Yvette McGee Brown

Yvette McGee Brown is an American jurist and civic leader who served as the first African American woman justice on the Ohio Supreme Court. Appointed by Governor Ted Strickland in 2010, her tenure on the state's highest court was followed by significant leadership roles in the non-profit and corporate sectors. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her advocacy for children and families, holding prominent positions at Nationwide Children's Hospital and the Columbus Foundation.

Early life and education

Yvette McGee was born in Columbus, Ohio, and was raised by a single mother. She attended local public schools before enrolling at Ohio University, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in journalism. She subsequently pursued her legal education at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, obtaining her Juris Doctor degree. Her early professional experiences included work as a television news reporter for stations like WBNS-TV in Columbus, which informed her later public advocacy.

Legal career

After graduating from law school, McGee Brown began her legal career as a staff attorney for the Legal Aid Society of Columbus, providing services to low-income residents. She then joined the Franklin County Prosecutor's Office as an assistant prosecutor, focusing on cases involving child abuse and domestic violence. This work led her to a pivotal role as the founding president of the Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Nationwide Children's Hospital, a multi-disciplinary facility co-located with the Columbus Police Department and Franklin County Children Services.

Judicial career

In 1992, McGee Brown was elected to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations and Juvenile Division, becoming the first African American woman to win a countywide judicial election in Franklin County. She served on this bench for a decade, presiding over complex family law and juvenile cases. In December 2010, outgoing Governor Ted Strickland appointed her to the Ohio Supreme Court to fill the vacancy created by the election of Maureen O'Connor as Chief Justice. During her brief term on the court, she participated in numerous rulings and authored several opinions before leaving the bench at the end of 2012.

Post-judicial career and civic involvement

Following her judicial service, McGee Brown returned to the non-profit sector, serving as President of the Columbus Foundation, one of the largest community foundations in the United States. She later became a partner at the law firm Jones Day, focusing on business and diversity counseling. She has held significant corporate board positions, including directorships at Coca-Cola Consolidated, Worthington Industries, and Rocky Brands. Her civic commitments include leadership roles with the United Way of Central Ohio, the Ohio State University Board of Trustees, and the National Center for State Courts.

Personal life

Yvette McGee is married to Tony Brown, a former member of the Ohio House of Representatives. The couple has three children and remains active in the Columbus community. She has received numerous honors, including the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame induction and awards from the Ohio State Bar Association and the Columbus Bar Association for her professional and community contributions.

Category:1960 births Category:Living people Category:Ohio Supreme Court justices Category:American women judges Category:African-American judges Category:People from Columbus, Ohio Category:Ohio University alumni Category:Ohio State University Moritz College of Law alumni