Columbus, OH — April 20, 2022 — The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) elected its new board officers at the April 14 commission meeting.
Elected for one-year terms, expiring in 2023:
- Board Chair: Erik Janas, Deputy County Administrator, Franklin County Board of Commissioners
- Vice-Chair: Chris Amorose Groomes, Council Member, City of Dublin
- Secretary: Michelle Crandall, City Manager, City of Hilliard
“We are thrilled to have our new MORPC board officers in place,” said William Murdock, Executive Director at MORPC. “Their vast experience in local government, leadership talents, and passion for advancing prosperity will help lead and rally MORPC to even greater impact for communities across Central Ohio.”
Succeeding City of Gahanna Council Member Karen Angelou as Board Chair, Janas is a dedicated public servant with 25 years of experience in local government. He previously served on the MORPC board in other leadership positions, most recently as Vice Chair.
The MORPC board meets ten times per year to discuss important regional issues, guide the direction of MORPC’s work, network with local leaders to discuss common problems, create solutions to shared regional challenges, and provide input on funding decisions.
“It is an honor to be chosen by my colleagues throughout the region to lead MORPC,” said Erik Janas, Deputy County Administrator, Franklin County Board of Commissioners. “With LinkUS, passenger rail, Rapid5, and the need for smart planning around Intel all before us, MORPC’s role is more important than ever to Central Ohio’s success – now, let’s get to work.”
In his position as Deputy County Administrator, Janas directly supervises the departments of Economic Development and Planning, Sanitary Engineering, and Animal Care and Control. He also directs government affairs activities for the Board of Commissioners at the federal, state, regional, and municipal levels, with a primary focus on leveraging relationships, implementing policy changes, and maximizing resources for Franklin County initiatives.
MORPC’s newly elected Vice Chair, Chris Amorose Groomes, has been an active member at the commission, including her service on MORPC’s executive committee since 2020. She has served on Dublin City Council since 2016.
“I am honored to represent the residents of Dublin and all of the 15 counties in the MORPC Metro Planning Area on MORPC’s executive committee and humbled to be voted vice chair by my colleagues,” said Amorose Groomes. “Regional collaboration is what sets Central Ohio apart from other places around the country, making us more competitive in attracting high-quality jobs, investments and innovation. Our continued partnership is vital for the future success of the region and the state.”
To learn more about the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, visit www.morpc.org.
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The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) is Central Ohio’s regional council with more than 75 members comprised of counties, cities, villages, townships, and regional organizations. We take pride in bringing communities of all sizes and interests together to collaborate on best practices and plan for the future of our growing region.
Media Contact:
Colin Andrews
419.455.5863 – Cell
614.233.4152 – Desk
candrews@morpc.org