Spotlight of the Month: Mary Wachtel, Champion for Children, Families, and Equitable Health Policy in Ohio

This month, we proudly shine our spotlight on Mary D. Wachtel, a distinguished policy leader whose decades of service have strengthened child welfare, expanded access to health care, and advanced the protection of Ohio’s families.

Mary Wachtel currently serves as the Director of Public Policy at the Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO), a role she has held since 2014. At PCSAO, she leads statewide advocacy initiatives that shape legislation, strengthen child-protection systems, and support the well-being of some of Ohio’s most vulnerable children and families.

Before joining PCSAO, Mary built a powerful career in health and child-focused public policy:

• As Director of Access and Coverage Policy at the Health Policy Institute of Ohio (HPIO), she coordinated legislative outreach and guided statewide strategies to ensure Ohioans have timely access to comprehensive, integrated, and high-quality health services.
• As Director of Health Policy at Voices for Ohio’s Children, she championed reforms that improved child and family health outcomes, engaging directly with state lawmakers and agency leaders.
• Her earlier roles include serving as a Health Advocate for the Children’s Defense Fund–Ohio and as Director of Policy and Programs at the Association of Junior Leagues International, where she helped shape national standards for child and family policy initiatives.

A proud Ohio native, Mary brings both professional excellence and personal commitment to her work. She holds:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Akron
• A Master of Social Work from Washington University in St. Louis
• A Certificate in Theological Studies from the School of Theology at Sewanee (Episcopal)

Mary’s leadership reflects a rare combination of policy expertise, compassion, and strategic vision. Her work continues to influence how Ohio serves, protects, and empowers its children and families , and her dedication inspires all who share in this mission.