Dr. Tina Pierce, a dedicated leader and public servant, serving in her second term since being elected in 2019, Dr. Pierce is a proud Columbus native and a graduate of Beechcroft High School. Growing up in a resilient working-class family, she learned that education and hard work are keys to success — a belief she instills in her four children – Andrew, Malcolm, Catherine, and Michelle.

As a servant leader, Dr. Pierce empowers individuals to effect positive transformative change in their communities. She is a tireless advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, demonstrating a proven record of expertise and leadership in advancing education. Her commitment extends beyond her local community, where she served as President of Central Region for two years and Immediate Past President of Central Region for one year for the Ohio School Board Association. Dr. Pierce’s focus remains steadfast on advancing education and protecting democracy for all.

Demonstrating a courageous spirit and passion for building bridges between institutions and communities, Dr. Pierce founded WORTH (Working Through Obstacles Reaching True Heights), an education consulting company providing evidence-based training and programs to cultivate leadership and increase civic engagement. She is also the Co-Founder of the WORTH Foundation, a non-profit fostering community engagement through civic education and leadership development.

Dr. Pierce values education, holding a Doctor of Philosophy in Political Science with a Graduate Interdisciplinary Specialization in College and University Teaching, a Master of Arts in Political Science, a Bachelor of Arts in Social and Behavioral Sciences with Distinction in Political Science, and a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities with Distinction in African American and African Studies from The Ohio State University. In 2020, she created the Dr. Tina Pierce Social Justice Scholarship to provide funding to Columbus City School graduates who have demonstrated a commitment to community engagement, social justice, or political activism. In creating the scholarship, she envisioned the formation of sustainable connections between current and past Columbus City Schools leaders. Dr. Pierce continues to leave an indelible mark on our community and beyond, fostering a legacy of social change for generations to come.