COLUMBUS (January 2, 2007) - Governor Bob Taft today announced appointments to the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools; Clean Ohio Council; State Board of Cosmetology; Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board; Credit Union Council; Ohio Fair Plan Underwriting Association Board of Governors; Ohio Higher Educational Facility Commission; Ohio Humanities Council; State Lottery Commission; Northwest State Community College Board of Trustees; Advisory Council of Directors for Prison Labor; Recycling and Litter Prevention Advisory Council; Retirement Study Council; Savings and Loan Associations and Savings Banks Board; Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Foundation; and the Washington State Community College Board of Trustees.

The State Board of Career Colleges and Schools shall establish minimum standards for the registration and operation of schools and for certificate diploma and degree programs offered by schools. They shall set standards for school agents, monitor recruitment and admission practices, ensure that each school provides applicants with graduation and placement rates, adopt rule allowing students to file complaints to the Board, report annually to the Governor and General Assembly on Activities for the Board and to adopt a rule establishing minimum standards of all faculty and instructional staff in programs at schools. Members are compensated for their expenses only.

Kenneth Searfoss, from Perrysburg, was reappointed to the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools for a term ending November 20, 2011. Dr. Searfoss has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education and Business Administration, a Master of Education degree and a Doctorate degree from Bowling Green State University. Dr. Searfoss is a Professor at Bowling Green State University.

Dennis Bartels, from Gahanna, was appointed to the State Board of Career Colleges and Schools for a term ending November 20, 2011, replacing Neil Collins, whose term expired. Mr. Bartels has a Bachelor of Science degree from John F. Kennedy University. Mr. Bartels is the President of Bradford School.

The Clean Ohio Council receives, reviews and approves applications for brownfield cleanup or remediation projects. Members are not compensated.

Mark A. Forni, from Woodsfield, was reappointed to the Clean Ohio Council for a term ending November 23, 2008. Mr. Forni has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from The Ohio State University and is a Monroe County Commissioner.

Christopher B. Nichols, from Canton, was reappointed to the Clean Ohio Council for a term ending November 23, 2008. Mr. Nichols has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration from Malone College. Mr. Nichols is the Manager, Revenue Assurance for First Communications and a Canton Township Trustee.

Matthew J. Kridler, from Springfield, was reappointed to the Clean Ohio Council for a term ending November 23, 2008. Mr. Kridler has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the Indiana University of Pennsylvania and Master of Public Administration degree from The Pennsylvania State University. Mr. Kridler is the City Manager for Springfield.

The State Board of Cosmetology examines applicants for licensure, strives to ensure the better education of practitioners, and establishes rules regulating the proper conduct and sanitation of cosmetological establishments and schools. The Board may employee inspectors to conduct examinations, grant permits and certificates, and enforce rules & regulations adopted by the Board. Members are compensated $19.55 per hour, plus expenses.

Steven Thompson, from Columbus, was reappointed to the State Board of Cosmetology for a term ending October 31, 2011. Mr. Thompson is a graduate of The Ohio State University. Mr. Thompson is the Owner/Hairdresser of Hair Resources. He is also the President of the Ohio Independent Cosmetologists and Barbers Association.

Bernadine Neal, from Columbus, was appointed to the State Board of Cosmetology for a term ending October 31, 2011, replacing Valeria McPherson, whose term expired. Ms. Neal has a Bachelor of Science degree from Spalding University and a Teaching Certificate from The Ohio State University. Ms. Neal is a Cosmetology Instructor at the Columbus Public Schools/Northeast Career Center.

The Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board shall give examinations and license individuals applying to be a professional counselor, social worker, independent social worker, and marriage and family therapist, and determines if an applicant is qualified to practice. Members are compensated $18.98 per hour, plus expenses.

Molly Michelbrink, from Kettering, was reappointed to the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board for a term ending October 10, 2009. Ms. Michelbrink is a Life Skills Counselor/Therapist for Webster Street Academy.

Jan White, from Clayton, was reappointed to the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board for a term ending October 10, 2009. Mr. White is a Court Administrator for Greene County Juvenile Court.

Kenneth Trivison, from Willoughby, was reappointed to the Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board for a term ending October 10, 2009. Mr. Trivison has a Master of Arts degree from John Carroll University. Mr. Trivison is the Director of the Center for the Prevention of Youth Violence at Catholic Charities Services of Lorain County.

The Credit Union Council is authorized to advise and make recommendations to the Superintendent of Financial Institutions or the Deputy Superintendent of Credit Unions on matters relating to credit unions, to hear appeals from final decisions of the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent on decisions regarding fields of membership, and recommend legislation to the Governor. In addition, the Council is required to advise and make recommendations to the Superintendent or Deputy Superintendent concerning the development and proposal of rules affecting credit unions. With respect to the adoption, amendment, or rescissions of rules, the Council is deemed to be the agency for purposes of required public hearings and to conduct and preside over such hearings. Members are compensated for actual and necessary expenses.

Linda Williams, from Akron, was reappointed to the Credit Union Council for a term ending September 22, 2009. Ms. Williams is the CEO/Manager of the Akron Firefighters Credit Union.

Aaron Michael, from Oak Hill, was appointed to the Credit Union Council for a term ending September 22, 2009, replacing Thomas L. Furrey, whose term expired. Mr. Michael has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Rio Grande and a Juris Doctor degree from The Ohio State University. Mr. Michael is an Attorney with the Barry L. Smith Law Firm.

The Ethics Commission enforces the Ohio Ethics Law, which establishes conflict of interest provisions, to ensure that state employees do not profit from their position as public officials. Members are compensated $75 per meeting, being paid no more than $1800 in any year.

Dr. Rev. Robert L. Browning, from Worthington, was reappointed to the Ethics Commission for a term ending January 1, 2013. Dr. Rev. Browning has a Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological Seminary and a Doctorate degree from The Ohio State University. Dr. Rev. Browning is professor emeritus at The Methodist Theological School and is a senior counselor for The Council for Ethics in Economics.

The Ohio Fair Plan Underwriting Association Board of Governors shall provide for economical, fair and non-discriminatory administration of a program for the equitable appointment of the basic property insurance which may be afforded in urban areas to applicants whose property is insurable in accordance with the underwriting standards, but are unable to obtain insurance through normal channels. Members are not compensated.

Daniel P. Snouffer, from Gambier, was appointed to the Ohio Fair Plan Underwriting Association Board of Governors for a term ending September 19, 2008, replacing Charles Call, whose term expired. Mr. Snouffer has a Bachelor of Science degree from Capital University. Mr. Snouffer is the Director of Company and Industry Relations for the Professional Insurance Agents Association of Ohio, Inc.

The Ohio Higher Educational Facility Commission reviews, approves, and issues tax-exempt bonds for the construction of facilities for private colleges in the State of Ohio. Members are paid for their expenses only.

Thomas Needles, from Bexley, was reappointed to the Ohio Higher Educational Facility Commission as a Member and Chairman for a term ending January 1, 2015. Mr. Needles has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Walsh College, a Master of Arts degree from John Carroll University and a Master of Arts degree from Catholic University of America. Mr. Needles is a Government Affairs Consultant.

The Ohio Humanities Council is an independent, statewide agency which receives annual grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities. It makes grants in Ohio to non-profit organizations to hold public humanities programs. Members of the Council establish policy for the program and act on proposals which are submitted for funding. Members are compensated for their expenses only.

Edith Hirsch, from Chagrin Falls, was reappointed to the Ohio Humanities Council for a term ending October 31, 2009. Ms. Hirsch has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Reserve University. Ms. Hirsch is an Independent Fund Raising Consultant with Edith F. Blum, Fund Raising Counsel.

Roger L. Beckett, from Mansfield, was appointed to the Ohio Humanities Council for a term ending October 31, 2009, replacing Buck Niehoff, whose term expired. Mr. Beckett has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ashland University and a Master of Arts degree from The Ohio State University. Mr. Beckett is the Deputy Director of the Ashbrook Center for Public Affairs with Ashland University.

The State Lottery Commission acts as an advisory body to the administration of the state lottery. Members are compensated $5,000.00 per year, plus expenses.

Jonathan A. Allison, from Hilliard, was appointed to the Ohio Lottery Commission for a term ending August 1, 2009, replacing Gisela Rosenbaum, whose term expired. Mr. Allison has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from Maryville College and a law degree from the Ohio State University. Mr. Allison is president of the Allison Group, Ltd. He is the former chief of staff to Governor Taft.

Patrick McDonald, from Columbus, was appointed to the Ohio Lottery Commission for a term ending August 1, 2009, replacing Linda S. Dotson, whose term expired. Mr. McDonald has a Bachelor of Arts degree and a Master of Public Administration degree from the University of Dayton. Mr. McDonald is the Deputy State Treasurer in the Ohio Treasurer of State Office.

The Northwest State Community College Board of Trustees has the power to build, own and operate a technical college in their designated district. It sets tuition and fees of the college, hires and sets the compensation of all the college's employees and does all else necessary to ensure the successful operation of the college. Members are compensated for their expenses only.

Phillip Ennen, from Bryan, was appointed to the Northwest State Community College Board of Trustees for a term ending June 10, 2009, replacing William S. Pepple, Jr., who resigned. Mr. Ennen has a Bachelor of Science degree from Florida State University and a Master of Public Administration degree from Florida State University. Mr. Ennen is the Vice President/Chief Executive Officer of Community Hospitals and Wellness Centers.

The Advisory Council of Directors for Prison Labor advises and assists the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction when it adopts rules with regard to the prison labor program. The department must consider the advice and assistance of the advisory board and cooperate with the board. The board may recommend to the General Assembly any further legislation that it believes is necessary to implement the department's program of employment for prisoners. Members are compensated for expenses only.

Robert E. Donald, from Columbus, was appointed to the Advisory Council of Directors for Prison Labor for a term ending April 9, 2007, replacing Aron Moss, Jr., who passed away. Mr. Donald has a Bachelor of Science degree from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University. Mr. Donald is currently retired. He worked for Owens Corning for 33 years.

The Recycling and Litter Prevention Advisory Council shall with approval of the Director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, establish criteria by which to certify agencies of the state, municipal corporations, counties, and townships as eligible to receive grants under section 1502.05 of the Ohio Revised Code and advise the Director in carrying out his duties under this chapter. Members are compensated for their expenses only.

Kimberly McConville, from Columbus, was reappointed to the Recycling and Litter Prevention Advisory Council for a term ending November 18, 2009. Ms. McConville has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Wesleyan University. Ms. McConville is the Executive Director of the Soft Drink Association.

Michael D. Long, from Columbus, was reappointed to the Recycling and Litter Prevention Advisory Council for a term ending November 18, 2009. Mr. Long has a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio University. Mr. Long is the Executive Director of the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio.

Alan E. Robbins, from Chippewa Lake, was reappointed to the Recycling and Litter Prevention Advisory Council for a term ending November 18, 2009. Mr. Robbins has a Bachelor of Science degree from Miami University. Mr. Robbins is the Founder and President of The Plastic Lumber Company.

Dawn R.B. Spurlock, from Grand Rapids, was reappointed to the Recycling and Litter Prevention Advisory Council for a term ending November 18, 2009; Ms. Spurlock has a Bachelor of Science degree from Bowling Green State University. Ms. Spurlock is the Technical Services Manager for Heritage Environmental Services, LLC.

The Ohio Retirement Study Council shall review the laws governing the administration and financing of the pension and finance funds administered by the state. Members are compensated for expenses only.

Cheryl L. Grossman, from Grove City, was reappointed to the Ohio Retirement Study Council for a term ending June 30, 2009. Ms. Grossman is mayor of Grove City, and has held that office since 1996.

The Savings and Loan Associations and Savings Banks Board makes recommendations to the superintendent of financial institutions and the deputy superintendent of savings and loan associations and savings banks on matters relating to the business of savings and loan associations and savings banks; pass upon or determine any matter the superintendent of deputy superintendent submits to the board for determination; submit to the Governor proposed amendments to the savings and loan associations and savings banks laws of this state; consider and determine whether to confirm the annual schedule of assessments proposed by the superintendent of financial institutions. Members are compensated for their expenses only.

Thomas Linneman, from Cincinnati, was appointed to the Savings and Loan Associations and Savings Banks Board for a term ending January 31, 2008, replacing Larry A. Caldwell, who resigned. Mr. Linneman has a Bachelor of Business Administration degree from the University of Cincinnati. Mr. Linneman is the President of Cheviot Savings Bank.

The Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Foundation shall prepare a plan to reduce tobacco use by Ohioans, with emphasis on reducing the use of tobacco by youth, minority and regional populations, pregnant women and others who may be disproportionately affected by the use of tobacco. Members are not compensated.

Jill Willen Kennelly, from New Albany, was appointed to the Tobacco Use Prevention and Control Foundation for a term ending June 3, 2011, replacing Rebecca Zuccarelli, who resigned. Ms. Kennelly has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vanderbilt University and a Master of Arts degree from The Ohio State University. Ms. Kennelly is the Senior Vice President of Strategy and Business and Development for OhioHealth Corporation.

The Washington State Community College Board of Trustees appoints the administrative officers, faculty and staff necessary to properly operate the college. It shall do all that is necessary to properly operate and maintain the college. Members are compensated for their expenses only.

Teri Zide, from Marietta, was appointed to the Washington State Community College Board of Trustees for a term ending February 18, 2009, replacing John R. Hendricks, who resigned. Ms. Zide is the Owner and Manager of a premier women's clothing store in Southeast Ohio.

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Contact: Governor's Communications Office at (614) 644-0957

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