(COLUMBUS – Feb. 19, 2021) Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services (OhioMHAS) Director Lori Criss today announced the appointment of Angelika McClelland as Deputy Director for Public Affairs. McClelland, who most recently served as Director of Communications for the Ohio Senate Majority Caucus, will join the cabinet-level state agency on Feb. 22.

In her new role, McClelland will supervise a team of 13 professionals and oversee the Department’s internal/external communications strategies, legislative affairs, and policy matters. The OhioMHAS Office of Public Affairs is responsible for media and constituent relations, marketing, and creative services -- including digital design and social media efforts. The Office also coordinates behavioral health policy development and functions as a liaison between the department and members of the Ohio Legislature.

McClelland brings nearly 23 years of experience in communications to her position. Prior to joining the Ohio Senate Majority Caucus in 2012, McClelland managed special projects and events for the Ohio Republican Party and served as a manager of external communications for Columbus-based L Brands, Inc.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism with a minor in Social Studies from Bob Jones University and is a 2010 graduate of the Jo Ann Davidson Leadership Institute. She currently resides in central Ohio with her husband and three children.