Shannon Jones is a trusted strategist, policy expert, and communications leader with more than 30 years of experience shaping public policy, crafting compelling messaging, and building influence to drive meaningful change. She founded On Key Strategies to help organizations seize opportunities, influence policy, and lead in complex political environments. With a deep understanding of both policymaking and strategic communication, she helps clients move ideas, people, and decision-makers toward action.

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Shannon’s career spans federal, state, and local government, giving her a unique, well-rounded perspective on how policy is developed, influenced, and implemented. Early in her career, she worked at the federal level as a trusted staff member in both the U.S. House and Senate, serving as Chief of Staff to a member of Congress and later as a regional director for a U.S. Senator. These roles gave her firsthand experience in federal policymaking, constituent engagement, and navigating the political landscape in Washington.

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She later transitioned to the Ohio Statehouse, where she was elected to the Ohio House of Representatives in 2007. Her ability to build coalitions, navigate political complexities, and craft policy solutions quickly set her apart. In 2009, she was appointed to fill a vacancy in the Ohio Senate, where she was later elected to represent Ohio’s 7th District, covering Warren County and parts of Hamilton County. She made history as the first woman in her party to serve in leadership roles in both chambers, including Majority Whip.

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During her decade in the Ohio General Assembly, Shannon played a pivotal role in major legislative initiatives. She led bipartisan efforts to improve maternal and infant health, championed fiscal responsibility, and spearheaded public policy solutions that put families and communities first. Her leadership roles included serving as Vice Chair of the Senate Finance Committee, Chair of the Senate Medicaid, Health, and Human Services Committee, and Chair of the Public Utilities Committee—positions that placed her at the forefront of some of Ohio’s most critical policy decisions.

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After leaving the legislature, Shannon became President & CEO of Groundwork Ohio, where she transformed the organization into one of the nation’s most effective early childhood advocacy groups. Under her leadership, Groundwork Ohio became a powerhouse for early learning and child health policy, elevating Ohio’s advocacy efforts to national prominence. She built strong coalitions, expanded the organization’s reach, and helped drive policy changes that benefit Ohio’s youngest children and families.

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Today, as a Warren County Commissioner, Shannon continues her commitment to public service, applying her policy expertise to improve local government operations. First elected in 2016, she has been a champion for fiscal discipline, data-driven decision-making, and ensuring high-quality county services. Her leadership extends nationally as a board member for the National Association of Counties (NACo) and Chair of the Human Services and Education Policy Steering Committee, where she oversees policy development on foster care, public assistance, and education. She also serves on the County Commissioners Association of Ohio (CCAO), advocating for counties statewide.

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Through On Key Strategies, Shannon brings all these experiences together—seeing opportunities where others see obstacles, helping organizations navigate political complexities, and ensuring they don’t just participate in the policy process, but lead it. With decades of experience shaping policy, building influence, and crafting messages that move people to action, she helps organizations break through barriers, seize opportunities, and achieve lasting results.

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A respected leader and trusted advisor, Shannon also serves on the boards of Premier Health and the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Ohio, as well as the Executive Committee of the Warren County Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

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Outside of her work, she finds great joy in family life with her husband, Russell, and their two grown children, Jake and Anna. They can often be found cheering on the Cincinnati Bengals or enjoying the white sandy beaches of Siesta Key.