Ohio’s Advisory Council for Aging includes twelve governor-appointed members plus four from the legislature and directors of the state departments of Mental Health, Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities, Health and Job and Family Services. The advisory council reviews plans, budgets and issues that affect older Ohioans and advocates specific administrative and legislative actions. The council meets the fourth Tuesday in January, March, May, July, September and November.
Appointed Members
- Elaine R. Altstaetter, Wapakoneta
- Billie Brandon, Mansfield - Vice Chair
- Sandy Calvert, Medina
- Donald W. Davis, Wheelersburg
- Jack L. Edwards, Gahanna
- Lois A. Foster, Akron
- Belle Likover, ACSW, Shaker Heights
- Donelda McWilliams, Defiance
- Virginia D. Ragan, Westerville - Legislative Affairs Committee Chair
- Phyllis A. Suhar, Cambridge - Chair
- Martin J. "Jack" O'Connell, Girard
- Molly Varner, Cutler
Ex-Officio Members
- Selina Larson, Ohio Department of Health
- Matthew Hobbs, Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
- Liz Gitter, Ohio Department of Mental Health
- Vacant (Pending Appointment), Ohio Department of Mental Retardation and Developmental Disabilities
Representatives from Ohio Senate
- The Honorable Capri Cafaro
- The Honorable Larry A. Mumper
Representatives from the Ohio House of Representatives
- The Honorable Jim Raussen
- The Honorable Kathleen Chandler
Non-Member Representatives
- Lucinda Smith, Ohio Association of Senior Centers
- Larke Recchie and Mary Jo Hyde, Ohio Association of Area Agencies on Aging
- Erica Drewry, Ohio Association of Adult Day Services
- Jane Taylor, AARP Ohio
- Semanthie Brooks, Benjamin Rose Institute
- Beverly John-Driver, RN, West Central Ohio Health Ministries Program
