Cheri Hottinger leaves Newark City Council, Park National Bank for Ohio Industrial Commission
NEWARK − Cheri Hottinger, a Republican member of Newark City Council and an employee of Park National Bank, will leave both jobs to accept a gubernatorial appointment to the Ohio Industrial Commission.
Gov. Mike DeWine appointed Hottinger to the three-member commission for a six-year term, beginning July 1 and ending June 30, 2029. Pending Ohio Senate approval, Hottinger will replace Karen Gillmor as the public member on the board. The other two members are Chairman Jim Hughes, the employee member, and Daniel Massey, the employer member.
"The governor's staff asked if it was something I'd be interested in looking at, and I thought it was pretty interesting," Hottinger said. "It's another way to do public service, just on a different level.
"I certainly had to think about it a little bit. I'm leaving Park National and city council, so that part of it was difficult, but it's a wonderful opportunity and one that doesn't come along every day."
The Ohio Industrial Commission conducts over 98,000 hearings annually, providing a forum for appealing Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation and self-insured employer decisions.
Hottinger bid farewell to her fellow council members at Monday night's meeting, her last as a council member. She served two stints on council — from 2000-2003 and since November 2021, when she was appointed to fill the vacancy created when Ryan Bubb left to become city auditor. She was also a Newark mayoral candidate in 2003.
"I truly enjoy public service," Hottinger said at the conclusion of the council meeting. "That's where my heart is. My parting request of council members is that you continue to listen to the citizens of Newark and continue to make Newark a better place in terms of raising a family and working here. I love this city and think it's a great city."
After leaving council the first time, Hottinger became president of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce, where she remained from 2004 to 2016. Then she went to work for Park National Bank in the commercial lending department.
Hottinger had filed candidate petitions to run in the November election for council-at-large. Republicans will make an appointment to complete Hottinger's unexpired council term, which is the remainder of 2023. The party will also appoint a candidate to take her spot on the November ballot for the upcoming four-year term.
Councilman Spencer Barker told Hottinger, "I'm extremely happy for you. It's a great thing for the state of Ohio. For us, it hurts, but we're there behind you, supporting you. We really appreciate everything you've done on council."
Newark Development Director Mark Mauter praised Hottinger's efforts to help the community in several different roles during her career.
“I’ve known Cheri for a very long time,” Mauter said. “I knew her when she was on her first term here on city council. She did a wonderful job. I was very proud to be serving on the chamber of commerce board of directors when a change was made there. The chamber was in decline, quite honestly. Membership numbers were dropping, and it was great to see Cheri come in. She was a great listener.
“You’re a difference maker. You’re great for our community. Newark’s loss is going to be the state of Ohio’s gain when you start your job with the industrial commission. Thank you for everything you’ve done for our community.”
Hottinger was named Chamber Executive of the Year in 2010 by the Chamber of Commerce Executives of Ohio. In 2014, she received the Leadership in Grassroots Advocacy award from the Ohio Chamber of Commerce.
Hottinger said she will leave Park National at the end of May, allowing the month of June to prepare for her new job.
"I love continung to learn," Hottinger said. "It'll challenge me. I feel I bring public and private viewpoints. I just have a lot of preparing to do, and observing and hiring staff and a lot of things before July 1. It's all new to me, but I love a new challenge."
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Cheri Hottinger to leave council, Park National Bank for state appointment
