About Commissioner Pat Geissman

Pat is the longest serving commissioner in Medina County history at 27 years as well as the longest-serving female commissioner in the State of Ohio. Pat was elected in 1992 as Medina County’s first female commissioner and was re-elected in 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2016. Previously, she was elected to the Lodi Village Council in 1977 and served 5 years. She also served Medina County as the executive director of the American Cancer Society for 8 years during the 1980s. Pat was a licensed realtor for 20 years and also served for over 20 years as a volunteer with the Lodi Fire Department as an emergency medical technician.

Commissioner Geissman is a past President of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio and past President of the Ohio County Risk Sharing Authority (an insurance pool for 62 Ohio counties that are self-insured). In December 2003, she was selected by Attorney General Jim Petro to serve on a 2004 Elder Abuse Task Force to bring awareness of elder abuse to communities in Ohio.

Pat Geissman has been recognized by many organizations and agencies for her commitment and dedication of service to Medina County. In 2008, Pat was selected as the Buckeye Central High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame recipient. Also in 2008, Pat was selected the Local Elected Official for Medina County by the Akron Chamber. The HANDS Foundation of Medina County honored Commissioner Geissman for “Contributions in Enhancing the Quality of Life for Senior Citizens in Medina County”. The Medina County Railroad Safety Task Force presented Pat with a bronzed rail spike to thank her for her work in organizing the task force and for her leadership in their accomplishments. In 2002, Pat was recognized by the Ohio Educational Service Center Association and was given the Outstanding Community Leadership Award in advancing the county school systems of Ohio. The local YWCA honored Pat as a Woman of Distinction in 2000 for her leadership in the county. These are just a few of the honors that Commissioner Geissman has received over the years.

Pat is a member of many organizations and involved in numerous community activities. She belongs to several local chambers of commerce, the Farm Bureau, Townships Association, Leadership Medina County, Lodi Ruritan Club (past president) and serves on numerous boards & committees.

Commissioner Geissman’s long list of projects she has worked on includes the establishment of Medina County’s first Battered Women’s Shelter, the Juvenile Detention Center, and the Medina County Jail, just to name a few.

In 2002, Pat formed a railroad safety task force to evaluate and prioritize grade crossings to obtain foundation and state and federally funded grants for gates and lights at dangerous crossings. Twenty-eight crossings have been completed. She also started a free farmers’ market for low-income senior citizens, as well as the Medina Square Farmers’ Market. Commissioner Geissman also organized two task forces as a result of the stagnant economy in 2009. The Foreclosure Prevention Task Force educates families on their ability to negotiate with their mortgage holders to refinance their homes, enabling them to possibly stay in their home or to close the mortgage without ruining their credit. The Food Pantry Task Force, now known as the “Feeding Medina County” initiative, provides free food to thousands of needy residents in Medina County.

In 1999, Pat organized and introduced the Medina County Commissioners’ Charity Ball to the community that has raised more than $400,000 for local charities over the past 20 years.

Pat and her husband, Lee, live in Lodi. They have four sons and daughters-in-law and five grandchildren.