CIRCLEVILLE, Ohio — Audrey Lukasak, a Circleville resident since 2020, has been appointed as the 3rd Ward representative on the Circleville City Council. She was chosen by the Democratic Party to complete the term of Councilman Zach Brooks, who recently stepped down.
In an interview, Lukasak reflected on her journey to Circleville and her plans for the community.
“I moved to Circleville during the pandemic in 2020,” Lukasak shared. “Originally, I’m from Michigan, Minnesota, and Iowa, but I’ve lived in various places across the country, including Wisconsin, Michigan, and Washington, D.C.”
A minister by profession, Lukasak has worked as an interim pastor at several churches, including Trinity and the Presbyterian Church. She also served as a chaplain at The Ohio State University, Ohio Health Chaplin Hospice, and Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota. Her career has been deeply rooted in leadership and community service.
Lukasak’s involvement in local Democratic meetings sparked her interest in city government. “I attended a meeting where the mayor was discussing the levy, and I wanted to support women in leadership roles. When I was approached to take on this role after Zach stepped down, it felt like a natural extension of my commitment to the community.”
Her vision for Circleville includes fostering community connections, addressing the needs of children and families, and enhancing public spaces. “I’m passionate about creating safe spaces for families, such as bike paths, and addressing issues of poverty and loneliness. Having worked in churches, I’ve seen the impact of community programs and believe there’s an opportunity to bring similar initiatives here.”
Lukasak also highlighted her experience in organizational leadership and advocacy. “Throughout my career, I’ve worked on issues ranging from education for the hearing impaired to hunger advocacy. I’ve traveled internationally, gaining insights into community-building, which I hope to apply here.”
As part of her vision, Lukasak sees potential in strengthening ties between local organizations and churches to address community challenges. She also supports innovative ideas, such as introducing a chaplaincy program for the Circleville Police Department, drawing from her previous work with first responder chaplains.
Despite the unexpected path that brought her to Circleville, Lukasak expressed enthusiasm about her role on City Council. “Moving during the pandemic was challenging, but it’s been a blessing to settle here. I’m excited to listen, observe, and see where my gifts can make a difference in Circleville’s future.”
As Lukasak begins her term, she looks forward to building stronger connections within the community and exploring ways to serve Circleville with her diverse experiences and deep commitment to public service.
