Gov. Mike DeWine made 57 state appointments Thursday. Areas include education, state history, criminal justice, economic development and aging.
The appointments include two Valley residents.
The Rev. Juan M. Rivera of Youngstown was reappointed to the Commission on Hispanic-Latino Affairs for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Oct. 7, 2027. Rivera is an ordained minister and pastors at New Life Church in Youngstown.
Anthony W. Jesko of North Lima was appointed to the Oil and Gas Land Management Commission for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Sept. 29, 2028.
Appointments, terms of office and organizational descriptions are listed below. Counties of residence appear in parentheses.
Clark State College Board of Trustees
- Manuel Lopez Ramirez of Springfield (Clark) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Nov. 30, 2030.
- Michael J. McDorman of Springfield (Clark) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Nov. 30, 2030.
- Kyle J. Hall of Urbana (Champaign) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Nov. 30, 2030.
Clark State is a public community college located in Springfield with additional campuses in Beavercreek, Bellefontaine and Xenia.
Clark State College. 570 E. Leffel Lane, Springfield 45505. 937-328-6028.
Terra State Community College Board of Trustees
- Nicholas H. Gerber of Port Clinton (Ottawa) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 31, 2024 and ending Dec. 30, 2026.
- Derek E. Gerstenberger of Fremont (Sandusky) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 31, 2024 and ending Dec. 30, 2030.
- Timothy W. Ellenberger of Fremont (Sandusky) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 31, 2024 and ending Dec. 30, 2030.
Terra State is a two-year public community college located in Fremont.
Terra State Community College. 2830 Napoleon Road, Fremont 43420. 419-334-8400.
James A. Rhodes State College Board of Trustees
- Sam D. Bassitt of Lima (Allen) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Aug. 31, 2027.
Rhodes State College is an accredited, two-year state college located in Lima.
State Board of Education
- Sara P. Carruthers of Hamilton (Butler) has been appointed for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2028.
- Gloria J. Rodgers of Stow (Summit) has been appointed for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2028.
- Lori Kershner of Springboro (Warren) has been appointed for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2028.
- Amy Malone Fugate of Springfield (Clark) has been reappointed for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2028.
The State Board of Education consists of a 19-member board. Eleven members are elected and eight are appointed by the governor. Terms are four years, with a limit of two successive terms of four years. The chairs of the education committees of the Ohio House of Representatives and Ohio Senate serve as non-voting, ex-officio members. The Superintendent of Public Instruction serves as secretary of the State Board of Education.
State Board of Education, 25 S. Front St., Columbus, Ohio 43215. 855-983-4868.
Northeast Ohio Medical University Board of Trustees
- Trinity A. Kronk of Rocky River (Cuyahoga) has been appointed as a student member for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending June 29, 2026.
The Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED) Board of Trustees has 11 members appointed by the governor. Trustees (except for students) are appointed for nine-year terms.
Northeast Ohio Medical University, 4209 state Route 44, Rootstown, Ohio 44272. Website.
Bureau of Workers’ Compensation
- Elizabeth M. Riczko of Fairfield Township (Butler) has been appointed to the Board of Directors for a term beginning Nov. 21, 2024 and ending June 11, 2025.
Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation website.
Ohio Ethics Commission
- Merom Brachman of Bexley (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning Jan. 2, 2025 and ending Jan. 1, 2031.
The Ohio Ethics Commission promotes ethics in public service.
Ohio Ethics Commission, 30 W. Spring St., L3, Columbus, Ohio 43215-2256. Website. 614-466-7090.
Ohio Expositions Commission
- Rodney H. Arter of Croton (Licking) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Dec. 1, 2030.
- Douglas J. Preisse of Columbus (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Dec. 1, 2030.
- Andrew E. Doehrel of Galena (Delaware) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Dec. 1, 2030.
The Ohio Expositions Commission is empowered to professionally operate and maintain the Ohio Expo Center, a year-round event facility and home of the Ohio State Fair. The commission is comprised of 14 board members. The governor appoints nine board members and five are ex-officio.
Ohio History Connection
- Christopher H. Gillcrist of Avon (Lorain) has been appointed to the Board of Trustees for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending June 26, 2025.
- Richard F. Hillis of Powell (Delaware) has been reappointed to the Board of Trustees for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending June 26, 2027.
Ohio History Connection preserves and educates the public about the state’s history and manages more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio. The nonprofit also houses the State Historic Preservation Office.
Ohio History Connection. 800 E. 17th Ave., Columbus 43211. 614-297-2300, 800-686-6124. Website.
Ohio Water Development Authority
- Amy L. Holtshouse of Fairview Park (Cuyahoga) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending June 30, 2032.
The Ohio Water Development Authority provides financial assistance for environmental infrastructure from the sale of municipal revenue bonds through loans to local governments in Ohio and from issuance of industrial revenue bonds for qualified projects in Ohio.
Ohio Water Development Authority. 480 S. High St., Columbus 43215. 614-466-5822.
Ohio Lake Erie Commission
- Timothy W. Brown of Grand Rapids (Wood) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Sept. 1, 2027.
- Michelle C. Burke of Rocky River (Cuyahoga) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Sept. 1, 2027.
The Ohio Lake Erie Commission seeks to preserve Lake Erie’s natural resources, protect the quality of its waters and ecosystem and promote economic development. The Commission also oversees the management of the Lake Erie Protection Fund.
Ohio Lake Erie Commission website.
Board of Building Appeals
- David R. Baugh of Pickerington (Fairfield) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Oct. 13, 2028.
The Ohio Board of Building Appeals consists of five board members appointed by the governor, with the consent of the Senate. Terms are five years. The board consists of an attorney, architect, engineer, fire service and plumber/pipe fitter.
Board of Building Appeals. Ohio Department of Commerce, 77 S. High St., 23rd Floor, Columbus 43215-6133. Website.
Ohio Police and Fire Pension Fund
- Charles O. Moore of Upper Arlington (Franklin) has been reappointed to the Board of Trustees for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Sept. 27, 2028.
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Ohio Police & Fire Pension Fund. 140 E. Town St., Columbus 43215. 614-228-2975, 1-888-864-8363. 614-628-1777.
State Fire Council
- Dennis M. Clough of Westlake (Cuyahoga) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Nov. 1, 2029.
- Todd L. Poole of Delaware (Delaware) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Nov. 1, 2029.
The State Fire Council includes 10 members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the Ohio Senate. Members serve five-year terms. The council is an advisory body to the State Fire Marshal. Council duties and responsibilities can be found here.
State Fire Council, Ohio Department of Commerce, 77 S. High St., 23rd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-6133. Website.
Ohio Civil Rights Commission
- Vernon L. Sykes of Akron (Summit) has been appointed for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025 and ending July 28, 2029.
Ohio Civil Rights Commission. 30 E. Broad St., Columbus 43215. 614-466-2785, 888-278-7101. Fax: 1-614-644-8776. Website.
New African Immigrants Commission
- Abass M. Bangura of Reynoldsburg (Fairfield) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Oct. 7, 2027.
The New African Immigrants Commission advises the governor, General Assembly, and state departments and agencies about the priorities and challenges of sub-Saharan Africans living in Ohio. The commission has 15 members appointed to three-year terms. It includes 11 voting members (two appointed by the governor); two nonvoting members appointed by the Speaker (one member of the House and one private citizen); and two nonvoting members appointed by the Senate president (one member of the Senate and one private citizen).
New African Immigrants Commission, 77 S. High St., Floor 30, Columbus, Ohio 43215. 614-644-0871.
Commission on Hispanic-Latino Affairs
- Breann González Almos of Bexley (Franklin) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Oct. 7, 2026.
- Edgar G. Vidales of Etna (Licking) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Oct. 7, 2027.
- José C. Feliciano Jr. of Aurora (Portage) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Oct. 7, 2026.
- Juan M. Rivera of Youngstown (Mahoning) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Oct. 7, 2027.
- Mary J. Santiago of Lorain (Lorain) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Oct. 7, 2026.
- Maria S. Martinez of Hamler (Henry) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Oct. 7, 2027.
The Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs (also referred to as the Ohio Latino Affairs Commission) advises the state of Ohio on issues affecting Hispanic Ohioans, and seeks to connect Latino communities and build organizations within the state. The commission has 11 members appointed by the governor. Members are appointed to three-year terms.
Ohio Commission on Hispanic/Latino Affairs, 77 S. High St., 18th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215. 614-466-8333. Website.
Ohio Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission
- Jeffrey Watkins of Blacklick (Franklin) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 31, 2024 and ending Dec. 30, 2026.
- John T. Coats II of Columbus (Franklin) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 31, 2024 and ending Dec. 30, 2026.
- Stephen P. Massey of Springfield (Clark) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 31, 2024 and ending Dec. 30, 2026.
- J. Averi Frost of Columbus (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 31, 2024 and ending Dec. 30, 2027.
- Napoleon A. Bell II of Columbus (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 31, 2024 and ending Dec. 30, 2027.
- Christina Rodriguez of Toledo (Lucas) has been designated to serve as chair effective Dec. 22, 2024.
Ohio Gov. George V. Voinovich created the Ohio Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission by executive order in 1985. The 13-member commission is appointed by and serves at the pleasure of the governor. Members are appointed to three-year terms. The commission is a statewide advocate of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s principles of nonviolence. It hosts an awards and commemorative celebration and conducts a statewide oratorical contest. The organization also maintains a calendar of events.
Ohio Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Commission, 30 E. Broad St., Floor 40, Columbus, Ohio 43215. 614-466-2136. Website.
Oil and Gas Land Management Commission
- Anthony W. Jesko of North Lima (Mahoning) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Sept. 29, 2028.
- Andrew S. Good of Dublin (Union) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Sept. 29, 2029.
The Oil & Gas Land Management Commission addresses issues dealing directly with the leasing of state mineral rights. Nathan Moffitt, commission clerk. Commission members.
Oil & Gas Land Management Commission. 2045 Morse Road, Bldg. D, Columbus 43229. 614-265-6877. Website.
Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council
- Bing B. Crosby Jr. of South Bloomfield (Pickaway) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Dec. 31, 2025.
- Krystal J. S. Albright of Paulding (Paulding) has been reappointed for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2027.
- Morgan D. Deavers of New Straitsville (Perry) has been reappointed for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2027.
- Matthew LaFontaine of Findlay (Hancock) has been reappointed for a term beginning Jan. 1, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2027.
Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council. 1810 Sullivant Ave., Columbus 43222. 614-466-5205 or 800-766-7426. Fax: 614-466-0298. Website.
Ohio Casino Control Commission
- Scott P. Borgemenke of Columbus (Franklin) has been appointed for a term beginning January 1, 2025 and ending Feb. 21, 2025.
Ohio Casino Control Commission. 100 E. Broad St., 20th Floor, Columbus 43215. 614-387-5858, 855-800-0058. Fax: 1-14-485-1007. Email: In**@ca***********.gov.
Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board
- Nicole M. Dehner of Columbus (Franklin) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending April 29, 2025.
- Bruce L. Pijanowski of London (Delaware) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending April 29, 2027.
- Juanita O. Brent of Cleveland (Cuyahoga) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending April 29, 2027.
- Michael P. Bell of Toledo (Lucas) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending April 29, 2027.
- Ronnie A. Dunn of Cleveland (Cuyahoga) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending April 29, 2027.
Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board established Ohio’s first state law enforcement standards and works to instill greater confidence between law enforcement and the public. The Ohio Collaborative is comprised of 12-member panel of law enforcement experts and community leaders from throughout the state. Website.
Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services. 1970 W. Broad St., Columbus 43223. Toll-Free: 888-448-4842.
Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission
- Timothy D. Lanzendorfer of Columbus (Franklin) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 19, 2024 and ending Aug. 21, 2026.
The Criminal Sentencing Commission is an independent entity, legislatively established within the Ohio Supreme Court that seeks to ensure fair sentencing in the state of Ohio. Chief Justice Sharon L. Kennedy, ex officio, chair; Melissa Knopp, attorney, director.
Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission, Supreme Court of Ohio, 65 S. Front St., 5th Floor, Columbus 43215-3431. 614-387-9305. Website.
Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board
- Christine Morrison of Dublin (Franklin) has been appointed for a term beginning Dec. 16, 2024 and continuing at the pleasure of the governor.
The Capitol Square Review and Advisory Board is responsible for maintaining the historic character of Capitol Square Complex and educate visitors about the Ohio history and civics.
Ohio Advisory Council for Aging
- Misty D. Crosby of Vincent (Washington) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 13, 2024 and ending Nov. 21, 2027.
- Karin Small Wurapa of Blacklick (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 13, 2024 and ending Nov. 21, 2027.
- John R. Corlett of Lakewood (Cuyahoga) has been reappointed for a term beginning Dec. 13, 2024 and ending Nov. 21, 2027.
The Ohio Advisory Council for Aging is comprised of 12 members appointed by the governor. Terms are three years with reappointment possible. No member shall serve more than three consecutive terms. The council advises the director on issues affecting older Ohioans. Four members (ex officio) are drawn from the state legislature. The council also includes the directors (ex officio) of the following: Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services; Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities; Ohio Department of Health; and the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (or their designees).
Ohio Department of Aging, 30 E. Broad St., 22nd Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215-3414. 1-800-266-4346. Website.
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