Stacy Rastauskas appointed to Columbus Women’s Commission

Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and First Lady Shannon Ginther have named Stacy Rastauskas, The Ohio State University’s vice president for government affairs, to the Columbus Women’s Commission.

“Throughout these unprecedented times, the Columbus Women’s Commission has continued to implement meaningful reforms by advancing pay equity, promoting child care, reducing evictions and more,” said Ms. Ginther. “The diverse backgrounds and experiences of our new commissioners will enable us to accelerate our momentum even further in 2023 and beyond.”

The commission, first seated in January 2017, works to dismantle barriers and reduce gender-based inequities to improve the economic position of women across the community.

“The Columbus Women’s Commission represents my administration’s equity agenda in action, and I am so grateful for all of their efforts,” said Mayor Ginther. “By expanding opportunity and prosperity to include every woman, and every resident, in every Columbus neighborhood, we’re growing the Winner’s Circle in ways that improve lives and set the stage for additional progress and reforms.”

Rastauskas joins Courtney Falato, vice president and program officer, JPMorgan Chase, and Erika Pryor, CEO and founder, EPiC Learning Today, as new commissioners. The commission comprises 23 members, a diverse group of leaders spanning public and private sectors and nonprofit organizations representing all ages, educational backgrounds, races and personal experiences.

“I’m excited for the opportunity to serve on this important commission. Ohio State serves a critical role in Columbus from education, to research, to community well-being and workforce development,” Rastauskas said. “I’m grateful to Mayor Ginther and the First Lady for the opportunity to help address the challenges women face in the workplace.”

Rastauskas joined Ohio State in 2004 and now represents the university in advocacy before federal, state and local governments, regulatory agencies and key policymakers. She works closely with faculty, students and administrators to develop and advance Ohio State’s broad government affairs agenda.

Under her leadership, the university has increased engagement on emerging local, state and federal issues, developed university positions on legislative and regulatory policies, and implemented strategies to advance the university’s agenda. Rastauskas regularly works with top U.S. research universities to establish advocacy plans to sustain and increase support for higher education and scientific research.

Rastauskas began her career working in the U.S. House of Representatives, where she handled appropriations and education issues for U.S. Rep. David Hobson. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Wittenberg University and a master’s degree in public administration from George Mason University.

The Columbus Women’s Commission focuses on three areas that are key to women’s economic security: gender equity in the workplace, affordable housing and evictions, and financial empowerment. For more information, visit the commission’s website.