Over 20 elected officials from across the state of Ohio to successfully complete this year’s Public Leadership Academy at The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs.
The Public Leadership Academy is an intensive, one-week, bipartisan, residential academy for Ohio’s rising state and local elected leaders. Participants included state representatives, county commissioners, mayors, and school board and city council members.
The program is designed to support leaders who inspire citizenship. Participants reflect on their call to serve, explore topics they have in common, and return to public life with a better understanding of their colleagues and a renewed commitment to public service.
“Everyone in the class was identified by their leadership as a rising star in Ohio elected service,” said Greg Moody, the director of professional development for the Glenn College. “Our role is to bring them together to learn from each other and build lasting relationships that benefit their constituents and citizens of Ohio.”
This year’s program, held July 10-14, coincided with the Glenn College Democracy Camp, a one-day program for 30 high school students to learn about civic engagement and the democratic process. At a shared lunch, Democracy Camp and Public Leadership Academy participants discussed career paths in local government and the importance of leadership in public service.
Participants of the 2023 Public Leadership Academy:
Melissa Bell, Muskingum County Commissioner
Denise Driehaus, Hamilton County Commissioner
Cassaundra Fryman, Mayor of the Village of Plymouth
Josh Gerth, Anderson Township Trustee
Sally Green, Tuscarawas Valley School Board Member
Dr. Michele Grim, State Representative, House District 43
Carrie Hartman, Toledo City Council Member
David Kern, Defiance County Commissioner
Adam Mathews, State Representative, House District 56
Rebecca Maurer, Cleveland City Council Member
Rozland McKee-Flax, Etna Township Trustee
Matthew Miller, Mayor of the City of Ashland
Melanie Miller, State Representative, House District 67
Meeka Owens, Cincinnati City Council Member
Cody Pettit, Zanesville City Council Member
Beryl Piccolantonio, Gahanna-Jefferson School Board Member
Chris Ronayne, Cuyahoga County County Executive
Samantha Sikorski, Mayor of the Village of Glouster
Sharetta Smith, Mayor of the City of Lima
Kathryn Thalman, Mayor of the City of St. Clairsville
Dr. Tiffany Whitman, Toledo City Council Member