Get to Know Groundwork Ohio: Elizabeth O’Loughlin, Executive Assistant/Operations Manager
- Groundwork Ohio
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
As part of our “Get to Know Groundwork Ohio” series, we are spotlighting our amazing colleagues so you can get to know the dynamic components comprising our mighty team. This week, we are getting to know Elizabeth O’Loughlin. Elizabeth joined the Groundwork Ohio team in October 2025.
Elizabeth serves as Executive Assistant/Operations Manager, supporting organizational leadership and day-to-day operations to help ensure the team can focus fully on advancing Groundwork Ohio’s mission. She brings a background in corporate operations and executive support, where she built strong skills in systems management, organization, and strategic support.
Coming from the corporate sector, Elizabeth was drawn to Groundwork Ohio by the opportunity to apply her skills in a mission-driven environment where her work directly contributes to meaningful outcomes for children, families, and caregivers across Ohio. She believes strong internal systems are essential to creating sustainable impact.
Check out our Q&A with Elizabeth to learn more about why she is a passionate advocate for young children and families in Ohio.
Q: What drew you to early childhood policy research and advocacy? Tell us more about your “why”!
A: Before joining Groundwork Ohio, my career was rooted in the corporate sector. While I gained valuable experience building systems and supporting leaders, I was increasingly drawn to work where the impact felt more tangible and directly connected to people’s lives.
Growing up, I saw how access to stability and support can shape opportunities over time. I also became aware that not every family has the same access to resources or the ability to navigate complex systems without falling through the cracks. That understanding shaped my desire to use my skills to support work that amplifies the voices of children, families, and caregivers who are too often overlooked.
Early childhood policy and advocacy matter because the systems families encounter early on can either support long-term success or create lasting barriers. Being part of Groundwork Ohio allows me to contribute in a meaningful way by ensuring the people doing this work have the operational support they need to create real, lasting impact.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received or a lesson that you’ve learned that has helped you in this work?
A: One lesson that has guided me throughout my career is that strong systems make strong impact. I have seen how disorganization and unclear processes can slow good work down, and how thoughtful structure can give teams the freedom to focus on what truly matters. By being a steady backbone for leaders and teams through organization, clarity, and follow-through, I help empower others to do more.
Q: What’s your word for 2026?
A: Intention. In 2026, I am focused on being intentional with how I spend my time and energy and aligning my work with the impact I want to help create for my team, for families, and for the mission we serve.
Q: When you aren’t advocating on behalf of young children and families, what do you enjoy doing?
A: Outside of work, I love hosting my family and friends in my home and creating a warm, welcoming space where people can slow down and connect. I enjoy spending time with my husband, Kyle, and our rescue dog, Moose, and I find a lot of joy in planning gatherings, game nights, and shared meals. I also enjoy traveling and exploring new places, which helps me recharge and gain new perspective.
Q: Describe a scene from your vision of the future for Ohio’s youngest children and their caregivers.
A: In my vision for the future, children, families, teachers, and caregivers have the resources they need to support themselves and one another. Systems are designed to create equal opportunities rather than additional hurdles, so families can spend less time navigating barriers and more time focusing on growth, stability, and well-being.
When caregivers are supported and communities are equipped with the right tools, children are better positioned to thrive. Investing early and equitably benefits not only individual families but Ohio as a whole.