Central Ohio Compact hosts Lt. Gov. Tressel, other leaders to advance Ohio’s workforce priorities
In its 15th year, the Central Ohio Compact brings together employers, educators and economic development partners to expand economic opportunity
Campus News | Thursday, May 15, 2025
Columbus State President David T. Harrison shakes hands with Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel.
The Central Ohio Compact today hosted Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel as part of his “Ohio’s Workforce Playbook” tour highlighting the unique opportunities within the state’s distinct regions to sustain and grow economic development momentum.
The Compact, a public-private partnership convened by Columbus State Community College and the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio, focuses on regional approaches to address workforce strengths and needs.
Lauren Jones, Senior Director of K12 Partnerships, speaks at a session moderated by Pascale Charlot, Managing Director, The Aspen Institute. She's flanked by Tom Poole, Talent Acquisition Director, OSU Wexner Medical Center and Health Care Collaborative of Central Ohio ISP; and Robb Gonda, Director of College and Career Success, ESC of Central Ohio
“Ohio is at its best when we all work as a team,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “The Central Ohio Compact exemplifies the type of collaboration we are looking to see in every region of the state as we develop Ohio’s Workforce Playbook. Uniting leaders from the education and business communities is key to growing our workforce — and doing so efficiently — so we will be ready to fill all the in-demand job opportunities we have coming our way.”
Founded in 2011 and convened annually, the Central Ohio Compact brings together K-12, higher education, employer, economic development and civic leaders to work collaboratively to increase postsecondary credentials of value within the workforce. The 2025 meeting also featured a panel discussion with Ohio Department of Higher Education Chancellor Mike Duffey and Ohio Department of Education & Workforce Director Steven D. Dackin, among other sessions.
“The Central Ohio Compact is a model for collaboration among regional education and workforce partners,” said David Harrison, Columbus State president. “This year’s summit will provide an opportunity to connect the dots between state workforce priorities and our regional focus on credentials of value that will prepare Ohioans for good jobs and careers. We’re grateful that Lt. Governor Tressel, Chancellor Duffey and Director Dackin can join us for this important discussion.”
“Cooperation on educational attainment is the key to unlock the next phase of statewide economic growth,” said Tom Goodney, superintendent of the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio. “We have a proven track record in the Columbus area of collaboration that moves the region forward."
Beyond the sessions with state leaders, the 2025 Central Ohio Compact summit will feature a presentation by the Lumina Foundation on credentials of value and economic prosperity and a panel discussion that includes business leaders from the manufacturing, IT and healthcare sectors as well as Columbus State and ESC leaders.
“It is an honor to host so many experienced leaders from state government, local school districts, higher education institutions and employers as we convene the 2025 Compact session,” said John Kellogg, superintendent in residence for both Columbus State and the ESC. “Doubling down on our shared goal to increase educational access and attainment is more critical than ever to ensure Ohio has the workforce it needs.”
Tressel is addressing the 2025 convening of the Central Ohio Compact, a regional public-private collaborative focused on maximizing workforce education readiness.
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