New Columbus Women’s Commission Members Announced

Published on February 13, 2024

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and First Lady Shannon Ginther today announced seven new commissioners on the Columbus Women’s Commission. The Commission, first seated in January 2017, works to dismantle barriers and reduce gender- and race-based inequities to improve the economic position of women in our community.

“The Columbus Women’s Commission plays a vital role in advancing the strength and well-being of women across the city, from promoting pay equity to advocating for fair and just housing protections,” said First Lady Ginther. “Each of our new commissioners brings diverse experiences and expertise to the table, enabling us to continue serving the women of Columbus in 2024 and beyond.”

The new commissioners are:

• Melissa C. Benson, Senior Managing Attorney, Legal Aid of Southeast and Central Ohio
• Lilleana Cavanaugh, Deputy Chief, Business Solutions & Outreach, Minority Business Development Division, Ohio Department of Development
• Brittany L.B. Eddy, Director of Housing, Community Development for All People
• Katie Robinson, Co-Founder and Chief People & Branding Officer, Fortuity
• Tanya Salyers, Director of Advocacy, YWCA Columbus
• Wendy Sherman Heckler, Provost and Senior Vice President, Otterbein University
• Rebecca Wiggins, Executive Director, Community Financial Wellness

The Columbus Women’s Commission also recognizes the contributions of seven outgoing commissioners, whose dedication to women and families was made abundantly clear through the time and energy they devoted to their work:

• Karim A. Ali, Partner in Charge of Professional Personnel and Diversity & Inclusion, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP
• Monica Cerrezuela, Director of Policy and Legislative Affairs, ADAMH Board of Franklin County
• Emmalyn Jerome, Chief Executive Officer, Lower Lights Ministries
• Ronnie Marquez-Posey, Bureau Chief, Trade & Veteran Services, State of Ohio Office of Workforce Development
• Jillian Olinger, Chief Mission Officer, YWCA Columbus
• Ola Snow, Chief Human Resources Officer, Cardinal Health
• Heather Whaling, President & Founder, Geben Communication

The remaining commissioners include:

• Chair, Shannon Ginther, First Lady, Senior Manager, Strategy and Consulting-Health and Public Service, Accenture
• Lourdes Barroso de Padilla, Columbus City Councilmember
• Sheri Chaney Jones, President, Measurement Resources Company
• Leah Evans, President and CEO, Homeport
• Courtney Falato, Vice President and Program Officer, Global Philanthropy, JPMorgan Chase
• Gina Ginn, Chief Executive Officer, Columbus Early Learning Centers
• Veronica Knuth, Chief People Officer, Quantum Health
• Erika Pryor, CEO and Founder, EPiC Learning Today
• Stacy Rastauskas, Vice President, Government Affairs, The Ohio State University
• Aminata Soko, Statewide Manager, Minority Business Assistance Centers, State of Ohio
• Danielle L. Sydnor, Chief Executive Officer, Rise Together Innovation Center
• Bob Szuter, Co-Owner, Wolf’s Ridge Brewing
• Sarah Townes, Chief Marketing and Innovation Officer, Experience Columbus and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission

“At the start of a new year and a new term in office, I am so excited to see the Women’s Commission hit the ground running with fresh insights and momentum,” said Mayor Ginther. “We are grateful to our outgoing commissioners for their service, and I look forward to further expanding opportunity for all women and ensuring they are empowered to thrive by tapping into the tremendous growth that is occurring throughout our city and our region.”

The Columbus Women’s Commission focuses on three areas that are key to women’s economic security in our community: gender equity in the workplace, affordable housing and evictions, and financial empowerment.