Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland announced today the following appointments to Ohio Boards and Commissions.
Boards and Commissions
The Wildlife Council advises the Division of Wildlife of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources on policies pertaining to preservation of wildlife, management of wildlife based on public hearings or investigations, and has supervision over the wildlife in state parks.
C. Lee Howley, of Vermilion, has been reappointed to the Wildlife Council. Howley has served on the Wildlife Council since his appointment in 1995. He was elected vice president of the council in 1997. Howley is a native of Cleveland; he attended Georgetown University and earned an MBA at New York University.
The Waterways Safety Council reports to the Chief of the Division of Watercraft on plans and programs for the construction, maintenance and operation of refuge harbors and coordination with shore erosion projects. It also submits to the governor recommendations for amendments to Ohio laws relating to refuge and light craft vessel harbor.
Jane A. Harf, of Granville, has been appointed to the Waterways Safety Council. Harf received her bachelor’s degree from Indiana University and a master’s degree from the Ohio State University. Harf is currently the vice president of external affairs for American Electric Power Ohio and is a former instructor at Denison University.
The Labor-Management Government Advisory Council advises the workers’ compensation oversight commission and the administrator of workers’ compensation on the quality and effectiveness of rehabilitation services and makes recommendations pertaining to the bureau’s rehabilitation program.
Robert D. Kendis has been reappointed to the Labor-Management Government Advisory Council. Kendis is a graduate of Case Western Reserve University where he earned his bachelor’s degree and juris doctor. Kendis has served on the council since his appointment in 1988 as a representative of employee interests.
The Ohio Housing Finance Agency offers affordable housing opportunities for Ohioans from rental assistance to homeownership. OHFA provides access to financial resources for the development and management of affordable, safe and sanitary 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.
Roger W. McCauley was reappointed to the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. McCauley currently resides in Glouster and has been a member of the agency since his appointment in 1984 by Governor Dick Celeste. McCauley received his bachelor’s degree from Cornell University and his master’s in Public Administration from Ohio University.
The Banking Commission reports to the Superintendent of Banks its proposals on the issuance of certificates to form new banks and on the examinations of banks. The Banking Commission also conducts hearings for the removal of bank directors or officers when the occasion demands and establishes limits and regulations regarding banking procedures that affect other banks.
Bick Weissenrieder, of Athens, has been named to the Banking Commission. Weissenrieder received his bachelor’s degree in business management from Pennsylvania State University and is a graduate of the BAI School of Banking at the University of Wisconsin. Weissenrieder currently serves as the chairman and chief executive officer of Hocking Valley State Bank.
Rhonda L. Mears, currently associate general counsel to Peoples Bank, has been named to the Banking Commission. Mears received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University and a juris doctor from Capital University. Mears served Peoples Bank in the areas of contract and lease management, banking law and regulations, insurance law and regulations and credit and collection law, among others. She currently resides in Marietta.
The Unemployment Compensation Review Board hears unemployment compensation claims.
Former state Rep. Sylvester Patton has been named to the Unemployment Compensation Review Board. Patton served in the state House of Representatives for nine years after working for more than 20 years for First Energy. Patton is a graduate of Youngstown State University and a native of Youngstown.