Advisory Council on Aging

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