Gross is president and CEO of Code Blue, a Wisconsin-based insurance claims agency that recently expanded to downtown Springfield. The company recently began local operations and hopes to grow to 300 jobs in the area.
Gross, a Republican who lives near London, said his position on the commission will have no impact on Code Blue. But he said his involvement with Springfield sealed his interest in being commissioner.
“If I didn’t have the Springfield operation, I wouldn’t have the option to consider it,” said Gross, noting how much time he spends in central Ohio overseeing the business.
Madison County is facing some of the same economic challenges that communities across Ohio are dealing with, Gross said.
“I think I’ve got a unique skill set and the business acumen to tackle some of the challenges they face,” Gross explained. “I think I can do a great job serving the constituency of Madison County.”
Forrest said the commission is “tickled” to have Gross.
“In these tough economic times, we knew he’d be such an asset with the county,” Forrest said.
The county’s Republican Central Committee will have the final word in approving Gross for the vacancy.
Commissioner Dhume is confident in Gross’ business background and believes his job creation abilities will help Madison County.
“Our hope is that the Central Committee will appoint him and he will win the general election in November,” Dhume added.
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