Tonia Saunders
Tonia Saunders
Assistant Director
- Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Professional Information
Tonia
Saunders
Assistant Director
Ohio Department of Job and Family Services
Government Administration
Education, Honors & Awards
University of Phoenix
Bachelor of Science Business Administration
2010
Personal Information
United States
OH
Maumee
National Association of State Workforce Agencies
11-15 Years
Tonia Saunders has been the Assistant Director of Employment Services for the Ohio
Department of Job and Family Services since July 2020. In this role, she oversees
Unemployment Insurance Operations and the Office of Workforce Development, which
administers federal programs that create a comprehensive statewide workforce system and
support Ohio’s Workforce Development Boards. This includes 88 county OhioMeansJobs
centers and the OhioMeansJobs.com website. Both offices are important in providing financial
stability and promoting economic vitality for all Ohioans.
Prior to joining ODJFS, Tonia honed her leadership skills during 15 years in workforce
development, including as simultaneous Executive Director for both the Lucas County
Workforce Development Board and the Lucas County Department of Planning and
Development. She built a successful network of relationships to support local businesses and
jobseekers while enhancing the county’s economic growth. She previously served as Lucas
County’s Workforce Innovation Manager, joining the county in 2015.
Tonia began her career in public service for nine years at Experience Works Inc, as an
Employment Training Coordinator assisting senior citizens overcome workplace age bias and
secure employment opportunities. She later served as Assistant Director overseeing East Coast
operations serving 12 states including Puerto Rico.
Tonia earned a B.S. in Business Administration from The University of Phoenix and is a
Certified Workforce Development Professional, a credentialed designation from the National
Association of Workforce Professionals
Websites & Social