Ohio governor appoints new member to James A Rhodes State College Board of Trustees

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine has appointed Jessica J. Cunningham of Lima, Ohio to the James A. Rhodes State College Board of Trustees. Cunningham’s term began on September 1 and will conclude on August 31, 2025. She is also the Director of the Patient Access Center, Intensive Care Unit, and Support Services for the Lima Memorial Health System.

Cunningham also has over a decade of experience doing progressive leadership in the nursing industry: she led organizational initiatives to improve patient experience, she held leadership oversight of seven cardiology medical directorships, including contract negotiations, she led quality enhancement initiatives to better improve quality metrics, she has experience in policy and protocol development, and she led successful development and implementation of cardiac programs such as TAVR and Structural Heart.

In an article posted to James A Rhodes State College’s website, Dr. Cynthia E. Spiers, who serves as the school’s president, was quoted about Cunningham’s appointment, saying, “We are excited to have Ms. Cunningham as a member of our Board of Trustees. Her experience and organizational insights will be invaluable to the institution.”

Cunningham was also quoted about her new appointment as saying, “I look forward to serving as a trustee at the College. Education is of great importance to me, and this is an amazing opportunity where I can give back to our community.”

Cunningham earned her Associate of Science in Nursing degree from Rhodes State College before going on to earn her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University, and then her Masters in Nursing, Organizational Leadership from Western Governors University.

Seven residents of Allen County sit on Rhodes’ board, five of whom were appointed by a caucus made up of county, city, and exempted village boards of education of Allen County, and two who were appointed by the Governor, like Cunningham. Board of Trustees members who are appointed to full terms serve for a total of three years. James A Rhodes State College Board of Trustees members have fiduciary, statutory, and legal responsibility and authority as defined by Chapter 3357 of the Ohio Revised Code.

More information about James A Rhodes State College and all of the services it offers can be found at the school’s website.