FREMONT, Ohio — The executive who runs United Way of Sandusky County is leaving the job to run for county commissioner, setting up a November contest against a Republican who holds the seat without having faced voters for it.
Jill Simpson announced her candidacy in a post on her campaign’s social media page. “Today, I am honored and humbled to officially announce my candidacy for Sandusky County Commissioner!” she wrote.
The Sandusky County Board of Elections listed Simpson, a Democrat, and Republican Justin C. Smith as the two candidates for the unexpired commissioner term ending Jan. 2, 2029, in a notice the board posted July 24 listing every candidate certified for the Nov. 3 general election.
The seat is on the ballot this fall because it was filled by appointment rather than by election. Former commissioner Charlie Schwochow left office March 31. The Sandusky County Republican Party Central Committee — the party organization Smith chairs — appointed him to the vacancy on April 18 after three rounds of voting, and he was sworn in two days later. Under Ohio law, an appointee to a county office holds it only until a successor is chosen by voters at the next qualifying general election.
Stepping down to campaign
Simpson is not staying in her post while she runs. United Way of Sandusky County said her last day is Aug. 31, roughly two months before the election, and the organization has already posted the opening for her replacement.
“We are excited to celebrate an exciting new chapter for our CEO, Jill Simpson, as she begins her campaign for Sandusky County Commissioner,” the organization said in a statement. It credited her with “strengthening partnerships, expanding our impact, and improving lives throughout our community” over nearly four years.
“Jill’s last day will be August 31 and while we will certainly miss her, we wish her well on her new journey,” the statement said. United Way said it is seeking a “mission-driven, collaborative, and innovative leader” to succeed her.
Three decades in county nonprofits and workforce programs
Simpson has led United Way of Sandusky County as president and chief executive since 2022, when the organization’s board selected her to run it. She had worked for the agency earlier in her career as a program specialist before leaving in 2016 to become president and chief executive of the Chamber of Commerce of Sandusky County.
Her earlier work includes a business relations post with Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, the state’s vocational rehabilitation agency; a management role with the Sandusky County Board of Developmental Disabilities; directing Leadership Sandusky County; and teaching marketing courses as adjunct faculty at Terra State Community College.
The campaign says Simpson holds a master of business administration from Tiffin University and a bachelor of science in psychology from Heidelberg University, and describes her as a lifelong resident of Sandusky County. She is the widow of Brian Simpson and has two adult sons.
In her announcement, Simpson framed the race around governing competence. “Our county needs experienced, accountable leadership that makes thoughtful decisions, respects taxpayers, and focuses on building relationships and a stronger future for everyone who calls Sandusky County home,” she wrote.
What she says she would do
Simpson’s campaign platform lists three priorities: fiscal responsibility and transparent government, economic growth and workforce development, and quality of life.
On the first, she pledges to maintain responsible budgeting, promote transparency and accountability in county government, and base decisions on facts, data and long-term planning. “Good government starts with trust, and trust begins with transparency,” the platform states.
On economic development, she points to work with employers, educators and community organizations, and says she would support local businesses, strengthen workforce training and work to attract and retain jobs. The third plank emphasizes public services, infrastructure and collaboration among local governments.
How her opponent got the seat
Smith’s path to the commissioner’s office ran through the party he leads rather than through an election. Because his own candidacy created a conflict, Vice Chairman Ben Decker presided over the April meeting in Smith’s place. Smith advanced past two other finalists on the third ballot.
As TiffinOhio.net reported in April, the appointment came seven years after Smith resigned from a deputy clerk position at Sandusky County Court District No. 1 in Clyde following a verbal reprimand, according to personnel records reviewed by this publication. Then-Clerk of Courts Tracy Overmyer had reviewed two months of his outgoing calls and concluded he was repeatedly contacting the county board of elections from work. Smith said at the time that he was forced out, called it a negative work environment and denied any wrongdoing.
Schwochow’s reasons for stepping down have not been publicly disclosed.
The rest of the November ballot
Sandusky County voters will decide a second commissioner race the same day. Republican Richard J. Farmer II and Democrat Kurtis A. Kuhl are competing for the term commencing Jan. 1, 2027 — the seat held by Russ Zimmerman, who is leaving at the end of his second term. That race went through the May primary; the Simpson–Smith contest did not, because the vacancy opened after the February filing deadline had passed.
The general election is Tuesday, Nov. 3.
