Rep. Stewart Awarded "Legislator of the Year" by Children Services Organization

State Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) was recently honored with the Legislator of the Year Award by the Public Children Services Association of Ohio (PCSAO). The award recognizes Rep. Stewart’s leadership on the state budget process and workforce issues related to children services. 

The PCSAO “Legislator of the Year” Award recognizes outstanding leadership – and action – by legislators on issues impacting children and families served by the children services system. Rep. Stewart received the award during PCSAO’s 2025 annual conference held earlier this month in Columbus.

During the event, the organization honored Rep. Stewart, who also serves as Chair of the House Finance Committee and led the Budget process, for his efforts to amend provisions in House Bill 497. Through his work, the bill was updated to provide for greater flexibility on educational requirements for case workers, further reinforcing the importance of recruiting and retaining a quality workforce with the goal of spurring positive outcomes for children and families.  

Chair Stewart also championed children services throughout the state budget process, including an increase of $55 million for children’s services to $265 million over the biennium and $20 million to establish regional child wellness centers to house abused, neglected children.

“It is an honor to receive this award. Taking care of Ohio’s most vulnerable children is not optional – it is a necessity – and it is an area I have been passionate about for my entire career,” said Rep. Stewart. 

In addition to his work as a state representative, Rep. Stewart maintains a private law practice in Circleville. Before being elected to the House, Rep. Stewart served as Pickaway County Commissioner.

PCSAO is a membership-driven association of Ohio’s county Public Children Services Agencies that advocates for sound public policy, promotes program excellence, and builds public value for safe children, stable families, and supportive communities.