There is no one more qualified to step into the role of Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Board President than Mary Amos Augsburger. A Foundation board member since 2009, and Chief Executive Officer of the Ohio State Bar Association (OSBA) beginning in 2013, Augsburger has spent her career dedicated to public service.

“I think being a lawyer and understanding both the strengths of our civil justice system and the opportunities drive my passion to make a difference,” she said.

The child of public servants and a self-described policy wonk, Augsburger began her career in the Ohio Senate, followed by a stint in private practice. Senior-level roles at the Ohio Department of Commerce and the Ohio Auditor of State followed before Augsburger joined the Ohio State Bar Association as legislative counsel in 2012. Pursuing her passion for advocacy, she managed the OSBA’s legislative program before being promoted to become the first female CEO and only the fourth leader in the association’s more than 140-year history.

“OSBA’s primary role is to provide support to the legal profession, and within that support, we also provide opportunities,” Augsburger said. “We view our role as a partner to make sure that the lawyers of Ohio know what opportunities are out there to give back to their communities and serve Ohioans in need.”

With significant overlap in mission and goals, the Foundation and the OSBA have enjoyed a long and productive relationship.

“We’ve been strong advocacy partners,” she said. “We work hand in hand to lobby Congress and the General Assembly for additional funding for access to lawyers and for systemic changes.”

Since she began as a Foundation board member, Augsburger has been an integral part of evolving the Foundation’s mission.

“We have broadened the scope of our work from a funding focus to more systemic change, to make the civil justice system better for everyone,” she said.

Now as Board President, Augsburger will lead the implementation of the Foundation’s new strategic plan, focusing on making sure the Foundation has the appropriate structure to support its goals.

“I’m excited to bring more voices to the table to talk about where change is most needed in the systems that support the civil justice system,” she said. “We’re going to start to dive deep into those issues and really focus on making a difference.”

The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation’s Board of Directors serves from around the state and is committed to improving access to justice. Meet the Board.