Marilyn Brown began her service as County Commissioner January 1, 2007. During her term, she has brought her management skills and her willingness to listen to all people to the County to work with all areas and build a cooperative working environment.

Marilyn was elected to serve as the Board President for 2008, during which time the county broke ground on its new baseball stadium, Huntington Park, and its new courthouse as well as took beginning steps towards building a new animal care center. She focused on working with each of the Commissioner agencies as well as the county’s partners in the community to fill in gaps in service and to ensure that everyone was able to do more with ever-shrinking resources.

Franklin County residents need good jobs to find stability in their lives and families and that is why Marilyn has worked closely with the County’s Department of Economic Development and Planning, The Columbus Chamber of Commerce, and many other organizations to develop and retain new jobs here – including initiatives like developing areas around the Intermodel at Rickenbacker, retaining NetJets, supporting small businesses through micro-lending programs offered by the county and many more. 

Recognizing the importance of the arts to our community as not only an enriching experience but as an economic engine, Marilyn has been closely involved with the Cultural Arts Commission, having been appointed to its board in 2007, and with the Greater Columbus Arts Commission and Thrive in Five.

While serving on the Board of Commissioners, Marilyn has also served Franklin County on the boards of SWACO, Franklin County Family and Children First Council, Public Works Integrating Committee, and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) where she is currently serving as Vice President of the Board. She also has chaired MORPC’s Public Policy Roundtable since 2007, developing a proactive policy agenda focused on moving our region forward.

Prior to becoming a Commissioner, Marilyn had over 25 years experience in public service. She has worked on issues ranging from women’s access to college; fair housing; diversity training; and heading up a chamber of commerce. Marilyn holds a masters’ degree in organizational development from Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University.  For eight years prior to her election, Marilyn served as Public Affairs Director for the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.

Marilyn and her husband, Judge Eric Brown, have two daughters Beryl and Daryn. The Browns’ have two grandsons, Vincent and Max.

Commissioner Brown's Contact Info:
Laura Stehle,
Aide to Commissioner Brown
614-462-3461
ljstehle@franklincountyohio.gov