Spotlight of the Week: Susan Manchester – A Champion for Ohio’s Children and Families

This week, our Spotlight of the Week shines on Susan Manchester, an unwavering advocate for children and families in Ohio. As a member of the Ohio Senate since 2025 and a former Ohio House Representative (2019-2025), Manchester has dedicated her career to shaping policies that protect and uplift Ohio’s most vulnerable populations.

Growing up on a family farm in Waynesfield, Ohio, Manchester developed a deep-rooted appreciation for hard work and community service. She went on to graduate from The Ohio State University in 2010, earning degrees in Psychology and Political Science. Her early career took her to Washington, D.C., where she worked for Congressman Jim Jordan, focusing on policies related to agriculture, health care, business, and education. Returning to Ohio in 2016, she worked as a field representative for the Trump campaign before transitioning to a role at Big Brothers Big Sisters, further solidifying her passion for youth advocacy.

Manchester’s time in the Ohio General Assembly has been marked by her tireless advocacy for children and families. As Chair of the House Families, Aging, and Human Services Committee and Co-Vice Chair of the Ohio Legislative Children Caucus, she spearheaded efforts to strengthen protections for Ohio’s children. Her most notable achievement was establishing the Ohio Youth and Family Ombudsman Office, which provides greater accountability and security for children navigating the foster care and child welfare system.

Her dedication to child welfare did not go unnoticed. She was honored with the Legislator of the Year Award (2022) by the Public Children Services Association of Ohio and recognized as a Champion of Children by the Ohio Children’s Alliance.

Beyond child welfare, Manchester has introduced and passed several key bills that have positively impacted Ohioans:

• Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program – Designed to support new generations of farmers by facilitating the transfer of agricultural assets.
• Human Trafficking Legislation – Closed a dangerous loophole by criminalizing the manipulation of addiction as a method of human trafficking.

Her legislative work reflects her commitment to both her rural roots and the well-being of Ohio families, ensuring that policies are in place to support, protect, and empower communities across the state. Susan Manchester’s leadership has left a lasting impact on Ohio, particularly for its children and families. Her dedication to policy reform, advocacy, and community development continues to shape a better future for the state.