History of Amy Acton in Timeline
Dr. Amy Acton is an American physician and public health researcher known for her leadership as the Director of the Ohio Department of Health from 2019 to 2020. She gained recognition for her prominent role in shaping Ohio's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, becoming a recognizable figure during that time.
1965: Birth of Amy Acton
Amy Leigh Acton (née Stearns) was born in either 1965 or 1966.
1966: Birth of Amy Acton
Amy Leigh Acton (née Stearns) was born in either 1965 or 1966.
1990: Medical Degree Earned
Amy Acton earned her medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University in 1990.
2008: Volunteer for Barack Obama's Presidential Campaign
In 2008, Amy Acton, then known as Amy Beech, volunteered for Barack Obama's presidential campaign.
2010: Marriage to Eric Acton
Amy Acton married Eric Acton, a middle school teacher and track coach, in 2010.
February 2019: Appointment as Director of the Ohio Department of Health
Amy Acton was appointed as the Director of the Ohio Department of Health by Governor Mike DeWine in February 2019. She was the first woman to hold this position.
2019: Childhood Experiences Shared
In 2019, Acton opened up about her childhood experiences of neglect and abuse during an interview.
2019: Appointment as Director of the Ohio Department of Health
In 2019, Amy Acton was appointed as the Director of the Ohio Department of Health by Governor Mike DeWine. This marked the start of her tenure in this role.
March 17, 2020: Postponement of Ohio's Democratic Presidential Primary
On March 17, 2020, Amy Acton ordered the closure of polling places in Ohio due to a public health emergency. This action effectively postponed the state's Democratic presidential primary.
April 2020: Comparison to Dr. Anthony Fauci
In April 2020, CNN compared Amy Acton to Dr. Anthony Fauci, recognizing her straightforward communication style in addressing the COVID-19 pandemic.
May 14, 2020: Announcement of Reopening Plans
On May 14, 2020, Governor DeWine's administration, with input from Acton, announced plans to gradually reopen various sectors of Ohio's economy, including gyms, while implementing safety protocols such as physical distancing and the use of face masks. This decision was made before it was widely known that individuals with COVID-19 could be contagious even before displaying symptoms.
May 2020: Protests and Criticism
Beginning in May 2020, Amy Acton faced protests and criticism directed at her policies, political affiliations, and personal background. This led to her receiving a security detail for protection.
May 2020: Lawsuit by Gyms over COVID-19 Restrictions
In May 2020, a group of gyms filed a lawsuit against Amy Acton, the Ohio Department of Health, and the Lake County General Health District, challenging the health restrictions imposed due to the coronavirus pandemic.
May 20, 2020: Ohio Senate Rejects Proposal to Limit Health Department Powers
The Ohio Senate unanimously voted against a proposal on May 20, 2020, that aimed to restrict the authority of the Ohio Department of Health, and by extension, Amy Acton's powers. The proposal, which originated from House Republicans, sought to limit health orders to 14 days and mandate legislative approval for extensions.
June 11, 2020: Resignation from Director Position
Amy Acton resigned from her position as Director of the Ohio Department of Health on June 11, 2020. She then transitioned to the role of chief health advisor for Governor DeWine's administration.
August 2020: Departure from DeWine's Administration
In August 2020, Amy Acton announced her departure from her role as advisor to Governor DeWine's administration.
2020: Advising Governor DeWine during COVID-19
In 2020, Amy Acton advised Governor Mike DeWine on Ohio's response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Her advice led to Ohio becoming the first U.S. state to close schools and limit gatherings to no more than 100 people.
2020: Childhood Interview
In 2020, Acton shared details about her childhood in an interview with Youngstown's WKBN.
2020: Role in Ohio's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
During 2020, Amy Acton played a significant part in shaping Ohio's response to the COVID-19 pandemic.
February 4, 2021: Departure from the Columbus Foundation
On February 4, 2021, Amy Acton stepped down from her position at the Columbus Foundation to explore a potential run for the U.S. Senate in 2022.
April 2021: Decision Not to Run for Senate
In April 2021, Amy Acton announced her decision not to run for the U.S. Senate in 2022, despite receiving significant public support.
2022: Consideration of Senate Run
Amy Acton considered running for the U.S. Senate in 2022 to succeed Rob Portman.
2022: Appointment as CEO of RAPID 5
In 2022, Amy Acton was appointed as the President and CEO of RAPID 5, a non-profit organization focused on enhancing access to parks in Franklin County, Ohio.
May 2023: Departure from RAPID 5
Amy Acton left her position as CEO of RAPID 5 in May 2023.