Athens County Strong
Together We Can Do Great Things!
About Autumn Brown
Putting Athens County First
Putting Athens County First
Putting Athens County First
Athens County has been home for most of my life.
At age 12, I moved to Millfield to help care for my grandparents on our family farm. That experience shaped my belief that community is built on responsibility, hard work, and looking out for one another.
This is where I chose to raise my three children. Our home just outside Nelsonville, in
Athens County has been home for most of my life.
At age 12, I moved to Millfield to help care for my grandparents on our family farm. That experience shaped my belief that community is built on responsibility, hard work, and looking out for one another.
This is where I chose to raise my three children. Our home just outside Nelsonville, in York Township is surrounded by friends, neighbors, and families who represent the very best of Athens County.
For nearly three decades, I have dedicated my professional life to public service. I have worked for the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities for more than 28 years and currently serve as Director of Integrate Athens.
Through this work, I have partnered with families, local leaders, service providers, and businesses to strengthen opportunities and improve quality of life across our county.
Planning and Collaboration
Putting Athens County First
Putting Athens County First
In addition to my public service career, I own a small business focused on strategic planning and collaborative community development . Helping organizations and municipalities work together, solve problems, and plan responsibly for the future.
My community involvement spans many areas of county life — housing, health, education, agricultu
In addition to my public service career, I own a small business focused on strategic planning and collaborative community development . Helping organizations and municipalities work together, solve problems, and plan responsibly for the future.
My community involvement spans many areas of county life — housing, health, education, agriculture, public safety, and economic opportunity. Strong communities require cooperation across sectors and perspectives. As a leader, I value listening, transparency, fiscal responsibility, and thoughtful decision-making.
Athens County government is not about political parties — it is about people. It is about responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars, supporting local communities, and ensuring that every resident — regardless of background, affiliation, or neighborhood — has a voice.
I am running for County Commissioner to continue a lifetime of service and to help ensure that Athens County remains a place where families thrive, businesses grow, and communities work together.
Community Leadership & Service
- Facilitated the 2021 Strategic Plan for the Village of Chauncey
- 2024 Leading in Appalachia Program – Hosted by Ohio University Voinovich School
- Member, Athens Foundation Co-Create Housing Security Team
- Member, Creating Healthy Community Coalition
- Member, Age-Friendly Athens County Initiatives
- Board Member, Mental Health Inc. The Gathering Place
- Annual Trainer, 317 Board Crisis Intervention Training
- Vice President, Athens FFA Alumni Association
- Member, NAACP – Athens Chapter
- Good Life Facilitator, Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities
- 2018 Athens County Foundation Leadership Athens County Cohort
- Longtime 4-H Advisor & Annual County 4-H Camp Staff
- Member of Athens Area Beekeepers Association
- Served 12 years as President of the ATCO/Beacon Education Association (OEA Affiliate)
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The Role of a County Commissioner
The Athens County Board of County Commissioners is responsible for overseeing the county’s finances. They approve the annual budget, authorize expenditures, and determine property tax levies within Ohio law. The Commissioners allocate funding to county departments and monitor revenues from taxes, fees, and grants. Working with the County Auditor and Treasurer, they ensure that county funds are managed responsibly and in compliance with state regulations.
Commissioners are responsible for overseeing and funding the county’s infrastructure and utility services. They approve funding for maintenance and repair of county roads and bridges in partnership with the Engineer. They also oversee county water and sewer systems, implement recycling, and waste management programs. They maintain county-owned buildings and approve capital improvement projects. Maintaining our infrastructure is key to economic development and strong communities.
Commissioners support economic development by working with local development organizations, approving grants, and funding infrastructure projects that attract and retain businesses. They help secure state and federal funding, support road and utility improvements, and may approve tax incentives that encourage job creation. Through financial oversight and collaboration with local partners, the Commissioners help promote economic growth and community development in Athens County.
Key responsibilities include overseeing JFS; appointing members to the Children Services and Developmental Disabilities boards; setting local policies in compliance with state and federal law; allocating funding for social services; and providing office space and equipment for agencies. Commissioners manage senior citizen tax levies for services such as Meals on Wheels, address issues like poverty and housing insecurity through community partnerships and health improvement planning. They serve as the fiscal authority to ensure these agencies have the resources to support residents facing challenges.
The Athens County, Ohio Board of County Commissioners is responsible for funding and overseeing the county’s public safety services. They approve the annual budgets for the Sheriff’s Office, Athens County Emergency Medical Services (ACEMS), the 911 dispatch center, and the Emergency Management Agency (EMA). While they do not manage daily operations, they authorize major purchases such as ambulances, equipment, support the county jail. Through budget approval and funding decisions, they play a key role in maintaining public safety throughout the county.
Environmental Protection: The Athens County Board of County Commissioners supports environmental protection by overseeing solid waste and recycling programs, funding water and sewer systems, and supporting the local health department’s environmental services. They also apply for grants to improve water quality and manage environmental projects. While they do not directly enforce environmental laws, they provide funding and oversight to ensure environmental programs operate effectively in the county.