Director of Commerce Donna Owens has promoted John H. Oberle of Columbus to the position of Chief Legislative Liaison for the Ohio Department of Commerce. He replaces Jeff Deleone, who left the department for a position in the Office of the Governor.

"John has a great working knowledge of the Voinovich Administration and its positions regarding legislative policy," Director Owens said. "In his three years at Commerce, he has proven to be a tremendous asset, with excellent skills and an outstanding work ethic."

Oberle is a 1993 graduate of Ohio Wesleyan University where he majored in Politics & Government with a Minor in Pre-Law. Upon graduation, he joined the Voinovich Administration in the Office of the Governor. From late 1993 to December 1994, Oberle served on Governor Voinovich's personal staff as his staff assistant. In January 1995, Oberle joined the Governor's legislative office as a Legislative Liaison. He was involved with numerous facets of the Governor's legislative agenda, and coordinated the Governor's Bill Signings. Oberle joined the Department of Commerce as a Legislative Liaison in January of 1996, and is currently a third year night student at Capital University Law and Graduate Center.

As Chief Legislative Liaison, Oberle will develop proposed legislation for the Director, and represent the Department of Commerce before the state legislature.

The Department of Commerce is responsible for numerous regulatory functions carried out by its Divisions of Financial Institutions, Liquor Control, Industrial Compliance, Real Estate and Professional Licensing, Securities, State Fire Marshal, and Unclaimed Funds.