Hackett to Chair Senate Ag Committee

Source: The Hannah Report

Ohio Senate President Larry Obhof (R–Medina) has appointed State Senator Bob Hackett (R–London) as Chair of the Senate Standing Committee on Agriculture.

"Senator Hackett's leadership and experience on agricultural issues make him an excellent fit for this new role," Obhof said. "I have full confidence that he will provide solid guidance and direction as we continue to grow Ohio's largest industry and support Ohio’s farming families."

The Senate Agriculture Committee reviews legislation affecting agriculture, horticulture and animal care, as well as laws impacting alcohol regulations. It provides legislative oversight for the Ohio Department of Agriculture and makes recommendations to the full Senate for the advice and consent of certain governor’s appointments.

"I am deeply honored to have been chosen for this new role," Hackett said. "Agriculture has a profound impact on the daily life of every Ohioan–producing nearly $10 billion in products every year and employing one in seven Ohioans."

Hackett began his career in the agriculture industry, and as an elected official, he has been instrumental in enacting safeguards and policies to preserve, support and grow agriculture in Ohio. He also has over 30 years of experience in the financial services industry and is a former managing partner and founder of Central Ohio Financial Management Group, LLC. 

“I look forward to working with my Senate colleagues in continuing our efforts to make the agricultural industry more efficient while creating opportunities for our Ohio farm families," Hackett said.

Prior to joining the Senate in 2015, Hackett served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives and as a Madison County Commissioner. He is active in his community and has held numerous leadership roles with local organizations such as the Madison County Hospital and Madison County Farmland Preservation Task Force.

He and his wife Sue live in London.

The Senate also made a number of other committee changes. Newly seated Sen. Robert McColley (R-Napoleon) was appointed to the agriculture, education, public utilities and transportation, commerce and workforce committees. Sen. Bill Beagle (R-Tipp City) was removed from the Senate Transportation, Commerce and Workforce Committee and added to the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee. Sen. Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) was added to the Senate Rules and Reference Committee.

For more information on Senate Agriculture Committee, visit ohiosenate.gov/committee/agriculture.