Tia Cokes is a dedicated public servant with nearly 20 years of experience in state government, specializing in programming supporting the health and well-being of Ohioans across the lifespan. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Sociology, with a minor in African American Studies, from The Ohio State University and a master’s degree in Community Counseling, with a concentration in working with at-risk youth, from The University of Akron.

Tia began her career with the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, where she spent over seven years working as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve independence and employment goals. She then served for eight years as the Statewide Falls Prevention Coordinator at the Ohio Department of Aging, working on Governor Kasich’s Initiative to reduce the risk of falls among older adults. During her time at ODA, she was recognized for her leadership in expanding the “A Matter of Balance” program from 44 counties to statewide coverage, and also for her integral role in establishing Ohio’s Falls Prevention Awareness Day and launching the “10 Million Steps to Prevent Falls” campaign, which both continue to be observed annually.

Currently, Tia serves as the Statewide Program Administrator for Mobile Response and Stabilization Services (MRSS) at the Ohio Department of Behavioral Health. In this role, she is leading the statewide expansion efforts of MRSS, carrying out the DeWine-Tressel Administration’s vision of all Ohio’s youth and families having access to high-quality, rapid mobile crisis response services.

Tia’s professional career continues to be driven by a commitment to improving systems of care, empowering and elevating underserved populations, fostering resilience in Ohio’s communities, and her overall passion to help Ohioans live well and thrive through every stage of life.