History of Amy Acton in Timeline

Amy Acton is an American physician and public health researcher known for her role as the director of the Ohio Department of Health (2019-2020). She became a prominent figure during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading Ohio's response efforts. Her actions and recommendations were crucial in shaping the state's strategies to combat the spread of the virus.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1990: Earned medical degree

In 1990, Amy Acton earned a medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University after working to pay her way through college.

2008: Volunteer for Barack Obama's presidential campaign

In 2008, while known as Amy Beech, Acton volunteered for Barack Obama's presidential campaign, creating an email group on my.BarackObama.com called "Bexley, Yes We Can!" and publicizing campaign events using Facebook.

2010: Marriage to Eric Acton

In 2010, Amy Acton married Eric Acton, a middle-school teacher and track coach.

February 2019: Appointed Director of the Ohio Department of Health

In February 2019, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine appointed Amy Acton as the director of the Department of Health. She was his final cabinet pick, and also the first woman in the post.

2019: Description of early life neglect and abuse

In a 2019 interview, Amy Acton described being neglected and abused while living with her mother following her parents' divorce.

March 17, 2020: Advocated for postponing the Ohio Democratic presidential primary

On March 17, 2020, Amy Acton advocated for postponing the 2020 Ohio Democratic presidential primary. Governor DeWine initially cancelled the election, but a judge ruled against his authority. Acton then ordered polling places closed, leading to the election being conducted via mail-in absentee ballot.

April 2020: Compared to Dr. Anthony Fauci by CNN

In April 2020, CNN referred to Amy Acton as "the Buckeye state's version of the straight-talking Dr. Anthony Fauci".

May 14, 2020: Gyms Reopening

On May 14, 2020, The gym reopening was part of an effort announced by Governor DeWine's administration to reopen various economic venues with the implementation of safety protocols, including physical distancing, whenever possible, and use of face masks.

May 2020: Lawsuit and Gym Reopening

In May 2020, 35 gyms sued the Ohio Department of Health, Amy Acton, and the Lake County General Health District over coronavirus-related health restrictions. A judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking penalties for non-compliance, but the state appealed. Acton then signed an order permitting gyms to reopen in the interim.

May 2020: Protests at Acton's home and press conferences

Starting in May 2020, Amy Acton faced protests at her home and press conferences due to criticism of her policies. She was assigned a security detail. Some criticism included antisemitic slurs.

May 20, 2020: Ohio Senate rejected proposal to limit health department powers

On May 20, 2020, the Ohio Senate unanimously rejected a proposal to limit the power of DeWine and Acton by restricting Ohio Department of Health orders to 14 days, with any extensions requiring approval by a state joint legislative committee.

June 11, 2020: Resigned as Director of the Ohio Department of Health

On June 11, 2020, Amy Acton resigned as Director of the Ohio Department of Health and became a chief health advisor for Governor DeWine's administration due to concerns about being asked to sign a health order that would violate her Hippocratic Oath.

August 2020: Left position as advisor to the administration

In early August 2020, Amy Acton announced she had left her position as advisor to Governor DeWine's administration.

2020: Advised Governor DeWine during COVID-19 pandemic

In 2020, Amy Acton advised Governor Mike DeWine during the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to Ohio being the first state to close schools, limit gatherings, and temporarily shut down bars and restaurants.

2020: Description of childhood experiences

In a 2020 interview with Youngstown's WKBN, Amy Acton described random neighbors giving her and her brother breakfast due to hunger and people avoiding them due to being dirty and smelly during her childhood.

February 4, 2021: Stepped down from position in the Columbus Foundation

On February 4, 2021, Amy Acton stepped down from her position in the Columbus Foundation as she considered a run for the Senate in 2022.

April 2021: Chose not to run for Senate

In April 2021, Amy Acton chose not to run for the Senate in 2022, while thanking Ohioans for their support.

2022: Considered a run for the Senate

In 2022, Amy Acton considered a run for the Senate.

2022: Named president and CEO of RAPID 5

In 2022, Amy Acton was named president and chief executive officer of RAPID 5, a nonprofit organization focused on improving access to parks in Franklin County.

May 2023: Left position at RAPID 5

In May 2023, Amy Acton left her position as president and chief executive officer of RAPID 5.

2024: Expressed interest in running for Ohio Governor

In the summer of 2024, Amy Acton attended the Democratic National Convention in Chicago, where she first expressed interest in running for Ohio Governor.