Today, Franklin County Commissioners announced their plans to promote Kenneth N. Wilson (43123), 46, to County Administrator.
Administrator Wilson will celebrate his tenth year in Franklin County government in June 2015. Wilson was hired in 2005 as Director for the County’s Office of Management and Budget. In 2010, Wilson was elevated to the role of Deputy County Administrator for Resource Management, overseeing several agencies including Job and Family Services, the County’s largest social service agency.
Over the course of the past decade, Wilson has provided valuable insight, planning and management of County resources and budgets, assisting the Commissioners in preparing for and mitigating the impacts of a sluggish economy, rising health care costs, severe cuts to the local government fund by the state of Ohio and implementing innovative programs to address the rising rate of poverty.
“As Director of the Office of Management and Budget and as a Deputy County Administrator, Ken Wilson has been an excellent steward of Franklin County’s resources, diligently working to align community priorities such as affordable housing, job creation and neighborhood safety with available resources,” said Board President Marilyn Brown. “I am confident that under Ken’s watch, Franklin County will continue to be a well-managed and highly desirable place in which to raise a family and do business.”
As County Administrator, the highest unelected post in county government, Wilson will lead 14 county agencies with more than 1,400 employees and will oversee the County’s annual $1.4 billion budgeting process for 35 agencies to ensure Franklin County remains one of the finest, best-governed counties in the nation.
“Ken Wilson is a steady hand, completely honest, and with the detailed fiscal experience demanded in managing a $1.4 billion budget. Our credit rating agencies know him, and that's critical to remaining the highest rated county in Ohio,” said Commissioner Paula Brooks. “He will also be a capable chief operating officer in his new role, understanding that his role impacts ALL Franklin County families, from our children and the most vulnerable, to the Fortune 500 companies, small businesses, and labor, non-profit, and government leaders we rely on for continued economic performance and creation of good jobs. I am proud to have originally recruited Ken, and look forward to continuing Franklin County's
constant improvement.”
In 2015, the Franklin County Board of Commissioners expects to complete the construction of the Sheriff’s New Training Academy and continue work on a Public Safety Center to house a new jail and morgue.
“Franklin County has a track record of tackling tough community issues and working creatively and collaboratively with the city of Columbus, local suburbs and townships and the central Ohio region to get things done,” added Commissioner John O’Grady. “Ken Wilson has been a valuable asset in those discussions. As County Administrator, I have no doubt that Ken will do everything he’s able to ensure those important partnerships thrive, the County’s finances remain strong and secure, and that local residents and businesses are able to provide for their families and employees.”
“Franklin County has worked incredibly hard to become the top-notch community we are today, and I am deeply honored that the Commissioners recognize my dedication to the families and residents of our townships, villages and cities. I am equally grateful for the opportunity to lead a workforce of truly talented and dedicated public servants,” said Administrator Wilson. “Franklin County has so much for which to be proud and I look forward to leading Franklin County to even greater heights.”
Prior to joining the county team, Wilson was a Director of Policy for the Ohio Senate Minority Caucus. He holds a Masters in Public Administration from Ohio University and a B.A. from Michigan State University, where he majored in Public Affairs, Metropolitan Studies and Business.
The Commissioners will vote to finalize the selection on Tuesday, February 3, 2015. Wilson will be paid $180,000 annually.