of A Call to College, a nonprofit organization serving Newark City Schools, guiding students to and through college. From literacy in the second grade through paying for college as a returning student we help young people build a plan for their future and execute on that plan.

I am the loving mom of four young adults and a very neurotic 11 year old rescue German Shepherd mix. I enjoy the outdoors, hiking, listening to audio books, cooking, playing cards and games, spending time with my family and friends and snuggling with my dog. 

I am a proud 4th generation International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) member.  A product of apprenticeship.  I get to work with high schools and organizations to build pathways into our 4 year apprenticeship program. Combining classroom instruction and on-the-job training apprentices progress to Journeyman Wireman status making a great living wage plus amazing benefits.  I used to be able to drive down the road and point at a completed construction project and say, “I helped build that.”  Today at graduation ceremonies, I get to say, “I help build them.”  

I love to say that I am married to my high school sweetheart, Elisabeth.  We have been in each other’s lives ever since kindergarten.  When we started dating in high school, we learned that my father and her mother graduated together as well as my grandfather and her grandfather.  We have two young men, nine and fourteen and live on our century old family farm. 

I am the Career Connections Educator, Grades K-8, for the Career Center’s partner school districts. I help students gain career awareness in the elementary schools and career exploration in the middle schools. My many years of experience teaching at both the elementary and middle school levels helps with this position.

My hobbies and interests include spending time with family, fixing up and selling houses, interior decorating, and reading books (especially if they pertain to my love of history and government).

I am the Assistant Administrator of Public Assistance for Delaware County Job & Family Services.  Our agency helps provide food and medical assistance to low-income individuals, protective services for needy children, and supportive services for our local workforce.  

My wife and I raised two wonderful children, both now grown leaving us empty nesters. We recently welcomed our first grandbaby, so of course my hobbies now include mostly spoiling her whenever we can!  I also enjoy time with family and friends, baseball & football, podcasts, being outdoors and working on things around our home.

In my role as Economic Development Project Manager for the City of Delaware, I oversee the business retention and expansion strategy for our community. I am dedicated to fostering economic growth by supporting our existing businesses and attracting new opportunities. By collaborating with local companies, community organizations, and regional partners, I strive to create a vibrant and sustainable economic environment that benefits all residents.

Proud dog dad to two wonderful dogs.I love playing pickleball and basketball, Whether I’m on the court or spending quality time with my dogs, I enjoy staying active and connected to the community.

I serve as the Director of K-12 Education Policy at Ohio Excels, where I focus on shaping educational policy and pathways that help students connect with future career opportunities across Ohio. 

Before joining Ohio Excels, I led the Office of Graduate Success at the Ohio Department of Education, working with schools and partners to develop impactful career advising and graduation strategies. I’m also the owner of CP Photography, a business where I capture moments for primarily families and seniors. 

Our family has a small farm in Fairfield County where we raise cattle and lambs for Carter and McKinley to show across the state and the county fair.

As the Outreach & Member Engagement Manager for CCAO, I advocate on policy issues, including workforce development, public assistance, and other human services areas. I work with county commissioners, their key staff, and association partners to develop recommendations for policy, and convey those positions to state legislators and executive agencies. 

My hobbies and interests include spending time with family and friends, reading, podcasts, watching football.

I serve as the Director of Workforce Strategy & Operations, where I lead the execution of our adult workforce strategy, oversee programs, and manage the support team. My role focuses on advancing workforce development initiatives and building strategic partnerships across in-demand industries.

I’m a mom to two boys, ages 11 and 9 weeks. As a family, we enjoy dirt track racing, camping, and attending concerts across almost every genre.

I have been with the Career and Technology Centers of Licking County (C-TEC) for 11 years, currently serving as the Executive Director. I oversee operations for 22 career technical programs serving 11 high schools in the county. I also oversee various policy and compliance for the district. Before joining C-TEC, I spent 20 years teaching in various subjects, including special education, educational technology, math and language arts. I am dedicated to helping students discover career paths through technical education while meeting local workforce needs.

I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, boating, sporting events, really anything outdoors!

As the Workforce Development Program Supervisor I oversee all workforce programming under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) through our local OhioMeansJobs Center. This includes services for individual customers and local businesses. 

I am a mother of three young kids ages 6, 4, and 1 so my hobbies and interests mainly include attending all their sporting events. However, I also enjoy outdoor activities such as kayaking, hiking, running, and playing in our agency softball tournament. Others would say I am a avid food connoisseur.

I am the Economic Development Coordinator for ADF. I manage our workforce development practices by chairing the Knox County Workforce Development Alliance (Knox WorkDev), which aims to increase workforce pipeline opportunities for Healthcare and Manufacturing companies in Knox County by promoting community connection.

My hobbies and interests include spending time with family, quilting, making/altering clothes, reading, watching movies with my husband, gardening, serving on community boards, and serving at my church. 

I have the privilege of serving as the Assistant Vice President of Intercultural Affairs at Mount Vernon Nazarene University. I oversee programming from students from 21 countries, our university office of civil rights, and supporting outreach efforts through mission-aligned partnerships. I have experience in the non-profit sector internationally and in local government. I am also an ordained minister. 

My hobbies include spending time with my beautiful wife, Michelle, and our son, Micah. I also love singing, walking, and reading about politics and current events. 

I started my career in transit and transportation services like many of my peers – as a bus operator. I began my career in 2009 driving buses along the streets of Columbus as Operator 4281 for the Central Ohio Transit Authority. 

Throughout my career, I have been privileged to serve the Central Ohio community, and I am very proud to serve Delaware County in my role as Executive Director for Delaware County Transit. 

My wife, Amanda, is an RN at Grady Memorial Hospital, and while we love to serve our community in our professional and personal lives, our greatest joy is raising our three powerful and beautiful daughters Camryn, Elaina, and Josephine.

I serve as the Director of Development in our Office of Talent Strategies, leading work in Advanced Technologies–specifically advanced manufacturing. 

My hobbies are hiking, camping, and stand up paddleboarding. I love all of the state parks and preservation parks in our region.