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Jul
20
Written by:
news editor
7/20/2011 1:00 AM
Gail Hesse, of Columbus, was named as the new executive director of the Ohio Lake Erie Commission.
COLUMBUS, OH- Gail Hesse, of Columbus, today was named as the new executive director of the Ohio Lake Erie Commission. Hesse succeeds Edwin Hammett, who held the position for nine years. Hesse will begin her new responsibilities August 15.
“We are extremely pleased to have Gail at the helm of the Lake Erie Commission,” said Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director David Mustine. “Her experience with the Ohio Water Resources Council coupled with her involvement in the commission’s Balanced Growth Committee gives her a sensitivity to both conservation issues and economic development.”
The majority of Hesse’s career has been spent with the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, most recently serving as an environmental manager in the Division of Surface Water. Hesse also headed the multi-agency, multi-stakeholder Ohio Lake Erie Phosphorus Task Force that last year published the results of the largest statewide investigation of the impacts of fertilizer and nutrients to the waters of Lake Erie. In addition, she serves as administrator of the Ohio Water Resources Council, a consortium of nine state agencies and commissions established to promote collaboration on water policy and program development across state agencies.
“We believe that Gail’s understanding of Ohio EPA’s regulatory framework and the business community creates a good fit, allowing her to provide insight and direction as the commission takes on more of an economic development role along Lake Erie,” said Ohio EPA Director Scott Nally.
Hesse received her undergraduate degree in geography and a master’s degree in environmental studies from Ohio University.
The Ohio Lake Erie Commission oversees Ohio’s Lake Erie Protection Fund, which is a source of grant money for projects that benefit the Lake Erie watershed economically and environmentally. This fund is supported by Ohioans who purchase a Lake Erie license plate displaying the Marblehead Lighthouse or the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse designed by Ohio artist Ben Richmond. Since 1993, more than $9 million has been raised from sales of the Lake Erie license plates.
The Ohio Lake Erie Commission was established to preserve Lake Erie's natural resources, protecting the quality of its waters and ecosystem, and promoting economic development in the region. The director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources serves as the commission chairman. Additional members include the directors of the state departments of Transportation, Health, Development, Agriculture and Ohio EPA
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For more information, contact:
Elisha Ehnes, ODNR Division of Release
614.265.6860
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