Office of the Governor Press Releases

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland today established the Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendation Panel to assist him in the selection of judges for vacancies in Ohio courts.

“Ohioans deserve a transparent and inclusive government, and, under my administration, that will include the process of selecting judicial appointees,” Strickland said. “By establishing this new panel, we will help ensure that the most qualified judges will carry out the critical role of presiding over the courts in Ohio.”

Under the Ohio Constitution, the governor holds the authority to fill vacant judicial posts in Ohio courts occasioned by retirement or resignation.

Members of the Ohio Judicial Appointments Recommendation Panel (OJARP) will evaluate the qualifications of applicants for judicial vacancies and then make non-binding recommendations to the governor based on their evaluations.

The panel will consist of five at-large members, appointed by the governor for renewable two-year terms. The governor will designate one member as the panel chair, who will lead the panel’s operations to fill each vacancy. These five members will be assisted by regional groups of six members, who will be appointed by the governor as vacancies occur in their area of the state. Regional panels will include one member to represent the local labor and consumer community and another member to represent the area’s business and industry interests.

Panel members, who will serve without compensation, will include lawyers and non-lawyers and reflect Ohio’s diverse citizenry.

As a judicial vacancy occurs, the panel will provide notice and wide distribution regarding the availability of the open post, including a posting on the governor’s Web site. Any Ohio attorney who meets the legal requirements for judicial appointment is eligible to apply for consideration.

The governor has instructed the panel to consider all factors in reviewing and recommending the potential appointees, but, in particular, the panel will evaluate: the applicant’s background and ability to serve fairly and effectively; the applicant’s contribution to bringing diverse perspectives to Ohio’s judiciary; and the likelihood that the applicant could and would effectively campaign to retain his seat if appointed to the bench.

“The establishment of this panel continues our efforts to restore trust and integrity in Ohio’s government,” Strickland said.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced today Mahoning County Treasurer John B. Reardon will serve as superintendent of financial institutions, leading one of the nine divisions in the Ohio Department of Commerce, effective February 12.

“John will see that regulations are fair to both consumers and Ohio’s small and large financial institutions,” Strickland said. “He will work hard to see that our families and our economy continue to benefit from Ohio's great financial institutions.”

The superintendent of financial institutions upholds regulatory standards for state-chartered banks, savings and loans and credit unions, and oversees retail licensing of financial service providers, including consumer finance companies and mortgage brokers.

“I am honored to join Governor Strickland’s administration in this important role,” Reardon said. “I’m looking forward to helping our state’s financial institutions thrive, while protecting consumer rights.”

Reardon has been Treasurer of Mahoning County since 1998. As treasurer, Reardon managed the county’s investment strategies, pursued aggressive delinquent tax collection programs and created Lien Forward Ohio Regional Council of Governments, a city-county partnership that’s focused on returning vacant, abandoned, tax-delinquent land to productive use. Prior to serving as Mahoning County treasurer, Reardon worked as a business manager in small companies and Fortune 500 corporations. He also taught economics at Youngstown State University.

Reardon earned his bachelor’s degree in business administration from Kent State University and a master’s in economics from Youngstown State University.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Transition Chair Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman announced today the appointments of Ohio State Senator Kimberly Zurz as director of the Ohio Department of Commerce and Thomas Charles as Ohio Inspector General.

“Kim’s energy, good judgment and common-sense leadership make her the right person to lead the commerce department,” Strickland said. “I look forward to working with her to make sure that the Department of Commerce is doing everything it possibly can to help turn around Ohio.”

The appointment of Zurz marks Strickland’s 15th cabinet appointment.

Charles will continue in his current role as inspector general.

“Thomas understands that integrity and accountability play critical roles in our state government,” Strickland said. “He has played an absolutely essential role in beginning the process of restoring Ohioans’ trust and faith in their government. I’m proud to ask him to continue his work.”

Kimberly Zurz, director of the Ohio Department of Commerce

Zurz is currently the Ohio State Senator for the 28th District, which encompasses Portage County and a portion of Summit County. A state senator since September 2003, she has been a strong advocate for the people of her district, particularly in the creation and promotion of new jobs and industry, and school funding, concentrating on higher education funding and working to find ways to lower the cost of tuition to Ohio students.

Before her appointment to the Ohio Senate in 2003, Senator Zurz served 11 years on the Summit County Council, including three terms as president. During her service, she was a member of all of the legislative committees, and presided over the county budget of more than $560 million. As a member of County Council, she chaired the Investment Advisory Committee and the Summit County Audit Committee. She was instrumental in creating a Foreign Trade Zone in Akron and actively worked toward the creation and promotion of the Summit County Port Authority.

Zurz has been a member of many boards and commissions, including Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau Board Member, National Conference of State Legislatures, Bowhay Institute for Legislative Leadership Development Program Nominating Committee, National Association of County Officials, Information Technology Board, Summit County Criminal Justice Advisory Board, and the City of Green Charter Commission as Vice Chairman. Zurz is also a member of the Akron Bar Association Auxiliary, the Community Health Center Foundation, Green Historical Society, Green All Sports Boosters, and the Green Kiwanis.

Zurz is president of her family business, the Eckard-Baldwin Funeral Home in Akron, which has given her a unique perspective on the needs and concerns of small business owners. She is married to Richard Zurz, Jr., and has three children. She graduated from Firestone High School, and attended the University of Akron.

Senator Zurz is the recipient of the Corrine Rho Award from the Community Health Center Foundation in 2000; the Jane Quine Democrat of the Year Award in 2002; the Friends of Education Award from the Summit County Educational Service Center in 2003, the Ohio State Chiropractic Association President’s Award in 2006, the Omeris Senator of the Year Award in 2006, and the Greater Akron Chamber Economic Development and Community Improvement Award in 2006.

In the Ohio Senate, she is one of five women senators and has served as the Assistant Minority Leader. Senator Zurz currently serves as Ranking Minority Member on the Ways and Means and Economic Development Committee. She also serves on the Judiciary Committee on Criminal Justice and the Judiciary Committee on Civil Justice Committee.

“As a businesswoman, public servant and a parent, I understand how important the work of this department is to the world we live in,” Zurz said. “I look forward to working with businesses and consumers to find ways to strengthen our economy as well as our quality of life.”

As one of the state’s chief regulatory agencies, the commerce department’s mission is to safeguard the public, while striving to regulate commerce in a reasonable, fair and efficient manner.

Thomas Charles, Ohio Inspector General

In September 1998, Governor George Voinovich appointed Charles as Ohio Inspector General following his service as executive director of the Office of Legislative Inspector General. Prior to that, Charles served with the Ohio State Highway Patrol for 31 years.

Charles is a board member and past president of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Federal Credit Union and a board member of the Columbus Inner City Games. He is a member of the Ohio Investigators Association, the Ohio Troopers Coalition, and the Executive Board of the Association of Inspectors General. He also previously served on the Board of Editors of Public Integrity.

Charles is originally from Hubbard, Ohio. He is a graduate of Pennsylvania State's Police Executive Management School, the Secret Service's Dignitary Protection School, the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy, and completed a program of study with the Association of Inspectors General Institute. Charles also attended Youngstown State University, Pennsylvania State University, Central Ohio Technical College, and Lakeland Community College.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to continue my service to the people of Ohio,” Charles said.

The Office of Inspector General investigates allegations of wrongdoing by state agencies and officials in the executive branch of state government. It is currently heading up the task force investigating various investment practices at the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation.

The Office of Inspector General may make administrative recommendations to an agency aimed at improving state government and, when appropriate, a report of investigation may also be forwarded to a prosecutor for review to determine whether the underlying facts give rise to a criminal prosecution.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today released the following statement regarding his decision to issue a reprieve of Tuesday’s scheduled execution and reprieves for the two executions scheduled in February:

“In order to conduct a review that is as thorough and comprehensive as the previous administration pursued before death penalties were implemented, I have decided to issue reprieves as follows:

-- Kenneth Biros until Tuesday, March 20, 2007
-- James J. Filiaggi until Tuesday, April 24, 2007
-- Christopher J. Newton until Thursday, May 24, 2007.”

The full text of the warrants of reprieve signed today is as follows:


1. Kenneth Biros is currently in the custody of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, has been sentenced to death, and is scheduled to be executed on January 23, 2007.

2. James J. Filiaggi is currently in the custody of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, has been sentenced to death, and is scheduled to be executed on February 13, 2007.

3. Christopher J. Newton is currently in the custody of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction, has been sentenced to death, and is scheduled to be executed on February 27, 2007.

4. During my tenure as Governor, before I allow an execution to proceed, my staff and I will have conducted a comprehensive, thorough and searching review of the case to determine if any exercise of executive clemency is appropriate. The brief time I have been Governor has not allowed me sufficient time to conduct that type of review and there is not sufficient time before these scheduled executions to complete that type of review.

5. Accordingly, I direct that the sentences of death in the three cases listed above be reprieved as follows:

a. Kenneth Biros until Tuesday, March 20, 2007.

b. James J. Filiaggi until Tuesday, April 24, 2007.

c. Christopher J. Newton until, Thursday, May 24, 2007.

6. Mr. Biros, Mr. Filiaggi and Mr. Newton should remain incarcerated in the custody of the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction. The Department should carry out their sentences on the last date of their respective reprieves at a time established on that day by the Department.

7. I signed these Warrants of Reprieve on January 19, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Transition Chair Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman announced today the following appointments: Henry Guzmán, director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety; Robert Boggs, director for the Ohio Department of Agriculture; Angela Cornelius, director of the Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services; and Patrick Gannon as the chairperson of the Ohio Industrial Commission.

Guzmán will begin his service on February 12.

“Henry brings a wealth of leadership and public policy experience that makes him exceptionally qualified to lead the Ohio Department of Public Safety,” Strickland said. “His dedication to the safety and security of all Ohio citizens will guide his management of this critical department.”

Boggs will take office on January 24.

"Robert's years of service in the public sector -- particularly his efforts on behalf of Ohio's farmers -- have prepared him to be director of the Ohio Department of Agriculture," Strickland said. "I look forward to working with Robert, especially through our efforts to make Ohio a leader in next generation energy and in our work to protect and promote Ohio's crucial agricultural industry."

Cornelius will begin her service on March 5.

“Angela’s spirit and experience will help us ensure that more Ohioans are freed from the bonds of drug and alcohol addiction,” Strickland said. “Her past work in the education, prevention and treatment of drug and alcohol addictions I believe make her uniquely qualified for leadership in this department.

These three appointments mark 14 total cabinet appointments made by Strickland.

Gannon becomes chair of the Industrial Commission immediately.

“Patrick’s years of experience, both in the public and private sectors, provide him with a well-rounded understanding of the system and ensure that he will be fully capable to fairly and effectively carry out the duties of the Ohio Industrial Commission,” Strickland said.

“Today’s appointments continue the precedent set by the Strickland-Fisher Administration in gathering a team of the most experienced and talented individuals to lead Ohio’s critical cabinet positions,” Coleman said. “Joining together, this group will play an essential role in moving Ohio in the right direction and carrying out the Turnaround Ohio plan.”

Henry Guzmán, director of Ohio Department of Public Safety

Guzmán brings more than 25 years of experience in management and public policy to his role at ODPS. Since January 2004, Guzmán has served as director of the city of Columbus Department of Public Service, where he oversaw the operations of the divisions of Fleet Management, Refuse Collection and Transportation, and served as acting mayor, when Mayor Michael B. Coleman was out of the city. Guzmán is vice chair of the executive board of the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency and a member of the Policy Board of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission.

“Henry Guzmán has been great for Columbus. He has championed my pedestrian safety initiatives with great success and created efficiencies in the Department of Public Service that saved tax dollars while moving the city forward. Henry is also a close personal friend,” Coleman said. “Henry will be good for Ohio, and I look forward to continue working with him on safety issues.”

From 1999-2002, Guzmán was director of the Department of Public Safety for the city of Cleveland, where he also served, from 1992-1999, as director of the Department of Public Service. From 1990-1992 Guzmán was director of Program Development for the office of the Ohio Attorney General. In that role, he revised procedures for the DARE Program, resulting in more efficient responses to grantees. From 1987-1990, Guzmán served as deputy director of the Ohio Department of Liquor Control.

“I am honored to have the opportunity to use my years of experience in agency management and public service to keep Ohioans safe and secure and to also maintain an effective and efficient Department of Public Safety, ” Guzmán said.

While serving in the U.S. Army in Vietnam, Guzmán was awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star for Valor. He received a certificate in equal opportunity law from Antioch Law School in Washington, D.C., and a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Youngtown University.

Guzmán and his wife, Nydia, have four grown children and nine grandchildren.

ODPS provides safety and security of all Ohioans through eight critical divisions: Homeland Security, Highway Patrol, Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Medical Services, Investigative Unit, Ohio Office of Criminal Justice Services and Administrative.

Robert Boggs, director of Ohio Department of Agriculture

Boggs, a former state legislator, school teacher and coach, served as a Ashtabula County Commissioner since 1997, and his accomplishments include helping to retain and create more than 10,000 jobs and constructed and acquired more than 100 miles of new water and sewer lines. He also served as the president of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio.

From 1973-1997 Boggs was both a state representative in the 97th House District and a state senator in the 18th Senate District. During his time in the state legislature he authored and co-sponsored numerous bills pertaining to Lake Erie development, water quality, inter-modal transportation, economic development, education and natural resources.

“As a life-long public servant I look forward to being part of Governor Strickland’s plan to boost our agricultural economy by making next generation energy, including farm product-based alternative fuel sources, a priority in his energy policy,” Boggs said.

Boggs received his bachelor’s degree in government from American University in Washington, D.C., and a master’s in public administration from Kent State University.

ODA provides regulatory protection to producers, agribusiness and consumers, while promoting Ohio agricultural products in our country and around the world and educating the public about Ohio’s agricultural industry.

Angela Cornelius, director of Ohio Department of Alcohol and Drug Addiction Services

Since 1988, Cornelius has served as the executive director of Project Linden, Inc., a private non-profit outpatient alcohol and drug treatment and prevention services center. The agency works to prevent and eliminate drug abuse through education, intervention and treatment by reaching out to current drug users and identifying at-risk individuals. Before becoming the executive director of Project Linden, Inc., she served as a clinical director. Prior to joining the organization, Cornelius worked for the State of Ohio as an employer services specialist from 1986-1987 and a vocational rehabilitation counselor from 1985-1986 for the Rehabilitation Services Commission in Dayton.

She is currently a member of the ODADAS Workforce Development Committee, chair of the Hazel Booth Sutton Christian Learning Center and the Mental Health Association’s Raising the African American Potential Committee.

“Governor Strickland and I are committed to helping Ohioans reach their full potential, especially Ohio’s children, and the only way that can happen is for our communities to fight drug and alcohol abuse,” Cornelius said. “Education, prevention and successful treatment will lead to better educated, more productive Ohio citizens.”

Cornelius received her bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation education, a master’s degree in counseling and guidance and second master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Wright State University.

ODADAS plans and coordinates the state’s services to prevent substance abuse and treat Ohio’s addicted populations. The department’s goal is to promote health, safety and economic opportunity to an addiction-free Ohio.

Patrick Gannon, Chairperson of the Ohio Industrial Commission

Gannon was appointed to the Industrial Commission by Governor George Voinovich in 1994 to an unexpired term and reappointed in 1995, serving as chairman from 1995-1996. He was reappointed by Governor Bob Taft in 2001. While on the commission, Gannon assisted in the development of the commission's first permanent total disability rules and overhauled the permanent total disability determination process, reducing processing time from several years to less than one year.

Gannon began his workers' compensation career at the Bureau of Workers' Compensation in 1974 where he served as a claims examiner, investigator, public inquiry officer, and hearing officer for both the IC and BWC.

Additionally, Gannon represented the Ford Motor Company in workers' compensation matters. In private practice, he represented both state fund and self-insured employers and union and non-union injured workers. He has served as special counsel for a number of groups including: the President of the International Association of Firefighters, Local 4301 of the Communications Workers of America, Local 93 of the International Association of Firefighters, and the Cleveland Chapter of the American Red Cross.

“I am pleased to continue my work with Governor Strickland to provide fair and efficient workers' compensation resolution for Ohio's workers and businesses,” Gannon said.

Gannon earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Wheeling Jesuit University in Wheeling, W.Va., and he received his law degree from the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law at Cleveland State University.

The IC provides expeditious and arbitrary resolution of issues surrounding workers' compensation claims between employers and injured workers.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today offered Ohioans a realistic assessment of Ohio’s FY 2008 – FY 2009 biennial budget, the fiscal years for which Strickland must prepare his first budget. Current estimated spending levels proposed by agencies under the Taft Administration exceed available revenue growth by $1 billion to $1.5 billion.

“This budget process presents us with many challenges, but I remain fully committed to investing in Ohio’s priorities,” Strickland said. “It is clear that investment in job creation, economic development and education are key to solving our state’s continued budget problems and to moving our state forward.”

State revenues are growing slowly because of the state of the economy and because Ohio is beginning to feel the impact of House Bill 66.

Strickland said that he and the state legislature must now be prepared to live within the constraints placed on the state budget by HB 66 and the constraints of Ohio’s economic environment.

“I will work in a bipartisan fashion with the legislature to make sure our government lives within its means and invests in what really matters to Ohioans,” Strickland said.

Strickland welcomes collaboration and compromise between advocates, states employees, legislators and all Ohioans. One primary focus will be creating greater efficiency and accountability in state government.

“The state of Ohio will lead by example as we focus on cost savings, streamlining government and removing burdensome rules and procedures,” Strickland said. “We will make our government more accountable, effective and productive.”

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today signed Executive Order 2007-02 establishing an energy advisor to the governor to coordinate the state’s efforts to create jobs through becoming a leader in the production of next-generation energy.

“One of the core principles of my Turnaround Ohio plan is to invest in Ohio's strengths,” Strickland said. “Clearly, energy production is one of those strengths. I am convinced that we can create thousands of good-paying jobs by encouraging next-generation energy production in Ohio including ethanol, clean coal, wind and solar.”

The governor’s energy advisor will coordinate the administration’s energy policy. Each executive agency will designate a deputy director-level or higher liaison to work directly with the energy advisor to coordinate their agency’s energy policy. In addition, the energy advisor will sit on the Third Frontier Commission as the governor’s science and technology advisor.

“The energy advisor will work directly with the agencies to secure maximum efficiency, coordination and consistency across state government,” Strickland said. “This advisor will keep energy a state priority while creating a better environment and boosting economic development in energy and manufacturing sectors.”

Strickland today designated Mark Shanahan, executive director of the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority, as the governor's energy advisor.

In addition to naming an energy advisor, the executive order establishes measurable goals and deadlines for Ohio state government's energy consumption. The order instructs state agencies to immediately implement energy savings policies that recently became law instead of waiting until April 13, 2007.

The Ohio Department of Administrative Services must work with the energy advisor to establish a tool for state agencies, boards and commissions to measure their energy consumption, which must include means of calculating each organization’s “carbon footprint.” This process must be in place by March 16, 2007.

Each state agency, board and commission must also complete an energy audit of all of its facilities by June 2007. Upon completion of the energy audit these organizations must perform an overall reduction of 5 percent in building energy use for its facilities within the first year of the next biennium and 15 percent by the end of four fiscal years.

The executive order also instructs ODAS to reduce the state’s consumption of petroleum by increasing the number of state vehicles that use alternative fuel sources and prepare plans to establish E85 and biodiesel fuel pumps. E85 is fuel made up of 85 percent ethanol and 15 percent gasoline, and biodiesel is diesel fuel made from vegetable oil or animal fats. ODAS must develop and implement a plan to raise biodiesel fuel consumption to at least 25 percent of the state’s diesel purchases by no later than January 1, 2008.

“By using the purchasing power of the state and transforming our energy infrastructure to use biofuels from sources here in Ohio, we will decrease our dependency on foreign sources for oil and help our agricultural industry in the process,” Strickland said.

Lastly, the executive order launches the Governor’s Higher Education Energy Challenge, and creates an award and recognition program to encourage energy efficiency innovation at Ohio’s colleges and universities. The energy advisor will establish a competition for teams of students, faculty, administrators and staff to develop energy savings initiatives on their campuses.

“We must engage Ohio’s future leaders to face the energy challenges of today so they can create the energy possibilities of the future,” Strickland said. “Alternative fuels and energy innovation are the future of Ohio jobs, and this executive order lays the foundation to ensure Ohio is ready.”

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Transition Chair Mayor Michael Coleman announced today the following appointments: Christopher Korleski, director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency; Barbara Riley, director of the Ohio Department of Aging; and Cristal Thomas, as the state Medicaid director.

"Chris’ experience in both the public and private sector make him exceptionally fit to lead the Ohio EPA,” Strickland said. “He will work to protect our families and children through proper environmental protections while encouraging creating good-paying jobs through encouraging environmentally-friendly businesses and technologies.”

The appointments of Korleski and Riley mark 11 total cabinet positions Strickland has filled. Korleski and Riley will take office on February 1.

“Barbara is completely dedicated to the well-being of all Ohioans – from children and families to our senior citizens,” Strickland said. “Under her leadership the Ohio Department on Aging will continue to enhance the healthcare services and other programs that allow Ohio’s seniors an outstanding quality of life.

“I am proud to welcome Cristal back to Ohio to work with me to strengthen our state Medicaid program and work with me to provide the best services possible to Ohioans,” Strickland said. “Her experience in the executive branch in Illinois and in the federal government will be a tremendous asset as we work to provide access to affordable healthcare for all Ohioans.”

Thomas' position, while not a cabinet-level appointment, will play a critical role in implementing Governor Strickland’s healthcare vision. She will begin on February 12.

“The Strickland administration is building a tremendously talented team to give excellent advice to our governor, put the needs of Ohio’s families and communities first and bring all stakeholders together to move Ohio forward,” Coleman said.

Christopher Korleski, Ohio Environmental Protection Agency

Korleski served as counsel to Honda of America Mfg., Inc. in Marysville, Ohio since 1996. During his time at Honda he provided comprehensive advice and representation to the company in the areas of environmental, safety and HAZMAT law.

Before working at Honda, Korleski was an assistant attorney general in the Ohio Attorney General's Office in the Environmental Enforcement Section. From 1993-1995 he supervised the Ohio Attorney General's Clean Air Enforcement Program. From 1988-1993 he represented and counseled the Ohio EPA in various matters involving air pollution, water pollution and solid and hazardous waste.

“I will work hard to make sure Ohio’s environmental laws and regulations are strongly and fairly enforced,” Korleski said. “I also look forward to working with the governor to make Ohio a leader in next-generation energy production and environmentally-friendly economic development, bringing the high-paying jobs of the future to Ohio. I will work to establish a common-sense approach to the regulatory process, ensuring that businesses receive permits in a timely manner and work to eliminate unnecessary, redundant and contradictory regulations.”

Korleski earned a bachelor's degree in agronomy from The Ohio State University College of Agriculture, and a master's degree in agronomy from the University of Nebraska. He received his law degree from The Ohio State University.

The mission of the Ohio EPA is to protect the environment and public health by ensuring environmental laws are followed and providing leadership in the management of Ohio's environmental future.

Barbara Riley, Ohio Department of Aging

Riley brings over 25 years of government, public policy, management and social work experience. Since 1999, Riley served Ohioans at the Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services, and for the last two years she served as director of the department. Prior to becoming director, Riley worked in many other capacities of ODJFS; including serving as the assistant director in the Services to Families Division, deputy director in the Office for Children and Families and division chief of the Ohio Legislative Budget Office.

Ohio Supreme Court Chief Justice Moyer to the Ohio Task Force on Child and Family Law appointed her, and she served on the United Way of Ohio Basic Needs Vision Council Management Assistance Committee. Riley is a board member of various community non-profit organizations.

“I am honored to continue my service to Ohio by joining the Strickland administration,” Riley said. “I have advocated for Ohio families and children at ODJFS for many years, and I look forward to using the skills and knowledge I have gained to advocate for older Ohioans at the Ohio Department of Aging.”

Riley received a bachelor’s degree in sociology and social work from Pennsylvania State University and a master’s degree in public policy and political science from Washington University.

The Ohio Department of Aging helps older Ohioans live active, healthy and independent lives. The department also provides assistance to home and community-based services that help Ohio's seniors live in their own homes and support consumers of long-term care.

Cristal Thomas, State Director of Medicaid

Thomas, an Ohio native, has served at the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (formerly Illinois Department of Public Aid) since 2003. Most recently she served as the assistant director of the state agency with over 2,300 employees and a $15 billion annual budget. The department was responsible for healthcare procurement and administration of the Illinois Medicaid, child support enforcement and energy assistance programs.

Thomas implemented the All Kids program in Illinois, which guaranteed healthcare coverage to all children in the state. Prior to her service in Illinois, Thomas was a policy analyst at the Office of Management and Budget in the Executive Office of the President of the United States. She won the Office of Management and Budget Special Achievement Award in both 2002 and 2003.

“I am thrilled to return to my home state to help turn around Ohio," Thomas said. "I will work with Governor Strickland to fix Ohio's problems with the Medicaid system and make access to high-quality, affordable healthcare options a reality for all Ohioans."

Thomas graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor's degree in molecular genetics and earned her master's degree in public policy from the University of Chicago Irving B. Harris Graduate School of Public Policy Studies.

The state director of Medicaid works with the director of ODJFS to ensure Ohio's Medicaid program is efficient and effective for Ohio's families.

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today issued the following statement regarding the role of a higher education chancellor:

“I strongly support establishing a cabinet-level higher education chancellor. Such a position would enable the governor to be a stronger, more effective advocate for the higher education community in Ohio and will create a better system of higher education for all Ohioans.

“I applaud Speaker Husted’s leadership and his willingness to work in a bi-partisan manner in supporting these efforts. I look forward to working closely with the legislature to establish a more accountable higher education system with the goals of improving our graduation success rate and ensuring Ohioans have every opportunity to pursue lifelong learning.”

Columbus, Ohio - Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today vetoed Senate Bill 117, saying it both weakens consumer protections and prevents cities from being able to seek justice on behalf of their citizens on certain key matters.

“This legislation weakens both consumer protections and corporate accountability, and I will not allow it to go into law, in its current form, during my administration,” Strickland said. “Ohio’s consumers must be allowed to hold companies fully responsible if a company has a product that harms Ohioans, especially children.”

Strickland is able to veto this bill because it is within the 10-day period a governor is able to approve or veto a bill.

Below is the text of the statement of reasons for the veto of Senate Bill 117:




Under Article II, Section 16 of the Ohio Constitution, the Governor may veto any bill. I am vetoing Amended Substitute Senate Bill 117 for the following reasons.

Amended Substitute Senate Bill 117 greatly weakens current protections provided to consumers in the State of Ohio. This effort to amend the Consumer Sales Practices Act and arbitrarily limit awards to victims for noneconomic damages to only $5,000 does not allow consumers defrauded by companies to seek appropriate justice.

While weakening protections for consumers, at the same time the bill strengthens protections for companies that may have been responsible for products that have harmed and even continue to harm children and others in Ohio. This prevents cities from being able to seek justice on behalf of their citizens.

I will not allow this legislation in its current form, which drastically undermines current consumer protections, to go into effect during my administration.

I have signed this veto message on January 8, 2007 in Columbus, Ohio.



This will acknowledge the receipt of a copy of this veto message of Amended Substitute Senate Bill 117 that was disapproved by Governor Ted Strickland on January 8, 2007.

Columbus, Ohio - Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced staff who will fill key roles in the governor's office.

“I am deeply thankful to these talented and bright men and women,” Strickland said. “Ohio deserves a government filled with the most capable leaders who are committed to selflessly serving the state.”

The governor’s staff will be:

Chief of Staff

John Haseley, of Athens, who served as campaign director for Strickland’s gubernatorial campaign, director of the transition team and chief of staff for Strickland’s Congressional office from 1998-2005, will serve as the governor’s chief of staff.

Office of the Lt. Governor

Lauren B. Goode will serve as chief of staff. Goode, a native of Peebles, Ohio, previously worked as communications director for The Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, and is a former policy and legislative aide in the Ohio Senate.

Laura Fleming, a native of Cleveland, will serve as executive assistant to the Lt. Governor. Fleming previously served as Lee Fisher's executive assistant at the Center for Families and Children.

Office of the First Lady

Todd Rensi will serve as chief of staff. Rensi, of Columbus, was an aide for Frances Strickland throughout the gubernatorial campaign and a longtime staff member at the Ohio Democratic Party.

Judy Newman, of Lucasville, who worked in Strickland’s Congressional office as a field representative since 1999, will serve as project coordinator in the first lady’s office.

Cabinet Secretary

Jan Allen, of Columbus, whose previous public service includes positions in the lt. governor and secretary of state’s offices and deputy chief of staff under Governor Richard Celeste, will serve as cabinet secretary.

Chief Legal Counsel

Kent Markus, a native of Cleveland, who recently worked as a professor at Capital University Law School and served as counselor to Attorney General Janet Reno at the U.S. Justice Department and as chief of staff to then Attorney General Lee Fisher, will serve as chief legal counsel to the governor.

Chief Operating Officer

Aaron Pickrell, an Iowa native, who formerly served as campaign manager for Strickland’s gubernatorial campaign and on numerous political campaigns – including John Edwards for President – will serve as the chief operating officer of the governor’s office.

Malik Hubbard, a native of Shaker Heights, who was the Southern Field Director for the 2006 Ohio coordinated campaign and the deputy field director for Virginia Governor Tim Kaine, will serve as deputy director of boards and commissions.

Office of Public Liaison

Wade Rakes, a Mississippi native and former executive assistant to the chairman of Showtime Networks Inc., will serve as the governor’s director of public liaison.

Office of Policy

Janetta King, a native of Waterford, Ohio and a long-time legislative assistant in Strickland’s congressional office, will serve as policy director.

Robin Harris, of Pickerington, who recently served as the director of public policy and acting president and chief executive officer of the Ohio United Way, will serve as the health and human services policy executive assistant.

Kris Long, of Columbus, who served as chief of staff and legal counsel for the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus and in private practice in Michigan, will serve as the public safety and criminal justice policy executive assistant.

John D. Stanford, of Blacklick, Ohio, who most recently served as the special assistant to the Superintendent of Columbus Public Schools, will serve as the education policy executive assistant.

Office of Legislative Affairs

Former Representative Bill Hartnett, of Mansfield, will serve as the legislative director for the governor’s office.

Mike Culp, of Columbus, who was the executive director of the Ohio Democratic Party and former chief of staff and communications director for the Ohio House Democratic Caucus and statehouse reporter for Gannett News Service, will serve as deputy legislative director.

Tamiyka L. Koger, a native of Bedford Heights, Ohio, who worked as a legislative aid to then Minority Leader Chris Redfern and aide in the Ohio House for six years, will be serving as legislative liaison in the governor’s office.

Office of Communications

Jess Goode, a Warren County native, will serve as communications director. Goode previously served as Strickland’s congressional press secretary and district director.

Keith Dailey, a Cuyahoga County native, who has been press secretary both in the gubernatorial campaign and during the transition, will be the governor’s press secretary.

Amanda Wurst, a Columbus native, who recently worked on Mary Jo Kilroy’s campaign for Congress and Charlie Wilson’s write-in campaign for Congress, will serve as deputy communications director.

Jesse Taylor, a native of Dayton, who served as the online communications director for both the gubernatorial campaign and transition, will continue in that role in the governor’s office.

Stephen Hightower, of Middletown, Ohio, who served as the Franklin County field director for Strickland’s gubernatorial campaign, will serve as media events coordinator in the governor’s office.

Office of Faith-Based Initiatives

Angela Woodson, of Cleveland, faith-outreach statewide director for the gubernatorial campaign, will work in the governor’s office of faith based initiatives in Cleveland.

Shandell Jamal, of Columbus, who served as scheduler and deputy statewide minority outreach director during Strickland’s gubernatorial campaign and as an aide to Congressman Tim Ryan, will serve in the governor’s office of faith based initiatives.

Office of Scheduling

Betsy O’Grady Becker, of Columbus, who was director of scheduling on Strickland’s gubernatorial campaign and was formerly a K-12 teacher and program director of Kids Voting, will serve as scheduler in the governor’s office.

Carolyn Jones, of Marietta, who served as a member of Strickland’s Congressional staff since 1997 as a scheduler, caseworker and administrative staff, will work in the governor’s scheduling office.