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Akron councilwoman becomes state director of AARP Ohio

SHERRY KARABIN
Special to the Legal News

Published: October 24, 2016

She’s spent over three decades fighting to help underserved residents in Ohio, now Akron’s first African-American councilwoman is putting her advocacy skills to work for the 1.5 million members of AARP Ohio.

Barbara A. Sykes took over as the nonprofit organization’s Ohio state director in August after serving as president and chief executive officer of Ohio United Way for almost 10 years.

“Bringing ideas to AARP that will assist Ohioans 50 and older is a challenge that I’m looking forward to both professionally and personally,” said Sykes, 61. “AARP is no longer just about retirement. It’s about living your best life and planning for that best life as you age.”

AARP Regional Vice President Rawle Andrews Jr. issued the following statement via email: “Barbara Sykes brings an abundant wealth of relevant life and career experiences to the AARP family. She has a passion for service to Ohio and Ohioans. Barbara also has the proven leadership skills to ensure that our work to fight for and equip all as they age happens in an energizing and inspiring way.”

Born in Holly Grove, Arkansas in 1955, Sykes attended segregated schools until she was 15.

“Much of my life, every book that I had contained another student’s name,” said Sykes. “Many of the books were outdated by the time I got them.”

She said the difficulties she faced growing up helped to make her the person she is today.

“I understand what it means to give a person a helping hand, not a hand out,” said Sykes.

After graduating from Holly Grove High School, she enrolled at The University of Akron, getting an associate’s degree in community services technology in 1981 and a bachelor’s degree in social work in 1989. Two years later, she got her master’s degree in public administration at the university.

Early in her career, she served as deputy clerk for the Akron City Council and as executive director of the Police Community Dialogue Program where she sought to create a more positive relationship between citizens and the Akron Police Department.

While working toward her master’s degree, Sykes landed a position as deputy auditor of personnel/administration in the Summit County Auditor’s Office. She spent about 11 years in the auditor’s office during which time she also held the job of deputy auditor of support services. She took a short leave of absence to serve as Ohio political director for the 1992 Clinton-Gore campaign.

Sykes, a Democrat, served for six years on Akron city council beginning in 1983 as 3rd Ward councilwoman. She later held an at-large seat on the council as well.

Aside from being the first African-American woman on the city council she said she “was the first African-American woman to serve as an at-large councilwoman too.”

She was also elected to the Ohio House of Representatives where she spent three terms advocating on behalf of constituents in the 44th District and did a stint as president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus.

At the end of 2006 she left politics to take a job as president and CEO of Ohio United Way.

While at Ohio United Way, she secured over $2 million in federal, state and private funding for the organization’s 2-1-1 program which connects Ohioans with health and human services resources and volunteer opportunities.

Clair Dickinson, a partner at Brouse McDowell, was chair of the board of directors during part of her tenure.

 “I’ve known Barbara since 1986 because we were both involved in politics,” said Dickinson. “She’s a very impressive woman. She did an excellent job representing her constituents at the United Way.

“She was a good administrator and always kept everyone at the local organization well informed about any issues that might have an impact on them. She cares deeply about her community and works hard to contribute to it.”

Sheila Berry, a close friend, said Sykes has dedicated much of her life to being a “voice for the voiceless. She has always fought for the underdog without seeking notoriety for any accomplishments that she achieved.”

“I really enjoyed my time at United Way of Ohio,” said Sykes. “I was not looking to move on but when I heard about the opportunity at AARP I thought a change might be a good thing.”

In her new role as state director of AARP Ohio, Sykes is handling advocacy, communications and community outreach for the organization. Among other things, she’s focusing on increasing the number of members in the state.

“We want to be as inclusive as possible,” said Sykes. “We are looking to bring everyone to our table—African-Americans, Hispanics, Asians, gays, lesbians-all are welcome.”

Also on her agenda advocating against cuts to Medicaid and Medicare along with protecting social security.

“Our ‘Take a Stand’ campaign asks that all elected officials, especially those running in the presidential campaign, make it clear where they stand on social security,” said Sykes. “Right now about 5.8 million Ohioans are paying into social security and we want to make sure it’s there for them to collect.”

She said the organization is lobbying for the passage of Ohio Senate Bill 314 which would allow patients or guardians to designate a layperson to provide for their own or another’s hospital aftercare and participate in discharge planning, including having access to electronic medical records.

“This layperson would be notified when their loved one is about to be discharged or transferred and participate in discharge planning instructions,” said Sykes. “Every day in Ohio 1.7 million family caregivers help their older parent, their own spouse or another loved one live independently at home, where they want to be. It’s a big job and Sen. Lehner’s Ohio Caregiving Act makes things a little bit easier.”

Sykes said another key objective involves raising awareness about identity theft and scams.

“We are working with the state attorney general’s office through AARP’s free Fraud Watch Network to provide education on cyber safety and free shredding throughout the state.”

Personal fulfillment will remain an ongoing goal of the organization, she said.

“We will continue to provide discounts and information about travel of course,” said Sykes. “But we also want to get people planning and imaging life at the various stages in a way that they can make the most of each stage.”

While much of her time will be spent in Columbus, Sykes said she and her husband Vernon will not be giving up their home in downtown Akron.

Vernon Sykes, an associate professor of political science and director of the internship program at Kent State University, described his wife as an “indigenous leader. She has a natural inclination to be a passionate advocate for her clients and the public at large,” said Vernon, a former longtime Democratic Ohio House representative. “She is one of the most gifted public administrators I’ve observed.

“She’s been a very good mother to our two daughters, inspiring them to be independent thinkers.”

Their oldest daughter, Stancy, is a special education math and science teacher at Schumacher elementary school in Akron, and their youngest, Emilia, is now a state representative. She was elected to the 34th district in 2014, succeeding her father who could not run for re-election because of term limits. Vernon Sykes is now seeking the Ohio Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Tom Sawyer due to term limits.

“Growing up I saw my mother doing the job as legislator,” said Emilia. “Her dedication and passion for public service inspired me. She was a great role model. I learned that there were other career options open to me outside of teacher or nurse.”

As for the future, Sykes said she would be open to “whatever life puts in front of me. I am not going to close my mind to any opportunities.”


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