Making HerStory-Erica C. Crawley Named President of the Franklin County Commissioners Board
Sharon S Gordon 
COLUMBUS, OH – Franklin County Commissioners started the new year with a historic milestone by selecting Commissioner Erica C. Crawley as the 2025 President of the Board. Commissioner Crawley, the first African American woman to hold this position, continues to blaze trails in county leadership. She first joined the Board in July 2021 to complete a vacated term and served as board president in 2022 before being elected to a four-year term.
As president, Commissioner Crawley will oversee the Board’s weekly General Session and Briefing meetings while serving as the Board’s primary spokesperson. This leadership role also entails managing Franklin County’s 15 agencies and directing a budget that exceeds $2 billion.
A Youngstown, Ohio native, Crawley brings extensive experience in public service. With degrees in criminology, public administration, and a Juris Doctorate from Capital University Law School, her career spans military service in the U.S. Navy and impactful roles with organizations like Cuyahoga County Job and Family Services, YMCA Head Start, and the Black Child Development Institute. Her dedication to public service led her to the Ohio House of Representatives in 2019, where she represented southeastern Franklin County before joining the Board of Commissioners.
Throughout her career, Crawley has championed key initiatives, including affordable childcare, housing solutions, addiction services, mental health care, and veterans’ benefits. Her advocacy for maternal health and early education underscores her commitment to improving the lives of Franklin County residents.
Reflecting on her appointment, Crawley stated, “It is essential that we approach this year thoughtfully and with a commitment to the future. I look forward to collaborating… to build a strong, safe, and vibrant community.”
Residents are encouraged to engage with the Board of Commissioners, whose General Session and Briefing meetings are open to the public and accessible online. Visit www.commissioners.franklincountyohio.gov/public-meetings or call (614) 525-3322 for more information.
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