Contributed
State Senator Catherine Ingram hosted a special ceremonial unveiling of the “Brigid Kelly Norwood Lateral” on Thursday, May 1.
This designation honors the life and legacy of the late Representative and Hamilton County Auditor Brigid Kelly, whose unwavering dedication to public service and her community continues to inspire all who knew her. Her commitment to advocacy, equity, and the people of Hamilton County has left a deep and lasting impact.
Brigid Kelly was born and raised in Norwood, Ohio and attended Saint Ursula Academy in Cincinnati. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in entrepreneurship and marketing from Xavier University and a Master of Arts Degree in Labor and Employment Relations from the University of Cincinnati. Kelly was elected as a member of the Norwood City Council in 2006, one year after graduating from college, and she spent more than a decade working for members of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 75 (UFCW75), representing union members in the grocery and food processing industries.
From 2016 to 2022, Kelly was a State Representative for Ohio House District 31 and served as Democratic Caucus Whip. She fought in the State House for hardworking families and focused on issues that impact all Ohioans such as good wages, affordable healthcare benefits, and safe workplaces.
Kelly focused on ensuring that Ohio’s children receive the best education by making investments in local schools, holding corporations accountable for taxpayer investments, and pursuing policies important to families, such as paid sick and family leave.
Kelly passed bipartisan legislation repealing the “pink tax†in Ohio in order to eliminate sales taxes on feminine hygiene products.
She was elected to serve as Hamilton County Auditor in 2022, becoming the first woman to be elected to this position. Under her leadership, the Office of the Hamilton County Auditor completed the reappraisal of 350,000 parcels of real estate, modernized the Board of Revision process, and increased staff to create more equity.
Kelly was known for her commitment to the highest levels of accountability, dedication, fairness, and “team first†mentality.
Brigid Kelly passed March 26, 2024 at the age of 40 years old, and is survived by her spouse, Steve Culter, parents Martha Tepe and former Norwood Mayor Robert Kelly, brothers Ned (Heather) Kelly and Gregory (Oluwafisayo) Kelly, and a large extended family.
In accordance with the Ohio Revised Code, the westbound and eastbound lanes of State Route 562, between Interstate 75 and Interstate 71, will now carry the name “Brigid Kelly Norwood Lateralâ€.