Miller Completes OSU Public Leadership Academy

State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-City of Ashland) is one of 22 elected officials from across the state of Ohio to successfully complete this year’s Public Leadership Academy at The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs.

The Public Leadership Academy is an intensive, one-week, bipartisan, residential academy for Ohio’s rising state and local elected leaders. Along with Miller, participants included other state representatives, county commissioners, mayors, and school board and city council members. 

“The program was such a worthwhile and amazing experience to undergo with such talented individuals,” Miller said. “I hope to bring back some of the ideas and things we learned when it comes to public service to benefit the people of Ashland and Medina Counties.”

The program is designed to support leaders who inspire citizenship. Participants reflect on their call to serve, explore topics they have in common, and return to public life with a better understanding of their colleagues and a renewed commitment to public service. 

“Everyone in the class was identified by their leadership as a rising star in Ohio elected service,” said Greg Moody, the director of professional development for the Glenn College. “Our role is to bring them together to learn from each other and build lasting relationships that benefit their constituents and citizens of Ohio.”

This year’s program, held July 10-14, coincided with the Glenn College Democracy Camp, a one-day program for 30 high school students to learn about civic engagement and the democratic process. At a shared lunch, Democracy Camp and Public Leadership Academy participants discussed career paths in local government and the importance of leadership in public service. 

Miller was among the fourth class to graduate from the Public Leadership Academy.