Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today appointed Lisa Patt-McDaniel as Director of the Ohio Department of Development.
Patt-McDaniel, 44, who has served for the past four months as the department’s interim director, will continue to lead the department’s efforts to accelerate Ohio’s economic growth and recovery through job creation and development of our high-growth industries.
“I am incredibly impressed with the leadership, commitment, deep knowledge and sound judgment Lisa has demonstrated not only as interim director but in her years as a leader in economic and workforce development for Ohio,” Strickland said. “Lisa has listened to our workers and businesses and knows what they need. Lisa is helping to position Ohio for long-term prosperity.”
A veteran of the Ohio Department of Development, Patt-McDaniel will lead the state’s efforts to create, retain and attract jobs for Ohio through targeted investments in the state’s growth industries and in partnership with the state’s regions and higher education institutions.
“Through my work at Development I have seen our state’s incredible strengths -- our inventive past and innovative leaders, our agile manufacturing and service industries, our stellar location and our talented workforce,” Patt-McDaniel said. “Governor Strickland has directed me to leverage all these strengths to assist Ohio’s businesses in meeting the needs of this global economy.”
In her short time as interim director, Lisa has already led the Department of Development’s work in the launch of the first Ohio Hub of Innovation and Opportunity in Dayton, a collaborative effort from Ohio’s Strategic Plan for Economic Development to accelerate our regions’ strengths. She was instrumental in bringing this idea from concept to reality.
She has overseen dozens of economic development projects, including expansions for Whirlpool, Eaton Corp., and the Scotts Miracle-Gro Company, as well as the awarding of millions of dollars in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funding in programs including energy development and efficiency, community development and infrastructure improvements.
Patt-McDaniel serves as chair and helped the Governor launch the state’s Minority Business Advisory Council to further develop Ohio’s minority business enterprises and community. She also worked to launch the Ohio Complete Count Committee with Treasurer Kevin Boyce.
“Changing the trajectory of Ohio’s economy means building on our existing strengths while continuously innovating and investing in high-growth industries,” said Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, who served as department director from 2007 to February of this year. “Lisa knows how to implement our economic development strategy better than anyone and I have absolute confidence in her vision for the department and our state.”
Patt-McDaniel has served in several capacities for the Ohio Department of Development since 1990. She is the first woman to lead the department.
Before her appointment in May as interim director, Patt-McDaniel served as director of the Workforce and Talent Division, where she was responsible for implementing the administration’s vision for a state workforce system that is competitive in the 21st century demand-driven economy and ensuring that Ohio workers have access to the resources and training they need.
As director of the department’s Workforce and Talent Division from March 2007 to May 2009, Patt-McDaniel oversaw the management of the Ohio Investment in Training Program, Workforce Guarantee Program, and the Governor's Workforce Investment Act Discretionary funds. The division also staffs the Governor's Workforce Policy Advisory Board.
Patt-McDaniel previously led the department’s Office of Business Development from 1997 to 2000, the department’s primary office in working with Ohio companies, as well as companies looking to expand and/or locate in Ohio. The office structures incentive packages, provides information regarding Ohio’s business assistance programs and conducts site searches for companies.
She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy from Miami University and her Master's of Public Administration degree from The Ohio State University.
As director, Patt-McDaniel will receive a salary of $142,500.
“This is a critical time for Ohio. Never in our recent history has the need been greater for us to work together to help our businesses grow and our workers get the education and skills they need to find and keep good jobs,” Strickland said. “Lisa has seen first-hand over the years how the right training, education and resources make a huge difference for our hard-working and skilled Ohio employees.”