Elizabeth Brown became President and CEO of YWCA Columbus in 2023, bringing more than 15 years of experience in nonprofits, government, and public policymaking, including her service as President Pro Tempore of Columbus City Council and as Executive Director of the Ohio Women’s Public Policy Network, a statewide initiative to improve women’s economic security through public policy.

During her time on city council, Brown spearheaded laws to protect reproductive healthcare, provide paid family leave, defend residents against deportation, support low-income families during COVID disruptions, erase medical debt, and expand access to early childhood education. She also commissioned a tax incentive policy overhaul that introduced affordable housing and living-wage requirements for the first time in the city’s history. In addition to her public policy work, she has experience in economic development, AmeriCorps service, and state government.

At YWCA Columbus, Brown leads the 138-year-old nonprofit’s efforts in housing, childcare, emergency shelter, and social justice training, all while furthering the organization’s mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.

Born in the Berwick neighborhood of Columbus, Brown was raised in Granville, Ohio. She is a proud public school graduate and earned her degree magna cum laude from Columbia University. Brown and her husband, Patrick Katzenmeyer, live near Columbus’ University District with their three children, Carolyn, Russell, and Maribell.