GOVERNOR NAMES BRADLEY COMMERCE DIRECTOR
Lieutenant Governor-Elect to Head Agency
COLUMBUS (December 12, 2002) - Governor Bob Taft today announced that Lieutenant Governor-elect Jennette Bradley will serve as director of the Department of Commerce beginning January 13, 2003. Bradley replaces Gary Suhadolnik, who has been selected to serve as Executive Director of the Ohio Turnpike Commission.
"I'm pleased that Jennette has agreed to take on the additional task of running the Department of Commerce," Taft said. "She brings tremendous housing and banking experience and a solid understanding of public policy which will serve our state well in this critical role."
"I'm honored and excited by the Governor's call to serve in this capacity," Bradley said. "Ohioans depend on the services the Department of Commerce provides and I look forward to the challenge of effectively and efficiently running the agency."
The Department of Commerce is the state's chief regulatory agency, protecting consumers and ensuring the safety and soundness of numerous industries through its Divisions of Financial Institutions, Industrial Compliance, Labor & Worker Safety, Liquor Control, Real Estate & Professional Licensing, Securities, State Fire Marshal and Unclaimed Funds.
Bradley also will have several responsibilities as Lieutenant Governor, which were announced during the campaign:
As the liaison to county and local governments, Bradley will work closely with local and county officials so they have a more direct pipeline to the Governor's office.
Bradley will chair the Clean Ohio Council, which selects projects that will
receive grants and low-interest loans from the $200 million of the Clean Ohio
Fund, through her work as coordinator for urban revitalization. In this role
she also will work with the Ohio Department of Development's Office of Urban
Development to improve the financial viability of Ohio's older communities.
As chief policy advisor for community development and housing programs, Bradley
will work with the Ohio Department of Development's Community Development Division
and the Office of Housing and Community Partnerships to support and strengthen
Ohio's neighborhoods. Bradley also will serve as chair of the Ohio Housing Finance
Agency, which offers housing opportunities to Ohioans.
Bradley also will serve as the administration's liaison to small business and co-chair the Governor's Small Business Advisory Council to ensure that the concerns of Ohio's entrepreneurs are heard and communicated to the Governor.
The Lt. Governor-elect is a member of the Columbus City Council, first elected in 1991. She is a Senior Vice President, Public Funds Manager for the Huntington National Bank. Before joining the Huntington National Bank, Bradley was with Kemper Securities as a Senior Vice President Public Finance Banker. Bradley also served as Executive Director of the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority, the youngest ever to hold that post.
Bradley is a member of the Board of Trustees for Wittenberg University and was a recipient of the YWCA Woman of Achievement Award.
Bradley received her B.A. from Wittenberg University. She is a National Association of Securities Dealers (NASD) Licensed Registered Representative. She is also a graduate of Leadership Columbus. Bradley is married to Michael C. Taylor and they reside in Columbus.
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Contact: Joe Andrews, Governor's Office, at (614) 644-0957