Sam with his wife Brittany, daughter Francesca, and the newest addition Teddy
Sam proposing in Havenwood Park in South Bexley!
Brittany, Sam, and their best buddy Walter in Havenwood Park!
Sam Marcellino
Your Bexley City Councilman
I am a proven leader, trusted by my peers and colleagues throughout my career and public service. From serving as Student Body President in law school, to receiving numerous awards and honors for leadership and service, I have consistently demonstrated the ability to bring people together, solve problems, and deliver results. My record on Bexley City Council reflects that same commitment.
I work collaboratively with residents, fellow councilmembers, and community partners to advance policies that make our city safer, stronger, and more welcoming. This longstanding history of leadership shows not only my dedication, but also the trust others have continually placed in me to represent their voices and move our community forward. I humbly ask that you do the same by re-electing me this November.
Quick Overview:
Born & Raised in a suburb of Boston
Moved to Bexley in 2001 for high school
Graduated from Bexley High School in 2005
Began practicing law in 2013
Moved back to Bexley in 2015
Married to Brittany in 2018 - we have two children, Francesca (2021) and Teddy (2025), and a dog named Walter.
Education:
Bexley High School
University of Kentucky (BA)
Honors: Dean's List
University of Toledo College of Law (JD)
Student Body President (2012-13)
Honors: Dean’s Award, Student Involvement Award, Public Service Commendation, Legal Equal Opportunity Scholarship
Professional:
Partner at Nager, Romaine & Schneiberg Co., L.P.A.
Professional Awards/Involvement:
Ohio Association for Justice, Vice President
National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40, since 2018
National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 – Civil Plaintiff’s Attorney
Super Lawyers, Rising Star: Workers’ Compensation, since 2021
Columbus CEO Top Lawyers: Workers’ Compensation, since 2023
Best Lawyers, Ones to Watch: Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury, and Employment Law (2022-25)
Best Lawyers: Workers’ Compensation, Personal Injury, since 2025
Ohio State Bar Association, OSBA Leadership Academy, 2019
Columbus Bar Association, Workers’ Compensation Committee Chair, 2020 to 2021
Columbus Bar Association, CBA Barrister Leadership Program, 2018
Community Involvement:
City of Bexley
City of Bexley, City Council (2022-Present)
Zoning & Development Chair (2024 & 2025)
Safety Chair (2022 & 2023)
Other Community Involvment
Other Awards:
2022 Bexley Minority Parent Assocation, Bowles Ford Alumni Award
More About Sam:
Originally from a suburb of Boston, my family moved to Bexley in 2001 just before my freshman year of high school. Like any teenager who was forced to move away from their friends to a new place, I could not wait to leave Bexley. However, as time passed Bexley’s charm grew on me.
In high school I was a member of Vocal Ensemble, The Torch, and played soccer. After graduating in 2005, I went on to attend the University of Kentucky (where I met my amazing wife), and the University of Toledo College of Law. In my final year of law school my peers elected me student body president, where I gained invaluable experience as a leader.
Throughout my time in college and law school, I would return to Bexley to visit my parents who still lived in South Bexley. It was during these visits that I got to see Bexley begin to blossom from a quiet, closed-door town, to an energetic, and progressive community. It was these positive changes in the community that ensured me Bexley was the place I wanted to raise my future family. As a result, we bought our first house on Grandon Avenue in 2017.
Since moving back, I have wanted to have a larger role in this community. In 2019 I applied, and was appointed to, the Charter Review Commission with 14 other amazing citizens. This process takes place every 10 years, and we were tasked with making changes to the city's charter. The changes are supposed to be proactive, as opposed to reactive, so I gained unique insight into how the city works, and what we can expect moving into the future.
Additionally, I was appointed by the Mayor to serve as one of Bexley's Complaint Liaisons in 2020. In this role I helped community members navigate the formal complaint process established by the city. My experience as a lawyer, my work with the city, and my previous leadership roles led to a successful first term on City Council.
Being the first Black elected public official in Bexley has carried real weight. At times, it’s been challenging and even isolating, but it’s also given me the chance to bring a new perspective to the table, one our community needs. Having served as the first Black Student Body President at my law school, it was not my first time facing this challenge.
Representation matters. Progress like this shows why it’s worth carrying the weight of being the first, because every step forward makes Bexley stronger and more welcoming for all. It has been an honor unlike any other to carry this torch.
My first term serving on City Council was successful due to a collaborative approach with each member that I served with. Changes I initiated and championed involved community policing, health and safety, affordability, improved communication channels, and the transparency and responsiveness of our city. That being said, there is still more to be done.
My family is truly what drives me to take an active role in this community. I want my children to live in a community where they are not only safe, but proud to call it home. Bexley has taken many steps forward, but there is still a way to go.
It is more important than ever to build on our community's strengths, while bringing about change that will ensure Bexley is a desirable community for all people for generations to come. Bexley is one of the most historic communities in Central Ohio, and for good reason. However, we need to ensure Bexley does not become stagnant. That is why I ask you, to re-elect me in November, to continue driving Bexley forward.
Please feel free to reach out and discuss these ideas with me by contacting me at SamForBexley@gmail.com.
Bexley is an amazing place, but it is the citizens that make it so special. Thus, I want to hear from you to make sure that your voice is heard. Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me, my work, and my passion for Bexley. With your help, I look forward to driving Bexley forward, together.