John Rohrer, assistant director of Ohio State University Extension, was recently appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of the North Central Regional Center for Rural Development. This appointment was made by the North Central Extension Directors at their meeting in Cleveland on May 1, 2001. The Directors noted that state program leaders are developing new initiatives for interstate programming.

“The Center has served as a key resource to facilitate interstate programming,” said Rohrer. “It is my hope I can help as a communication link for the development of policies to further this effort. This makes economic sense, particularly now with tighter budgets in many states, and it will help meet federal program guidelines as well.”

Rohrer has served as the state program leader of the community development area in Ohio since 1988. During his tenure the number of full time county community development professionals expanded from three to 21, with increased efforts in CD by dual program professionals throughout Ohio. Some of the current educational efforts include economic development, land use policy, leadership, public finance and environmental education.

Rohrer also has appointments as associate professor in the department of human and community resource development and the department of agricultural, environmental and development economics. He received a doctorate from The Ohio State University with major studies in public policy evaluation, administration and community leadership.

Prior to serving as assistant director, Rohrer served as a state leader for community services from 1981 to 1987 and as an area extension agent in community development from 1970 to 1981. He has also conducted community development work internationally, serving three years as a regional specialist in Algeria and several short assignments in Poland, South Africa and Mexico. He has authored a series of articles and bulletins on land use policy, public finance and economic development.

Rohrer is a member of Phi Delta Phi, Gamma Sigma Delta, Community Development Society, Ohio Development Association, Ohio Planning Conference and the American Economic Development Council. He has received the Distinguished Service Award from the Community Development Society and will be installed as President at its annual meeting in July 2001.

John Rohrer