Office of the Governor Press Releases

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced grant awards totaling $5 million for the development of utility-scale wind energy projects. Two projects will receive funding for production projects: The Buckeye Wind project developed by EverPower Renewables in Champaign and Logan Counties, and the JW Great Lake’s Wood County Wind Farm in Wood County.

The awards are the result of the first round of the Ohio Wind Production and Manufacturing Incentive Program administered by the Ohio Department of Development, Ohio Energy Office.

“This investment is an important first step as we aim to create thousands of good-paying jobs by focusing on advanced energy production,” Strickland said. “Ohio’s commitment to wind energy will create economic development opportunities for communities across the state.”

“As Governor Strickland stressed yesterday with the unveiling of his energy strategy, Ohio must move beyond the status quo and into a position of global leadership in advanced energy technologies,” said Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “The potential for job growth is substantial with a commitment to renewable energy.”

EverPower’s multi-million dollar Buckeye Wind project is rated at a peak capacity of 100 megawatts (MW) and will have sites in Logan and Champaign Counties. The Buckeye Wind Project was approved for a grant of up to $3 million based on the amount of energy produced. The project will generate enough electricity to supply all the electricity needs for approximately 30,000 homes and is expected to be installed and operational by June 30, 2009.

JW Great Lakes’ Wood County Wind Farm is also a multimillion dollar project that is rated at a peak capacity of 49.5 MW. The Wood County project was approved to receive up to $2 million based on the amount of energy produced. The project will generate enough electricity to supply all the electricity needs for approximately 15,000 homes in Wood County and is expected to be installed and operational by June 30, 2009.

The awardees will receive a payment of 1 cent per kilowatt-hour for electricity generated and an additional 0.2 cents per kilowatt-hour will be available to projects that utilize Ohio-manufactured wind turbines. Payments will continue for five years or until the maximum funding award is reached, whichever comes first. It is likely that the wind turbines used for these projects will contain Ohio-made components.

Wind Production and Manufacturing applications underwent a thorough internal and external review process with assistance from the Lawrence Berkeley Livermore Laboratory of the U.S. Department of Energy.

Funding for the Ohio Wind Production and Manufacturing Incentive was authorized by House Bill 251, introduced by Representative Joseph Uecker (R- House District 66), passed in early 2007. The Ohio Department of Development administers the production incentive through the Advanced Energy Fund. Originally called the Energy Efficiency Revolving Loan Fund, it was established in 1999 by the Ohio General Assembly during electric restructuring. The Ohio Department of Development also supports wind development in Ohio by maintaining an on-line, high-resolution interactive wind map and by participating actively in the Ohio Wind Working Group. More information is available at www.ohiowind.org.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced his Energy, Jobs and Progress plan that will ensure predictability of affordable energy prices and serve as a catalyst to enhance energy industries in Ohio, bringing new jobs while protecting existing jobs.

The Energy, Jobs and Progress plan will achieve three objectives:

* Ensure affordable and stable energy prices to protect Ohio consumers and existing Ohio jobs
* Attract energy jobs of the future through an Ohio advanced energy portfolio standard
* Safeguard Ohio families by empowering consumers and modernizing Ohio’s energy infrastructure.

Strickland’s plan will ensure affordable and stable energy prices to protect Ohio consumers and existing Ohio jobs by taking a middle-ground approach to electricity regulation. The plan includes a market-based pricing option contingent upon the development of an efficient, open and competitive market. The plan also allows utilities to choose an electricity security plan, which would give the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio responsibility for approving rates that are based on the cost of doing business.

The plan's advanced energy portfolio standard will bring the energy jobs of the future to the state, creating new opportunities for thousands of Ohioans. It requires that at least 25 percent of the electricity sold in Ohio must be generated from advanced energy technology by 2025, and no less than half of that advanced energy must be created in Ohio.

The Energy, Jobs and Progress plan will also safeguard Ohio families by empowering consumers to demand greater efficiency, transparency and service from their utility companies. This can be accomplished by encouraging investment and modernization of Ohio’s energy infrastructure, which is not only a benefit for consumers but also protects and secures the state’s economy.

Strickland’s complete remarks:


Every generation learns an old lesson and thinks it’s new.

Back in the 1880s, a vast supply of natural gas was found in northwest Ohio.

In fact, in Findlay it was said that the region had the largest reserve of natural gas in the world.

There was so much that it was given away free. Locals bragged that natural gas was as “free as the air.”

There was so much that lesser wells went uncapped – or were simply burned off.

The local chamber of commerce took out newspaper ads across the country touting “Free Fuel! Free Sites!” for any manufacturer willing to relocate.

Every home and every company in town used natural gas for heat, for lighting, and to run machinery.

With abundant energy fueling prosperity and ease, the population of Findlay quadrupled in less than a decade.

It was, in the words of a historian, “a wild, mad, exciting, exhilarating, spectacular” time.

Given their resources and how quickly the area had grown, town leaders saw no reason to doubt that they lived in what was destined to become the manufacturing center of the world.

There were naysayers. Geologists regularly warned that the gas supply was limited. But their warnings were ignored by some and dismissed by others.

By the turn of the century, however, area residents and companies had only memories of free fuel. In fact, my friends, they had only memories of the endless supply of natural gas.

Today in Ohio, we could assume that the energy we rely upon now will always be sufficient – and quietly wait for the day of crisis when that is no longer the case.

Or we can admit to an undeniable truth – that our energy sources must be broadened and modernized, that we must adopt more efficient practices, that our regulation policies must be made sensible and fair – and achieve a secure energy future for Ohio.

I know that energy isn’t the first thought for most people when they wake up in the morning.

But energy shapes economies, energy shapes communities, energy shapes lives.

And that’s particularly true in Ohio.

We are blessed to be among the nation’s leading manufacturing states and to be home to one of America’s largest concentrations of Fortune 500 companies.

But the consequence of all that is done here and all that is made here is the vast quantity of energy that is consumed here.

In fact, Ohio is 5th among the states in overall energy consumption. Our economy spends more than 30 billion dollars on energy every year, and electricity is the single biggest component of our energy use.

In 1999, Ohio moved toward deregulating electricity under the belief that competitive market forces would develop and hold prices down. But it is widely acknowledged that a competitive electricity market has not emerged in Ohio. When you offer consumers a product with no choice of who they buy from, you don’t have a market, you have a monopoly. And prices don’t go down, they rise ever higher.

Indeed, ever since 1999 there has been recognition of this fact, as well as the need to keep electric rates predictable and stable, because to this day the PUCO has retained the cushion of rate stabilization. And it is that cushion that has kept rates paid by consumers and companies from rapidly escalating.

But rate stabilization is set to expire at the end of next year.

Many of Ohio’s largest employers have expressed the concern that deregulation without rate stabilization will mean skyrocketing electricity prices and an unprecedented drain on Ohio’s economy.

Quite frankly, their fears are not without foundation.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, customers in states with deregulated electricity paid 30 percent more last year than customers in regulated states.

When their version of rate stabilization ended this year in Illinois, electricity bills immediately jumped as much as 55 percent.

When rate stabilization ended last summer in Maryland, electric bills soared by 72 percent.

Headlines across the country tell the story of small businesses literally shutting their doors because their electric bills more than doubled.

And that job loss is coupled with personal hardship. USA Today recently detailed what happened to an East St. Louis, Illinois family whose electric bill quadrupled when the state’s rate caps expired. The wife had to take her engagement ring off her finger and return it. Her husband had to take extra shifts at his warehouse job. And still they may not be able to pay their electric bills.

Equally troubling, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission has documented the potential for manipulation in a totally deregulated market.

All of you recall the shameful example of Enron’s efforts to exploit the deregulated electricity market in California. By intentionally limiting available power, then watching prices soar as demand spiked, companies including Enron are believed to have bilked 9 billion dollars from California consumers over the course of just a few months. Infamously, two Enron energy traders were caught on tape bragging about how they were bankrupting the grandmothers of California with outrageous electricity bills.

We must heed these lessons.

Let me say I do not see us going back to a fully regulated system, but I do see us moving forward with a carefully crafted system that ensures price stability, and an adequate and reliable supply of electricity.

Our energy policy is not simply a matter of what we stand to lose. It is a matter of what we stand to gain – jobs. Energy can be a catalyst for new jobs, bringing forth a new day, a new economy, a new Ohio.

An economic analysis by the Apollo Alliance found that an expanded use of renewable energy would provide Ohio more than 20,000 new manufacturing jobs building the products necessary to harvest the energy of the wind, sun, water and other renewable resources.

And that represents only a fraction of the potential jobs to be gained in the research and operation of not only renewable but other advanced energy options.

Advanced energy offers the promise of high paying jobs – jobs that would take advantage of Ohio’s strengths in manufacturing, our location, and our workforce.

And all the while we will help power our economy with cleaner fuels and take control of our energy destiny.

We now face a choice. We can embrace unchecked monopolies presented under the guise of a deregulated marketplace, a false marketplace that would stifle our economy, and leave to chance the development of innovation.

Or we can embrace a carefully crafted hybrid approach that recognizes how we generate, distribute, and price electricity affects every one of us every day, and acknowledges that maintaining an adequate supply of electricity is a fundamental responsibility of our state government.

Today, I am offering my vision of an electricity market that will provide reliable, affordable, and sustainable power essential to Ohio’s future.

First, we must protect Ohio jobs. And in order to do that, there must be a sensible balance between regulation and competition. We must develop a market that serves the needs of Ohio, not a system that offers utilities both the benefits of deregulation and the protections of regulation.

We should give utilities the option of pursuing either a competitive market pricing plan or an electricity security plan.

If an efficient and competitive market emerges, with service territories open to competitors on a reasonable basis, then utilities should be allowed to charge market rates.

However, until such an efficient, open, and competitive market exists, rates should be set under an electricity security plan. Rates will be determined in part by the cost of generating and delivering electricity. Rate decisions will also be determined by considering the long term sustainability of energy by allowing utilities to recoup costs of environmental innovations and new power plants. And while utilities are certainly entitled to fair returns, electricity rates will also factor in the significant investment Ohio ratepayers have already made in the capital assets of those utilities.

Second, we must implement an advanced energy portfolio standard in order to create thousands of new Ohio jobs.

Next generation energy technologies, including renewable energy, fuel cells, clean coal, advanced nuclear, and cogeneration offer the promise of a secure energy future and a prosperous economic future.

Under my plan, by 2025, a minimum of 25 percent of the electricity sold in Ohio must be generated from advanced energy technology. No less than half of that energy will come from renewable sources, including biomass, wind, solar, anaerobic digesters, geothermal, and hydro power. And no less than half of that advanced energy must be created in Ohio.

Third, the electricity market must feature accountability and transparency. Quite simply, customers should be able to understand what they pay for and what they get.

The true cost of generating electricity rises at times of peak demand and falls when demand declines. It may cost a utility 10, or 20, or even more times as much to provide electricity for the same load of laundry washed at 4 p.m. on a weekday instead of a few hours later.

Yet that reality is all but absent from a consumer’s experience because they have no way of measuring how their energy use relates to demand or cost. Our approach will result in the PUCO speeding up consumers’ access to advanced meters that will show them not just how much, but when they are using electricity, and when they could use less expensive power.

It is also time to give the PUCO a fair accounting of the deals utilities offer to certain customers in the course of the commission’s proceedings. If a side deal offering a special rate for electricity is in effect which influences outcomes, I will propose requiring those transactions be disclosed to the PUCO. While this proprietary information will remain only in the PUCO’s hands, it will provide the commission comprehensive information on all the rates charged to ensure that its deliberations result in a fair and just decision.

My plan requires utilities to work with the PUCO to establish meaningful, plain language performance targets for meeting consumers’ needs, and it establishes financial consequences if those targets are unmet.

Fourth, consumers deserve equal footing with utilities. Electricity is vital in the lives of every Ohioan and every Ohio company. Therefore, the needs and preferences of our utilities cannot be the PUCO’s sole concern.

Indeed, organizations representing consumer groups should enjoy equal standing in consideration of regulations and rate negotiations.

Fifth, we must update and modernize Ohio’s electric infrastructure. Our responsibility for a secure energy future requires not only the generation of power but its reliable delivery. Quite frankly, our power plants, transmission lines, and distribution networks are showing their age.

Under my proposal, utilities in the electricity security option must submit a long-term, infrastructure modernization plan. Utilities must also integrate all their infrastructure resources, not just the most profitable segments of the business, into their planning.

To make it easier for utilities to maintain their infrastructure in the short term, under certain conditions single issue rate cases will be permitted. That is, rather than having to make a case based on the entirety of their service delivery system, a utility can propose a rate change for a limited geographic area or to achieve a limited purpose that is central to maintaining their system.

Sixth, energy efficiency must be a central element of our electricity system. Efficiency is simply our cheapest, cleanest, and most readily available energy resource.

Under my plan, by 2025, utilities must meet at least 25 percent of the growth in electricity demand by achieving power saving efficiencies. And, efficiency steps should provide no less than 10 percent of the total peak demand of electricity.

Further, in recognition of the fact that a megawatt saved is as valuable as a megawatt generated, the PUCO may treat efficiency as a production cost.

Right now our utilities have an unhealthy incentive to simply sell more power to generate more revenue, rather than fully meeting the needs of the Ohio market with as little electricity as possible. Therefore, if other measures fail to provide efficiency, the PUCO should be authorized to allow utilities to profit from increasing efficiency to the point where electricity sales actually fall.

Seventh, our electricity plan must address the threat of global warming.

While acknowledging that standards must be flexible enough to account for differences in the type of energy used and the technology available when a power plant was built, we should begin carbon control planning for each site. As a first step, under my plan each power plant in Ohio will make a full annual report of its greenhouse gas emissions.

Coal has been, is, and will be an integral part of Ohio’s economy. By using clean coal technology, we can take steps to reduce the carbon impact of coal. Carbon sequestration offers us that opportunity. By injecting carbon dioxide deep into the Earth instead of sending it into the atmosphere, we can significantly reduce the effect of coal on our climate. Under my plan, we will pursue pilot and demonstration projects to fully measure the potential benefits of carbon sequestration.

Finally, to help advance these worthy goals, my plan calls on the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority to accomplish several critical functions.

The Authority will procure electricity for state facilities through pool purchasing, provide lower cost financing for new power generation projects, coordinate state supported energy research and development funds, and support the energy efficiency efforts of utilities.

Acting on behalf of Ohio’s economy and Ohio consumers, the Authority will also be empowered, but not required, to make reduced-cost power available to key industrial sectors, lead Ohio’s deployment of renewable energy installations, and provide incentives to utilities making early use of next generation energy technology.

Let me say, this is not a plan for the utilities. It’s not a plan for the manufacturers. It’s a plan for Ohio. It’s a plan to protect existing jobs and to attract new jobs.

We need to realize that competing and colliding self interests will not advance a more sensible and secure energy policy. But our collective interest in the health of our economy, the health of our environment, and the health of our future will move us forward.

Cynics might say that our best days are behind us. But they are wrong. Energy can be the key to our economic renaissance.

A secure energy future will protect Ohio jobs. A secure energy future will create jobs for those who will help us harvest renewable and next generation energy. A secure energy future means that Ohio will attract jobs from states with higher electricity rates.

My friends, in Ohio we’ve long been at the forefront of energy advances.

Before this state was even two decades old, we were a manufacturing giant because Ohio mills successfully created power from running water.

Before this state was a century old, Ohioan Charles Brush was one of the very first to harness the power of electricity.

As a youngster, Charles Brush lived on a farm and went on to graduate from a Cleveland public high school. He began his path-breaking work with the modest tools available to him.

His early experiments on developing an electric generator depended for power on horses walking on a treadmill. But his work progressed until he had developed a machine that was the basis of commercial electric power generation.

Charles Brush also worked with electric lighting. His innovations led to the first electric streetlights in the world. They were installed in his hometown of Cleveland in 1879. A crowd of more than a thousand gathered in the center of the city to see them turned on for the first time.

Within two years, Brush’s Ohio-made lights were illuminating the streets of major cities across the country including New York, Boston, and San Francisco.

And it was in his back yard in Cleveland that a few years later Charles Brush built the first automatic, electricity-generating windmill in the world.

That windmill is the predecessor of the kind of alternative energy source we must make better use of today. Because we’re on the cusp of a new generation of energy technology, and we must stake our claim.

Ohio can lead the way in the generation of energy, in the manufacturing of hardware necessary to create that energy, and in a sensible plan to provide energy to our people and our companies.

This is a good day for Ohio. Because as a writer once put it, “When you have energy, you have hope.”

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland shortly before midnight Sunday sent a letter to President George W. Bush requesting a federal disaster declaration for Allen, Crawford, Hancock, Putnam, Richland and Wyandot Counties.

The governor was able to make his request following the completion of joint state and federal preliminary damage assessments in those six counties. Damage assessments continue for Hardin, Seneca and Van Wert counties, for which the governor has also declared an emergency.

“As I travel through affected areas I continue to be inspired by the number of Ohioans who saw great need in their state and did not hesitate to do all they could to help,” Strickland said. “The State of Ohio is doing all it can to offer assistance to those in need, but the need is so great that we are requesting that President Bush make Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance available immediately.”

The governor’s letter also outlined the state’s extensive assistance and response efforts. The full letter is available by clicking here.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed an Executive Order aimed at stopping the flood of new electronic gambling machines in Ohio.

The Executive Order authorizes Attorney General Marc Dann to immediately implement a new administrative rule that will provide a usable definition for “skill-based amusement game,” giving law enforcement authorities clear guidance about which machines are illegal gambling machines and which are amusement machines protected by Ohio law.

Expressing concern about the rapid proliferation of gambling machines throughout the state, Strickland noted that this action was necessitated by gambling interests which have exploited a provision in Ohio law designed to protect amusement games like those at Chuck E. Cheese or Cedar Point which allow one to win small non-cash prizes.

“Illegal gambling machines have become more accessible in Ohio’s communities because the laws do not adequately define what is and what is not a ‘skill-based amusement machine’ and some people have taken advantage of the ambiguity,” Strickland said. “By making these clarifications, law enforcement authorities will have the tools they need to take immediate action against those bringing illegal gambling machines into our state.”

“I continue to believe that the best long-term solution would be a legislative one,” Strickland said, “And I appreciate the leadership of Speaker Husted in helping us find such a solution.”

With the signing of the Executive Order, a new administrative rule clarifying the Attorney General's consumer protection authority in this area will be able to take immediate effect. In addition, local police, sheriffs and prosecutors will be able to immediately begin using the new “skill-based amusement machine” definition to support their enforcement of Ohio's laws against gambling, including existing laws against illegal gambling machines.

“There is a big difference between playing a video game at an arcade and winning a toy for the effort and playing a machine that bears a striking resemblance to a slot machine and receiving cash,” Strickland said. “We are going to make the difference crystal clear through administrative rule until the legislature can take more permanent action.”

The new rule defines skill-based amusement machines as any mechanical or electronic game that awards merchandise prizes, not cash or vouchers for cash, based on the successful accomplishment of the object of the game or on a player’s score. Winning the game cannot be dependent on a pre-programmed number or percentage of wins, and the machines cannot be controlled by any other source, including chance, beyond the actions of the person playing the game.

Merchandise prizes for the skill-based amusement games will be limited to items with a wholesale value of $10 or less. Vouchers redeemable for merchandise can be awarded for any single play of a machine, but cannot be redeemable for merchandise prizes worth more than a wholesale price of $10. Additionally, redeemable vouchers can be accumulated, but can only be redeemed for merchandise that has a value of $10 times the fewest number of single plays necessary to obtain that prize. For example, if the merchandise one selects as a prize has a wholesale value of $100, the player of the game must have played that game at least 10 times, and won the maximum number of redeemable vouchers all 10 times, to receive that prize.

Merchandise prizes may not include cash, gift cards or equivalent; plays on games of chance such as state lottery tickets, bingo or instant bingo; firearms, tobacco or alcoholic beverages; or a voucher that is redeemable for any of these items.

Columbus, Ohio - Governor Ted Strickland today announced the approval of a $122 million partnership between the Ohio Third Frontier Project and the University System of Ohio to significantly increase the state’s investment in cutting-edge scholarship and centers of excellence at Ohio’s colleges and universities.

“This partnership creates an unprecedented and powerful collaboration between the Ohio Third Frontier Project and higher education,” Strickland said. “The pledge announced today reinforces our administration’s commitment to building on our existing strengths in research and technology to bring the best talent to Ohio, and keeping them here.”

The new partnership, approved at the Ohio Third Frontier Commission meeting Tuesday, will recruit senior scholar research talent from disciplines directly related to the five technology focus areas defined for the Third Frontier Project: advanced materials; biosciences; information technology; power and propulsion; and instruments, controls, and electronics.

“This proposed joint funding program involves a close collaboration of the Third Frontier Project with the University System of Ohio and guarantees that our research goals are fully aligned with the State’s economic development strategies,” said Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut. “This use of combined funding to endow and equip world-class research scholars at our universities underscores the importance of innovative academic research to the success of Ohio’s ongoing technology commercialization initiatives.”

The Ohio Third Frontier Project will provide $72 million for the recruitment program, and the University System of Ohio will fund the remaining $50 million from the Ohio Research Scholars Program that was initiated with the enactment of House Bill 119. This program makes the Commission and the University System of Ohio partners in the oversight and approval process for funding recommendations, aligning their shared goals in science and technology.

“This action by the Chancellor and the Commission deepens and leverages the Ohio Third Frontier Project by combining Third Frontier funds with funds from the University System of Ohio in a joint competitive process consistent with the mission of the Third Frontier Project. This demonstrates the drive and vision to elevate Ohio to the next level in research and commercialization,” said Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, who also serves as Director of the Ohio Department of Development and Chair of the Third Frontier Commission. “Our goal is to work every day to create and retain well-paying jobs for Ohioans, and this collaborative effort demonstrates that it is the role of every state agency to further economic development.”

“The ability to attract high-quality research talent is critical in becoming a nationally and internationally known industry leader,” said Mark Collar, Chairman of the Third Frontier Advisory Board and President, Special Assignment, The Procter & Gamble Company. “Nurturing the resources to keep that talent can be the key to bringing projects to successful commercialization.”

Members of the Ohio Third Frontier Commission and Chancellor Fingerhut will develop a joint request for proposals to offer talent-attraction grants consisting of funding components including operational support for endowed chairs and research personnel, as well as capital support for the acquisition of scientific facilities and equipment. Private research institutions are also eligible to participate in this initiative.

The Ohio Third Frontier Project is a 10-year, $1.6 billion initiative to expand Ohio’s high-tech research capabilities by building world-class capacity and financing manufacturing technologies to build on Ohio’s existing industries.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland announced today appointments to several state boards and commissions.

The Ohio Civil Rights Commission is charged with working toward better enforcement of Ohio’s Civil Rights’ statutes. It reviews, and, if necessary, takes action against discrimination in housing, employment, union activities and public accommodation.

Barbara Sykes, of Akron, has been appointed as chair of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. Sykes is currently the president and CEO of the Ohio United Way. A former state representative, Sykes was president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus from 2003-2006. She also served 12 years as the deputy auditor of administration for Summit County and was the first African American woman to serve on Akron City Council. Sykes earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Akron.

University of Toledo Board of Trustees

Amjad Hussain, of Maumee, is a professor emeritus of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at the University of Toledo College of Medicine and an op-ed columnist for the Toledo Blade. Hussain graduated with distinction in 1962 from Khyber Medical College in Peshawar, Pakistan, and has returned on an annual basis since 1976 to teach at the college. He is a fellow in the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Ohio State Medical Association, among his numerous professional memberships.

Cleveland State University Board of Trustees

Stephanie McHenry, of Shaker Heights, is the president of ShoreBank, Cleveland Region. Previously, McHenry served as senior director of Minority Business Development for The Greater Cleveland Growth Association and as executive director of the Northern Ohio Minority Business Council. McHenry serves on several organizations’ governing bodies, including those of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the Commission on Economic Inclusion, and University Hospitals of Cleveland. She received a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College in 1984.

Robert Rawson, of Cleveland, is a partner in the Cleveland office of Jones Day. He is a past president of the Citizens League of Greater Cleveland, past chair of the Cleveland Education Fund, and a past member of the Princeton University Board of Trustees. He currently serves on the board of the Greater Cleveland Partnership and as chair of the Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education. Rawson received a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University in 1966, a master’s degree from Oxford University in 1968 and a law degree from Harvard University in 1971.

Belmont Technical College Board of Trustees

Lorrinda Saxby, of St. Clairsville, currently serves as the director of the Salt Fork Regional School Improvement Team for the Ohio Department of Education. A former public school teacher and principal, she also served as the superintendent for the St. Clairsville-Richland City School District from 1992-2001. Saxby received a bachelor’s degree from Urbana College in 1973, a master’s degree from Wright State University in 1978 and a doctorate degree in education from Miami University in 1991.

Youngstown State University Board of Trustees, Student Member

Stephen Foley, of Richmond, is pursuing bachelor’s degrees in political science and psychology. In addition to being a University Scholar, Foley is involved in several extracurricular and academic activities. He is a member of Golden Key, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Foley is also active in Model United Nations and Model NATO.

Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees, Student Member

Daniel Jacoby, of Bowling Green, is pursing a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an expected graduation date of May 2009. Since 2004, he has worked as a circulation desk assistant for the Wood County District Public Library in Bowling Green. Jacoby received Dean’s List honors his freshman year at BGSU and was awarded the BG Success Scholarship.

University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees, Student Member

Seth Vensil, of Frazeysburg, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry/pre-medicine with an expected graduation date of June 2009. Vensil is the president of UC’s Nightwalk Safety Board and the consultant chair for the Student Activities Board. He is also a member of the University Honors Scholars Program, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity and the Inter-Fraternity Council Judicial Board.

Kent State University Board of Trustees, Student Member

Gina Spencer, of Euclid, received a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 2004 and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Kent State in May 2007. She is currently enrolled in an educational specialist program in special education and plans to pursue her doctorate. Among her numerous undergraduate and graduate student activities, Spencer served as president of the KSU chapter of the Ohio Rehabilitation Association/National Rehabilitation Counseling Association.

The Third Frontier Advisory Board advises the Third Frontier Commission on various items, including the strategic planning, general management and coordination of programs administered by the Commission.

Nancy Enright, of Kettering, currently works as a researcher for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) District 1199 in Columbus. She has also served as a senior engineer in research and development for Procter and Gamble. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1996 and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Cincinnati in 2004.

The Ohio Parks and Recreation Council advises the chief of the Division of Parks and Recreation on park development, formulation and implementation of park policy, planning, park acquisitions, programming, and finance.

John Jaeger, of Perrysburg, has served as the director of natural resources for the Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area since 2000. He was previously a naturalist/historic interpreter for the park district from 1985-2000. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) of the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association. Jaeger received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo in 1972.

The Solid Waste Management Advisory Council advises and assists the director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency with preparation of the state’s solid waste management plan and periodic revisions to the plan.

Mark Thomas, of St. Clairsville, has been a Belmont County Commissioner since 2001. He is a practicing attorney for Thomas Law Offices, LLC, and previously served as law director for the city of St. Clairsville. Thomas is the chair of the Jefferson/Belmont Solid Waste Authority and serves on the board of trustees for the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. Thomas received a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 1982 and a law degree from Ohio Northern University in 1986.

The Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission is charged with allocating state funds to soil conversation districts, recommending to the director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources the level of appropriations to special funds, advising and assisting the supervisors of soil and water conservation districts and issuing appropriate regulations governing the conduct of referendums and elections with respect to the districts.

Frederick Cash, of Richmond Heights, has worked for CT Consultants, Inc., an engineering and architectural firm based in Willoughby, since 1985. He currently serves as the construction administration department manager and chief construction managing engineer for the Construction Services Division. Cash is a board member for the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District. He received a bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University in 1977.

The Real Estate Appraiser Board oversees the operation of the real estate appraiser certification program and requires the Superintendent of Real Estate to administer and enforce the certification program.

Lytle Davis, of Cleveland, has been a real estate appraiser for L.T. Davis & Associates in Cleveland since 1977. His appraisal and review experience includes residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use properties. Davis is on the board of directors for the National Society of Real Estate Appraisers. He received a bachelor’s degree from Kentucky State University in 1957 and a master’s degree from John Carroll University in 1967. He is a State Certified General Appraiser.

The State Board of Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics adopts rules to carry out the form and manner of filing licensure applications and renewals and the standards for evaluating licensure examinations.

David DeLuccia, of Columbus, is an Ohio Licensed/American Board Certified orthotist/prosthetist and currently works on the staff of American Orthopedics in Columbus. He is a frequent presenter for students in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Program at the Ohio State University and a consultant to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. DeLuccia received his bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College in 1998 and his Certificate in Orthotics in 2000 from the Newington Certificate Program.

Elsa Fritts, of Akron, is a certified, licensed pedorthist, and has established relationships with the medical community to assist patients with proper footwear and prescription orthotics. She is the owner of Foot Solutions stores, which offer specialty shoes and custom orthotics, in Lyndhurst and Strongsville. Fritts received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri in 1979 and a master’s degree from Lindenwood University in 1986. She also attended the Foot Solutions Pedorthic School in Atlanta.

The Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission is responsible for conducting a review of Ohio's sentencing statutes and sentencing patterns, and making recommendations regarding necessary statutory changes.

Michael O’Brien, of Warren, is currently serving his first term as mayor of Warren. He previously served 12 years as a member of Warren City Council and 11 years as a Trumbull County Commissioner. In addition, O’Brien worked three years as a corrections officer for the Warren Police Department and 12 years as a juvenile probation officer for Trumbull County Family Court. O’Brien graduated from Youngstown State University in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

The Ohio Water Advisory Council advises the chief of the Division of Water, recommends policy with respect to water management and conservation, and recommends ways to enhance cooperation among governmental agencies that have an interest in water use and consumption.

Lewis Neal Brady, of New Bremen, retired in 2004 after 30 years at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation. He is currently the executive director of the Miami and Erie Canal Corridor Association, which works to preserve and enhance the Miami and Erie Canal Corridor as a viable resource. Brady received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1975 and a master’s degree in business administration from Wright State University in 1999.

The Private Water Systems Advisory Board advises the director of the Ohio Department of Health regarding the revocation or non-renewal of the registration of a private water systems contractor and makes recommendations to the director regarding the amount of surety bond required of private water systems contractors.

Walter Pishkur, of Youngstown, has been the president and CEO of Aqua Ohio, Inc., which provides water service to nearly 300,000 people in nine counties, since 1992. He previously served as the executive vice president/general manager for Inter-State Water Company in Illinois. Pishkur is a member and past chair of the Ohio chapter of the National Association of Water Companies. He received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1986 and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Illinois in 1992.

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board advises the Ohio Historical Society on matters relating to Ohio’s significant documentary heritage.

Diane Chubb, of Dublin, is currently the archivist for the State Archives of Ohio at the Ohio Historical Society. She was previously an administrative archivist for the local records program at the Missouri State Archives from 1998-2006 and a local records archivist at Kansas State Historical Society from 1994-1998. Chubb received a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston in 1989 and master’s degrees from the University of South Carolina in 1993.

Roger Verny, of Westerville, has been the deputy state librarian for the State Library of Ohio since 1994. He previously served as the director for education and communications at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center Libraries from 1989-1993. Verny received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo in 1970 and a master’s degree in education media and technology from the University of Toledo in 1975.

Amy Johnson Crow, of Reynoldsburg, is currently the third vice president for the Ohio Genealogical Society and president of the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors. A certified genealogist, she is also a member of the Records Preservation and Access Committee, co-sponsored by the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the National Genealogical Society. She graduated from the Columbus Technical Institute in 1986.

John Runion, of Silver Lake, has worked as the Stark County Records Manager since 1995. He is the chairman of the Ohio Electronic Records Committee, secretary of the Stark County Records Commission, and a past officer for the Association of Records Managers and Administrators. Runion graduated from Stark State College of Technology in 1995 with a degree in records and information technology.

Marjorie McLellan, of Yellow Springs, has served as an associate and assistant professor of history at Wright State University since 2000, as well as director of the public history program in the university’s department of history. She was previously an associate professor of history and American studies at Miami University from 1991-2000. McLellan received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in 1975, a master’s degree from the State University of New York in 1981, and a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Minnesota in 1991.

The Public Benefits Advisory Board advises the director of the Department of Development of the universal service fund and the low-income customer assistance programs and advises the director on the director’s recommendation to the commission regarding the appropriate level of the universal service rider.

Teri Combs, of Albany, has served as the community development division director for the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD) since 2004. Combs was previously the distance learning coordinator at Ohio University and the distance education coordinator for the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She received a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1988, a master’s degree from Ohio University in 1995 and a Ph.D. in organizational communications from Ohio University in 2003.

Alvin Compaan, of Holland, is a professor of physics and director of the Center for Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Toledo. From 1973-1987, he worked as an assistant and associate professor at Kansas State University. Compaan received a bachelor’s degree from Calvin College in 1965 and master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Chicago.

Carole Grimes, of Dayton, is retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Dayton and is currently a volunteer community health and housing advocate in the Dayton area. She serves on the Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority, the Community Action Partnership Education/Advocacy Committee and the Ohio Community Development Finance Fund, among other organizations. Grimes received a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University in 1979.

Gwen Robinson, of Cincinnati, currently serves as the President/CEO of the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency. She is a co-founder and current vice-chair of Every Child Succeeds, a program for at-risk, first-time mothers in the Cincinnati area. She also serves on the boards of Fifth Third Bank and Family and Children First Council, as well as the Cincinnati Museum Center’s African American Advisory Board. She has received numerous recognitions for her work, including a “Women of the Year” award from the Cincinnati Enquirer in 2006.

The Historical Boilers Licensing Board establishes the licensure of historical boiler operations and the inspection of historical boilers.

Bruce Babcock, of Amanda, previously worked in heavy equipment manufacturing as well as in an iron foundry, chemical plant and hazardous waste incinerator. He was a member of the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector’s task group on historical boilers and is currently a member of the task group on maximum allowable working pressure. Babcock received a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in 1965, master’s degrees from Ashland University and Bowling Green State University, and a Ph.D. in organization development from the Union Institute in 1991.

The Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee assists the Ohio Department of Development and Housing Financing Agency in defining the housing needs and priorities within the state.

William Faith, of Columbus, has been the executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) for the past 13 years. He previously served as executive director for the Ohio Coalition for the Homeless from 1987-1994 and for the Friends of the Homeless from 1983-1987. Faith is a member of the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Ohio Foreclosure Prevention Taskforce, among other organizations. He received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1978.

The Ohio Standardbred Development Commission regulates standardbred racing.

Thomas Fries, Jr., of Columbus, is a part owner of a standardbred racehorse and graduated from the United States Trotting Association Driver’s Training School in 2006. He has worked as a special assistant to Congressman Tony Hall and a legislative aide to state Rep. Rocco Colonna. Since 1994, Fries has served as the owner and president of TFJ Associates in Columbus. He received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in 1986.

The Advisory Council of Directors for Prison Labor is responsible for advising and assisting the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections when it adopts rules with regard to the prison labor program.

Garland Gledhill, of Galion, has been the president and owner of Gledhill Road Machinery Company since 1972, a family business that manufactures snow plows, salt spreaders and miscellaneous highway equipment. Gledhill served as the clerk of council for the city of Galion for 26 years.

The Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board advises the Ohio Historical Society in the society’s site preservation program, reviews National Register nominations for 30-50 buildings, sites, structures, objects, and historic districts each year, and advises the State Historic Preservation Officer on the distribution of Certified Local Government grant funds for historic preservation projects in Ohio communities.

Barbara Gould, of Cincinnati, has worked in fashion, interior design and music. She is currently involved in several organizations and initiatives in the Cincinnati area, including the Ohio Justice and Policy Center, the Talbert Housing Foundation, Cincinnati Human Relations Commission, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Gould graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1960.

The Ohio Water Development Authority may initiate, acquire, construct, maintain, repair and operate water development projects.

Gloria Fauss, of Utica, spent 10 years as the national director of state government and community relations for The Nature Conservancy and also served on the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology. She is currently the director of government affairs for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) District 1199. Fauss attended the Ohio State University.

The Interagency Council of Homelessness and Housing serves as the planning and policy development body for making recommendations to the Office of the Governor on short- and long-term statewide strategies and plans to address homelessness prevention, with an emphasis on eliminating chronic homelessness.

Michelle Budzek, of Cincinnati, is the president of The Partnership Center, Ltd, which works with government and other organizations to provide services and prevent homelessness. She was previously the executive director of the Welcome House of Northern Kentucky, Inc., from 1984-1995. Budzek received a bachelor’s degree from the College of Mount St. Joseph in 1980.

Mary Butler, of Elyria, is currently the systems change coordinator for the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council and previously worked in several capacities for LEAP/CIP (Center for Independent Living). She is the vice-chair of the Elyria Fair Housing Board and works with the Public Housing Authority in Lorain County on disability rights and affordable, accessible housing.

William Faith, of Columbus, has been the executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) for the past 13 years. He previously served as executive director for the Ohio Coalition for the Homeless from 1987-1994 and for the Friends of the Homeless from 1983-1987. Faith is a member of the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Ohio Foreclosure Prevention Taskforce, among other organizations. He received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1978.

Ruth Anne Gillett, of Lakewood, has worked for the Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services for the past 14 years, serving as a grant coordinator and program manager. Gillett is a past member of the City of Lakewood Community Reinvestment Housing Council and past board member of the Neighborhood Counseling Services. She received a bachelor’s degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1975.

Sally Luken, of Columbus, is the director of the Ohio office of the Corporation for Supportive Housing, which helps communities create permanent housing with services to prevent and end homelessness. Luken was previously the director of Faith Mission, a non-profit organization providing services to homeless individuals in Columbus. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Ohio State University in 1982 and 2003, respectively.

Barbara Poppe, of Columbus, is the executive director of the Community Shelter Board; she previously served as the executive director for Friends of the Homeless in Columbus from 1990-1995. In addition to her membership in several state and local organizations, Poppe serves as a board member of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Poppe received a bachelor’s degree from William Woods College in 1981 and a master’s degree in epidemiology from the University of Cincinnati in 1987.

Jane Rhoades, of Findlay, has been the CEO of the Findlay Hope House for the Homeless, Inc., for 14 years. Rhoades is the currently the chair of the Hancock County Housing Consortium and the president of the board of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. She received a bachelor’s degree from Adrian College in 1971.

The Children’s Trust Fund Board may apply for and accept federal funds, as well as gifts and donations from individuals or philanthropic foundations or organizations. It is responsible for the proper allocation of such funds and the establishment and maintenance of child abuse and child neglect prevention programs.

Crystal Ward Allen, of Hilliard, is currently the executive director of the Public Children Services Association of Ohio; she previously worked as an associate director and special projects coordinator for the Association from 1991-2001. A licensed social worker, Allen received a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech in 1978 and a master’s degree in social work from the Ohio State University in 1992. She is currently an adjunct professor in the School of Social Work at the Ohio State University.

Mary Deel, of Vinton, has 18 years of elementary and middle school teaching experience; she also served as chair of the language arts department for Vinton Middle School. In addition, Deel spent 13 years as a registered nurse. She received a bachelor’s degree from Rio Grande College in 1989 and a master’s degree in gifted education from Ohio University in 1991.

Ericka Thoms, of Cleveland, has worked for the Center for Community Solutions since 2003, first as advocacy coordinator and now as a policy and planning associate. She is a member of the Cuyahoga County Community Mental Health Board of Governors. Thoms received a bachelor’s degree from Hiram College in 1993 and a law degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1996.

Columbus, OH– Governor Ted Strickland today announced that disaster assistance is available through the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services for victims of the recent floods and severe weather in Cuyahoga County.

“All Ohioans stand ready to help those who were forced to leave their homes by this devastating storm,” Strickland said. “This assistance will help the residents of Cuyahoga County affected by the flood get back on track.”

Flood victims residing in Cuyahoga County may apply for one of two types of disaster assistance:

Families: may qualify for up to $1,500 in disaster assistance.
Elderly and disabled: may qualify for up to $750 in disaster assistance.

Each year, ODJFS reserves $5 million in Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) funding for disaster victims in counties declared in a state of emergency. In order to be eligible for up to $1,500 in TANF disaster assistance money, families must include a minor child, or pregnant woman, and have evidence of economic need.

Elderly and disabled individuals in these counties who are not eligible for TANF assistance may be eligible for one-time cash assistance of up to $750. Only one payment may be made per household. Ohioans impacted by severe weather who are at least 55 years old and childless or receiving certain disability benefits and can provide evidence of an economic need to the county department of job and family services may be eligible for this type of assistance.

Applications will be accepted at Cuyahoga County Departments of Job and Family Services. Please call 216-987-7000 for more information.

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland announced today appointments to several state boards and commissions.

The Board of Examiners of Nursing Home Administrators provides for the examination of applicants, issues and revokes licenses and adopts rules to govern the conduct of nursing home administrators.

Karl Weninger, of Strongsville, has been appointed to a three-year term. He is currently the regional director of operations for CommuniCare Health Services in Cleveland. He was previously the executive director of the Greenbrier Senior Living Community from 2000-2002. Weninger is a member of the board of directors for the Ohio Health Care Association. He received a bachelor’s degree from Borromeo College Seminary in 1976 and a master’s degree in theology from St. Mary Graduate School of Theology in 1980.


The Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board oversees the grading of examinations of individuals applying to be professional counselors, social workers, or independent social workers and determines if an applicant is qualified for practice.

Tommie Robertson, of Cincinnati, has been appointed to a three-year term. Robertson is a marriage and family therapist for A Sound of Mind Counseling Service in Cincinnati and Northkey Community Care in Florence, Ky. He is also an associate minister at the Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church in Glendale. Robertson is a member of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapy and the Ohio Counseling Association. He received a bachelor’s degree from Union Institute and University in Cincinnati in 1991 and a master’s degree from the University of Kentucky in 2004.


The Ohio Venture Capital Authority establishes investment policy governing the Ohio Venture Capital Fund Program, selects a program administrator, executes and oversees the contact with the program administrator and issues tax credits for lender losses, if needed.

Ralph Della Ratta, Jr., of Gates Mills, has been appointed to a four-year term. Della Ratta has more than 27 years of investment banking experience. He is presently a managing director at Western Reserve Partners LLC in Cleveland. Della Ratta previously managed the investment banking division of McDonald Investments, Inc., for more than 12 years. Della Ratta received a bachelor’s degree from Duke University in 1975 and earned graduate degrees from the American Graduate School of International Management and Rutgers University.

Thomas F. Zych, of Cleveland Heights, has been appointed to a four-year term. Zych is a partner and the chair of the Emerging Technologies Practice for Thompson Hine LLP in Cleveland. Zych has more than 20 years of experience in intellectual property, competition and antitrust matters. He is a member of the American Bar Association and Ohio State Bar Association, and he is an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Law. Zych is a 1979 graduate of Miami University and received his law degree from the Duke University School of Law in 1983.


The Savings and Loan Associations and Savings Banks Board makes recommendations to the superintendent of financial institutions and the deputy superintendent of savings and loan associations and savings banks on matters relating to the business of savings and loan associations and savings banks.

Scott Green, of Columbus, has been appointed to a three-year term. Green currently works as a senior relationship manager, team leader and vice president for Fifth Third Bank. He was previously a sales manager and retail bank manager for the former State Savings Bank from 1991-1998 and a mortgage loan officer for State Savings Bank from 1986-1990. Green has served as the president of the Pickerington Chamber of Commerce and treasurer of the Pickerington Community Improvement Corporation. He received a bachelor’s degree from Hanover College in 1984.


The Water and Sewer Commission has administrative control over the Water and Sewer Rotary Fund. The fund loans money to cover agricultural land assessments resulting from the construction of water and sewer lines relative to economic development projects.

Duane Grassbaugh, of Howard, has been appointed to a three-year term. Grassbaugh is a lifetime member of the Ohio Farmers Union and currently serves as the president of Knox/Licking Farmers Union. He is currently the dairy herd manager at Grassydell Farms in Howard, his family’s dairy farm. He spent six years as a member of the Knox County Dairy Services Unit, where he held the offices of vice president and secretary. Grassbaugh received his bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech in 1994.


The Ohio Geology Advisory Council is charged with demonstrating interest in Ohio geology and mineral resources by advising the chief of the Division of Geological Survey, recommending policy and legislation, reviewing development of plans and recommending ways to enhance cooperation from government agencies.

Tina Niven, of Worthington, has been appointed to a three-year term. Niven taught earth science and geology courses at Palm Beach Community College from 1999-2006. She also served as an adjunct instructor at Florida Atlantic University from 1998-1999. Previously, Niven was the business and subscriptions manager for the Geochemical Society in Columbus. Niven received a bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University in 1993 and a master’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1997.


The Board of Motor Vehicle Collision Repair Registration acts as an advocate on behalf of shop owners by addressing issues of concern to the industry, promotes consumer awareness and education regarding the collision repair process via literature, discussion forums and programs, and investigates and prosecutes violations of the registration law.

Ronald A. Nagy, of Clinton, has been appointed to a three-year term. Nagy is the owner and president of Nagy’s Body & Frame, Inc., in Doylestown and Nagy’s Collision Center in Wooster. Nagy has held several positions with the Automotive Service Association; he is currently president-elect for ASA-Ohio and the affiliate director for ASA National. He is also a 1996 graduate of the ASA Management Institute.


The Hearing Aid Dealers and Fitters Licensing Board provides for examination and licensing of hearing aid dealers, fitters and trainees. When necessary, the board has the authority to revoke licenses and investigate charges of false advertising or malpractice.

Donald B. Ahlers, of Cincinnati, has been appointed to a four-year term. Ahlers previously served as general counsel and secretary for the American Druggists Insurance Company, where he was in charge of all insurance claims for several years. Ahlers received his law degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1953. He is also a retired Major of the U.S. Marine Corps.


The Commission on African-American Males works toward the improvement of the quality of life for African American males in Ohio by identifying problems and solutions in the areas of education, health, economics and criminal justice.

Byron Potts, of Hilliard, has been appointed to a three-year term. Potts is currently the director of Community Youth and Young Adult Empowerment, Inc. Since 1988, he has also worked in private law practice in Columbus. Potts previously worked as an assistant attorney general, as well as a law clerk and bailiff in the Court of Claims of Ohio. Potts graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University in 1978 and received his law degree from Capital University in 1987.


The State Board of Uniform State Laws determines the best means of effecting nationwide uniformity of conveyance, form and execution of laws by collecting and digesting data on prevailing national and foreign laws in certain areas.

Larry Garvin, of Bexley, has been appointed to a three-year term. Garvin is currently a professor at the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. He was previously an associate professor and associate dean for academic affairs at the Florida State University College of Law. Garvin also taught at the University of Texas Law School and the Washington University Law School. He received a bachelor’s degree from Michigan State University in 1983 and received his law degree from Yale Law School in 1989.


The Ohio Real Estate Commission investigates complaints concerning the selling of real estate without a license, issues brokers licenses and administers licenses examinations.

Stephen Madru, of Chillicothe, has been appointed to a five-year term. Madru has been a real estate broker since 1976. He is also a state certified residential real estate appraiser. Madru is a former executive committee member of the Ohio Association of Realtors and the former president of the Ross County/ Scioto Valley Board of Realtors. Madru is currently the chair of the Ross County Board of Elections. He received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in 1972.


The Ohio Community Service Council works to encourage and expand community service programs throughout the state. It also assists state agencies in coordinating community service education programs through cooperative efforts between institutions and organizations in the public and private sectors.

Diane Daniels, of Akron, has been appointed to a three-year term. Daniels is the CEO and founder of Western Stark Medical Clinic, Inc., in Massillon. She previously worked as a division director for Community Services of Stark County and as an adjunct professor at Stark State College. Daniels is a licensed State of Ohio social worker. She received a bachelor’s degree from Weber State University and a master’s degree from Utah State University in 1989.

Robert Garbo, of Glouster, has been appointed to a three-year term. Garbo is currently the executive director of Hocking-Athens Perry-Community Action, where he has worked for 34 years. His previous positions include supervisor of outreach workers, director of planning and training for the agency, and deputy director. Garbo is a co-founder and grants committee member for the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio. Garbo graduated from St. Mary of the Lake Seminary with a master’s degree in 1966.

Rev. Willie Peterson, of Youngstown, has been appointed to a three-year term. Peterson is currently a pastor at the New Birth Community Church and serves as executive director of the Center for Community Empowerment, a faith-based social service agency in Youngstown. He was previously a pastor at the Gospel Temple Baptist Church from 1998-2002. Peterson is currently studying at Youngstown State University.


The Ohio Optical Dispensers Board processes applications for licensure as licensed dispensing opticians; schedules, administers, and supervises the qualifying examinations for licensure; issues licenses to qualified individuals; revokes and suspends licenses; and maintains adequate records with respect to its operations and responsibilities.

Timothy D. Fries, of Marion, has been appointed to a five-year term. Fries is currently a doctor of optometry at OnSight Eye Care in Marion, where he provides medical and refractive eye care to nursing home patients, and Professional Eye Care in Westerville. He also provides clinical education to optometry interns at the Ohio State University College of Optometry. Fries received a doctor of optometry degree from the Ohio State University in 2004; he is a member of the Ohio Optometric Association and the American Optometric Association.


The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board coordinates and approves any improvements, additions and renovations that are made to the Capitol Building, Capitol Annex, Capitol grounds and the state underground parking garage.

Neal Zimmers Jr., of New Albany, has been appointed to a three-year term. Zimmers was a member of the Ohio Senate from 1975-1994 and served as judge for the Montgomery County District Court for two terms. He is currently a principal attorney for Zimmers and Associates. He received a bachelor’s degree from Denison University in 1964 and a law degree from George Washington University Law School in 1967


The Forestry Advisory Council advises and makes recommendations to the chief of the Division of Forestry and Reclamation at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources concerning forestry programs in the state. The Council may also assist the division in promoting cooperation on forestry practices and programs with other agencies, political subdivisions and private interests.

John Vimmerstedt, of Wooster, has been appointed to a four-year term. Vimmerstedt is an associate professor emeritus in the School of Natural Resources at the Ohio State University. He also taught in the Department of Forestry at the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center in Wooster from 1963-1982. Vimmerstedt has served as vice-chair and chair of the Ohio Society of American Foresters. He received a doctorate degree in forestry from the Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies in 1965.


The State Independent Living Council works with the Rehabilitation Services Commission to increase the ability for disabled Ohioans to live independently. The council helps these individuals through improved transportation, housing, peer counseling, employment and education opportunities and the promotion of self-advocacy for people with disabilities.

Vance Holt, of Cleveland, has been appointed to a three-year term. Holt is currently a customer service representative for Huntington National Bank in Cleveland. He previously worked as a commission sales representative for the Sears Company from 1998-2003 and as a high school administrator for two school districts. Holt received a bachelor’s degree from Lake Erie College in 1972 and a master’s degree from Cleveland State University in 1975.


The Ohio Turnpike Commission is empowered to acquire land, plan, construct and maintain turnpikes in Ohio, to be financed through the sale of revenue bonds.

Joe Balog, of Brecksville, has been appointed to an eight-year term. Balog has served as chairman of the Ohio Turnpike Commission since 2003. Balog has worked for the Dalad Group, a group of privately held companies in Northeastern Ohio, for 30 years. He currently serves as general counsel and senior vice president. Balog received a bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University and a law degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State in 1976.


The State Board of Pharmacy provides for the examining and licensing of pharmacists. It may set requirements that must be met before an applicant can be registered and may revoke licenses when deemed necessary.

Robert Kolezynski, of Strongsville, has been appointed to a four-year term. Kolezynski has been a licensed pharmacist in Ohio since 1970. He has been the pharmacy supervisor for CVS Pharmacy in Twinsburg since 1995. He previously served 25 years as a pharmacist and manager for CVS. Kolezynski received his bachelor’s degree in pharmacy from the University of Cincinnati in 1970.

Jerome Wiesenhahn, of Mason, has been appointed to a four-year term. He has been a pharmacist in Ohio for nearly 50 years; he currently works at the Cincinnati Children’s Hospital. Throughout his career, he worked as a pharmacist at Thriftway, SupeRx and Walgreens. Wiesenhahn served as the owner of Wiesenhahn Pharmacy from 1968-1979. He received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1958.


The Ohio Arts Council works to foster and encourage the development of the arts in Ohio and the preservation of the state’s cultural heritage.

Lois Rosenthal, of Cincinnati, has been appointed to a five-year term. Rosenthal is the co-director of Uptown Arts, an arts center for children in downtown Cincinnati. She served as a consumer columnist for the Cincinnati Enquirer for 10 years and was an editor for Story, a literary quarterly, from 1989-2000. She currently serves on the board of the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center and the President’s Advisory Council of Xavier University. She received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1960.

Geraldine Warner, of Cincinnati, has been appointed to a five-year term. Warner has practiced law in New York, Baltimore and Washington, DC. She has served as a board member for several arts and community organizations in Cincinnati, including the Cincinnati Music Festival Association. She has also been a member of the Cincinnati Women’s Club and Cincinnati Art Museum Founders Society. Warner received a law degree from the New York University School of Law.

Susan Saxbe, of Columbus, has been appointed to a five-year term. Saxbe has worked as a self-employed fine arts consultant in Columbus since 1998. She previously worked as an arts consultant for Winning Images from 1986-1998 and as a docent for the Columbus Museum of Art from 1986-1997. Saxbe received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Ohio State University in 1971 and a Master of Arts degree from the College of Art Education at the Ohio State University in 1996.

Thomas Schorgl, of Cleveland, has been appointed to a five-year term. Schorgl is the president and CEO of the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture (CPAC) in Cleveland. He previously served as president of Culture Works, an organization that provides funds and services for the arts, in Dayton from 1994-1997. Schorgl was also the executive director of the Indiana Arts Commission from 1983-1994. He received master’s degrees in the arts from the University of Iowa and Miami University.


The Ohio Housing Finance Agency provides access to financial resources for the development and management of quality, affordable housing. The agency's programs serve first-time homebuyers, renters, senior citizens and other populations with special needs who otherwise might not be able to afford quality housing.

John Lynch, of Cleveland, has been appointed to a six-year term. Lynch is a real estate broker and certified general inspector in real estate. He is currently employed by Keller Williams Realty in Cleveland. Lynch is a former president of the Ohio Association of Realtors and the Cleveland Area Board of Realtors. He served on the Cleveland City Council for 12 years and was a founding member of the Greater Cleveland Real Estate Organization. Lynch is a 1967 graduate of Xavier University.

Columbus, Ohio – To increase collaboration and cooperation among public colleges and universities, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today directed Board of Regents Chancellor Eric Fingerhut to establish The University System of Ohio, which will consist of the state's public institutions of higher education.

Under Strickland’s directive, Ohio’s 13 public universities, 23 public two-year colleges, NEOUCOM (Northeastern Ohio Universities College of Medicine) and numerous adult career centers are asked to work together in a coherent, rational way to unify resources and maximize the potential of individual institutions. The directive does not change the governance structure of the university system or of individual institutions.

“The best systems of public higher education across the nation are more than just a collection of institutions,” said Strickland. “They work together in a rational, coherent way that creates sums worth well more than the individual institutions themselves. The power of unifying resources and making sure each institution does what it excels at allows the best university systems to stand above the rest.”

Chancellor Fingerhut is charged with managing the state’s investments in higher education and building the university system in a way that ensures affordable, high quality education opportunities for all Ohioans.

The state’s 2008-2009 biennial budget has already invested additional resources in public institutions by providing additional state funding, freezing tuition for two years and increasing scholarships for students pursuing the STEM disciplines.

Strickland also directed Chancellor Fingerhut to develop a 10-year plan for The University System of Ohio, which will set clear benchmarks and a timeline for advancing a collective system of higher education in the state.

“No single institution can provide everything this state needs to compete in the 21st century global economy, but collectively we can build a system that provides our state and its citizens with all of the education, training and centers of research we need to succeed,” said Strickland. “Together we will create a new Ohio birthright -- access for every Ohioan to an affordable, world-class system of higher education.”

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced the state of Ohio was selected to participate in the 2007 Coverage Institute sponsored by Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s State Coverage Initiatives (SCI) program. Ohio was one of 14 states selected for the program.

“In the budget we extended access to healthcare to every uninsured child in Ohio, but that was just the first step,” Strickland said. “We now must move forward in a bipartisan way to develop a comprehensive plan to make affordable health coverage available to all of Ohio’s uninsured; to improve the cost, quality and efficiency of Ohio’s health care system; and to improve the health of all Ohioans.”

The SCI program assists states who are considering systematic “substantial and comprehensive health reform” to develop and implement policies that will expand access to health care for the entire uninsured population in a state by expanding public programs and private sector reforms. The program will assist the state in considering a spectrum of health care reforms, while helping state officials to understand the implications of those reforms and how they affect existing systems.

SCI will work with a team of Ohio policy, legislative and stakeholder participants to facilitate discussion of reform options for the state and will assist in modeling and implementing those options.

The Ohio SCI team members are:

• Janetta King, policy director for Governor Ted Strickland
• Cristal Thomas, Ohio Medicaid director and director of the Office of Ohio Health Plans
• Cynthia Burnell, director of the Office of Healthy Ohio
• Doug Anderson, interim assistant director of health coverage policy at the Ohio Department of Insurance
• Rep. Jim Raussen, state representative from Ohio’s 28th House District
• Rep. Sandra Williams, state representative from Ohio’s 11th House District
• Sen. Tom Niehaus, state senator from Ohio’s 14th Senate District
• Sen. Shirley Smith, state senator from Ohio’s 21st Senate District
• Nick Lashutka, director of external relations for the Ohio Business Roundtable
• William D. Hayes, president of the Health Policy Institute of Ohio
• John Charles Burrant, Ph.D, health systems division director, Service Employees International Union District 1199
• Col Owens, senior attorney for the Legal Sid Society of Southwest Ohio

“The SCI program is an opportunity to bring together leaders of the administration and legislature and various stakeholders to thoroughly discuss our current situation, the system we would like to see in Ohio and innovative ways in which we can create that system with an effective and comprehensive plan,” Strickland said.

The SCI Coverage Institute program will begin in late September/early October with an initial meeting that will bring together SCI staff, national experts and technical assistance to work with the Ohio SCI team as they develop and discuss Ohio’s reform plans. SCI will also provide follow-up and technical assistance, including background research, on-site consultant visits, telephone consultations and other means of support, in an on-going basis without additional costs throughout the Institute.

Ohio’s participation in the SCI Coverage Institute is part of a larger effort to engage stakeholders and the public in a process to develop an effective and comprehensive plan to cover Ohio’s uninsured residents, improve the health of all Ohioans and improve the business climate in the state. Led by the Ohio SCI team, a larger advisory group is being established which includes consumer advocates and leaders from Ohio’s health care and coverage system, to help guide the development of reforms. Stakeholders and the public will be kept informed of the progress of these efforts and will have input into the development of reforms.