Ohio Governor Ted Strickland created a new ‘infrastructure czar’ position yesterday and tapped Cleveland Foundation CEO Ronald B. Richard for the role.
The purpose of the position is to help decide how Ohio will spend the money it receives from the federal stimulus package that is expected to be passed soon. Richard will go unpaid and work part-time in this new role.
“We must act strategically and boldly to take full advantage of this unique opportunity to make lasting investments in our state’s infrastructure,” Strickland said. “The infrastructure czar will lead a process that is accountable and transparent and meets the critical economic development priorities of our communities across the state.”
Press Release:
Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today appointed Ronald B. Richard, president and CEO of the Cleveland Foundation, to the position of infrastructure czar for the State of Ohio.
Richard will head a process, in consultation with the state legislature, the federal government, local communities and other partners, to determine the most efficient and effective distribution of the infrastructure component of the federal stimulus funds.
“We must act strategically and boldly to take full advantage of this unique opportunity to make lasting investments in our state’s infrastructure,” Strickland said. “The infrastructure czar will lead a process that is accountable and transparent and meets the critical economic development priorities of our communities across the state.”
Richard is a former U.S. diplomat serving early in his career at the American Consulate General in Japan and at the U.S. State Department. From 1988-2001, he held a variety of leadership roles for Matsushita Electric (Panasonic), including president of North American research and development. Immediately prior to joining the Cleveland Foundation in 2003, Richard was the managing partner and COO of In-Q-Tel, the CIA’s venture capital fund.
An active community member, Richard serves on the boards of the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the Ohio Grantmakers Forum, the Ohio Business Development Coalition and the Community Partnership for Arts and Culture. On a national level he is on the boards of the Council on Foundations and Living Cites. He has also served for many years on the board of Spelman College.
He received a bachelor’s degree from Washington University and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University.
“Ronn’s background in the public, private and non-profit sectors makes him uniquely qualified to serve in this critical role,” Strickland said. “The process he will lead will help identify strategic investments in our state’s infrastructure and cut through red tape so our communities benefit from the immediate impacts of the stimulus package.”
The infrastructure czar will be a temporary, part-time position. As czar, Richard will work with the federal government to ensure that the infrastructure component of the stimulus package is structured in a way that offers the greatest investment opportunities for Ohio, and collaborate with state leaders and local communities to prioritize projects based on their potential for sustainable economic growth. Anticipating a “use it or lose it” approach from the Barack Obama administration, the infrastructure czar will also work to identify any barriers that may inhibit federal funds from being utilized quickly and effectively.
“It is important that we take full advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to make major, long-term investments in the future of our state,” Richard said. “As infrastructure czar, I will ensure that we move forward with the stimulus plan in a collaborative, transparent manner.”