Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland announced today the appointments of Marsha Ryan as the administrator of the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, Tom Stickrath as the director of the Department of Youth Services and Michael Dolan as the executive director of the Ohio Lottery Commission.
Ryan, 56, will begin work at the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation on May 1.
“With her professionalism and years of experience, I believe that Marsha will carry out the bureau’s important obligations efficiently and effectively,” Strickland said.
Strickland retained Tom Stickrath, 52, who has served as the director of the Department of Youth Services since his appointment in December 2004.
“Through his life-long work in corrections and criminal justice, Tom has an understanding of how best to work with and help troubled young people,” Strickland said. “There are challenges facing our DYS system, but I believe Tom’s experience best positions him to move us beyond those challenges.”
Dolan, 45, will begin as director of the Ohio Lottery Commission effective March 28.
“Mike will lead the Ohio lottery guided by the goal of safeguarding its contribution to Ohio schools,” Strickland said.
These announcements mark Strickland’s 19th, 20th and 21st Cabinet appointments.
Marsha Ryan, administrator of the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
Ryan has worked for American Electric Power since 1990 and has held executive positions in government affairs, marketing, customer care and field operations. She is currently the vice president of customer operations at AEP. Previously, she served two years as president and chief operating officer of the operating company, Indiana Michigan Power.
Prior to joining AEP, Ryan served more than 18 years in public service, focusing on consumer protection, customer service, public policy and regulation at the Ohio Department of Commerce, the Ohio Office of the Attorney General, the Consumers’ Counsel, and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.
Since 2002, she has served as a director of State Auto Mutual Insurance. Ryan is the vice chair of the Franklin University Board of Trustees and served on the advisory board for US Bank in central Ohio from 1998-2004. She has also served on many non-profit and civic boards.
Ryan graduated from Ohio Dominican College and completed the University of Virginia's Executive Development Program and Ohio State University's Management Development Program. She resides in New Albany with her husband, Harry.
“I look forward to working with Governor Strickland to reform the governing and oversight structures at the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and to instill in Ohioans a renewed sense of trust in the bureau’s duties,” Ryan said.
As administrator of the BWC, Ryan will earn an annual salary of $196,019.
The Bureau of Workers' Compensation (BWC) provides medical and compensation benefits for work-related injuries, diseases and deaths. BWC directly provides insurance to about two-thirds of Ohio's workforce. The remaining workers receive coverage through a self-insurance program for large and financially stable employers who meet strict qualifications set by the BWC. Ohio's workers' compensation system is the largest exclusive state fund in the nation and is the second largest underwriter of workers' compensation insurance in the country.
Tom Stickrath, director of the Department of Youth Services
As director of the Department of Youth Service, Stickrath is responsible for all operations and aspects of the department, including eight facilities with more than 1,800 youth, six regional parole offices and more than 1,400 youth under parole.
Prior to his appointment as director of DYS in December 2004, Stickrath served 14 years as assistant director of the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Stickrath served as interim director of the Governor’s Office of Criminal Justice Services in 1991, and again in 1998, and as the interim director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety in 2002. Stickrath also served as a regional director, warden and chief inspector for the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction.
Stickrath received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Ohio State University in 1976 and a law degree from Ohio State University in 1979.
Stickrath resides in Westerville; he and his wife have two children.
“Our children represent the future of Ohio,” Stickrath said. “We must hold troubled youth accountable, but also encourage and work with them to pursue the behaviors and skills needed to live a crime-free, healthy lifestyle.”
As director of DYS, Stickrath earns an annual salary of $116,000.
The Department of Youth Services ensures public safety by providing and supporting a range of effective and cost-effective services that hold youth accountable for their actions and give them the skills and competencies they need to live crime free.
Michael Dolan, director of the Ohio Lottery Commission
Since 1996, Michael Dolan has represented the 21st Ward of Cleveland on Cleveland City Council. He has served as chairman of the aviation and transportation committee and vice-chair of parks, recreation and properties committee.
As a councilman, Dolan helped secure funds for an expansion of Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. He has also helped with drafting legislation and providing oversight for numerous economic development projects in Cleveland.
Dolan has practiced law in the Cleveland office of McIntyre, Kahn and Kruse Co., L.P.A since 1992. Dolan also served as the city of Cleveland’s assistant director of law from 1992-1997 and as an associate for Watts, Hoffmann, Fisher and Heinke Co., L.P.A. from 1989-1992.
Dolan received his law degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1990.
“I’m very thankful for this opportunity to serve in the Ohio Lottery’s mission of providing needed resources for Ohio schools,” Dolan said.
As lottery director, Dolan will earn an annual salary of $109,000.
The Ohio Lottery Commission offers customers a wide variety of instant games and online games to play at about 8,500 licensed retailer locations across the state. The Ohio Lottery also administers and monitors charitable bingo licensing for the state. Since 1974, the lottery has provided more than $14.5 billion to public education. Annually, it provides about 4.5 percent of the funding needed for public education -- an effort shared by local, state and federal governments.