Spotlight of the Week: Angela Sausser – A Pillar of Child Welfare in Ohio
Angela Sausser has spent her career dedicated to protecting and advocating for the welfare of children in Ohio. Since August 2014, Angela has served as the Executive Director of the Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO), a nonprofit organization representing Ohio’s public child protection agencies. Her leadership within PCSAO is marked by tireless advocacy for better support, resources, and policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of Ohio’s children.
Angela’s journey in child protection began at the ground level, working as a caseworker and supervisor at a foster care agency in Cincinnati. She later shifted to consulting, working with state and county agencies across the U.S. to drive systemic change. In Ohio, she launched a nonprofit to reduce infant mortality in Columbus, and her work with the state has included roles like Chief of the Bureau of Children and Families at the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, and Director of Ohio Family and Children First Cabinet Council. Her deep experience and dedication to the cause have earned her a reputation as a thought leader in child welfare reform.
Angela’s educational background in Public Policy and Management and Social Administration from The Ohio State University underpins her approach to driving strategic policy changes. She actively contributes to advisory boards, such as the Nationwide Children’s Hospital’s Center for Accelerating Suicide Prevention in Real-World Settings and the John Glenn College of Public Affairs Alumni Society Board, while also serving on Ohio’s Team for the 2023 National Leadership Academy for the Public’s Health – Cohort 12.
Contributions and Impact:
Under Angela’s leadership, PCSAO has played a vital role in strengthening Ohio’s child protection services. She has championed reforms to ensure that agencies have the support and funding they need to protect children and has led efforts to combat the profound effects of the opioid crisis on Ohio’s families. Her focus on policy advocacy has driven improvements across the child welfare system, creating safer, more resilient communities for Ohio’s children.
A Powerful Advocate for Ohio’s Children:
Angela Sausser’s career is a testament to her unwavering dedication to safeguarding vulnerable children and supporting families in need. Her commitment to child welfare reform and her role in shaping child protection policies have made her an indispensable figure in Ohio’s efforts to protect its most vulnerable residents.
