Lucas County honors local women leaders, including Sen. Paula Hicks Hudson

The Lucas County Board of Commissioners on March 31 presented proclamations honoring local women leaders during Women’s History Month, citing public-service careers and community impact.

Chair (identified as the meeting chair) opened the ceremony by describing the 2026 theme, "Leading the Change, Women Shaping a Sustainable Future," and introduced the honorees. Commissioners and guests highlighted work across public service, education, labor and criminal justice.

Commissioner Gerken praised Paula Hicks Hudson’s long record of local leadership and policy work, saying she and the senator "passed the living wage ordinance" and that Hudson has been "relentless in doing that." Family members and staff joined in recognition; Cynthia Temple, who identified herself as the senator’s granddaughter, spoke about Hudson’s dedication.

Sen. Paula Hicks Hudson accepted the honor and framed it as recognition of many women who supported her career, thanking local mentors and colleagues. "I accept this recognition, not for me as an individual, but for the many, many women named and not named before and after who are part of this collective," she said.

The commissioners moved and voted to adopt a proclamation honoring Sen. Hicks Hudson.

The board next recognized Holly Matthews, executive director of the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Commissioners credited Matthews and CJCC staff with using data to reduce local jail populations and improve reentry and behavioral-health responses. In remarks summarized by a colleague, Matthews’ work was credited with improving judges’ decision tools and reducing local jail counts; Matthews said the county achieved "a 45% reduction in our local jail population," a result she attributed to sustained collaboration among elected officials, judges and justice-system leaders.

The board adopted a proclamation honoring Matthews, and members of CJCC staff joined for photos.

Amy Marcirio of UAW Local 12 was the final honoree. Commissioners and union colleagues noted her election as the union’s financial secretary-treasurer and her long service supporting members and community efforts, including the union’s role during COVID vaccination efforts. Marcirio accepted the recognition and thanked family and union leadership. The commissioners voted to adopt the proclamation.

The honors were ceremonial proclamations; the board took no policy action as part of the recognitions. The meeting then proceeded to other agenda items.