Ohio Governor Announces Appointments

8.17.07 - Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland announced today appointments to several state boards and commissions.

The Ohio Civil Rights Commission is charged with working toward better enforcement of Ohio’s Civil Rights’ statutes. It reviews, and, if necessary, takes action against discrimination in housing, employment, union activities and public accommodation.

Barbara Sykes, of Akron, has been appointed as chair of the Ohio Civil Rights Commission. Sykes is currently the president and CEO of the Ohio United Way. A former state representative, Sykes was president of the Ohio Legislative Black Caucus from 2003-2006. She also served 12 years as the deputy auditor of administration for Summit County and was the first African American woman to serve on Akron City Council. Sykes earned a bachelor’s degree in social work and a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Akron.

University of Toledo Board of Trustees

Amjad Hussain, of Maumee, is a professor emeritus of thoracic and cardiovascular surgery at the University of Toledo College of Medicine and an op-ed columnist for the Toledo Blade. Hussain graduated with distinction in 1962 from Khyber Medical College in Peshawar, Pakistan, and has returned on an annual basis since 1976 to teach at the college. He is a fellow in the American College of Surgeons and a member of the Ohio State Medical Association, among his numerous professional memberships.

Cleveland State University Board of Trustees

Stephanie McHenry, of Shaker Heights, is the president of ShoreBank, Cleveland Region. Previously, McHenry served as senior director of Minority Business Development for The Greater Cleveland Growth Association and as executive director of the Northern Ohio Minority Business Council. McHenry serves on several organizations’ governing bodies, including those of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the Commission on Economic Inclusion, and University Hospitals of Cleveland. She received a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College in 1984.

Robert Rawson, of Cleveland, is a partner in the Cleveland office of Jones Day. He is a past president of the Citizens League of Greater Cleveland, past chair of the Cleveland Education Fund, and a past member of the Princeton University Board of Trustees. He currently serves on the board of the Greater Cleveland Partnership and as chair of the Northeast Ohio Council on Higher Education. Rawson received a bachelor’s degree from Princeton University in 1966, a master’s degree from Oxford University in 1968 and a law degree from Harvard University in 1971.

Belmont Technical College Board of Trustees

Lorrinda Saxby, of St. Clairsville, currently serves as the director of the Salt Fork Regional School Improvement Team for the Ohio Department of Education. A former public school teacher and principal, she also served as the superintendent for the St. Clairsville-Richland City School District from 1992-2001. Saxby received a bachelor’s degree from Urbana College in 1973, a master’s degree from Wright State University in 1978 and a doctorate degree in education from Miami University in 1991.

Youngstown State University Board of Trustees, Student Member

Stephen Foley, of Richmond, is pursuing bachelor’s degrees in political science and psychology. In addition to being a University Scholar, Foley is involved in several extracurricular and academic activities. He is a member of Golden Key, Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars. Foley is also active in Model United Nations and Model NATO.

Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees, Student Member

Daniel Jacoby, of Bowling Green, is pursing a bachelor’s degree in business administration with an expected graduation date of May 2009. Since 2004, he has worked as a circulation desk assistant for the Wood County District Public Library in Bowling Green. Jacoby received Dean’s List honors his freshman year at BGSU and was awarded the BG Success Scholarship.

University of Cincinnati Board of Trustees, Student Member

Seth Vensil, of Frazeysburg, is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in chemistry/pre-medicine with an expected graduation date of June 2009. Vensil is the president of UC’s Nightwalk Safety Board and the consultant chair for the Student Activities Board. He is also a member of the University Honors Scholars Program, Alpha Phi Omega Service Fraternity and the Inter-Fraternity Council Judicial Board.

Kent State University Board of Trustees, Student Member

Gina Spencer, of Euclid, received a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 2004 and a master’s degree in rehabilitation counseling from Kent State in May 2007. She is currently enrolled in an educational specialist program in special education and plans to pursue her doctorate. Among her numerous undergraduate and graduate student activities, Spencer served as president of the KSU chapter of the Ohio Rehabilitation Association/National Rehabilitation Counseling Association.

The Third Frontier Advisory Board advises the Third Frontier Commission on various items, including the strategic planning, general management and coordination of programs administered by the Commission.

Nancy Enright, of Kettering, currently works as a researcher for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) District 1199 in Columbus. She has also served as a senior engineer in research and development for Procter and Gamble. She received a bachelor’s degree from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1996 and a master’s degree in political science from the University of Cincinnati in 2004.

The Ohio Parks and Recreation Council advises the chief of the Division of Parks and Recreation on park development, formulation and implementation of park policy, planning, park acquisitions, programming, and finance.

John Jaeger, of Perrysburg, has served as the director of natural resources for the Metropolitan Park District of the Toledo Area since 2000. He was previously a naturalist/historic interpreter for the park district from 1985-2000. He is a Certified Parks and Recreation Professional (CPRP) of the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association. Jaeger received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo in 1972.

The Solid Waste Management Advisory Council advises and assists the director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency with preparation of the state’s solid waste management plan and periodic revisions to the plan.

Mark Thomas, of St. Clairsville, has been a Belmont County Commissioner since 2001. He is a practicing attorney for Thomas Law Offices, LLC, and previously served as law director for the city of St. Clairsville. Thomas is the chair of the Jefferson/Belmont Solid Waste Authority and serves on the board of trustees for the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. Thomas received a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in 1982 and a law degree from Ohio Northern University in 1986.

The Ohio Soil and Water Conservation Commission is charged with allocating state funds to soil conversation districts, recommending to the director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources the level of appropriations to special funds, advising and assisting the supervisors of soil and water conservation districts and issuing appropriate regulations governing the conduct of referendums and elections with respect to the districts.

Frederick Cash, of Richmond Heights, has worked for CT Consultants, Inc., an engineering and architectural firm based in Willoughby, since 1985. He currently serves as the construction administration department manager and chief construction managing engineer for the Construction Services Division. Cash is a board member for the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District. He received a bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University in 1977.

The Real Estate Appraiser Board oversees the operation of the real estate appraiser certification program and requires the Superintendent of Real Estate to administer and enforce the certification program.

Lytle Davis, of Cleveland, has been a real estate appraiser for L.T. Davis & Associates in Cleveland since 1977. His appraisal and review experience includes residential, commercial, industrial and mixed-use properties. Davis is on the board of directors for the National Society of Real Estate Appraisers. He received a bachelor’s degree from Kentucky State University in 1957 and a master’s degree from John Carroll University in 1967. He is a State Certified General Appraiser.

The State Board of Orthotics, Prosthetics and Pedorthics adopts rules to carry out the form and manner of filing licensure applications and renewals and the standards for evaluating licensure examinations.

David DeLuccia, of Columbus, is an Ohio Licensed/American Board Certified orthotist/prosthetist and currently works on the staff of American Orthopedics in Columbus. He is a frequent presenter for students in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Program at the Ohio State University and a consultant to the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation. DeLuccia received his bachelor’s degree from Manhattan College in 1998 and his Certificate in Orthotics in 2000 from the Newington Certificate Program.

Elsa Fritts, of Akron, is a certified, licensed pedorthist, and has established relationships with the medical community to assist patients with proper footwear and prescription orthotics. She is the owner of Foot Solutions stores, which offer specialty shoes and custom orthotics, in Lyndhurst and Strongsville. Fritts received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri in 1979 and a master’s degree from Lindenwood University in 1986. She also attended the Foot Solutions Pedorthic School in Atlanta.

The Ohio Criminal Sentencing Commission is responsible for conducting a review of Ohio's sentencing statutes and sentencing patterns, and making recommendations regarding necessary statutory changes.

Michael O’Brien, of Warren, is currently serving his first term as mayor of Warren. He previously served 12 years as a member of Warren City Council and 11 years as a Trumbull County Commissioner. In addition, O’Brien worked three years as a corrections officer for the Warren Police Department and 12 years as a juvenile probation officer for Trumbull County Family Court. O’Brien graduated from Youngstown State University in 1978 with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

The Ohio Water Advisory Council advises the chief of the Division of Water, recommends policy with respect to water management and conservation, and recommends ways to enhance cooperation among governmental agencies that have an interest in water use and consumption.

Lewis Neal Brady, of New Bremen, retired in 2004 after 30 years at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Recreation. He is currently the executive director of the Miami and Erie Canal Corridor Association, which works to preserve and enhance the Miami and Erie Canal Corridor as a viable resource. Brady received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1975 and a master’s degree in business administration from Wright State University in 1999.

The Private Water Systems Advisory Board advises the director of the Ohio Department of Health regarding the revocation or non-renewal of the registration of a private water systems contractor and makes recommendations to the director regarding the amount of surety bond required of private water systems contractors.

Walter Pishkur, of Youngstown, has been the president and CEO of Aqua Ohio, Inc., which provides water service to nearly 300,000 people in nine counties, since 1992. He previously served as the executive vice president/general manager for Inter-State Water Company in Illinois. Pishkur is a member and past chair of the Ohio chapter of the National Association of Water Companies. He received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1986 and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Illinois in 1992.

The Ohio Historical Records Advisory Board advises the Ohio Historical Society on matters relating to Ohio’s significant documentary heritage.

Diane Chubb, of Dublin, is currently the archivist for the State Archives of Ohio at the Ohio Historical Society. She was previously an administrative archivist for the local records program at the Missouri State Archives from 1998-2006 and a local records archivist at Kansas State Historical Society from 1994-1998. Chubb received a bachelor’s degree from the College of Charleston in 1989 and master’s degrees from the University of South Carolina in 1993.

Roger Verny, of Westerville, has been the deputy state librarian for the State Library of Ohio since 1994. He previously served as the director for education and communications at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center Libraries from 1989-1993. Verny received a bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo in 1970 and a master’s degree in education media and technology from the University of Toledo in 1975.

Amy Johnson Crow, of Reynoldsburg, is currently the third vice president for the Ohio Genealogical Society and president of the International Society of Family History Writers and Editors. A certified genealogist, she is also a member of the Records Preservation and Access Committee, co-sponsored by the Federation of Genealogical Societies and the National Genealogical Society. She graduated from the Columbus Technical Institute in 1986.

John Runion, of Silver Lake, has worked as the Stark County Records Manager since 1995. He is the chairman of the Ohio Electronic Records Committee, secretary of the Stark County Records Commission, and a past officer for the Association of Records Managers and Administrators. Runion graduated from Stark State College of Technology in 1995 with a degree in records and information technology.

Marjorie McLellan, of Yellow Springs, has served as an associate and assistant professor of history at Wright State University since 2000, as well as director of the public history program in the university’s department of history. She was previously an associate professor of history and American studies at Miami University from 1991-2000. McLellan received a bachelor’s degree from Miami University in 1975, a master’s degree from the State University of New York in 1981, and a Ph.D. in American Studies from the University of Minnesota in 1991.

The Public Benefits Advisory Board advises the director of the Department of Development of the universal service fund and the low-income customer assistance programs and advises the director on the director’s recommendation to the commission regarding the appropriate level of the universal service rider.

Teri Combs, of Albany, has served as the community development division director for the Corporation for Ohio Appalachian Development (COAD) since 2004. Combs was previously the distance learning coordinator at Ohio University and the distance education coordinator for the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. She received a bachelor’s degree from Indiana University in 1988, a master’s degree from Ohio University in 1995 and a Ph.D. in organizational communications from Ohio University in 2003.

Alvin Compaan, of Holland, is a professor of physics and director of the Center for Materials Science and Engineering at the University of Toledo. From 1973-1987, he worked as an assistant and associate professor at Kansas State University. Compaan received a bachelor’s degree from Calvin College in 1965 and master’s and Ph.D. degrees from the University of Chicago.

Carole Grimes, of Dayton, is retired from the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in Dayton and is currently a volunteer community health and housing advocate in the Dayton area. She serves on the Dayton Metropolitan Housing Authority, the Community Action Partnership Education/Advocacy Committee and the Ohio Community Development Finance Fund, among other organizations. Grimes received a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University in 1979.

Gwen Robinson, of Cincinnati, currently serves as the President/CEO of the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency. She is a co-founder and current vice-chair of Every Child Succeeds, a program for at-risk, first-time mothers in the Cincinnati area. She also serves on the boards of Fifth Third Bank and Family and Children First Council, as well as the Cincinnati Museum Center’s African American Advisory Board. She has received numerous recognitions for her work, including a “Women of the Year” award from the Cincinnati Enquirer in 2006.

The Historical Boilers Licensing Board establishes the licensure of historical boiler operations and the inspection of historical boilers.

Bruce Babcock, of Amanda, previously worked in heavy equipment manufacturing as well as in an iron foundry, chemical plant and hazardous waste incinerator. He was a member of the National Board of Boiler and Pressure Vessel Inspector’s task group on historical boilers and is currently a member of the task group on maximum allowable working pressure. Babcock received a bachelor’s degree from Western Michigan University in 1965, master’s degrees from Ashland University and Bowling Green State University, and a Ph.D. in organization development from the Union Institute in 1991.

The Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee assists the Ohio Department of Development and Housing Financing Agency in defining the housing needs and priorities within the state.

William Faith, of Columbus, has been the executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) for the past 13 years. He previously served as executive director for the Ohio Coalition for the Homeless from 1987-1994 and for the Friends of the Homeless from 1983-1987. Faith is a member of the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Ohio Foreclosure Prevention Taskforce, among other organizations. He received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1978.

The Ohio Standardbred Development Commission regulates standardbred racing.

Thomas Fries, Jr., of Columbus, is a part owner of a standardbred racehorse and graduated from the United States Trotting Association Driver’s Training School in 2006. He has worked as a special assistant to Congressman Tony Hall and a legislative aide to state Rep. Rocco Colonna. Since 1994, Fries has served as the owner and president of TFJ Associates in Columbus. He received a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University in 1986.

The Advisory Council of Directors for Prison Labor is responsible for advising and assisting the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections when it adopts rules with regard to the prison labor program.

Garland Gledhill, of Galion, has been the president and owner of Gledhill Road Machinery Company since 1972, a family business that manufactures snow plows, salt spreaders and miscellaneous highway equipment. Gledhill served as the clerk of council for the city of Galion for 26 years.

The Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board advises the Ohio Historical Society in the society’s site preservation program, reviews National Register nominations for 30-50 buildings, sites, structures, objects, and historic districts each year, and advises the State Historic Preservation Officer on the distribution of Certified Local Government grant funds for historic preservation projects in Ohio communities.

Barbara Gould, of Cincinnati, has worked in fashion, interior design and music. She is currently involved in several organizations and initiatives in the Cincinnati area, including the Ohio Justice and Policy Center, the Talbert Housing Foundation, Cincinnati Human Relations Commission, and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center. Gould graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Michigan in 1960.

The Ohio Water Development Authority may initiate, acquire, construct, maintain, repair and operate water development projects.

Gloria Fauss, of Utica, spent 10 years as the national director of state government and community relations for The Nature Conservancy and also served on the National Advisory Council for Environmental Policy and Technology. She is currently the director of government affairs for the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) District 1199. Fauss attended the Ohio State University.

The Interagency Council of Homelessness and Housing serves as the planning and policy development body for making recommendations to the Office of the Governor on short- and long-term statewide strategies and plans to address homelessness prevention, with an emphasis on eliminating chronic homelessness.

Michelle Budzek, of Cincinnati, is the president of The Partnership Center, Ltd, which works with government and other organizations to provide services and prevent homelessness. She was previously the executive director of the Welcome House of Northern Kentucky, Inc., from 1984-1995. Budzek received a bachelor’s degree from the College of Mount St. Joseph in 1980.

Mary Butler, of Elyria, is currently the systems change coordinator for the Ohio Statewide Independent Living Council and previously worked in several capacities for LEAP/CIP (Center for Independent Living). She is the vice-chair of the Elyria Fair Housing Board and works with the Public Housing Authority in Lorain County on disability rights and affordable, accessible housing.

William Faith, of Columbus, has been the executive director of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO) for the past 13 years. He previously served as executive director for the Ohio Coalition for the Homeless from 1987-1994 and for the Friends of the Homeless from 1983-1987. Faith is a member of the National Low Income Housing Coalition and the Ohio Foreclosure Prevention Taskforce, among other organizations. He received a bachelor’s degree from the Ohio State University in 1978.

Ruth Anne Gillett, of Lakewood, has worked for the Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Office of Homeless Services for the past 14 years, serving as a grant coordinator and program manager. Gillett is a past member of the City of Lakewood Community Reinvestment Housing Council and past board member of the Neighborhood Counseling Services. She received a bachelor’s degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1975.

Sally Luken, of Columbus, is the director of the Ohio office of the Corporation for Supportive Housing, which helps communities create permanent housing with services to prevent and end homelessness. Luken was previously the director of Faith Mission, a non-profit organization providing services to homeless individuals in Columbus. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the Ohio State University in 1982 and 2003, respectively.

Barbara Poppe, of Columbus, is the executive director of the Community Shelter Board; she previously served as the executive director for Friends of the Homeless in Columbus from 1990-1995. In addition to her membership in several state and local organizations, Poppe serves as a board member of the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Poppe received a bachelor’s degree from William Woods College in 1981 and a master’s degree in epidemiology from the University of Cincinnati in 1987.

Jane Rhoades, of Findlay, has been the CEO of the Findlay Hope House for the Homeless, Inc., for 14 years. Rhoades is the currently the chair of the Hancock County Housing Consortium and the president of the board of the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio. She received a bachelor’s degree from Adrian College in 1971.

The Children’s Trust Fund Board may apply for and accept federal funds, as well as gifts and donations from individuals or philanthropic foundations or organizations. It is responsible for the proper allocation of such funds and the establishment and maintenance of child abuse and child neglect prevention programs.

Crystal Ward Allen, of Hilliard, is currently the executive director of the Public Children Services Association of Ohio; she previously worked as an associate director and special projects coordinator for the Association from 1991-2001. A licensed social worker, Allen received a bachelor’s degree from Virginia Tech in 1978 and a master’s degree in social work from the Ohio State University in 1992. She is currently an adjunct professor in the School of Social Work at the Ohio State University.

Mary Deel, of Vinton, has 18 years of elementary and middle school teaching experience; she also served as chair of the language arts department for Vinton Middle School. In addition, Deel spent 13 years as a registered nurse. She received a bachelor’s degree from Rio Grande College in 1989 and a master’s degree in gifted education from Ohio University in 1991.

Ericka Thoms, of Cleveland, has worked for the Center for Community Solutions since 2003, first as advocacy coordinator and now as a policy and planning associate. She is a member of the Cuyahoga County Community Mental Health Board of Governors. Thoms received a bachelor’s degree from Hiram College in 1993 and a law degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1996.

Source: Ohio Governor