Lt . Governor Bruce Johnson,
Director, Ohio Department of Development

Appointed Lieutenant Governor of Ohio by Governor Bob Taft in January 2005, Bruce Johnson is leading the effort to promote Ohio as the premier business location in the nation. He does this not only as Lt. Governor, but also as director of the Ohio Department of Development, a position he has held since September 2001. Since that time, he has worked tirelessly to fulfill the Department's mission of creating and retaining Ohio jobs, and expanding job opportunities for the state's highly skilled workforce. Most recently, Lt. Governor Johnson spearheaded the passage of State Issue 1, the Jobs for Ohio Bond Initiative. Without raising taxes, the initiative will help build traditional infrastructure to keep Ohio's economy moving, while helping build Ohio's

technology infrastructure to ensure the high-tech jobs of tomorrow land in Ohio. Johnson was also a key leader in the successful effort to reform Ohio's business climate through the passage of a sweeping tax reform package that will help Ohio companies meet the challenges of the 21st century global economy. This package eliminates the most punitive taxes on business, and replaces them witha broad-based, low-rate commercial activities tax. In addition to a cut in the state sales tax, it also includes a 21% across-the-board income tax cut for all Ohioans.

As Development Director, Bruce Johnson's leadership was instrumental in securing the prestigious Governor's Cup Award for Governor Taft and the State of Ohio for being the top state in the nation for the number of new and expanded facilities in 2003.

In 2004, he was chosen to chair the Ohio Jobs Cabinet with the goal of streamlining the state's services to businesses, promoting job creation and fostering the continued development of the state's workforce.

To encourage investment in Ohio's knowledge-based economy, Lt. Governor Johnson has led the efforts to help ensure that technology organizations have access to venture capital which is so critical to success in this arena. A recent study by the Milken Institute, one of the nation's leading economic think tanks, confirms that between 2001 and 2003, Ohio led the nation in the relative growth of total venture capital invested in biotechnology.

Lt. Governor Johnson also conducted the effort to create and launch the Ohio Business Development Coalition, a public-private partnership that is charged with marketing the state's unique assets and developing a state brand.

Johnson formerly served as a member of the Ohio Senate from April 1994 to September 2001. He was the youngest Chairman in age and seniority in the history of the Ohio Senate when he was appointed Chairman of the Senate Judiciary Committee. Later, he was appointed Chairman of the powerful Ways and Means Committee, which handles tax and utility matters. Johnson was also elected President Pro Tempore, the second ranking member of the Senate.

Lt. Governor Johnson previously served as chief of staff for former Columbus Mayor Greg Lashutka, where he was responsible for supervising 10 department directors and 17 mayor's office associates. He played a strong role in developing policy regarding the operation of city government, including recommendations on a $300 million general fund budget, capital improvement plans, tax policy, city planning and development.

His private-sector experience includes an extensive legal background. He earned his juris doctor from Capital University Law School in Columbus and was admitted to the practice of law in Ohio in 1985. Johnson was, until his appointment as Development Director, a member of counsel to the Chester, Willcox and Saxbe law firm in Columbus, where he provided small and medium-sized businesses with guidance regarding corporate structure, employment policy and risk management.

Johnson earned his bachelor's degree in economics from Bowling Green State University, where he served as student body president. He and his wife, Kelley, reside in Columbus with their four children: Shane, Meagan, Connor and Morgan Christine.

About the Office of Lt. Governor

The position of Lt. Governor is created by the Ohio Constitution (Article 3) as part of the executive branch. Article 3 also specifies that voters cast a combined vote for Governor and Lt. Governor. This is often called "running on the same ticket." An elected term is four years, and like the Governor, the Lt. Governor cannot serve more than two consecutive terms. If a vacancy occurs, the Governor can appoint a new Lt. Governor to serve the remainder of the term. This individual must be confirmed by both houses of the Ohio General Assembly. Current Lt Governor Bruce Johnson was appointed to fill a vacancy left when the elected Lt. Governor, Jennette Bradley, was appointed by Governor Taft to become Treasurer of State.

Having a Lt. Governor ensures that there is someone available to run state government if the Governor is unable to do so. According to Article 3 of the Ohio Constitution, "In the case of the death, conviction on impeachment, resignation, or removal, of the Governor, the Lieutenant Governor shall succeed to the office of Governor." Further, "When the Governor is unable to discharge the duties of office by reason of disability, the Lieutenant Governor shall serve as governor until the Governor's disability terminates." Beyond being available for succession, the Lt. Governor's duties are assigned by the Governor. Lt. Governor Johnson, for instance, also serves as the Director of the Ohio Department of Development.

For a history of the Lieutenant Governor's Office, click here.