Shawnette Strickland sworn in as Reynoldsburg City Council president

Shawnette Strickland was sworn in as president of the Reynoldsburg City Council at a ceremonial event Jan. 13, 2025, at city council chambers.

Judge Terry Jamieson of the Tenth District Court of Appeals administered the oath before an audience that included former Council President Angie Jenkins and state Rep. Meredith Lawson Rowe. Jenkins introduced Strickland and praised her community work; Rep. Lawson Rowe presented a commendation and noted the occasion coincided with the sorority founders’ anniversary referenced during remarks.

Strickland told the audience she would lead “with integrity, transparency, and boldness.” She thanked family, church and community supporters and said the role is “not just about a title or a position. It is about us. It's about Reynoldsburg and the shared visions we hold for this incredible city.”

The ceremony included an invocation by Bishop Melvin Gaines and a short reception before the council’s organizational meeting, which President Strickland opened at 6:32 p.m. City business that followed included committee appointments, the swearing-in of a Ward 1 appointee and routine consent items.

The gathering drew elected and appointed officials and community members; Rep. Lawson Rowe noted the date also marked a Delta Sigma Theta Founders Day observance that several attendees referenced during remarks.

The council's regular business began immediately after the ceremony with the Pledge of Allegiance and roll call. Among early announcements, the mayor noted delivery of LED lighting units provided through a NOPEC grant and reminded residents of the State of the City address scheduled for Feb. 18.