***FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE***
March 1, 2019
Tracy Nájera, Executive Director
614-221-2244
tnajera@childrensdefense.org
Pam Kreber, Associate Director
614-221-2244
pkreber@childrensdefense.org
COLUMBUS – The Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio is proud to announce that the Honorable Robert A. Taft, II, the 67th Governor of the state of Ohio (1999-2007) will be joining the Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio’s Statewide Advisory Board.
“We are honored that Governor Taft will be providing his expertise and insights as a member of our Statewide Advisory Board,” said Tracy Najera, Executive Director of Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio. “The children of Ohio are fortunate to have him in their corner.”
Bob Taft graduated from Yale University with a bachelor’s degree in government, received his master’s degree in government from Princeton University, and earned his law degree from the University of Cincinnati Law School. Taft began his career in public service as a volunteer teacher for the Peace Corps in East Africa. He has served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, as a Hamilton County commissioner and as Ohio’s secretary of state. As Ohio’s 67th Governor, Taft focused on attracting new, high-paying jobs through the Third Frontier Project, positioning Ohio as a leader in the knowledge economy through his leadership in linking higher education and economy, rebuilding schools throughout the state with the creation of the Ohio School Facilities Commission.
After serving two terms in the state’s top executive position, Taft joined the University of Dayton in 2007 as a Distinguished Research Associate; he teaches Legislative Politics and Education Policy and helps oversee the Statehouse Civic Scholars summer internship program.
“Governor Taft’s commitment to Ohio’s children is evident in his long record of leadership and service and he continues working on their behalf every day in his position at the University of Dayton. He is preparing our next generation of public servants and community leaders,” said Dr. Tracy Nájera, Executive Director of Children’s Defense Fund-Ohio.
Governor Taft, in his role on the CDF-Ohio Advisory Board, will guide the policy priorities of the organization and add his voice to inform the needs of children and families in Ohio.
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The Children’s Defense Fund Leave No Child Behind® mission is to ensure every child a Healthy Start, a Head Start, a Fair Start, a Safe Start and a Moral Start in life and successful passage to adulthood with the help of caring families and communities.