About Dr. Amy Acton

Dr. Amy Acton was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to Ohio's top public health position and was the first woman physician to ever hold the position. As Director, she passed Tobacco-21, anti-vaping policies, and helped save countless lives by leading the Covid response for 11.7 million Ohioans. 

Dr. Acton 's strong sense of responsibility and work ethic comes from her Youngstown upbringing.  She raised her children in Bexley as she held positions in  advocacy and education. Dr. Acton is motivated by her core beliefs in hard work, telling it like it is, and community.

For The Columbus Foundation, Dr. Acton served as the Vice President  of Human:Kind and Director of Kind Columbus. She promoted kindness as an enduring community value to ensure a vibrant community in which all Ohio citizens can lead flourishing lives, and contribute to their full potential.

At The Ohio State University  College of Public Health, Dr. Acton was an assistant professor and a favorite  educator with her students. She was a CPH Teacher of the Year (2014-2015) and  received the Mortar Board Society's Faculty Recognition Award in 2013 . 

Dr. Amy Acton's greatest achievement is her family.  Her husband Eric and their blended family of six with two  grandchildren is the  core of her being.  Family is the heart of Ohio.

(Above  photo:Joshua A. Bickel/Dispatch )