From the state capital to Ohio University, Tracy Plouck takes helm of Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service

Public service echoes through Tracy Plouck’s resume, and now it’s part of her new moniker as the dean of the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service.

Just as the Voinovich School empowers people to solve problems and meet challenges, Plouck’s career has been a journey of leadership and service with a focus on the health needs of Ohio’s residents. 

After serving the state as director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services and as Ohio’s Medicaid director, Plouck took Route 33 south from Columbus to Athens.

Her journey into Appalachia provided more than just beautiful rolling vistas, it offered fertile new ground for identifying needs and building partnerships in Southeast Ohio.

First as a Population Health Executive in Residence for the College of Health Sciences and Professions and then as an assistant clinical professor, Plouck combined her expertise in public policy and community building in her continuing quest to help the people of Ohio and beyond.

Tracy Plouck’s journey to OHIO

“Tracy Plouck brings extensive experience in public policy, advocacy and community building which will greatly benefit the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service and our region,” Ohio University Executive Vice President and Provost Dr. Elizabeth Sayrs said. “Her combination of experience in the region and at Ohio University, her expertise and her vision for the Voinovich School will continue to build on the excellence of the School in collaboration with its outstanding faculty, staff, and community partners.” 

Plouck began her role as dean of the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service on July 1, 2023.

Prior to being named as Dean, Plouck worked to support the OHIO Alliance for Population Health and the Ohio University Health Collaborative by working with local governments and non-profit organizations throughout the state.

Before joining Ohio University in 2018, Plouck served in several leadership positions for the State of Ohio, including as the director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services from 2011 – 2018.

In addition to serving as the director of the Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services, Plouck held a variety of leadership positions with the State of Ohio including as Ohio Medicaid director from 2005-2007 and 2009-2011, deputy director of the Office of Budget and Management from 2008-2009, deputy director of the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities from 2007-2008 and Medicaid chief policy and operations officer from 2004-2005. 

She has also served as president of the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors, vice chair of the Council of State Governments’ Justice Center and board treasurer of the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Plouck received her master’s of public administration degree from The Ohio State University and her bachelor’s degree in political science from Kent State University.

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Joining the Voinovich School

“I have great respect for the Voinovich School’s legacy of innovation and partnership in the Appalachian region and beyond,” said Plouck.  “I’m excited to support the School’s continued growth, both academically and in the community.”  

The search committee was chaired by Dr. John McCarthy, dean of the College of Health Sciences and Professions, and Dr. Sarah Davis, associate professor of environmental studies. 

“I am grateful to all of the members of the search committee for the dedication of their time and expertise to this process,” Sayrs said. “The committee identified an extremely strong pool of experienced and knowledgeable candidates to lead the Voinovich School.”

Plouck follows Founding Dean Mark Weinberg, who transitioned into a new role at the end of June 2023.

Originally founded and directed by Weinberg, the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service is a national leader in public service schools, working in public-private partnerships to find solutions to challenges facing communities, the economy and the environment. The school was recently ranked 57th in the list of the nation’s top public affairs graduate schools by U.S. News and World Report.