Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz announced today the selections of Theresa White as chief operating officer (COO) and Stephanie O’Grady as chief of communications.
As COO, Theresa White will oversee numerous operational divisions at ODNR and lead agency-wide initiatives.
“Theresa brings a wealth of management and public policy experience to the department,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “I am confident that her addition to our leadership team will further strengthen our ability to serve Ohioans and better manage the state’s natural resources.”
Prior to coming to ODNR, Theresa White served in multiple roles with the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, most recently as Executive Director of the Ohio Power Siting Board. She has also worked as an attorney in the private sector with Kastner Heritage Group, Reliability First Corp., and Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co. White holds a bachelor’s degree from Syracuse University, a master’s degree in Public Policy and Management from The Ohio State University’s (OSU) John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and a J.D. from the OSU Moritz College of Law.
Stephanie O’Grady will lead ODNR’s communication efforts, including media relations, marketing, and public information and outreach.
“It’s critical to keep communities and stakeholders across the state informed about the work we do,” said ODNR Director Mertz. “Stephanie’s experience and skills in this field are an excellent fit for what ODNR needs to effectively communicate with the public.”
Stephanie O’Grady has worked as ODNR’s Media & Outreach Specialist since April 2020, serving as the primary contact for statewide media. Before ODNR, O’Grady spent 13 years at WBNS-10TV where she won multiple Regional Emmy Awards for her production work and storytelling. O’Grady holds a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism from Pennsylvania State University.
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