October 22, 2025
By Rachel Scofield

A fifth-generation Pickerington graduate, Cheryl Ricketts is running for the Pickerington Local School District Board of Education to strengthen collaboration, transparency, and measurable results within the district.

“I decided to run because there’s an opportunity to improve results for our community, our kids, and our staff,” she said. “To find exceptional solutions, we need to focus on listening and building bridges.”

Ricketts grew up in Pickerington on her family’s farm; initially just 60 acres. Her father taught at Liberty Union and later served as a Violet Township Trustee, while her mother served on Pickerington City Council and as the city’s mayor. The family’s commitment to public service and hard work shaped her early values. Ricketts graduated as Salutatorian from Pickerington High School and went on to earn a combined bachelor’s and master’s degree in Agricultural Economics and Ag Business Management from The Ohio State University, where she was named Outstanding Senior Woman in the College of Agriculture.

Over the years, Ricketts has remained deeply involved in the community. She has served on the Pickerington Library Board of Trustees, the Pickerington Education Foundation Board, and as Treasurer of the Pickerington Food Pantry Board. She is also First Vice President of the Fairfield County Agricultural Society, which oversees the county fairgrounds. 

Her volunteerism extends to church leadership, youth programs, and local initiatives such as the 2022 School Bond Levy campaign and Violet Township’s Road Levy Committee. Professionally, Ricketts brings decades of leadership experience through her consulting firm, Competitive Edge HR, working with Fortune 100 companies and non-profits around the world to facilitate strategic planning, organizational change, and measurable improvement.

She was selected for the Pickerington Alumni Hall of Fame and received both the Athena Leadership Award and the Chairman’s Award from the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce. 

If elected, she plans to prioritize strategic planning with clear metrics, stronger communication between the district and community, and early literacy. 

“We will build trust when we share transparent messages that are easy to understand,” she said.

Ricketts has two adult children — Kimberly, a teacher in Mansfield, and Christopher, who works in finance for Bob Evans Foods — and two grandchildren. In her spare time, she enjoys reading, traveling, spoiling her golden doodles, and cheering for her favorite teams with friends.

“Residents who want someone who listens, builds better solutions, and uses data to drive improvement should vote Ricketts,” she said.

Learn more at CherylRickettsforPLSDBoard.com or on Facebook at Cheryl Ricketts for PLSD Board.

Community Endorsements

“A desire to serve others and the community have been hallmarks of Cheryl’s career and life. I’ve known her for over 30 years, and she always brings her ‘A’ game. Cheryl is gracious to all and cares deeply about Pickerington and its schools. You would be hard-pressed to find someone kinder, more capable, or more generous.”
— Jo Anne Kelly, Retired High School Teacher and 38-year Violet Township resident

“Cheryl chaired the Building Vision Committee at our church. She researched excellence, crafted a clear process, and kept us engaged. Cheryl is regarded as a caring and exceptional leader.”
— Ruthie Schmitz, Pickerington resident and Epiphany Lutheran Church member“

Cheryl is respected for her leadership, communication skills, and willingness to tackle tough challenges. She’ll ask the right questions, find the best answer, and lead in that direction.”
— Jeff Fix, Fairfield County Commissioner

“In this age of divisive politics, I think Cheryl would be the voice of unity in our community.”
— Bill Stoddard, Owner of BS Marketing and long-time PYAA leader

“Cheryl is thoughtful and deliberate in building relationships and furthering the educational mission of the Fair. Her dedication to ‘make the best better’ shines through her energetic work ethic and continued dedication.”
— Connie Smith, Fairfield County Fair Board and OSU Extension Educator

“I’ve worked alongside Cheryl for a decade on the Fairfield County Fair Board. She’s forward-thinking, understands budgets and mandates, and listens to the needs of students. She brings common sense and professionalism — exactly what our schools need.”
— Doug Leith, President, Fairfield County Agricultural Society