Lattes with Legistators: State Senators Michele Reynolds & Al Cutrona

Senator Michele Reynolds is serving her first term in the Ohio Senate. She represents the people of Madison and Pickaway counties as well as the residents of Franklin County in Reynoldsburg, Canal Winchester, Grove City, Groveport, Lockbourne, Obetz, Galloway, Urbancrest, Prairie Township, Jackson Township, Madison Township, Truro Township, Hamilton Township, Franklin Township, Jefferson Township, and portions of Columbus.

As a lifelong resident of Ohio, Senator Reynolds has an extensive background representing the community, including serving on the Madison Township Board of Trustees. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati, a Master of Arts in Public Administration and Urban Studies from the University of Akron, a Master of Law from Thomas Jefferson School of Law, an Honorary Doctorate of Philosophy from CICA International University, and Seminary, and All But Dissertation for her earned doctorate degree in Business Administration from Northcentral University. She attended Hondros College and is a licensed Real Estate Salesperson in the State of Ohio, specializing in Commercial Real Estate.

Senator Reynolds has received multiple awards for her outreach work and humanitarian efforts. In 2016, she was bestowed with a Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award from former President Barack Obama. In 2018, she was conferred an honorary Doctorate degree in Humanities from CICA University and International Seminary. In 2019, she was inducted into the Ohio Commodores and received a 2019 Central Ohio Social Justice Award for Outstanding Leadership.

In addition to her public service, Senator Reynolds is a third-generation business owner and non-profit CEO. She and her husband pastor a church in Franklin County called The Destiny Center. Senator Reynolds and Rick have six children and reside in Canal Winchester.

Committee Assignments:

• Housing, Chair
• Judiciary, Vice Chair
• Workforce Development, Vice Chair
• Agriculture and Natural Resources
• Rules and Reference
• Small Business and Economic Opportunity

State Senator Al Cutrona is serving in the Ohio Senate following his appointment in 2024. He represents the 33rd Ohio Senate District, which encompasses Mahoning, Columbiana and Carroll counties.

Prior to joining the Senate, Cutrona served in the Ohio House for two terms. During his time as state representative, he accomplished several milestones, including passing the most bills out of the House chamber during his first year. He also chaired the Health Provider Services Committee and sponsored House Bill 2, the $3 billion state capital budget that helped fund several local community projects.

He is a proud graduate of Canfield High School, and he earned his bachelor’s degree in Political Science and History from Youngstown State University (YSU), where he graduated cum laude. During college he was a representative of the Student Government Association and member of the Academic Affairs Committee. He then attended law school and earned his J.D. from Case Western Reserve University School of Law, where he earned a leadership scholarship.

He has held a position as the Chief Operating Officer for a large tri-county infectious disease medical practice. The infectious disease medical practice covers Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties.

Additionally, he has held several other positions at law offices throughout his professional career. While in law school, he clerked for the Honorable Gene Donofrio of the Ohio Seventh District Court of Appeals and held an externship for the United States Attorney’s Office for the Northern District of Ohio in the Civil Division. 

Currently, Cutrona is a practicing attorney with a focus in healthcare, business, and bankruptcy law. 

He is a former Board of Trustees for Organizacion Civica y Cultural Hispana Americana (OCCHA). Cutrona remains active in his community celebrating both his Puerto Rican and Italian heritage and is a member of St. Anthony’s of Padua/Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Youngstown, Ohio. A lifetime member of the NRA, he enjoys spending his spare time hunting and helping out on his family’s farm.

136th General Assembly Committee Assignments:

• Small Business and Economic Opportunity, Chair 
• Addiction and Community Revitalization 
• Education
• Housing 
• Judiciary