Columbus, OH – Governor Ted Strickland today announced the appointment of Eddie Harrell, Jr., to the Ohio Civil Rights Commission.
“Eddie’s background in business management and community service will make him a valuable member of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission,” Strickland said. “Eddie’s work on education and economic and workforce development issues will be a tremendous benefit as the commission works to ensure all Ohioans have equal opportunities.”
Harrell, of Columbus, has served as the president and CEO of the Columbus Urban League since 2006. He was previously the executive director of I KNOW I CAN and the former Project GRAD Columbus, programs that worked together to provide Columbus City School District students with a quality public education that prepared them to enter college.
Harrell, 36, currently serves on the Otterbein College Board of Trustees, as well as on the boards of directors for COSI , Columbus City Schools Education Foundation, and KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program). Additionally, he served as the co-chair of the Diversity Focus Area for the City of Columbus 2012 Bicentennial Commission.
“I am excited about this opportunity to serve the people of Ohio as we work to ensure our state is a more tolerant, more just place to live and work,” Harrell said.
Harrell received a bachelor’s degree from Otterbein College and an MBA from Ashland University.
“Eddie Harrell is coming into the Ohio Civil Rights Commission at a critical juncture. I am confident that Mr. Harrell’s strong administrative skills and vision will be put to use to sharpen and reshape the civil rights agenda for the State of Ohio. That is a goal that Gov. Strickland and I share,” Ohio Senate Minority Leader Ray Miller said.
“Eddie Harrell will be a great addition to the Civil Rights Commission. As head of one of the oldest civil rights organizations, the Columbus Urban League, he spends countless hours advocating for equality, security, and hope for children and families,” Ohio House Democratic Leader Joyce Beatty said. “In my experiences with him, I’ve found him to be a great ‘people person’ who is genuine, direct, open and intelligent. He’s a great choice.”
The Ohio Civil Rights Commission enforces state laws against discrimination. OCRC receives and investigates charges of discrimination in employment, public accommodations, housing, credit and higher education on the bases of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, ancestry or familial status.
“The Ohio Civil Rights Commission needs a strong champion and voice on issues affecting minorities, women, and other victims of discrimination. In appointing Eddie Harrell to the commission, I believe Gov. Strickland has given us that strong voice,” Senator Shirley Smith, assistant minority leader and president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus, said. “I am looking forward to working with him to strengthen the Ohio Civil Rights Commission, and make it even more effective in the fight for equal justice for all Ohio citizens.”
A photo of Harrell can be found at:
http://governor.ohio.gov/Portals/0/Misc/harrell.JPG