Governor announces board appointments; still no word on SSCC vacancy
Lead Summary
By
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Ohio Governor Ted Strickland has recently announced several appointments to a number of state boards and commissions. The Board of Regents advises and assists the governor, the General Assembly, the state universities and the state agencies concerned with higher education on matters of long range financing and development of the state’s higher education facilities.
When contacted this week by The Highland County Press, the governor's office said it has yet to name a replacement for Don Gephart on the Southern State Community College Board of Trustees. Gephart, of Blanchester, resigned from the board in February, citing health reasons. The nine-member board has been operating with eight members, including just one from Adams and Clinton counties, since that time.
The SSCC Board of Trustees has adopted a resolution for the rotation of new board members among the college's five counties. However, Strickland has not followed the college resolution in making his appointments.
"The governor is always looking for Ohioans interested in serving on the state’s various boards and commissions, including the Southern State Community College Board of Trustees," Strickland spokesperson Amanda Wurst told The Highland County Press. "Geographic diversity will be taken into consideration, although the governor always selects the individual he believes will best serve the institution and the state of Ohio. Shortly after the governor makes appointment decisions, the governor’s office announces those appointments."
In addition to Gephart's resignation, Southern State's board will be losing three current members whose terms expire this year: Ralph Shell of Highland County, and Jim Ward and Patty Griffiths of Fayette County. The other board members include: co-chair Dr. Vicki Wilson of Clinton County; chair Kay Ayres of Highland County; Dr. Ben Houser and Paul Hall of Brown County; and Rory Ryan of Adams County.
Recent appointments announced by the governor include:
Patricia Ackerman, of Richmond Heights, currently serves as the
executive director of the Chalkdust Education Foundation. She is a retired
public school educator who served as a teacher, principal and K-12
curriculum administrator. Ackerman also serves as a member of the Ohio
University Foundation Board and previously served as the president of the
National Alliance of Black School Educators. She received a bachelor’s
degree from Ohio University, a master’s degree from Cleveland State
University and a doctorate from Kent State University.
The Miami University Board of Trustees hires, fixes compensation of, and
removes employees of the university as it deems necessary for the good of
the institution. It does all else necessary to ensure the successful and
continuous operation and maintenance of the university.
Jagdish Bhati, of Cincinnati, currently serves as the president of
Optimum Management. He previously served as the chief operating officer and
a partner with McGrath Group Management and as a program director of network
systems technical support operations for Lucent Technology USA. Bhati has
also served as a member of the Lucent Support Services Employee Reward and
Recognition Program, Lucent Saudi Arabia Team Excellence Award Program and
the EMEA Kenan/CSG Systems Professional Service Group Leadership Team. He
received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Jodhpur and a master’s
degree from the University of Cincinnati.
The Youngstown State University Board of Trustees hires, fixes
compensation of, and removes employees of the university as it deems
necessary for the good of the institution. It does all else necessary to
ensure the successful and continuous operation and maintenance of the
university.
Leonard Schiavone, of Youngstown, currently serves as a partner for the
law firm of Friedman & Rummell and as the president of Metro Land Title
since 1999. He also serves as a member of the North Side Citizens Coalition
for Community Development and previously served as a board member for the
Youngstown City Health Department. Schiavone received a bachelor’s degree
from Purdue University in 1970 and a law degree from the University of
Cincinnati in 1977.
The NEOUCOM Board of Trustees hires, fixes compensation of, and removes
employees of the university as it deems necessary for the good of the
institution. It does all else necessary to ensure the successful and
continuous operation and maintenance of the university.
Daisy Alford-Smith, of Aurora, has served as the chief executive officer
of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio since 2007. She previously served as
the chief operating officer of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign
Nursing Schools and the International commission on Health Care Professions
from 2004-2006 and as the director of the Summit County Department of Job &
Family Services from 1998-2004. Alford-Smith currently serves as member of
the Health Systems Agency of North Central Ohio Trustee Board. She received
a bachelor’s degree from Excelsior College Albany, a master’s degree from
the University of Akron, and a doctorate from Cleveland State University.
The Ohio Tuition Trust Authority administers the state’s 529 college
savings plan, CollegeAdvantage. The Ohio Tuition Trust Authority makes the
final determination on the price of a tuition credit or tuition unit, the
designation of bonds as college saving bonds, and the selection and approval
of investment agents for the authority’s various college savings programs.
Barbara Gellman-Danley, of Rio Grande, has served as the president of
the University of Rio Grande since 2009. She previously served as the vice
chancellor for academic affairs and system integration at the Ohio Board of
Regents from 2008-2009 and as the president of Antioch University McGregor
from 1999-2008. Gellman-Danley also currently serves as a member of the
National Community College Advisory Council. She received a bachelor’s
degree from Syracuse University in 1974, a master’s degree from Simmons
College in 1975, and a doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in 1986.
The Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission studies the existing criminal
statutes and Ohio Laws, sentencing patterns throughout the state and the
available correctional resources. The results of this study shall be used to
develop and recommend to the General Assembly a comprehensive criminal
sentencing structure.
Kathleen Hamm, of Toledo, has served as the chief public defender in the
Wood County Public Defender’s Office since 1990. She previously served as
the assistant public defender in the Wood County Public Defender’s Office
from 1984-1990. Hamm received a bachelor’s degree from the University of
Notre Dame in 1980 and a law degree from the University of Toledo in 1983.
The State Medical Board receives applications and conducts examinations
for certificates of persons desiring to practice medicine, osteopathic
medicine and surgery in the state of Ohio. The board also may revoke
existing licenses or certificates of doctors and surgeons in Ohio.
Krishnamurthi Ramprasad, of Cincinnati, has served as a physician for
the Greater Cincinnati Gastroenterology Associates since 1991. He also
serves as a gastroenterology instructor at the VA Hospital in Cincinnati.
Ramprasad received the 2007 Best Doctor Award by the Western Hills Mercy
Hospital. He received a medical degree from Madras Medical College in 1975.
The Ohio Public Defender Commission appoints the state public defender
and establishes rules for the conduct of county public defenders and county
appointed counsel systems across the state. In addition, the commission
advises the governor, General Assembly and Ohio Supreme Court on the
operation of the State Public Defender’s Office and county public defenders
and counsel systems.
Mary Donovan, of Cincinnati, has served as the managing attorney for
Donovan Law since 2001. She previously served as the president of the
Indiana Right-of-Way Company from 2001-2004. Donovan also served as police
officer for the City of Cincinnati from 1987-1990 and as the president of
the Greater Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyers Association in 2009. She
received a bachelor’s degree from Mt. St. Joseph in 1998 and a law degree
from the University of Cincinnati in 2001.
Ben Espy, of Columbus, previously served as the executive assistant
attorney general for the State of Ohio from 2007-2008. He also served as an
attorney in private practice from 1977-2007 and as a state senator from
1992-2002. Espy also serves as a board member for the Columbus Medical
Association Foundation and the Central Benefits USA Health Care
Foundation. He received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University
in 1965 and a law degree from Howard University in 1968.
Samuel Porter, of Columbus, has served as a partner for the law firm of
Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur since 1953. He also serves as a member of
the board of trustees for the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Adena
Regional Medical Center as well as numerous other civic and community
organizations. Porter received a bachelor’s degree from Amherst College and
a law degree from the Ohio State University.
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.
William Martin, of Concord, has served as the president and owner of
Barrington Homes since 1975. He is also currently serving as a presidential
advisor and executive committee member for the Home Builders Association of
Greater Cleveland. Martin studied accounting and finance at the Ohio State
University and Lake Erie College.
The Ohio Steel Industry Advisory Council is responsible for conducting an
examination of existing federal and Ohio laws that currently affect the
production and consumption of Ohio steel, problems that the Ohio steel
industry currently faces, including foreign competition and the economic
climate for the Ohio steel industry, and other matters relevant to the
future of the steel industry in this state. The Council also submits an
annual report to legislative leaders and advises local and state government
officials.
Brenda Schulz, of Powell, has served as a controller for Nucor Steel in
Marion since 2008. She previously served as the controller for Nucor Cold
Finish in Wisconsin from 2005-2008. Schulz received a bachelor’s degree and
master’s degree from Wayne State College in 2001 and 2005, respectively.
David McCall, of Reynoldsburg, currently works for the United Steelworkers.
He received a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1974 and
completed the Harvard Trade Union Program in 1990.
The Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Committee coordinates
investigations of organized criminal activity and cooperates with the
departments and officers of the U.S. government in the suppression of
criminal activity.
Victor Vigluicci, of Rootstown, has served as a prosecuting attorney for
Portage County since 1994. He previously served as an attorney in private
practice from 1977-1994. Vigluccil also serves as a member of the National
District Attorneys Association. He received a bachelor’s degree from Walsh
College in 1974 and a master’s degree from University of Akron in 1977.
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.
Douglas McLarnan, of Gambier, previously served as a social work supervisor
for the Knox County Children’s Services Department before retiring. He also
served as a firefighter and EMT for the College Township Fire Department.
McLarnan was appointed as the first commissioner of the Knox County Park
District in 1995 and became the district’s operations manager in 2003. He
was elected as a trustee of College Township in 2000.
The Board of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology adopts rules to ensure
ethical standards of practice by licensed speech pathologists and
audiologists, determines the nature and scope of examinations to be
administered to applicants and evaluates the qualifications of all
applicants, and supervises the examination of applicants and determines by
rule the minimum examination score for licensure.
Amy Thorpe, of Maumee, has worked at the Toledo Hospital/Toledo Children’s
Hospital since 1996. She was previously employed by the Northwest Ohio
Speech Language Rehabilitation Services from 1995-1996. Thorpe is currently
performing research at the Toledo Children’s Hospital. She serves as a
member of Toledo Children’s Hospital Feeding Team and a member of the Fetal
Alcohol Diagnostic Clinic of Northwest Ohio. Thorpe received a bachelor’s
degree from Wittenberg University in 1990.[[In-content Ad]]
When contacted this week by The Highland County Press, the governor's office said it has yet to name a replacement for Don Gephart on the Southern State Community College Board of Trustees. Gephart, of Blanchester, resigned from the board in February, citing health reasons. The nine-member board has been operating with eight members, including just one from Adams and Clinton counties, since that time.
The SSCC Board of Trustees has adopted a resolution for the rotation of new board members among the college's five counties. However, Strickland has not followed the college resolution in making his appointments.
"The governor is always looking for Ohioans interested in serving on the state’s various boards and commissions, including the Southern State Community College Board of Trustees," Strickland spokesperson Amanda Wurst told The Highland County Press. "Geographic diversity will be taken into consideration, although the governor always selects the individual he believes will best serve the institution and the state of Ohio. Shortly after the governor makes appointment decisions, the governor’s office announces those appointments."
In addition to Gephart's resignation, Southern State's board will be losing three current members whose terms expire this year: Ralph Shell of Highland County, and Jim Ward and Patty Griffiths of Fayette County. The other board members include: co-chair Dr. Vicki Wilson of Clinton County; chair Kay Ayres of Highland County; Dr. Ben Houser and Paul Hall of Brown County; and Rory Ryan of Adams County.
Recent appointments announced by the governor include:
Patricia Ackerman, of Richmond Heights, currently serves as the
executive director of the Chalkdust Education Foundation. She is a retired
public school educator who served as a teacher, principal and K-12
curriculum administrator. Ackerman also serves as a member of the Ohio
University Foundation Board and previously served as the president of the
National Alliance of Black School Educators. She received a bachelor’s
degree from Ohio University, a master’s degree from Cleveland State
University and a doctorate from Kent State University.
The Miami University Board of Trustees hires, fixes compensation of, and
removes employees of the university as it deems necessary for the good of
the institution. It does all else necessary to ensure the successful and
continuous operation and maintenance of the university.
Jagdish Bhati, of Cincinnati, currently serves as the president of
Optimum Management. He previously served as the chief operating officer and
a partner with McGrath Group Management and as a program director of network
systems technical support operations for Lucent Technology USA. Bhati has
also served as a member of the Lucent Support Services Employee Reward and
Recognition Program, Lucent Saudi Arabia Team Excellence Award Program and
the EMEA Kenan/CSG Systems Professional Service Group Leadership Team. He
received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Jodhpur and a master’s
degree from the University of Cincinnati.
The Youngstown State University Board of Trustees hires, fixes
compensation of, and removes employees of the university as it deems
necessary for the good of the institution. It does all else necessary to
ensure the successful and continuous operation and maintenance of the
university.
Leonard Schiavone, of Youngstown, currently serves as a partner for the
law firm of Friedman & Rummell and as the president of Metro Land Title
since 1999. He also serves as a member of the North Side Citizens Coalition
for Community Development and previously served as a board member for the
Youngstown City Health Department. Schiavone received a bachelor’s degree
from Purdue University in 1970 and a law degree from the University of
Cincinnati in 1977.
The NEOUCOM Board of Trustees hires, fixes compensation of, and removes
employees of the university as it deems necessary for the good of the
institution. It does all else necessary to ensure the successful and
continuous operation and maintenance of the university.
Daisy Alford-Smith, of Aurora, has served as the chief executive officer
of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio since 2007. She previously served as
the chief operating officer of the Commission on Graduates of Foreign
Nursing Schools and the International commission on Health Care Professions
from 2004-2006 and as the director of the Summit County Department of Job &
Family Services from 1998-2004. Alford-Smith currently serves as member of
the Health Systems Agency of North Central Ohio Trustee Board. She received
a bachelor’s degree from Excelsior College Albany, a master’s degree from
the University of Akron, and a doctorate from Cleveland State University.
The Ohio Tuition Trust Authority administers the state’s 529 college
savings plan, CollegeAdvantage. The Ohio Tuition Trust Authority makes the
final determination on the price of a tuition credit or tuition unit, the
designation of bonds as college saving bonds, and the selection and approval
of investment agents for the authority’s various college savings programs.
Barbara Gellman-Danley, of Rio Grande, has served as the president of
the University of Rio Grande since 2009. She previously served as the vice
chancellor for academic affairs and system integration at the Ohio Board of
Regents from 2008-2009 and as the president of Antioch University McGregor
from 1999-2008. Gellman-Danley also currently serves as a member of the
National Community College Advisory Council. She received a bachelor’s
degree from Syracuse University in 1974, a master’s degree from Simmons
College in 1975, and a doctorate from the University of Oklahoma in 1986.
The Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission studies the existing criminal
statutes and Ohio Laws, sentencing patterns throughout the state and the
available correctional resources. The results of this study shall be used to
develop and recommend to the General Assembly a comprehensive criminal
sentencing structure.
Kathleen Hamm, of Toledo, has served as the chief public defender in the
Wood County Public Defender’s Office since 1990. She previously served as
the assistant public defender in the Wood County Public Defender’s Office
from 1984-1990. Hamm received a bachelor’s degree from the University of
Notre Dame in 1980 and a law degree from the University of Toledo in 1983.
The State Medical Board receives applications and conducts examinations
for certificates of persons desiring to practice medicine, osteopathic
medicine and surgery in the state of Ohio. The board also may revoke
existing licenses or certificates of doctors and surgeons in Ohio.
Krishnamurthi Ramprasad, of Cincinnati, has served as a physician for
the Greater Cincinnati Gastroenterology Associates since 1991. He also
serves as a gastroenterology instructor at the VA Hospital in Cincinnati.
Ramprasad received the 2007 Best Doctor Award by the Western Hills Mercy
Hospital. He received a medical degree from Madras Medical College in 1975.
The Ohio Public Defender Commission appoints the state public defender
and establishes rules for the conduct of county public defenders and county
appointed counsel systems across the state. In addition, the commission
advises the governor, General Assembly and Ohio Supreme Court on the
operation of the State Public Defender’s Office and county public defenders
and counsel systems.
Mary Donovan, of Cincinnati, has served as the managing attorney for
Donovan Law since 2001. She previously served as the president of the
Indiana Right-of-Way Company from 2001-2004. Donovan also served as police
officer for the City of Cincinnati from 1987-1990 and as the president of
the Greater Cincinnati Criminal Defense Lawyers Association in 2009. She
received a bachelor’s degree from Mt. St. Joseph in 1998 and a law degree
from the University of Cincinnati in 2001.
Ben Espy, of Columbus, previously served as the executive assistant
attorney general for the State of Ohio from 2007-2008. He also served as an
attorney in private practice from 1977-2007 and as a state senator from
1992-2002. Espy also serves as a board member for the Columbus Medical
Association Foundation and the Central Benefits USA Health Care
Foundation. He received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University
in 1965 and a law degree from Howard University in 1968.
Samuel Porter, of Columbus, has served as a partner for the law firm of
Porter, Wright, Morris & Arthur since 1953. He also serves as a member of
the board of trustees for the Columbus Metropolitan Library and the Adena
Regional Medical Center as well as numerous other civic and community
organizations. Porter received a bachelor’s degree from Amherst College and
a law degree from the Ohio State University.
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.
William Martin, of Concord, has served as the president and owner of
Barrington Homes since 1975. He is also currently serving as a presidential
advisor and executive committee member for the Home Builders Association of
Greater Cleveland. Martin studied accounting and finance at the Ohio State
University and Lake Erie College.
The Ohio Steel Industry Advisory Council is responsible for conducting an
examination of existing federal and Ohio laws that currently affect the
production and consumption of Ohio steel, problems that the Ohio steel
industry currently faces, including foreign competition and the economic
climate for the Ohio steel industry, and other matters relevant to the
future of the steel industry in this state. The Council also submits an
annual report to legislative leaders and advises local and state government
officials.
Brenda Schulz, of Powell, has served as a controller for Nucor Steel in
Marion since 2008. She previously served as the controller for Nucor Cold
Finish in Wisconsin from 2005-2008. Schulz received a bachelor’s degree and
master’s degree from Wayne State College in 2001 and 2005, respectively.
David McCall, of Reynoldsburg, currently works for the United Steelworkers.
He received a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1974 and
completed the Harvard Trade Union Program in 1990.
The Ohio Organized Crime Investigations Committee coordinates
investigations of organized criminal activity and cooperates with the
departments and officers of the U.S. government in the suppression of
criminal activity.
Victor Vigluicci, of Rootstown, has served as a prosecuting attorney for
Portage County since 1994. He previously served as an attorney in private
practice from 1977-1994. Vigluccil also serves as a member of the National
District Attorneys Association. He received a bachelor’s degree from Walsh
College in 1974 and a master’s degree from University of Akron in 1977.
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.
Douglas McLarnan, of Gambier, previously served as a social work supervisor
for the Knox County Children’s Services Department before retiring. He also
served as a firefighter and EMT for the College Township Fire Department.
McLarnan was appointed as the first commissioner of the Knox County Park
District in 1995 and became the district’s operations manager in 2003. He
was elected as a trustee of College Township in 2000.
The Board of Speech Language Pathology and Audiology adopts rules to ensure
ethical standards of practice by licensed speech pathologists and
audiologists, determines the nature and scope of examinations to be
administered to applicants and evaluates the qualifications of all
applicants, and supervises the examination of applicants and determines by
rule the minimum examination score for licensure.
Amy Thorpe, of Maumee, has worked at the Toledo Hospital/Toledo Children’s
Hospital since 1996. She was previously employed by the Northwest Ohio
Speech Language Rehabilitation Services from 1995-1996. Thorpe is currently
performing research at the Toledo Children’s Hospital. She serves as a
member of Toledo Children’s Hospital Feeding Team and a member of the Fetal
Alcohol Diagnostic Clinic of Northwest Ohio. Thorpe received a bachelor’s
degree from Wittenberg University in 1990.[[In-content Ad]]