On January 3, 2005, Mary Jo Kilroy began her second four-year term as a Franklin County Commissioner. Commissioner Kilroy brings prudence and leadership to her public service, qualities that work to ensure successful development for Franklin County and continue to enhance all facets of the community. Through creative partnerships, workforce development and a commitment to proactively finding real solutions to issues facing Franklin County residents, Mary Jo Kilroy proudly serves as the 2007 Franklin County Commission President.

Commissioner Kilroy was first selected to lead the county board in 2005. It was during this time the county renewed its commitment to rebuilding its financial position. Commissioner Kilroy’s leadership resulted in the county earning the highest rating “AAA” from two of the nation’s leading credit agencies.

Kilroy also saw a need for strong partnerships. During her tenure, President Kilroy has helped to create many major public and private partnership projects that will create jobs for thousands including the announcement to build a new courthouse and Huntington Park.

Through continued collaboration with the City of Columbus, Kilroy was instrumental in the creation of the Columbus/Franklin County Affordable Housing Trust Corporation. The corporation remains focused on removing any real or perceived barriers to obtaining and maintaining homeownership while increasing the homeownership rate among minorities in the Columbus Metropolitan Area.

Kilroy also remains an advocate for our environment. She understands the need to attract jobs and businesses to Franklin County while protecting our fragile ecosystem. Last year, Kilroy introduced Resolution 683-06, an environmental policy that guides economic growth and ensures environmental protection and the commitment to promote sustainable principles in policy decisions and programs throughout Franklin County. Kilroy was an integral partner in the creation of the Big Darby Accord Panel, responsible for protecting the long-term environmental health and economic vitality of Franklin County by ensuring new development is environmentally friendly and consistent with the Big Darby Accord.

Awards and recognition over the last few years, include Governing magazine naming Franklin County one of the five best-managed counties in the country, the Columbus Community Shelter Board giving its Leadership Award to Commissioner Kilroy for 10 years of dedication to helping the homeless, the Citizens Advisory Committee of Franklin County Children Services presenting a Community Advocate Award to the commissioners for helping foster kids go to college, the Ohio Engineering Council and the Ohio Water Environment Association both recognizing the commissioners for the Big Darby Accord, and the U.S. Department of Defense Ohio Committee for Employee Support of the Guard and Reserve presenting the “Chairman’s Above and Beyond” Award to the commissioners for securing health benefits for the families of county employees deployed for military duty.

BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:

• Franklin County Planning Commission
• Investment Advisory Board
• Emergency Management Agency
• Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
• Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio
• Franklin County Criminal Justice Planning Board/Community Corrections Board

Prior to becoming commissioner in 2001, Kilroy served for eight years on the Columbus School Board. She is a 1980 graduate of the OSU Moritz College of Law.

Commissioner Kilroy and husband, attorney Robert Handelman, have two daughters, Julia, a graduate of Oberlin College (BA) and Columbia University (MA) who now teaches in the New York City Public Schools, and Rosa, a graduate of Brown University, plus three active dogs from area animal rescue organizations.

Commissioner Kilroy's Contact Info:
Kirsten Fraser,
Aide to Commissioner Kilroy
614.462.5589
krfraser@franklincountyohio.gov