COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio Gov. John Kasich has appointed a new director of the state's economic development department as he dismantles the agency, his third pick to lead the office since becoming governor in January.
Kasich said Tuesday that Department of Development general counsel Christiane Schmenk would head the agency beginning Aug. 1.
She will guide the agency's transition into the nonprofit, semi-private JobsOhio corporation.
Schmenk replaces James Leftwich, who plans to return to the private sector.
The 52-year-old Schmenk joined the department in March. She also has served as Marysville mayor and external affairs director at Scott's Miracle-Gro Co.
Leftwich was named director in March, after Kasich moved his initial appointee, Mark Kvamme, out of the job over concerns about his California residency. Kvamme now sits on the JobsOhio board.
(Copyright 2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
