COLUMBUS (December 29, 2006) - Governor Bob Taft today announced the appointment of Laura Powell as acting director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Gary Joseph as acting director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS). Both terms are effective December 30, 2006 and expire at the end of the term January 7, 2007. Powell replaces Joe Koncelik who resigned. Joseph replaces Ken Morckel who is pursuing opportunities in the private sector.

"Both Laura and Gary have served each of their respective departments with the highest level of professionalism and I appreciate their willingness to assume leadership of the agencies through the end of my administration," Taft said. "I also appreciate the outstanding leadership and commitment to public service demonstrated by Joe Koncelik and Ken Morkel. With Joe's service to protect Ohio's environment and Ken's dedication to keeping Ohioans safe, our state is a better place to live."

Laura Powell has served Ohio's EPA as assistant director since 2005 working on key program activities including the agency's legislative efforts and policy/rule development. In 1991, Powell joined the EPA as a legislative liaison and was named chief of its Office of Legislative Affairs in 1999.

Gary Joseph has served as the Assistant Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety since 1999 and manages the day-to-day operations of the agency. With nearly 30 years of experience in state, city and county government, Joseph served as a deputy director at the Ohio Department of Transportation specializing in finance, economic development and human resources.

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Contact: Mark Rickel, Governor's Press Secretary at (614) 644-0957

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