Gina Gest serves as the Operations Manager for the Professional Development team at the John Glenn College of Public Affairs. She rejoined the Glenn College in 2018 as the project manager for the State of Ohio Leadership Institute (SOLI) responsible for the administrative and programmatic operations of the institute. In collaboration with the executive director, she oversaw the development and implementation of leadership programs for newly elected and appointed officials throughout the state.
Previously, Gest served as the leadership liaison at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. In that role, she provided strategic direction and operational oversight for special events involving leadership in the Wexner Medical Center. She managed executive administrative functions to aid in the success of the vice president of Advancement. In addition, Gest has experience managing the administrative activities in an academic institution, providing support to the John Glenn School (College) of Public Affairs between 2008 – 2013.
Prior to Ohio State, Gest worked at the Ohio Forestry Association for 10 years, managing many facets of the organization, including membership services, website design, implementation of professional training programs, and support of the Board of Trustees. She brings a breadth of knowledge and unique skill set to interface with a wide variety of internal and external constituencies.
Gest earned her Bachelor’s degree in early childhood development from The Ohio State University in 2003. She, her husband, Anthony, and daughter, reside in Upper Arlington.