Contact:  Dawn Larzelere

dlarzelere@greaterohio.org

614.258-6200 x22

Columbus, Ohio (June 16, 2009) – Greater Ohio, the state’s “smart growth” organization, is pleased to announce several key hires to expand its policy expertise and meet new opportunities.

Dawn Larzelere, a veteran policy professional with experience working in various roles for three Ohio governors, has been named Policy Director.  She brings to Greater Ohio her capacity for policy development and lobbying in federal and state government, and strategic relationship-building across the state and country.  Prior to joining Greater Ohio, she was the Legislative Director for the Ohio Housing Finance Agency, and has also served as the Executive Assistant for Business and Industry for Governor Bob Taft and Manager of the Governor’s Regional Economic Development Offices. Dawn graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism.

Katherine Buckingham has been promoted from Research Associate to Outreach Coordinator.  Katherine replaces Ann Seller, who successfully spearheaded Greater Ohio’s outreach work to reach out to and revitalize Ohio communities.  Ann is leaving Greater Ohio to attend law school at the University of Virginia.  Katherine graduated from Oberlin College, where she received a Bachelor’s Degree in Politics with an International Studies Concentration.  She also gained local Ohio experience through an internship with Hamilton County Commissioner Todd Portune.

Zachary Crafton has been hired as a Research Associate.  Zachary received his Bachelor’s Degree in Geography, with a dual emphasis on urban and environmental issues, from Ohio University and his Master’s Degree in Geography from the University of Toronto, with a focus on urban geographic issues.

“These new hires bring diverse and multi-faceted strengths and backgrounds to the Greater Ohio team, and uphold our continued commitment to remain non-partisan,” stated Gene Krebs, Co-Director.

“The experience and education of these three staff members enhance our team and strategically position Greater Ohio to take full advantage of unprecedented opportunities for advancing the Restoring Prosperity to Ohio Initiative and state reform policies,” said Lavea Brachman, Co-Director.