Micah McCarey is a dedicated leader, communicator, and advocate for inclusive communities. A native of Oberlin, Ohio, he has been an integral part of the Ohio University and Athens, Ohio communities since 2003, when he arrived on OHIO’s Athens Campus to pursue a degree in interpersonal and organizational communication.
During his undergraduate years, Micah demonstrated a commitment to leadership and diversity, serving as a student member of OHIO’s Board of Trustees, working as a resident assistant, and engaging with various diversity-focused organizations. His honors thesis, completed through OHIO’s Honors Tutorial College, explored how communicative experiences shape identity, setting the foundation for his future studies in human development and decision-making.
Driven by a passion for fostering individual and community growth, Micah earned a master's degree through OHIO’s Individual Interdisciplinary Program (IIP) and spent a decade advancing student success and diversity education in the Division of Student Affairs. In 2019, he transitioned to the Division of Diversity and Inclusion, where he currently serves as the Director of OHIO’s Pride Center.
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In 2022, Micah earned an interdisciplinary Ph.D. focused on positive psychology and decision-making, equipping him with research-backed strategies to enhance individual and group decision-making processes. His expertise extends beyond academia, as he also serves on Athens City Council, where he champions initiatives that promote equity, sustainability, and community engagement. His leadership has helped advance policies supporting accessible infrastructure, racial equity efforts, and community-driven governance initiatives that strengthen Athens’ future.
Micah’s leadership and impact have been widely recognized. In 2023, he received OHIO’s Outstanding Administrator Award, the university’s highest honor for excellence in administrative service. In 2024, he was named one of the National League of Cities’ (NLC) **Centennial Under 40 Impact Award** recipients, a distinction recognizing leaders who are driving transformative change in municipal governance. This honor affirms Micah’s ability to create innovative solutions that address community challenges, strengthen local democracy, and advance inclusive policy frameworks. Through his work, he is helping to shape a future where civic leadership is proactive, collaborative, and deeply responsive to community needs.
Micah is a servant leader who currently serves as an at-large member of Athens City Council where he leads the city’s Safety Services Committee and has passed legislation for Athens’s new fire department headquarters, road improvements, and enhanced city network security. He works to make public services and sidewalks accessible as liaison to the Community Relations Commission and Commission on Disabilities. Micah introduced and passed citywide legislation extending racial discrimination protections and supports pro-choice initiatives. Micah looks forward to serving with commitments to community, public safety, economic prosperity, school funding, and environmental protections as our City Council President.
To connect and/or share your visions for Athens, contact Micah at: