Edna Brown

Edna Brown (born April 7, 1940) is a Democratic member and Minority Whip of the Ohio Senate, serving the 11th District. Formerly, she served in the Ohio House of Representatives from 2001 to 2010.

Career

Brown has had a 32-year career as an employee with the city of Toledo, followed by a six-year tenure on Toledo City Council.

When incumbent Jack Ford resigned from the House to become Mayor of Toledo, Ohio, Brown was appointed to serve the remainder of his term. She was elected to a full term in 2002, defeating Republican Cathleen Voyles-Baden by 13,000 votes. Brown went on to win reelection in 2004, 2006, and 2008.

In 2004, Brown, C.J. Prentiss and Shirley Smith were chosen to serve on the executive committee of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators during the organizations conference in Philadelphia. For the 127th General Assembly Brown served as second vice president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, and first vice president for the 128th General Assembly.

In 2009, Speaker of the House Armond Budish named Brown as Chairman of the Human Services Subcommittee of the House Finance Committee.