Husted will lead several state initiatives

Governor-elect Mike DeWine gave Jon Husted three assignments on Tuesday as the administration gets underway: run a new agency designed to make state government more efficient, be a point man on workforce development and pick up where the last lieutenant governor left off on regulation reviews.

DeWine named Husted the director of Innovate Ohio, a new state agency that aims to make state government more effective in using technology to improve customer service, save money and attract jobs.

Its goals are to improve data sharing across state government, streamline bidding and purchasing and switch to paperless systems. Innovate Ohio will also push technology and computer coding classes in K-12 schools; expand broadband services; improve job training programs; and attract private investment into economically challenged “opportunity zones.”

DeWine also said Husted will also continue the Common Sense Initiative started by current Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor. CSI reviews proposed state government rules and regulations to assess their impact on businesses and job creation.

And finally, DeWine wants Husted to take a leadership role in the Office of Workforce Transformation, which coordinates worker training and development efforts across 16 cabinet agencies.

In November 2017, DeWine and Husted teamed up when Husted dropped his own bid to be governor and agreed to be DeWine’s running mate.

DeWine added that in addition to his assignments, Husted will be heavily involved in day-to-day operations.

“I can guarantee you he’s going to be involved in every major decision that we make,” DeWine said.

Related: 5 things to know about Jon Husted

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Husted was a standout defensive back for the University of Dayton Flyers, worked for Montgomery County, held a leadership post with the Dayton Chamber of Commerce, represented Kettering in the Ohio House, served as House speaker and has been Secretary of State for the past eight years.

DeWine, who will be sworn into office shortly after midnight Jan. 14, has been naming people to cabinet and key advisory roles.

Related: DeWine makes more cabinet picks

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