February 1, 2007

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:

Ohio Department of Development
Mike Hogan
(614) 644-1931

Lt. GOVERNOR ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF LEADERSHIP TO GOVERNOR'S OFFICE OF APPALACHIA

Columbus, OH -- Lieutenant Governor Lee Fisher has announced the appointment of Fred J. Deel as Director of the Governor's Office of Appalachia (GOA), within the Ohio Department of Development, and Lou Gentile as Assistant Director of the agency that serves Ohio's 29-county Appalachian Region.

Deel was elected to the Gallia County Board of Commissioners in 2004 and was serving as the Board President. He is also a retiree from The Ohio State University after a 31-year career as an Associate Professor and County Extension Agent for 4-H Youth and Community Development. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from University of Rio Grande and a Master's Degree in Education from The Ohio State University .

Gentile served most recently as special assistant to then-Congressman Ted Strickland during his successful campaign for Governor in 2006. His prior experience includes service as a field representative in Belmont, Jefferson, Monroe and Noble counties in the sixth Congressional District.

Gentile, a native of Steubenville, holds a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science from West Virginia University.

"Both Fred and Lou have a familiarity with the unique issues and opportunities that exist in Ohio's Appalachian region," said Lt. Governor Fisher, who also serves as state development director. "I am confident that they will work closely with local, state and federal stakeholders to facilitate economic and community development throughout the region."

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