03/01/2024
Don Boyd to Lead OLA in 2024
Recap of 2024 Annual Meeting
The Ohio Lobbying Association (OLA) is pleased to announce the appointment of Don Boyd as the incoming President of the Board of Trustees for 2024. The announcement was made at the OLA Annual Meeting, held in conjunction with its Legislative Reception on February 28, 2024, at the JoAnn Davidson Theater Lobby in Riffe Center. The reception saw the participation of over 300 lobbyists and legislators.
Don Boyd, Vice President of State Government Relations & General Counsel at the Ohio Bankers League, brings a wealth of experience and industry knowledge to his new role as President of the OLA. Boyd's extensive background in lobbying and advocacy will be instrumental in furthering the association's mission of effective communication and public education programs.
Outgoing President Tony Brigano of Hicks Partners presided over the Annual Meeting and expressed his confidence in Boyd's ability to lead the association during this critical time. "Don Boyd's dedication to promoting the highest standards of ethical principles and integrity aligns perfectly with the OLA's mission. I am confident that under his leadership, the OLA will continue to effectively represent the interests of our members and the public," said Brigano.
In addition to the appointment of Don Boyd as the President, the OLA also announced the nomination of Dave Salisbury of Sean Dunn & Associates as an At-Large Board Member. Salisbury's expertise in government affairs will bring valuable insights to the association's strategic initiatives.
The 2024 Board of Trustees includes:
- President – Don Boyd, Ohio Bankers League
- President-Elect – Melissa Kuhn Wheeler, Westfield Group
- Vice President – Chrisy Wright, IGS Energy
- Secretary/Treasurer – Michelle Holdgreve, Ohio Contractors Association
- At-Large Member – Ronnie Romito, Governmental Policy Group
- At-Large Member – Hunter Wright, THW Consulting
- At-Large Member – Dave Salisbury, Sean Dunn & Associates
- Immediate Past President – Tony Brigano, Hicks Partners
The 2024 Darryl "Doc" Dever President's Award was presented to Ronnie Romito of Governmental Policy Group in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the OLA and the lobbying profession. The President’s Award is given at the discretion of the OLA President to an individual who has significantly contributed to the success of the Association who exemplifies the highest standards of excellence and dedication.
“Through his service on the OLA Board, Ronnie has done a fantastic job as Chairman of the Networking & Events Committee, working with committee members to develop Signature Series luncheons, happy hours and other events while continually brainstorming future opportunities for the OLA. He also has been an active member of the Certification Committee and is always willing to volunteer his time to help the OLA with any task that is at hand. Ronnie is very deserving of this award, and it is an honor to present it to him,” said Tony Brigano, the 2023 President of the OLA.
The membership also recognized and thanked Josh Sanders of Calfee for his service to the association as he completed his eight-year term on the Board. He served as Immediate Past President in 2023.