OACAA Briefing: The latest news from OACAA and Ohio's CAAs

September 2025

Photo: OACAA Board President, Janice Warner, welcoming the Association's new Executive Director, Jason Smith, to the Ohio Community Action network. See More in 'Association News.'

OACAA announces new executive director following the retirement of a longtime leader

Columbus, OH — The Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies (OACAA) is proud to announce Jason C. Smith as its new executive director, succeeding Philip E. Cole, who retired in August after 3 6 years of leadership.

Smith brings a strong background in nonprofit leadership, public policy, and community development to the role, along with a deep commitment to the mission of alleviating poverty and empowering communities across Ohio. With over two decades of experience, Smith has led initiatives that have strengthened nonprofit capacity, advanced opportunities, and improved outcomes for Ohio’s families.

“We are excited to welcome Jason as the next executive director of OACAA,” said Janice Warner, Board Chair of OACAA. “After an exhaustive search to fill this vital role in Ohio’s Community Action Network, we are confident we’ve found a proven leader with the vision and experience to guide our network into the future and build on the foundation laid by Phil Cole.” >>> FULL PRESS RELEASE

Upcoming Events

2025 Ohio United Way Alice Policy Summit

Join United Ways from across Ohio for the inaugural 2025 Ohio United Way ALICE Policy Summit. This free, in-person event will convene policymakers, business leaders, and urban and rural community organizations from across Ohio to spotlight the pressing challenges faced by Ohio households struggling to afford basic necessities, as outlined in the Ohio United Way ALICE Report.

When: Tuesday, October 14, 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Where: Ohio Statehouse Atrium, 1 Capitol Sq., Columbus, OH 43215

Cost: Free; lunch will be provided to all attendees

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#WLC2026 Save the Date: February 11-13, 2026

NETWORK NEWS & SUCCESSES

CAC's Valley View brings home more to brag about

(Source: Daily Times; Author: Joseph Pratt)

Community Action Committee of Pike County recently announced its healthcare facilities, Valley View Health Centers, have received Three-Year Accreditation from CARF International, the global gold standard for quality health and human services.

This is only one month after announcing they had been recognized by the U.S. Health Resources & Services Administration with two of the most prestigious national honors in the field.

Those awards included the National Quality Leader Award and the Advancing Health Information Technology for Quality Award. >>> READ ARTICLE

Downtown Columbus YMCA to be transformed into apartments.

(Source: The Columbus Dispatch; Author and Photo Credit: Doral Chenoweth

In the lobby of the old YMCA downtown, Woda Cooper Companies founder Jeffrey Woda answers questions for a videographer after the media event Sep. 29, 2025 announcing the renovation of the downtown YMCA into 121 affordable housing units.

Watching is Woda Cooper communications specialist Mike Collins (center) and IMPACT Community Action director of Communications and outreach Keith Queener. The Jacobethan Revival and Late Gothic Revival building, built in 1922, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Residents who lived in the building prior to its decommissioning in 2019 by the YMCA have been moved to other residences. Woda Cooper is the private developer leading the public/private redevelopment. [...]

Robert "Bo" Chilton, CEO of IMPACT Community Action, speaks at the media event Sep 29, 2025 announcing the renovation of the downtown YMCA into 121 affordable housing units. The Jacobethan Revival and Late Gothic Revival building, built in 1922, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Residents who lived in the building prior to its decommissioning in 2019 by the YMCA have been moved to other residences. Woda Cooper is the private developer leading the public/private redevelopment. >>> READ ARTICLE

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