FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Ohio Department of Development
Mike Hogan
(614) 644-1931
or
Bill Teets
(614) 466-2382
Columbus, Ohio

RYAN MILLER NAMED ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF THE GOVERNOR’S OFFICE OF APPALACHIA

COLUMBUS – Governor’s Office of Appalachia (GOA) Director T.J. Justice today announced that Ryan A. Miller has been selected as assistant director of the GOA, a division of the Ohio Department of Development. Miller replaces Jennifer Simon, who is leaving to become executive director of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce’s economic development office later this month.

"As a native of Perry County, Ryan truly understands and will be able to address many of the economic and community challenges facing Ohio's Appalachian region,” said Justice. “Ryan will be able to build upon many of the tireless efforts Jennifer was instrumental in leading during her tenure with the GOA.”

In his new position, Miller will be responsible for prioritizing funding requests, providing assistance to local development districts and evaluating investment opportunities for Ohio’s 29 Appalachian counties.

Miller most recently served as director of constituent affairs and administrative aide for the Ohio House of Representatives for nearly six years. Prior to that, Miller served as intern for the Director of Boards and Commissions and intern for the Director of Policy and Legislation under the Voinovich administration.

Miller received his Bachelor of Science degree in political communications and a minor in political science from Ohio University, Athens in 1998. The Perry County native resides in Pataskala, Ohio.

The GOA is part of the 13 state federally-established governance board with the Governor’s or their alternates serving to adopt policies and funding guidelines to address specific economic challenges, while attracting both private and public sector investment opportunities throughout the Appalachian region. In Ohio, the GOA administers approximately $10 million in state and federal funds to address the five goal areas identified by the Appalachian Regional Commission.

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Note to editor: Miller lives in ZIP 43202