Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s office announced 28 state appointments on Friday.
Charleta B. Tavares of Columbus was reappointed to the Ohio Elections Commission, and Karl C. Kerschner of Tiffin was also appointed to a four-year term. Tavares, a Democrat, is CEO of Columbus Neighborhood Health Center and a former state senator. Kerschner, a Republican, is partner and CEO at Cooper Elliot, a Columbus-based law firm.
Jenifer A. French of Westerville was reappointed to the Public Utilities Commission, where she serves as chair. Her new term begins April 11, 2024, and ends April 10, 2029. DeWine first appointed and named Frank chair in 2021. Prior to that, she served as a Franklin County Court of Common Pleas judge from 2015 to 2021.
Other state appointments covered education, energy, natural resources, public ethics, and veterinary medicine.
Eight of the governor’s picks went to residents of Franklin County (Columbus). Delaware County came in second with two. Cuyahoga, Portage, Stark, and Ashtabula counties each earned one pick. No appointments went to residents of Mahoning, Trumbull or Columbiana counties.
Appointments, terms of office, and organizational descriptions are listed below. Counties of residence appear in parentheses.
Ohio Wildlife Council
- Michael A. Rex of Athens (Athens) has been reappointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Jan. 31, 2028.
- Heather B. Robinson of Powell (Delaware) has been appointed for a term beginning February 9, 2024, and ending Jan. 31, 2028.
The Ohio Wildlife Council is composed of an eight-member board. Council members are appointed to four-year terms by the governor. The board reviews and votes on all ODNR (Ohio Department of Natural Resources) Division of Wildlife proposed rules and regulations. No more than four council members can be of the same political party. Two members must represent agriculture. Mike Rex is chairman. Paul P. Mechling II is vice chair.
Ohio Wildlife Council, 2045 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693. 614-265-6565. Website. Email:
wi******@dn*.gov
Ohio Forestry Advisory Council
- Adam M. Conway of Granville (Licking) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 1, 2024, and ending Feb. 29, 2028.
- Danielle R. Gill of Logan (Hocking) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 1, 2024, and ending Feb. 29, 2028.
- Paul Parks Mechling II of Pierpont (Ashtabula) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 1, 2024, and ending Feb. 29, 2028.
The Ohio Forestry Advisory Council advises and makes recommendations regarding forestry programs and practices in the state. The Council consists of eight members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the state Senate. No more than four members can be from the same political party. Terms are four years.
Ohio Forestry Advisory Council, 2045 Morse Road, Building D,
Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693. 877-247-8733. 614-265-6694. Website.
Ohio Elections Commission
Charleta B. Tavares of Columbus (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Dec. 31, 2028.- Karl C. Kerschner (R) of Tiffin (Seneca) has been appointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Dec. 31, 2028.
The Ohio Elections Commission is composed of seven commission members, an executive director/staff attorney (Philip C. Richter), a commission assistant (Christopher Hughes), and the commission secretary (Betty Springer). Commission membership includes three Democrats, three Republicans and one member unaffiliated with any party. Commission members: Stephen Caraway (R). Term expires Dec. 31, 2027; Shayla L. Davis (D). Term expires Dec. 31, 2027; Christina M. Hagan (R). Term expires Dec. 31, 2026; Ernest C. Knight (I). Term expires Dec. 31, 2026; John A. Lyall (D). Term expires Dec. 31, 2026. Alternate members: Scott Norman (I). Term expires: Dec. 31, 2026. David Quolke (D). Term expires Dec. 31, 2026. Peter Stautberg (R). Term expires Dec. 31, 2026.
Ohio Elections Commission, 77 S. High St., Suite 1850, Riffe Center, Columbus, Ohio 43215. Phone: 614-466-3205. Website.
Miami University Board of Trustees
- Peyton B. Morrow of Shreve (Wayne) has been appointed as a student member to the Miami University Board of Trustees for a term beginning March 1, 2024, and ending Feb. 28, 2026.
- Lisa A. Peterson of Worthington (Franklin) has been appointed for a term beginning March 1, 2024, and ending Feb. 28, 2033.
The Miami University Board of Trustees is composed by a 17-member board. Eleven trustees are appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the state Senate. Each of the gubernatorial appointees must be an Ohio resident, and two trustees must be students enrolled at the university. The board selects up to six additional National Trustees, who include “notable, highly-respected alumni” residing outside the state of Ohio. National and student trustees are non-voting appointments. Officers: Mary Schell, chair. Term expires in 2028. Deborah Feldman, vice chair. Term expires in 2029. Sandra D. Collins, secretary. Term expires in 2025. Rod Robinson, treasurer. Term expires in 2026.
Miami University, 501 E. High St., Oxford, Ohio 45056. Website.
Ohio Higher Educational Facility Commission
• William C. Elliott of Worthington (Franklin) has been appointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Jan. 1, 2030.
The Ohio Higher Educational Facility Commission helps independent, not-for-profit institutions finance the construction and renovation of educational facilities through tax-exempt bonds. The commission has nine members (including the Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, or a designee of the Chancellor). Eight members are appointed by the governor, with the advice and the consent of the state Senate. Commissioners serve eight-year terms. Board: Thomas F. Needles, chair; Fred Church, ex-officio; John F. Martin, secretary; John C. Adams; Susan Tate; Patricia Jackson; Michael Gonsiorowski; and John W. Rozic.
State Board of Education
• Amy Malone Fugate of Springfield (Clark) has been appointed for a term beginning Feb. 16, 2024, and ending Dec. 31, 2024.
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. Email:
co************@sb**.gov
.
Oil and Gas Commission
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EL-MONIER Ilham El-Monier of Columbus (Franklin) has been appointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Oct. 14, 2028.
- James S. Aslanides of Coshocton (Coshocton) has been appointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Oct. 14, 2025.
The Oil and Gas Commission is a five-member advisory council appointed by the governor. Terms are five years. No more than three members can be members of the same political party. Pursuant to Section 1509.35 of the Ohio Revised Code: one member must be a representative of a major petroleum company, one must represent independent petroleum producers, one must represent the public, one must be classed as “learned and experienced in oil and gas law,” and one must be “learned and experienced in geology.” Commission members (listed on website as of Feb. 10, 2024): Christine Shepard-Desai (represents independent petroleum); Brian Chavez (represents major petroleum); Frank Reed (learned in oil and gas law); Andrew R. Thomas, chairman (learned in geology); and Phillip L. Parker, secretary (representing the public).
Oil & Gas Commission, 2045 Morse Road, Building E-1, Columbus, Ohio 43229. 614-262-2064. Website.
Ohio Reclamation Commission
• Roger L. Osborne of Fleming (Washington) has been appointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending June 28, 2025.
The Reclamation Commission provides an administrative appeal to “any person claiming to be adversely affected by a decision of the Chief of the Division of Mineral Resources Management.” The commission consists of seven members appointed by the governor with the advice and consent of the state Senate. No more than four members can belong to the same political party. Terms are five years. Board composition: one member representing coal mine operators; one member representing the public; one member learned in modern forestry practices; one member learned in agronomy; one member experienced in earth grading/civil engineering; and two members representing farmers. Ray Rummell, chairman. Roger L. Osborne, vice chairman. Edward C. Spiker, secretary.
Ohio Reclamation Commission, 2045 Morse Road, Building A-2 Columbus, Ohio 43229. Email:
Re********************@dn*.gov
. Website.
Reclamation Forfeiture Fund Advisory Board
- Joshua J. Agin of Zanesville (Muskingum) has been reappointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Jan. 10, 2028.
- Michael A. Sliva of Cadiz (Harrison) has been reappointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Jan. 10, 2028.
The Reclamation Forfeiture Fund Advisory Board advises the governor on matters concerning the Reclamation Forfeiture Fund and coal mining performance security. The nine-member board consists the director of natural resources, the director of insurance, and seven members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the state Senate. Terms are four years.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 2045 Morse Road, Building D-3, Columbus, Ohio 43229-6693. 614-265-6816. Website.
Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Council
- Allison R. Cain of Belmont (Belmont) has been reappointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Jan. 31, 2027.
- Brian D. Morley of Louisville (Stark) has been reappointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Jan. 31, 2027.
The Oil and Gas Technical Advisory Council consists of an eight-member body appointed by the governor. Terms are three years.
Ohio Department of Natural Resources, 2045 Morse Road, Columbus, Ohio 43229. 614-265-6922. Website.
State Teachers Retirement System
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PERERA Brian M. Perera of Upper Arlington (Franklin) has been appointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Sept. 27, 2024.
The State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio represents active, inactive and retired Ohio public educators. STRS Ohio is governed by a Retirement Board consisting of five elected contributing teachers, two elected retired teachers, an investment expert appointed by the governor, an investment expert appointed jointly by the speaker of the House and the Senate president, an investment expert designated by the treasurer of state, and the director of the Department of Education and Workforce or their designated investment expert. Dale Price, chair. Term extends through Aug. 31, 2024. Carol Correthers, vice chair. Term extends through Aug. 31, 2025.
State Teachers Retirement System of Ohio, 275 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215-3771. 888‑227‑7877. Website.
Self-Insuring Employers Evaluation Board
- Joseph D. Snyder of Kent (Portage) has been appointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Aug. 22, 2026.
The Self-Insuring Employers Evaluation Board consists of a three-member body. Terms are four years. No more than two of the three members may be of the same political party.
Self-Insuring Employers Evaluation Board, 30 W. Spring St., Columbus, Ohio 43215. 614-466-3010.
State Employment Relations Board
- Sandra Drabik Collins of Toledo (Lucas) has been appointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Oct. 6, 2026.
The State Employment Relations Board administers the Ohio Public Employees’ Collective Bargaining Act through a three-member board. Board members are appointed by the governor to staggered six-year terms. Only two board members can be of the same political party. W. Craig Zimpher, chair. Atty. Frederick E. Mills, vice chair. Atty. Robert J. Walter, board member.
State Employment Relations Board, 65 E. State St., Suite 1200, Columbus, Ohio 43215. 614-644-8573.
Ohio Ethics Commission
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BAILEY Bruce E. Bailey of Westerville (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Jan. 1, 2030.
The Ohio Ethics Commission promotes ethics in public service. Paul M. Nick serves as executive director and oversees the commission’s state-wide responsibilities. Merom Brachman, chairman. Term expires Jan. 1, 2025. Mark A. Vander Laan, vice chairman. Term expires Jan. 1, 2027.
Ohio Ethics Commission, 30 W. Spring St., L3, Columbus, Ohio 43215-2256. Website. 614-466-7090. Email:
et****@et****.gov
.
Public Utilities Commission
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FRENCH Jenifer A. French of Westerville (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning April 11, 2024, and ending April 10, 2029. DeWine first appointed and named Frank chair in 2021. Prior to that, she served as a Franklin County Court of Common Pleas judge from 2015 to 2021.
The Public Utilities Commission regulates utility-service providers, including electric and natural gas companies, local and long-distance telephone companies, water and wastewater companies. The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) is composed of five commissioners appointed by the governor to rotating, five-year terms.
Jenifer French, chair. Reappointed for a term beginning April 11, 2024, and ending April 10, 2029. John D. Williams, commissioner. Term ends April 10, 2028. Daniel R. Conway, commissioner. Term ends April 10, 2027. Dennis P. Deters, commissioner. Term ends April 10, 2026; Lawrence K. Friedeman, commissioner. Term ends April 10, 2025.
Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, 180 E. Broad St., Columbus, Ohio 43215. 800-686-7826. Website.
Public Utilities Commission Nominating Council
- Marcia R. Knox of Dayton (Montgomery) has been appointed for a term beginning Jan. 22, 2024, and continuing at the pleasure of the governor.
The Public Utilities Commission (PUCO) Nominating Council is composed of a 12-member panel that screens candidates for the position of PUCO commissioner. One seat on the Commission becomes available each year. For information about the appointment process visit www.PUCO.ohio.gov….
Public Utilities Commission Nominating Council. Website. Email:
PU******************@pu**.gov
Industrial Commission Nominating Council
- Gordon M. Gough of Dublin (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning Feb. 5, 2024, and ending October 20, 2027.
The Industrial Commission Nominating Council makes recommendations to the governor for the appointment of members. The governor appoints four employer representatives, four labor representatives, and two public members. Public members must be of different political parties. Terms are six years, with a two-term limit.
Industrial Commission, William Green Building, 30 W. Spring St., Columbus, Ohio 43215-2233. 800-521-2691. Website. Email:
As***@ic.gov
.
State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors
- Jonathan F. Link of Delaware (Delaware) has been appointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Sept. 24, 2028.
The State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors regulates the professions of engineering and surveying in Ohio. John Greenhalge is executive director. The board consists of five members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the state Senate. Terms are five years. Dean C. Ringle, chair. Chris Bauserman, vice chair. Walid E. Gemayel, board secretary.
State Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and Surveyors, 77 S. High St., Suite 2472 Columbus, Ohio 43215. 1-877-644-6364. Website.
Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board
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PENDLETON Scott A. Pendleton of Cadiz (Harrison) has been reappointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Dec. 31, 2026.
- Ray A. Hephner of Walton Hills (Cuyahoga) has been appointed for a term beginning Feb. 9, 2024, and ending Dec. 31, 2025.
The Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board is composed of seven members appointed by the governor, with the advice and consent of the state Senate. The board includes five members licensed to practice veterinary medicine in Ohio; one registered veterinary technician; and one public member. Terms are three years. Board: Dr. Scott Pendleton, president. Reappointed to a term ending Dec. 31, 2026. Dr. Tim Kolb, vice president. Term expires Dec. 31, 2024. Dr. Nancy O’Connor. Term expires Dec. 31, 2024. Atty. Susan Pohler, public member. Term expires Dec. 21, 2024.
Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board, 77 S. High St., 16th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215. 614 644-5281. Email:
in**@ov***.gov
.
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