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People over politics.

ADVOCATE for familes.

BUILD stronger communities.

COLLABORATE between the public and private sectors.

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Polaroid Photo of man and woman in an outdoor setting with greenery and rocks. The man wearing a striped shirt is standing behind the woman who is wearing a blue sweater tied around her shoulders and a cream colored shirt. Both are smiling.

About Kathy

Married, mother of two, and proud grandmother of four, Kathy’s life reflects the values she champions publicly: Faith. Family. Service.

With over 30 years of leadership in workforce development, public health, early childhood advocacy, and nonprofit governance, Kathy McLeish has dedicated her life to strengthening Ohio’s children, families, and communities.

No stranger to hard work, Kathy believes that in the end it doesn't matter who gets the credit as long as the job is done.

A Lifetime of Leadership & Public Service

Very experienced in Government & Community Collaboration, Kathy has served at the highest levels of local and state advisory leadership. Working alongside state leadership under multiple Ohio governors, Kathy has:

· Built cross-sector partnerships with business executives, superintendents, and agency directors

·  Developed county-wide financial literacy initiatives

·  Partnered with Juvenile Court to support youth reintegration

Community Initiatives

Kathy has partnered with governors, state agencies, county officials, and business leaders to create sustainable systems of support for families.

· Facilitator, Community Leadership Program

· Founding Member County Financial Literacy Program

· Facilitator Bridges Out of Poverty Program

· Founding Member County Fatherhood Initiative

 

Education & Arts Leadership

A commitment to youth development extends beyond policy — into mentorship, arts education, and character formation. Kathy believes in developing the whole child.

· Ohio Music Education Association Adjudicator – 20 Years
· High School and Middle School Color Guard Instructor – 29 Years
· Central Ohio Technical College - Adjunct Faculty Early Childhood Education - 1 year

Executive & Administrative Roles

· Director/Administrator – Licking County Children & Family First Council

· Executive Director – PRO Muskingum Family & Children First Council

· Regional Director – Child Care Resource Network (11 Ohio counties)

· Owner/Administrator – Rainbow Center for Child Development

· Administrator – River View Local School District Public Preschool

Board & Governance Leadership

· Ohio Children’s Trust Fund Board

· Ohio Family & Children First Council Association – Vice Chair & Regional Representative

· Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children – Professional Development Co-Chair

· Ohio Partnership for Success Leadership Committee

· Coshocton County Board of Health

· Coshocton County Children Services Board

· Muskingum County Workforce Development Board

· Workforce Investment Act (WIA) Youth Program Chair

Education

· Graduate of Licking Valley High School

· The Ohio State University, Newark Campus - Associate of Arts Degree

· Malone University - Bachelor of Arts, Business Management


Faith. Family. Service.

Kathy’s leadership is grounded in faith and community engagement.

· Deacon, First Presbyterian Church, Granville 

· Volunteer, Market Street Pantry, Newark

· Trustee, Deacon & Sunday School Teacher, The Presbyterian Church, Coshocton