Columbus, OH - Governor Ted Strickland announced today State Representative Kenneth A. Carano will serve as the regional director for the Office of the Governor for the Mahoning Valley.
“Ken Carano is uniquely qualified because of his vast experience as a public servant, educator and entrepreneur,” Strickland said.
Carano will begin with the Strickland Administration effective May 1, 2007.
Carano will act as an advisor, representative and liaison for the governor and state agencies on state and local issues concerning the four county area of the Mahoning Valley (Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana).
“I am honored Governor Strickland selected me to represent his office in the Valley,” Carano said. “I look forward to continuing my service to the people of this region and I will take their concerns, good ideas and thoughts about how to turnaround Ohio and the Mahoning Valley directly to the governor.”
In 2000 Carano was elected to serve the 65th District in the Ohio House of Representatives, and was re-elected in the newly designated 59th District since 2002. He served on numerous committees, including serving as the ranking member of the House Education Committee. Prior to his election to the Ohio House, Carano served as a member of the Austintown Township Board of Trustees.
Carano’s entrepreneurial experiences include Carano Enterprises, owner and managing partner of Regency Associates, LLP and owner and operator of K&L Painting.
From 1980-2000 Carano was a limited service instructor in the Communications Department at Youngstown State University. He prepared curriculum and instructed a business and professional speaking course and a course on speech for classroom teachers. Carano was also an English and speech teacher at Austintown Fitch High School.
Carano received a bachelor’s degree in education from Youngstown State University. He is a member of multiple community and professional organizations throughout the Mahoning Valley.