Voinovich School's Public Service Day brings together students, alumni, officials

An OHIO student talks with a public office at Public Service Day

Raye White

51��’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service hosted its inaugural Public Service Day during the fall semester, welcoming students and alumni to campus for a day of discussion and reflection focused on careers in public service.

Through two panel discussions, alumni working in government and community organizations shared their experiences in the public sector and offered advice for students interested in making a difference through their careers.

Learning from those who serve

The first panel, “Alumni Experiences: A – Z,” featured professionals who spoke about the rewards and challenges of working in public service. Erica Wilson, director of government affairs for the Ohio Department of Health, said the field offers a unique opportunity to influence policy and witness decision-making firsthand.

“You get to be involved in the decisions that affect everyday Ohioans,” Wilson said. “And you also get to see how the sausage is made.”

Wilson also shared advice from her boss, Governor Mike DeWine.

“My boss always said that public service is when you are retired and you're on a beach and your feet are in the sand, knowing you did absolutely everything you could to make the state better,” Wilson said.

Nick Strahan, assistant chief financial officer for the Department of Medicaid, reflected on both the gratification and challenges of his role.

“You really walk away on certain days with a sense of gratitude for something that you did,” Strahan said. “A lot of days you walk away and you feel pretty bad because you weren't able to do something.”

He added that the true reward of the work lies in its human impact.

“The impact that our work has on people, I think, is really what has cemented itself now as what public service is to me,” Strahan said.

Kate Dunn, a senior planner for the Buckeye Hills Regional Council, spoke about the importance of finding fulfillment and purpose in public service.

“Public service is something you have to tailor yourself to,” Dunn said. “It means so many different things and you can really make it your own. Whatever you do in this life, you have to be happy when you're doing it. Nobody does well in their career when they're miserable.”

Connecting students with opportunity

Between the two panels, students had the opportunity to speak with panelists, practice networking and explore a range of career opportunities. Tables staffed by sponsoring organizations showcased potential pathways into public service.

Among the organizations represented were the Sisters Health Foundation, the Buckeye Hills Regional Council (BHRC), the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC), the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD) and the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District.

These opportunities, organizers said, reflected the Voinovich School’s mission to connect students with meaningful work that benefit communities across Ohio.

Advice for students

The second panel, “Public Service and Student Opportunities,” featured additional alumni and professionals who offered practical advice for students considering careers in the public sector.

Craig Butler, executive director and CEO of the Muskingum Watershed Conservancy District, urged attendees to focus on their impact.

“Ask yourself where you can do the most good,” Butler said. “That’s where you should be.”

Johnathan Gormley, director of regional operations at the Ohio Secretary of State’s Office, emphasized that public service extends across all levels of government.

“The great thing about public service is that you can have an impact no matter where you are — local, state, or federal,” Gormley said. “The mission is the same: help people.”

Panel members lead a discussion during Public Service Day — Photo by Raye White.

Beth Kinney, director of community outreach at the Franklin County Auditor’s Office, encouraged students to start small and get involved in their own communities.

“If you’re thinking about public service, start where you are,” Kinney said. “Volunteer, get to know your community, attend meetings. There’s no substitute for understanding the people you serve.”

Eric Richter, representing Washington Township - Dublin and the Ohio City and County Management Association, spoke to the tangible nature of local government work.

“Local government is where you can see the most direct impact of what you do,” Richter said. “You can see a project start as an idea and end up helping people in real time.”

Looking ahead

The event concluded with conversations about the evolving role of public service and the importance of fostering leadership at every level.

For students at the Voinovich School, Public Service Day provided not only insight into future career paths but also inspiration to contribute to the greater good.

As the Voinovich School continues its work in leadership and public policy, events like this aim to strengthen connections between students, alumni and communities, preparing the next generation of leaders dedicated to making a difference in Ohio and beyond.

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