Lynanne Gutierrez is at the helm of Groundwork Ohio as President & CEO, leading the organization’s statewide mission to advance early learning and healthy development strategies from the prenatal period to age five that lay a strong foundation for Ohio kids, families, and communities. As a visionary leader and dedicated child advocate, Lynanne guides the overall strategic direction of Groundwork Ohio, overseeing all aspects of the organization’s operations, policy agenda, and initiatives. Her leadership is instrumental in fostering state and national partnerships and coalition development, driving impactful advocacy efforts, and ensuring the effective implementation of research and data-driven strategies to benefit young children and their families.

A pivotal figure in Groundwork’s strategic growth and transformation for more than seven years, Lynanne played a crucial role in expanding the organization’s Statehouse footprint, relationships, and reputation across the state. Additionally, her efforts were instrumental in the successful transition to a standalone 501c3 in 2021.

Lynanne’s commitment to eliminating racial disparities in Ohio’s early childhood system is evident through her leadership in the Ohio Early Childhood Race and Rural Equity project. She pioneered the creation of the Groundwork Ohio Early Childhood Dashboard, a groundbreaking initiative that highlights challenges and broad inequities faced by families in the state through more than 60 metrics across six domains.

The rigor with which she approaches authentically engaging Ohio parents and families as experts in policies impacting their children is creating a model for community-based and state government partners alike. Lynanne’s has also led the growing statewide prenatal-to-three coalition, Groundwork’s unique commitment to the needs of pregnant women, infants, and toddlers.

Recognized as a respected early childhood expert in Ohio and nationwide, Lynanne is frequently sought out to address diverse audiences on early childhood policy advocacy. Appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to the state’s Early Childhood Advisory Council, she has served as a member since 2019. She has been recognized for her statewide leadership and received the Children’s Champion Award for the Ohio Head Start Association in 2024. Lynanne also participates in servant leadership, as an Ohio Victim Witness Association board member since 2025.

Lynanne’s professional journey includes prior roles in advocacy and private law practice focused on children and families. Before becoming a licensed attorney, she served as a Senior Legislative Aide in the Ohio Senate. A distinguished alumna of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctorate from Capital Law School, Lynanne is also a 2023 graduate of the prestigious Leadership Ohio program.

Lynanne, a resident of Columbus, Ohio, shares life with her husband Anthony and their three young children, Gabe, Arlo, and Phoebe, the cherished architects of early childhood wisdom in their home. She is an avid reader and amateur quilter. Just as each quilt piece contributes to the whole, Lynanne draws strength and connection from the diverse experiences, stories, and relationships she encounters at Groundwork and in her local community, explored anew through the eyes of her children.