A Message from President Gretchen McNamara, DMA

Dear Fellow Ohio AAUP Members:

I am pleased to share that the Executive Board of the Ohio Conference of the American Association of University Professors has selected Jennifer Tisone Price to be our next Executive Director! We were impressed with her level of experience, professionalism, and enthusiasm for meeting the challenges facing higher education in Ohio.

During the interview process, Jennifer shared that she was attracted to the Executive Director position at OCAAUP for two reasons: The challenge of fighting recent laws and proposals that undermine the foundations of higher education and the alignment of the Ohio Conference’s mission with her personal belief system and values.

“As a person who has always been driven by a desire to make a difference, this position presents a unique opportunity to channel my experience, knowledge, skills, and relationships into purposeful advocacy at a critical moment for higher education and Ohio’s professoriat,” Jennifer explained. “The challenges facing Ohio’s colleges and universities demand strategic, courageous leadership—precisely the kind of work that motivates me most.”

Price brings nearly three decades of experience in association management, government relations, and public affairs experience to the Ohio Conference including roles with top-tier associations and non-profits including: the American Lung Association; Ohio Society of CPA’s; and the Ohio Nurses Association–where she served as Director of Policy during the fight against Senate Bill 5. Most recently she served as President & CEO of the Ohio Economic Development Association where she successfully implemented DEI programs and advocated for policies and programs that create economic opportunities for under-represented and marginalized Ohioans.

Jennifer worked in or around Capitol Square for the majority of her career–starting as a page for Speaker Vern Riffe while in college, completing a Legislative Service Commission Fellowship after graduation, working as an aide for multiple legislators, and ultimately as the Minority Caucus Press Secretary before moving into the association community.

We are thankful for Sara’s strong leadership over the past 15 years, which has been a period of tremendous growth, enhanced visibility, and outstanding advocacy for OCAAUP. She will be missed! This week, she began the onboarding process with Jennifer to ensure a smooth transition and we appreciate her continued committment to our association. Sara’s last day with us will be Nov. 8 so both will be at the Annual Meeting this weekend.

Please join me in wishing Sara all the best in her new role and extending a warm welcome to Jennifer!

In Solidarity,

Gretchen