MIKE SUVER NAMED LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR’S CHIEF OF STAFF

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13, 2005

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Bruce Johnson has announced the appointment of J. Michael (Mike) Suver as his new Chief of Staff. Suver has been serving as the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) since 2003. Johnson also serves as Director of the Department of Development.

“Mike possesses a comprehensive understanding of the legislative process and economic development issues,” said Johnson. “Mike’s experience with the Ohio legislature and the private sector make him well qualified to supervise and utilize the office and staff, as well as manage associations with businesses and other state organizations.”

In his new role, Suver will be responsible for managing the day-to-day affairs of the office and staff, serving as a key contact with businesses, other state agencies and the Ohio General Assembly. He will also be responsible for developing policy initiatives for the Lt. Governor. Suver will also continue to serve as the Deputy Director of Legislative Affairs for ODOD, acting as chief liaison between the agency, state and local government and corporate officials while monitoring and drafting legislation impacting the department.

Prior to joining ODOD, Suver was a Project Manager for the Ohio Air Quality Development Authority and also served as the Director of Public Policy Services for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association. Before joining the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, he worked seven years for the Ohio Senate in the offices of then Senator Merle Kearns, Senate President Stanley Aronoff, and Senate President Pro Tempore Bruce Johnson. As the Legislative Aide to then Senator Bruce Johnson from 1994 to 1998, he staffed the Senate Judiciary and Ways & Means Committees and assisted in the development and drafting of legislation impacting Ohio’s public utilities and tax policy.

Suver holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the Ohio State University and currently resides in Powell, Ohio.