With more than three decades of experience deeply rooted in Ohio’s local and state government, Rachel has dedicated herself to a relentless pursuit of helping her business clients grow in Ohio. She has helped secure millions of dollars by creating government programs, securing contracts, and capitalizing on economic development incentives for her clients. She has reshaped and created policies, rules, and statutory regulations to position her clients for success in the state. Her unwavering commitment to problem-solving and facilitating government procurements, loans and grants is at the core of her professional experience.
Rachel is dedicated to helping Ohio businesses recognize and benefit from the intersection of public policy and economic growth. As the Public Policy Advisor to the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) - Columbus Chapter, she spearheaded pioneering efforts to establish Ohio’s inaugural Women-Owned Business Enterprise Certification Program, leaving an indelible mark on the state’s business landscape. Her achievements were further recognized when she was honored as the NAWBO 2020 Women’s Business Champion Award.
During the challenges brought by the pandemic, Rachel played a pivotal role in advocating for Ohio’s economic resilience. Her leadership led to the formation of the Ohio Women’s Coalition (OWC) for women-business owners, where she currently serves as the founding Executive Director. Under her guidance, OWC achieved an historic milestone by initiating the establishment of a groundbreaking $10 million women-owned business loan fund and a complementary $10 million micro-loan program for women and minority-owned businesses.
These initiatives were included in the state’s biennial budget in July of 2021 with an additional $15 million added to them in 2023.
Prior to her role at Benesch, Rachel led Ohio government relations for multiple Fortune 50 telecommunications companies. Her tenure as a lobbyist for Ohio Attorney General Betty Montgomery showcased her ability to navigate the intricate corridors of government with expertise. Rachel’s journey began as a legislative aide in the Ohio House of Representatives, where she not only managed the office but also helped shape the legislative agenda for the Chairman of the House Education Committee. Throughout her distinguished career, she has been an unwavering advocate for her clients.
Representative Experience
- Successfully drafted and advocated for a new law permitting Sonographers in Ohio to provide intravenous administration of ultrasound enhancing agents, most commonly used by patients undergoing an echocardiogram. Benesch’s strategic lobbying efforts resulted in the language being included in the House version and reinserted in a Senate omnibus amendment after removal in the Senate substitute bill, and ultimately retained in the Conference Committee.
- Added $10 million to the Ohio Women-Owned Business Loan Fund and $5 milliion to the Ohio Minority Microloan Fund for MBEs and WBEs, both of which Benesch previously helped to establish.
- Upheld radiation safety standards by defeating language inserted into the budget bill proposing to reduce supervision requirements of General X-Ray Machine Operators. Benesch successfully lobbied for removal of the troublesome language in Conference Committee.
- Fought back two amendments that sought to erode the new Ohio Auctioneer Licensing Law by successfully coordinating a line-item veto through Governor Mike DeWine.
- Successfully lobbied for $500,000 included for a statewide disparity study to gather data to help inform future policy initiatives impacting women, minority and veteran-owned businesses and state contracts.
- Championed two amendments to the law governing Ohio boards of alcohol, drug addiction, and mental health services to promote increased collaboration with and improved access to opioid treatment program providers.
- Successfully lobbied to maintain moderate continuing education for the insurance industry and separately for the auctioneer's industry.
- Successfully lobbied to allow Insurance education to be delivered online.
- Helped secure both a Type A and a Type B sports gaming license for a client through the Ohio Casino Control Commission.
- Working through the newly created Ohio Women’s Coalition to identify any contracting disparities and increase opportunities for women businesses.