Benita Neely serves as the policy administrator for the Ohio Department of Youth Services. In this role, she manages the policy process for the agency include writing, reviewing, and training.  She also serves as the primary point of contact for all policy relating matters.

In 1997, Benita began her professional career at the Ohio Department of Youth Services as a part-time statistics clerk in the Office of Research. Through the years, she has held a variety of positions which focused on the areas of employee learning and organizational development. Her passion lies in facilitating activities that increase staff knowledge and enhance their performance to achieve the agency’s mission, vision, and core values. 

In addition to her administrate duties, Benita holds two human resources certifications through the Human Resources Certification Institute (SPHR) and the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM-SCP).  She is also a certified Change Management Practitioner and an auditor with the American Correctional Association. 

Benita earned two master degrees from The Ohio State University, one in Sociology and another in Social Work. As a life-long learner, she is currently enrolled on an EdD Program at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana.