DOUGLAS GARVER NAMED EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF OHIO HOUSING FINANCE AGENCY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 18, 2004

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Jennette Bradley announced today that Douglas A. Garver has been selected as executive director of the Ohio Housing Finance Agency (OHFA), a division of the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD). The appointment by the OHFA Board is effective March 1.

Garver has served as assistant director for ODOD, since 2001. He replaces Richard Everhart, who is retiring after having served as executive director since November 1988.

“Mr. Garver’s leadership, knowledge and skills will be influential to helping OHFA explore future opportunities to better fulfill its mission,” said Bradley, who serves as chair of the OHFA Board. “Mr. Garver will be able to continue to build upon many of the tireless efforts Mr. Everhart was instrumental in leading during his tenure as executive director of OHFA.”

In his new position, Garver will oversee OHFA’s five offices: finance; administration; homeownership programs; planning, preservation and development; and housing management. OHFA’s mission is to provide affordable housing opportunities for Ohioans, from rental assistance to homeownership, in addition to providing access to financial resources for the development and management of safe, sanitary and affordable housing.

In addition, Garver will be responsible for administering the agency's programs, which serve first-time homebuyers, renters, senior citizens and other populations with special needs who otherwise might not be able to afford quality housing. The agency's continued success is a result of the solid partnerships with investment banking firms, developers, private investors, lenders, Realtors, nonprofit organizations and homebuyers.

“Helping provide affordable housing opportunities is a key component to ensuring a high quality of life for all Ohioans,” added State Development Director Bruce Johnson. “Doug’s service to this department has been invaluable and I am pleased he will continue serving Ohioans in this new position.”

Prior to joining Development in 1999, Garver served as economic development director for Delaware County, Ohio from 1993 to 1999. He previously served as principal of Garver & Associates in Columbus, Ohio and as senior planner of Hurley, Schnaufer & Associates in Columbus, Ohio.

Garver received his Bachelor of Arts degree in economics and business administration from Mount Union College in Alliance, Ohio in 1974 and his Master’s Degree in city and regional planning from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio in 1976.The Youngstown, Ohio native resides in Hilliard, Ohio with his wife Jan. Garver has two children, Bryan Garver and Amy Pluth.