Columbus Chamber of Commerce Congratulates the Appointment of Jim Tressel as Ohio’s Lieutenant Governor

The Columbus Chamber of Commerce congratulates Jim Tressel on his appointment as Ohio’s next Lieutenant Governor. Governor Mike DeWine’s selection of Tressel to fill this critical leadership role is a testament to his deep-rooted commitment to the state and his track record of inspiring excellence. 

“Jim Tressel has demonstrated extraordinary leadership throughout his career, from the football field to higher education,” said Derrick R. Clay, President and CEO of the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. “His dedication to building strong teams and developing talent aligns with our mission to drive economic growth and workforce development in the Columbus Region business community.” 

Tressel, a native of Mentor, Ohio, and former head coach of The Ohio State University Buckeyes, led the team to a National Championship in 2002 before transitioning to higher education, most recently serving as President of Youngstown State University from 2014 to 2023. His experience, in both leadership and education, uniquely positions him to advance workforce initiatives and champion economic prosperity across the state. 

“This is a pivotal moment for Ohio’s economy, and strong leadership at the state level is essential to ensuring businesses have the resources they need to grow,” Clay added. “We look forward to working with Lieutenant Governor Tressel and the DeWine Administration to continue creating pathways for businesses and individuals to thrive in the Columbus Region and beyond.” 

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About the Columbus Chamber of Commerce: The Columbus Chamber of Commerce is a mission-driven nonprofit organization that serves more than 2,400 organizations. Founded in 1884, the Columbus Chamber is dedicated to fostering prosperity and growth in the Columbus Region Business Community through connections, resources, and advocacy. Serving as the epicenter of the Columbus Region’s business community, the Columbus Chamber provides an interconnected ecosystem where businesses collaborate to eliminate barriers to prosperity, creating a vibrant environment for enterprises throughout the Columbus Region. Together, we make our region an exceptional business destination. Learn more: https://columbus.org.  

For media inquiries, please contact: 

Hope V. Cotter 
hopecotter@columbus.org  
614-225-6062