Vernon Sykes

Vernon Sykes was born on October 2, 1951, and is a prominent Democratic politician from Ohio. He has dedicated his career to public service, focusing on economic development, education reform, and urban revitalization. Sykes is married to Barbara and has two children.

In January 2025, he was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to serve a five-year term on the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.

Education

Sykes holds an impressive educational background:

• Bachelor's degree in Organizational Behavior from Ohio University
• Master's degree in Social and Applied Economics from Wright State University
• Master's degree in Public Administration from Harvard University's JFK School of Government
• Doctorate in Urban Studies from the University of Akron

Political Experience

Sykes began his political career as an Akron City Council member from 1980 to 1983. He then served in the Ohio House of Representatives across two separate periods: 1983 to 2000 and 2007 to 2014. Most recently, he represented the 28th District in the Ohio State Senate from 2017 until December 2024.

Notable Achievements:

• Sponsored legislation to toughen child abuse laws and compensate wrongfully imprisoned individuals
• Advocated for advanced practice nursing and fair housing protections
• Authored House Bill 321, recognized as the strongest fair housing law in the nation
• Authored House Bill 111, establishing open meeting requirements
• Led bipartisan redistricting reform efforts that resulted in successful ballot initiatives approved by Ohio voters
• Served as President of Black Elected Democrats of Ohio, which became the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus in 1995
• Held leadership positions including Assistant Majority Floor Leader and Chair of the House Finance & Appropriations Committee
• Received the 2012 "Public Elected Official of the Year Award" from the National Association of Social Workers and the 2015 "Champion for Working Families & Civil Rights Award" from the Ohio AFL-CIO

Additionally, Sykes served as a professor of Political Science and Director of the Columbus Program in State Issues at Kent State University for 19 years before stepping down in 2020.