“Servant leadership isn’t just a job to me—it’s a deeply personal call to action,” says Joy Bivens, the Deputy County Administrator of Health and Human Services at Franklin County. It’s about rolling up her sleeves and showing up for people meaningfully, saving them a seat at the table, and ensuring they’re seen and heard. Joy believes in using her power to amplify the voices of others, helping them find their truth and power within their experiences.
Joy Bivens’ journey to leadership has been shaped by resilience and a steadfast commitment to uplifting others. Raised in Hamilton, Ohio, her early life was marked by challenges that many would consider formidable—experiences with homelessness and navigating the foster care system. Yet, these obstacles did not define her. Instead, they ignited a deep resolve to rise, to lead, and to transform adversity into a powerful tool for progress. Today, as Deputy County Administrator of Franklin County, Joy channels this profound personal journey into every facet of her work, empowering others to break through barriers and reach their fullest potential.
“Who you are privately is who you are publicly,” says Joy Bivens, a woman of deep faith and a strong belief in the power of integrity. For her, success is not just about professional achievement—it’s about aligning one’s work with values that make a meaningful difference.
Joy is committed to creating a legacy that inspires future generations to embrace challenges fearlessly and pursue success with righteousness. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said in his “Give Us the Ballot” speech, “Give us the ballot, and we will no longer have to worry about the denial of our rights.” That is my charge, says Joy. Making sure that those that may be on the margins have access, that it is equitable, and that it is readily available. For Joy, leading with unwavering righteousness has been a central theme in her success.
A Purpose-Driven Path in Health and Human Services
For far too long, health and human services have been transactional. For Joy, however, she believes in transformational service delivery. “How you see people is how you serve them,” Joy shared, which is why her career has been about creating pathways to economic prosperity for the residents of Franklin County. Joy sees people for who they truly are, not just a set of circumstances. With an unwavering belief in the power of human potential, she dedicated herself to a career in health and human services, committed to making a difference—one person, one policy, and one practice at a time. And then the rest, as they say, is history.
Her compass may not be as complex as one might expect; it’s built on a foundation of simple, yet profound principles. Heart—leading with empathy and genuine care for others. Purpose—being driven by a mission to create lasting change. “It’s about elevating people, not just systems,” says Bivens’. This compass guides every decision, every policy, and every practice she shapes. And with that, she’s built a legacy of servant leadership that transforms lives—one person, one policy, and one practice at a time.
Finding Balance in a World of Change
Instead of seeing work-life balance as an endpoint, Joy views it as a daily recalibration. The current and what seems to be ever-changing domain of federal policies adds layers of uncertainty, making the weight of responsibility even heavier. Yet, as residents seek answers and stability, she stands firm, ensuring they feel secure while staying true to her core values: God, family, faith, and community.
Family is her anchor. She draws strength from her husband, children, mother, and the incredible village of women around her. To her, they are more than a support system—they are the heartbeat of everything she does. Citing Vice President Kamala Harris, she reinforces, “I may be a public servant, but my family comes first.” This truth keeps her grounded and connected to those who uplift her.
Equally important is self-care. Joy understands that leading effectively means prioritizing her own well-being. Whether through moments of reflection, morning workouts with her family, or simply taking a step back when needed, she ensures she remains present and energized. Balancing these roles isn’t easy, but she approaches it with clarity, compassion, and strength—knowing that when she’s at her best, she can give her best to others.
Embracing Steady Leadership in Uncertain Times
Named one of the “Top 10 Influential Women Leaders to Follow in 2025,” Joy’s career exemplifies her determined spirit and forward-thinking approach. For her, leadership is about standing firm when the ground shifts. With emerging federal policies reshaping access to resources, she faces the challenge of ensuring that the most vulnerable communities don’t get left behind. These changes don’t just affect policy—they impact real people, from families seeking stability to local teams working tirelessly to provide support.
She acknowledges the frustration when policies fail to address critical needs, often creating more barriers than solutions. Yet, in these moments of uncertainty, she remains focused on what truly matters: advocating for residents with compassion, transparency, and long-term vision. “The people we serve—especially those already facing the most challenges—are looking for leaders who will advocate for them, not just in the present but long term,” Joy shares.
Thus, Joy and her team refuse to be reactive. Instead, they take a proactive approach, adapting stratagems to maintain essential programs despite policy shifts. Whether securing alternative funding, restructuring initiatives, or addressing community concerns, they are committed to ensuring that no one is overlooked.
Leading with Compassion: Impact as Deputy County Administrator of Health and Human Services
In her capacity as the Deputy County Administrator of Health and Human Services, Joy shapes policies that go beyond short-term assistance. Her role involves developing and executing strategic initiatives, managing budgets, and evaluating program performance to ensure the effectiveness of services. She supervises several essential agencies, such as Job and Family Services, which serves as the cornerstone of their social safety net. A few others on the list include the Office on Aging, Child Support Enforcement, Justice Policy and Programs, and the Franklin County Department of Animal Care and Control. By cultivating strong, collaborative partnerships with agency directors, she advocates for policies and secures resources that enhance all Franklin County residents’ health, safety, and well-being. This collaborative approach allows her to focus on creating pathways to lasting stability and self-sufficiency.
Moreover, her position encompasses promoting innovation and implementing progressive strategies, guaranteeing that Franklin County remains at the forefront of service delivery, advancement, and excellence. Joy remains dedicated to ensuring that her colleagues and the Board of Commissioners are well-informed and aligned with the evolving needs of the community, thereby sustaining Franklin County’s status as a model of service, progress, and excellence.
Shaping a Future of Equity and Opportunity in Franklin County
Joy envisions Franklin County as a vanguard in human services, where equitable innovation stretches far and wide into the foreseeable future. She champions a society where every resident, irrespective of their economic standing, possesses the means to flourish. There is a commitment to nurturing the next generation, ensuring opportunity is an inherent right, not a privilege.
Joy advocates for a childcare landscape that holistically supports families, fostering robust early development and paving a path of success for every child. She envisions a community where mental wellness is seamlessly integrated into the fabric of daily life, accessible, compassionate, and devoid of stigma. So much so that Franklin County has introduced “Compassion Connection”—a guide that reminds both residents and service providers to prioritize human-centric design in their approach to service delivery.
Actual progress, in Joy’s view, necessitates the construction of an interconnected ecosystem that actively dismantles obstacles and adopts equity at every juncture. She emphasizes the imperative of addressing systemic disparities, ensuring that healthcare, housing, education, and employment are not merely accessible but truly inclusive.
Finding Your Inner Leader: Advice for Aspiring Women
This resilient trailblazer believes actual leadership starts with self-discovery. Joy encourages aspiring women leaders to uncover their core values, strengths, and passions—building the foundation for authenticity. To her, consistency and integrity are non-negotiable. True leaders, she emphasizes, walk the talk in every aspect of life, ensuring there’s little difference between their public and private selves. Joy explains to the aspirants, “When you lead, you must lead from a place of confidence in your character and unwavering commitment to your values.”
She reminds them that leadership is a journey of continuous growth, not a destination. Guiding nascent leaders, she counsels, “Be open to feedback, new perspectives, and experiences that will challenge and stretch you.” Though exacting, these encounters are indispensable for their development as they progress.
The veteran leader further points out that every great leader is fueled by a core purpose—a ‘why’ that ignites their passion. This conviction keeps them sharp and steady through inevitable obstacles.
Whether advocating for others, creating change, or leaving a lasting mark. The next pillar of authentic leadership is strong character. Staying grounded in one’s values, even when things get tough, is key. Joy advocates self-assuredness, urging women to own their expertise, trust their instincts, and step up with confidence. There should be an insatiable hunger for knowledge and a strong support network of mentors and peers who inspire growth. Joy concludes, “Growth comes from stepping outside of your comfort zone. Learning from challenges and always moving forward with swift determination.”
Shaping a Stronger Franklin County: Innovation, Opportunity, and Equity
Joy reflects on Franklin County’s bold strides under her leadership. She highlights the Poverty Blueprint Plan, a game-changing initiative designed to tackle poverty at its roots. Developed in collaboration with community leaders, it lays out 13 key recommendations and 120 actionable steps, driving real change in education, workforce development, and economic opportunity.
She also speaks passionately about the Family Stabilization Unit, a program she considers a revolutionary approach for justice-involved youth and their families. By offering wraparound services and working closely with Franklin County Juvenile Court, the initiative helps young people break cycles of instability and move toward a future filled with promise.
Education remains a keystone of the county’s efforts. Joy notes the relentless push to keep childcare centers open and accessible, ensuring every child gets a strong start. She highlights a visionary project led by Board President Erica C. Crawley—the transformation of an old jail into a state-of-the-art Early Learning Center, a powerful symbol of reinvention and investment in the next generation.
Another milestone is the Franklin County One Door initiative, a groundbreaking effort to eliminate red tape by bringing multiple agencies under one roof. Joy describes it as a model of efficiency and dignity, making it easier for families to access the resources they need.
Technology is also at the forefront of progress, with a major modernization effort reshaping service delivery for over 350,000 residents. Joy underscores how this overhaul has made county operations faster, smarter, and more responsive. Looking ahead, she strives to make Franklin County future-ready—backing opportunity, promoting innovation, and ensuring equitable outcomes for everyone.
Creating a Culture Where Everyone Thrives
Equity is at the heart of her leadership style, as Joy wholeheartedly welcomes diverse viewpoints and integrates inclusivity into her decision-making process. She promotes empowerment and wellness by providing her team with the necessary resources, mentorship, and professional development opportunities to succeed. She holds the view that when people feel supported and inspired to tackle challenges, their motivation and involvement grow. Recognizing and celebrating contributions is an essential element of her leadership. She acknowledges both small and substantial achievements to boost morale and strengthen a sense of belonging.
Joy indicates the importance of work-life balance as essential for both well-being and productivity. Through the promotion of flexibility and a strong emphasis on mental health, she makes sure that her team stays both focused on the vision and ready to support the mission of serving every resident every day.
Franklin County’s Commitment to Lasting Impact
By investing strategically in social services and economic growth, Franklin County is committed to fostering a flourishing community. Joy elaborates on how the county provides long-term support for individuals and families through funds programs for housing assistance, food security, healthcare access, and workforce development.
She accentuates the power of collaboration, noting that Franklin County partners with nonprofits, businesses, and organizations to address pressing issues like poverty, homelessness, and mental health. Rather than offering short-term fixes, these partnerships drive lasting solutions.
Beyond social services, she underscores the county’s focus on economic stability and career growth, with job training and small business support creating financial opportunities.
For Franklin County, that’s key to lifting families and entire communities.
Growth and Motivation
Joy views leadership as a perpetual journey of self-improvement. She diligently pursues professional growth, actively employing peer feedback and wisdom from experienced mentors. She embraces change and prioritizes unconventional viewpoints to enhance healthcare and human services.
For her, true leadership lies not in possessing all the solutions but in cultivating empathy, transparency, and the ability to adapt. She values a diverse and intellectually stimulating environment, embracing insights beyond her professional sphere. The profound impact on individuals and families’ energies is her passion. Witnessing their efforts uplift others provides her with the greatest reward. Joy shares, “It’s not just about the systems we build or the policies we create. It’s also about the lives we touch.”
The Impact of Nonprofits
Nonprofit organizations hold a cherished position in Joy’s mission in shaping an equitable future. To her, they are more than service providers—they are lifelines, extending tailored and empathetic care while securing fair access to healthcare, housing, mental health support, and education. Joy has observed firsthand how nonprofits cultivate cutting-edge programs and practices, especially among marginalized groups, by not only offering immediate relief but also pioneering breakthroughs and systemic reform.
Through advocacy, synergistic alliances, and inventive problem-solving, they uplift families and neighborhoods, paving the way for economic mobility and enduring prosperity. She remains unshaken in her belief that nonprofits will continue to be the bedrock of an equitable society, preserving essential services and fueling transformative progress.
In embodying the principles of servant leadership, Joy Bivens is not only shaping a more equitable future for Franklin County but also inspiring others to lead with purpose, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the communities they serve.
