Carolyn Jane Givens

A devoted public servant, Carolyn dedicated her career to advancing behavioral health and improving the lives of Ohioans. She began her tenure at ODADAS in 1992, serving as Medicaid Services Administrator, Executive Assistant to the Director, and Chief Policy Advisor before her appointment as Director. Throughout her career, she represented ODADAS on numerous statewide policy committees, including the Alternative Schools Committee, the Children’s Trust Fund, and Ohio Family and Children First. She was instrumental in ensuring state compliance with federal Medicaid and Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant regulations, while developing innovative funding strategies to meet the treatment needs of vulnerable men, women, and families.

Beyond her service in state government, Carolyn remained a leader in behavioral health. She served as Executive Director of the Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation, CEO of the Neil Kennedy Recovery Center, and later as a consultant with the Family Recovery Center in Lisbon, Ohio.

Originally from Washington County, Carolyn was a proud graduate of Ohio Dominican University, where she studied Political Science and Theology. A graduate of Leadership Ohio, she also completed the Senior Executives in State and Local Government program at Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government in 2000.

Carolyn’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her beloved sons Daniel (Michael) and Michael (Tess), her three cherished grandchildren, her sister Lorraine (Mitch), and many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will treasure her memory. Her passion for family and her lifelong commitment to behavioral health will be deeply missed.

The family welcomes all for a visitation at 10:00 AM followed by a funeral mass at 11:00 on Friday, October 24 at St. Sebastian Catholic Church, 476 Mull Ave, Akron, OH 44320. The family invites attendees to lunch at Rose Hill Funeral Home after the funeral mass, 3653 W Market St., Akron, OH, 44333.