Governor’s office announces 44 state appointments

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine announced 44 state appointments Friday. Areas include education, children’s welfare, legal aid, veterinary medicine and technology.

Appointments, terms of office and organizational descriptions are listed below. Counties of residence appear in parentheses.

Cleveland State University Board of Trustees

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  D. Geoffrey Vince of Westlake (Cuyahoga) has been appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending May 1, 2027.

The Cleveland State University Board of Trustees consists of nine trustees, a secretary to the board, two faculty representatives and two student representatives. The governor appoints trustees to nine-year terms or the remainder of vacated terms. The governor also appoints two student trustees for two-year terms. Only the nine trustees have voting power. David M. Reynolds, chair. Term expires May 1, 2025. Timothy J. Cosgrove, vice chair. Term expires May 1, 2028. Alan G. Starkoff, treasurer. Term expires May 1, 2026.

Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, Ohio 44115-2318. 216-687-2000. Website.

Miami University Board of Trustees

• William G. Ebbing of New Albany (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Feb. 28, 2034.

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. Steve Anderson, secretary. Term expires in 2031. Rod Robinson, treasurer. Term expires in 2026.

Miami University, 501 E. High St., Oxford, Ohio 45056. Website.

Edison State Community College Board of Trustees

• Tyeis L. Baker-Baumann of Celina (Mercer) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Jan. 17, 2031.
• Douglas L. Fortkamp of Sidney (Shelby) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Jan. 17, 2031.

Ohio Higher Educational Facility Commission

• Mary Grace Pattison of Rocky River (Cuyahoga) has been appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Jan. 1, 2033.

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. Thomas F. Needles, chair; Fred Church, ex-officio; John F. Martin, secretary; John C. Adams; Susan Tate; William C. Elliot; Michael Gonsiorowski; and John W. Rozic.

Ohio Higher Educational Facility Commission, 25 South Front St., Columbus, Ohio 43215. Website.

Ohio Board of Tax Appeals

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  William J. Seitz III of Cincinnati (Hamilton) has been appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Feb. 8, 2031.

The Ohio Board of Tax Appeals is the state of Ohio’s administrative tax court. It hears and resolves appeals and facilitates settlements.

Ohio Board of Tax Appeals, Rhodes State Office Tower, 30 E. Broad St., 24th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215. 614-466-6700. Website.

Ohio Board of Nursing

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  Candy S. Rinehart of Springfield (Clark) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2028.

The Ohio Board of Nursing consists of 13 members appointed by the governor. Members serve four-year terms and can be reappointed for a second four-year term. The board regulates nursing and other health professions in Ohio. The board oversees/monitors education, practice, licensure, compliance, and legislation. Erin Keels, board president; Donna L. Hanly, vice president.

Ohio Board of Nursing, 17 S. High St., Suite 660, Columbus, Ohio 43215. 614-466-3947. Website.

Children’s Trust Fund Board

• Megan McCombs Heydlauff of Upper Arlington (Franklin) has been appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending July 2, 2027.

The Children’s Trust Fund was established in 1984 for the prevention of child abuse and neglect in the state of Ohio. The agency’s board has 15 members. Terms are three years. The board includes directors of mental health and addiction services, health, and children and youth; eight public members appointed by the governor; two members from the state House and two members from the state Senate. State Rep. Andrea White, board chair; Dr. Angel Rhodes, vice chair.

Children’s Trust Fund. To report child abuse in Ohio, call 855-OH-CHILD. Website.

Ohio Commission on Fatherhood

• Randi M. Thomas of Oxford (Butler) has been reappointed for a term beginning Feb. 7, 2025 and ending July 30, 2026.
• Randall W. Leite of Hilliard (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning Feb. 7, 2025 and ending July 30, 2026.

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council

• Lisa A. Morrison of Medina (Medina) has been appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2025.

Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council. 1810 Sullivant Ave., Columbus 43222. 614-466-5205 or 800-766-7426. Fax: 614-466-0298. Website.

Ohio Wildlife Council

• Solomon J. Curtis of Dresden (Muskingum) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Jan. 31, 2029.

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 Thoroughbred Race Fund Advisory Committee

• S. Craig Beam of Sabina (Clinton) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Jan. 31, 2028.

Ohio Thoroughbred Racing Advisory Committee, Vern Riffe Center, 77 S. High St. N. Floor 18, Columbus, Ohio 43215. 614-466-2757.

Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board

• C. Michael Kerns of Findlay (Hancock) has been appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2026.
• Eric D. Gordon of Zanesfield (Logan) has been appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2027.
• Daniel J. Wallon Jr. of Columbus (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2027.
• Susan J. Pohler of Columbus (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2027.

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. Susan Skorupski, DVM. Term expires Dec. 31, 2025. Dr. Ray Hephner, DVM. Term expires Dec. 31, 2025.

Ohio Veterinary Medical Licensing Board, 77 S. High St., 16th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215. 614 644-5281. Email: in**@ov***.gov.

Ohio Third Frontier Commission

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  Matthew A. Jones of Cincinnati (Hamilton) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending April 1, 2027.

• Jonathan K. Stock of Westerville (Delaware) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Sept. 28, 2027.
• Brian T. Faust of Springboro (Warren) has been reappointed for a term beginning April 2, 2025 and ending April 1, 2028.

The Ohio Third Frontier Commission administers Third Frontier Ohio, the state’s technology-based economic development initiative. The commission includes an 11-member body, seven of whom are appointed by the governor. Members serve three-year terms. The commission is responsible for the allocation of funds appropriated by the Ohio General Assembly to support programs and activities associated with the Ohio Third Frontier.

Lydia L. Mihalik, chair, director, Ohio Department of Development; Mike Duffey, chancellor, Ohio Department of Higher Education; Joe Zeis, Science and Technology advisor, Governor’s Office; J.P. Nauseef, president and chief investment officer, JobsOhio; Lauren Bakaletz, Ph.D., vice president, Basic Sciences Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital; Dave Luketic, vice president, Government Affairs, Root, Inc.; David Enstone, retired; Matthew Jones, vice president, Cincinnati Business Committee; Jonathon Stock, VORYS, public-at-large representative; and Paul Yost, chief technical officer/chief of research and development, YOST Labs.

Department of Development, 77 S. High St., 29th Floor, Columbus, Ohio 43215. 800-848-1300. Website.

Ohio Public Defender Commission

• Jon Paul Rion of Yellow Springs (Clark) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Jan. 12, 2029.

Office of the Ohio Public Defender. 250 E. Broad St., Suite 1400 Columbus, Ohio 43215. 614-466-5394. 800-686-1573. Website.

Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission

• Christopher N. Protsman of Kettering (Greene) has been reappointed for a term beginning Feb. 10, 2025 and ending Sept. 3, 2027.

The Organized Crime Investigations Commission assists local law enforcement agencies in combatting organized crime and corrupt activities. The commission is comprised of members of law enforcement and chaired by the attorney general. Rocky Nelson, executive director; Matthew Hilbert, deputy director.

Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Commission. 614-277-1000. Website.

State Emergency Response Commission

• Rusty Orben of Upper Arlington (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Jan. 13, 2027.
• Allen W. Behnke of Lima (Allen) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Jan. 13, 2027.
• Robert K. Keener II of Mogadore (Summit) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Jan. 13, 2027.
• Michael H. Fitchet of Conneaut (Ashtabula) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Jan. 13, 2027.

The State Emergency Response Commission is made up of nine state agencies: Ohio Environmental Protection Agency; Emergency Management Agency; Attorney General’s Office; Health; Transportation; Natural Resources; State Fire Marshal; State Highway Patrol; and Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. SERC has 10 voting members: two representing environmental advocacy; two representing industry trade association; three representing firefighting; and three representing local government/municipalities. Two members of the legislature serve as non-voting members. SERC appoints Local Emergency Planning Committee members to two two-year terms. LEPCs use Ohio EPA’s inventory information to develop and exercise their local planning district’s emergency response plan(s). Background: The federal Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act provides for the collection and availability of information regarding the use, storage, production and release of hazardous chemicals to the public and emergency responders in Ohio communities. In 1988, the Ohio General Assembly passed Substitute Senate Bill 367, which provides for the implementation of the EPCRA in Ohio.

State Emergency Response Commission, Ohio Emergency Management Agency, 2855 W. Dublin-Granville Road, Columbus, Ohio 43235. (614) 889-7150. Website.

Ohio Casino Control Commission

• Triffon P. Callos of Cincinnati (Hamilton) has been appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Feb. 21, 2029.
• Scott P. Borgemenke of Dublin (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Feb. 21, 2029.

The Ohio Casino Control Commission has the responsibility to ensure the integrity of casino gaming, sports gaming, skill-based amusement machines and fantasy contests by licensing, regulating, investigating and enforcing state laws.

Ohio Casino Control Commission. 100 E. Broad St., 20th Floor, Columbus 43215. 614-387-5858, 855-800-0058. Fax: 1-14-485-1007.

Ohio AMBER Alert Advisory Committee

• Jacquelynn J. Costa of Stow (Summit) has been appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Feb. 6, 2027.
• Chad F. Budreau of Columbus (Franklin) has been appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Feb. 6, 2027.
• G. Matthew Delp of Lewis Center (Delaware) has been appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Feb. 6, 2027.
• Erin J. Pettegrew of Hilliard (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Feb. 6, 2027.
• Ronald E. Raines of Galena (Delaware) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Feb. 6, 2027.
• Brent L. Currence of Carroll (Fairfield) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Feb. 6, 2027.
• Brian L. Castner of Powell (Delaware) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Feb. 6, 2027.
• Kathryn Wolfe Farmer of Bluffton (Allen) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Feb. 6, 2027.
• Paul R. Jellison of Wilmington (Clinton) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Feb. 6, 2027.
• Leslie J. Prater of Ridgeway (Logan) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Feb. 6, 2027.
• Harry W. Trombitas of Dublin (Franklin) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Feb. 6, 2027.

AMBER Alert Advisory Committee, Charles D. Shipley Public Safety Building, 1970 W. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43223. 614-799-3589. 614-799-3589. Website.

MARCS Steering Committee

• Matthew O. Hafey of Orient (Pickaway) has been appointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and continuing at the pleasure of the governor.

MARCS (Multi-Agency Radio Communication System) is the statewide emergency radio system that connects Ohio’s first responders from multiple jurisdictions in regular and emergency situations.

Ohio MARCS, 4200 Surface Road, Columbus, Ohio 43228. 614-995-0060. Website.

Self-Insuring Employers Evaluation Board

• Todd C. Beresford of Moreland Hills (Cuyahoga) has been reappointed for a term beginning March 7, 2025 and ending Aug. 22, 2028.

The Self-Insuring Employers Evaluation Board consists of a three-member body. Terms are four years. No more than two of the three members can be of the same political party.

Self-Insuring Employers Evaluation Board, 30 W. Spring St., Columbus, Ohio 43215. 614-466-3010.

Financial Planning and Supervision Commission for Madison Township

• Lisa L. Walters of Lancaster (Fairfield) has been appointed for a term beginning Jan. 27, 2025 and continuing at the pleasure of the governor.

Sunset Review Committee

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  Rick A. Carfagna of Westerville (Delaware) has been reappointed for a term beginning Feb. 3, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2026.

• H. Douglas Talbott of Powell (Delaware) has been reappointed for a term beginning Feb. 3, 2025 and ending Dec. 31, 2026.

The Sunset Review Committee holds hearings and receives testimony from state agencies to evaluate their usefulness, performance and effectiveness. A final recommendation is proposed in the form of legislation to be voted on by the full House and Senate. The committee consists of nine members. Three are appointed by the Ohio House, with no more than two of the same political party; three are appointed by the Ohio Senate, with no more than two of the same political party; and three are appointed by the governor (with the advice and consent of the Senate), with no more than two of the same political party. Committee: state Rep. Nick Santucci, chair; state Sen. Kyle Koehler, vice chair; state Sen. William P. DeMora; state Sen. Al Landis; state Rep. Beth Lear; and state Rep. Veronica R. Sims. Committee members receive no compensation, but are reimbursed for necessary expenses incurred in the performance of their official duties.

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