ODOT welcomes new Legislative Affairs Director

COLUMBUS (Friday, March 12, 2010) - As the Ohio Department of Transportation enters the largest construction program in state history - with $2 billion to be invested in the state’s transportation system this year - Director Jolene M. Molitoris today welcomed Jennifer Farmer as the department’s new Director of Legislative Affairs.

Since January 2009, Ms. Farmer has been the Deputy Chief of Staff for the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus, responsible for overseeing communications and policy for the Senate Caucus and Minority Leader Capri S. Cafaro.

"Jennifer’s rapport with the members of the General Assembly will help in building an even stronger relationship between ODOT and the General Assembly," said Director Molitoris. "She understands how important our partnerships are at the local, state, and federal levels - as we work together to connect the historic investments we make in a safer, more multi-modal transportation system to economic development and job growth for Ohio."

Prior to the General Assembly, Ms. Farmer worked with the Service Employees International Union District 1199, the America Coming Together voter rights effort, and Lutheran Social Services of Central Ohio. Ms. Farmer also served as a Legislative Aide to State Senator Mark Mallory, who is now the Mayor of Cincinnati.

In addition to her legislative and communications experience, Ms. Farmer has served as a volunteer member of the Governor’s Anti-Poverty Task Force; a member of the Board of Directors for Prevent Blindness Ohio; and a member of the League of Women Voters.

Ms. Farmer replaces Alea Brown, who will now serve as ODOT’s Administrative Law Coordinator and will be the lead person responsible for administering the department's Common Sense Business Regulations efforts, as part of Governor Strickland's Executive Order in 2008.  

 For more information contact:

Scott Varner, ODOT Central Office Communications, at 614-644-8640
or Your Local ODOT Communications Office