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COLUMBUS – After more than three decades of distinguished service, Philip E. Cole, Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Community Action Agencies (OACAA), has announced his retirement at the end of August 2025. Mr. Cole has led OACAA since 1989, representing Ohio's 48 Community Action Agencies and serving as a relentless champion for individuals and families living in poverty.
Throughout his tenure, Mr. Cole played a pivotal role in raising public awareness about poverty in Ohio, building capacity across the network, and influencing public policy. Under his leadership, the association launched several cornerstone initiatives, including the State of Poverty in Ohio Report, the Ohio Community Action Training Organization, Best Practices and Exemplary Program Awards, and the development of the Ohio Self-Sufficiency Standard—each advancing the network's mission to alleviate poverty and empower communities.
Mr. Cole's public service and advocacy extended well beyond the association. He worked closely with the administrations of six Ohio governors, as well as members of the Ohio General Assembly and the U.S. Congress, to influence policy in support of low-income Ohioans. He was appointed to various boards and commissions over the years, including the Ohio Task Force for Community-Police Relations under Governor John Kasich.
Before joining OACAA, Mr. Cole served on the staff of the late Speaker Vernal G. Riffe Jr., contributing to legislative efforts that impacted Ohio families statewide. His tireless advocacy has been recognized nationally by the National Community Action Foundation with the Robert M. Coard Advocacy Award in 2012, as well as the Charles Braithwait Award for Outstanding Leadership in both 2015 and 2024. He has also been honored with multiple awards throughout the state, including the Ripple of Hope Award, the Dave Rinebolt Community Service Award, and the Senator John G. Tower Alumni Award from Kappa Sigma Fraternity.
"Phil Cole has been a driving force behind Ohio's anti-poverty efforts for more than 30 years," said Janice Warner, Board Chair of OACAA. "His vision, tenacity, and unwavering commitment to people have improved the lives of countless Ohioans. We will miss his passion and commitment for helping people, and we wish him well in his well-deserved retirement."
A native of Findlay, Ohio, Mr. Cole is a proud graduate of Bowling Green State University, University of Toledo College of Law, and the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. He plans to spend retirement enjoying time with his wife, children, and twelve grandchildren, and will continue his public service in new and meaningful ways.
OACAA began a leadership transition in August 2025, with Jason C. Smith as the new executive director.
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