Bruce Johnson

Johnson graduated from Bowling Green State University in Bowling Green, Ohio, before attending law school at Capital University in Columbus, Ohio, where he received his J.D in 1985. He was with the firm of Chester, Willcox and Saxbe in Columbus from 1985 to 2001. He also served as chief of staff to MayorGreg Lashutka of Columbus.

In 1994, he was elected to the Ohio Senate where he served as chairman of the Judiciary and Ways and Means committees and was elected President Pro Tempore of the Senate, the second ranking position in the body. In 2001, being prevented by Ohio's term limits from running for re-election, Governor Taft appointed him director of the Ohio Department of Development, a position he still holds (as of 2005), concurrently with the post of lieutenant governor. The department is charged with promoting economic development in Ohio and attracting new industry.

Lt. Governor Johnson previously served as chief of staff for Columbus Mayor Greg Lashutka, where he was responsible for supervising 10 department directors and 17 mayor's office associates. He played a strong role in developing policy regarding the operation of city government, including recommendations on a $300 million general fund budget, capital improvement plans, tax policy, city planning and development.
He is a resident of Columbus. He and his wife, Kelley, have four children: Shane, Meagan, Connor and Morgan Christine.

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