Before being elected to the House, John has had a dedicated career in public service. In 2009, she was elected Mayor of the City of Shelby serving until her election as a Richland County Commissioner in 2015.

While working on her MBA, Marilyn worked as a Commercial Lines Underwriter at the Shelby Insurance Company. She later went on to become the Executive Director of the Shelby Senior Center.

After graduating from Plymouth High School, Marilyn attended North Central State College earning an Associate Degree in Business Management. She then earned a Bachelor's Degree in Business Management and Marketing and a Master of Business Administration from Ashland University.

Marilyn is a lifelong resident of Richland County and has been married to her husband Kevin since 1995. They have two children and attend Crossroads Community Church in Mansfield.