With a focus on advancing Central Ohio in a competitive global marketplace, Franklin County Commissioners are reorganizing the way they do business.

With strategic policies established to leverage state and federal dollars in tough economic times, Commissioners announced today they'll appoint Erik Janas as Deputy County Administrator for Regional Collaboration and promote Kenneth Wilson to the position of Deputy County Administrator for Resource Management.

William Flaherty currently serves as the county's only Deputy County Administrator. Flaherty will maintain his position as Deputy County Administrator for Facilities & Operations. He will oversee Public Facilities Management, Sanitary Engineering, General Services, Animal Care & Control and Child Support Enforcement Agencies.

Kenneth Wilson, current Director of the Office of Management& Budget, will continue to oversee the budget office but will also be charged with overseeing Human Resources & Benefits, Job& Family Services and the Human Services Levy Review Committee.

Erik Janas will work with the County's 47 Boards and Commissions, Levy Agencies, Federal & State Agencies and Officials, Special Districts & Authorities as well as local cities, villages and townships.

Commissioners noted that these changes were budget neutral and will improve the efficiency and effectiveness of all County agencies.

"We combined the Managing for Results position and a Public Affairs position last year to fund this additional Deputy County Administrator Position," said Commissioner John O'Grady. "The reorganization is intended to provide improved focus and leadership on strategic priorities and ensure greater clarity and consistency in County operations."

The Department of Homeland Security and Justice, Office of Public Affairs and the Department of Economic Development and Planning will all report to the County Administrator, Don Brown.

Erik Janas joins Franklin County, from the City of Columbus where he served for three years as the Regional and Government Affairs Advisor to Mayor Michael B. Coleman.

"Erik comes to us highly recommended from the City of Columbus," said Commissioner Paula Brooks. "The Deputy County Administrator for Regional Collaboration will maximize and better manage County resources. Erik has solid urban experience and will leverage the County relationship with the state and federal government to pursue available funds which makes our Central Ohio communities more competitive."

"Reorganizing the way we do business makes sense for Franklin County," said Commissioner Marilyn Brown. "The transition will be seamless for employees and the public and this team of qualified individuals will work to ensure we're getting the most out of state and federal dollars to ensure critical safety net services remain available for residents; keep our construction projects on-budget and on-schedule and track the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act dollars which have infused our community making more projects possible and putting more people to work."