Autumn Brown for Athens County Commissioner
Building a Network of Support
Fair wages, good benefits, and safe working conditions make Athens County Stronger. Autumn has extensive experience with unions, negotiations, and healthy labor management relationships.
About Autumn Brown
Putting Athens County First
Putting Athens County First
Putting Athens County First
Athens County has been my home for most of my life. At age 12, I moved to Millfield to help care for my grandparents on our family farm. This experience shaped my belief that a strong community, like Athens County, is built on responsibility, hard work, and looking out for one another. This is where I chose to raise my three children. Our
Athens County has been my home for most of my life. At age 12, I moved to Millfield to help care for my grandparents on our family farm. This experience shaped my belief that a strong community, like Athens County, 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 exemplify the very best of Athens County. For nearly three decades, I have dedicated my professional life to public service, including my more than 28 years with the Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Currently, I serve as the Director of Integrate Athens, where I collaborate with families, local leaders, service providers, and businesses to strengthen opportunities and improve quality of life across our county. As I aspire to continue this work as County Commissioner, I look forward to furthering the vision of Athens County Strong.
Planning and Collaboration
Putting Athens County First
Putting Athens County First
In addition to my public service career, I own a small business dedicated to strategic planning and collaborative community development in Athens County. I focus on helping organizations and municipalities work together to solve problems and plan responsibly for the future. My community involvement spans various aspects of county life, in
In addition to my public service career, I own a small business dedicated to strategic planning and collaborative community development in Athens County. I focus on helping organizations and municipalities work together to solve problems and plan responsibly for the future. My community involvement spans various aspects of county life, including housing, health, education, agriculture, public safety, and economic opportunity. I believe that strong communities require cooperation across different sectors and perspectives. As a leader in Athens County, I value listening, transparency, fiscal responsibility, and thoughtful decision-making. Athens County government, under my vision of Athens County Strong, is not about political parties; it's about people. It's about the 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. This commitment reflects my belief in the values that guide our future, values I share with fellow community advocates dedicated to this cause.
Community Leadership & Service
- Facilitated the 2021 Strategic Plan for the Village of Chauncey as part of my commitment to the Athens County community.
- Currently involved in the 2024 Leading in Appalachia Program, hosted by the Ohio University Voinovich School.
- A proud member of the Athens Foundation Co-Create Housing Security Team and the Creating Healthy Community Coalition.
- Additionally, I participate in Age-Friendly Athens County Initiatives
- Serve as a Board Member for Mental Health Inc. aka The Gathering Place.
- Annual trainer for the 317 Board Crisis Intervention Training, striving to support mental health initiatives in Athens County.
- Vice President in the Athens FFA Alumni Association
- Member of the NAACP – Athens Chapter.
- Good Life Facilitator for the Ohio Association of County Boards of Developmental Disabilities,
- 2019 Athens County Foundation Leadership Athens County Cohort
- 4-H Volunteer and County 4-H Camp staff member.
- A member of the Athens Area Beekeepers Association.
- Served 12 years as President of the ATCO/Beacon Education Association (an OEA Affiliate), where I advocated for educational excellence in Athens County.
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The Role of a County Commissioner
The Athens County Board of County Commissioners, is tasked with overseeing the county’s finances. This group approves the annual budget, authorizes expenditures, and determines property tax levies in accordance with Ohio law. The Commissioners work diligently to allocate funding to various Athens County departments while monitoring revenues generated from taxes, fees, and grants. Collaborating closely with the County Auditor and Treasurer, they ensure that Athens County funds are managed responsibly and in compliance with state regulations, embodying the spirit of Athens County Strong.
In Athens County, County Commissioners play a crucial role in overseeing and funding the county's infrastructure and utility services. County Commissioners are responsible for approving funding aimed at the maintenance and repair of county roads and bridges, in collaboration with the Engineer. They also oversee essential services such as county water and sewer systems, and implement vital recycling and waste management programs. Additionally, they maintain county-owned buildings and approve capital improvement projects. The maintenance of our infrastructure is key to fostering economic development and building strong communities in Athens County.
In Athens County, Commissioners support economic development by collaborating with local development organizations, approving grants, and funding infrastructure projects that attract and retain businesses. County Commissioners play a vital role in securing state and federal funding, enhancing road and utility improvements, and potentially approving tax incentives that encourage job creation. Through their financial oversight and collaboration with local partners, the Commissioners help foster economic growth and community development.
Key responsibilities of the County Commissioner include overseeing JFS in Athens County; 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, while also addressing critical issues such as poverty and housing insecurity through community partnerships and health improvement planning. They serve as the fiscal authority to ensure these agencies, including Athens County Strong, have the resources to support residents facing challenges.
The Athens County, Ohio Board of County Commissioners are responsible for funding and overseeing public safety services across Athens County. They play a crucial role in approving the annual budgets for essential services such as the Sheriff’s Office, Athens County Emergency Medical Services (ACEMS), the 911 dispatch center, and the Emergency Management Agency (EMA). Although they do not manage daily operations directly, they authorize significant purchases, like ambulances and equipment, to support the county jail and ensure Athens County remains strong in maintaining public safety.
Environmental Protection: The Athens County Board of County Commissioners,are dedicated to supporting environmental protection initiatives. They oversee solid waste and recycling programs, fund water and sewer systems, and back the local health department’s environmental services. The board also applies for grants aimed at improving water quality and managing vital environmental projects. Although they do not directly enforce environmental laws, they ensure that they provide the necessary funding and oversight for effective operation of environmental programs throughout the county.