Sam Herd to serve as chief for House Dems

Ohio House Democratic Leader Emilia Strong Sykes (D-Akron) today announced the appointment of Sam Herd as chief of staff for the House Democratic Caucus, making Herd the first woman in recent Ohio House history to serve as the highest staffer for either Democrats or Republicans.

“Sam’s leadership ability and depth of experience is a strong and invaluable addition to our team,” Sykes said. “I look forward to working with her to guide this caucus throughout the next two years as we seek to better the lives of working families and strengthen communities across Ohio.”

A Cincinnati native, Herd got her start in politics as a staff member for Cincinnati City Council, soon-after serving as an aide in the Ohio House. Herd later served as district director for Congresswomen Mary Jo Kilroy and Betty Sutton before becoming community outreach director for ProgressOhio where she led the organization’s Women, Work & Wages campaign, advocating for equal pay, raising the minimum wage and paid parental leave.

Most recently, Herd was the chief of staff for Betty Sutton during the Cordray-Sutton gubernatorial campaign.

“I am thankful for the opportunity to join this team, and am eager to work every day with Leader Sykes, members and staff to move our state forward,” said Herd.

Herd’s hire follows an historic year for women in Ohio politics, including a first ever majority woman Democratic caucus and leadership team.