Major General with Richland County ties nominated to lead Ohio veterans department
Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine is nominating a military official with ties to Richland County to serve as the new director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services.
Major General John C. Harris, Jr., Ohio's current adjutant general, was instrumental in the creation of the Ohio Cyber Reserve and the conversion of the Mansfield Air National Guard Wing to the 179th Cyberspace Wing, the Ohio Governor's Office said as part of its announcement on Tuesday.
"He also demonstrated strong leadership as he oversaw the Ohio National Guard's response to the COVID-19 pandemic," the announcement said of Major General Harris.
Governor DeWine appointed him to serve as the adjutant general of the Ohio National Guard in 2019. Harris will retire from the Ohio National Guard and U.S. Army in late May.
"General Harris has selflessly served the Ohio National Guard and U.S. Army as a courageous, resilient, and inspirational leader," Governor DeWine said in a statement. "While his retirement is certainly a loss for the Ohio National Guard, our veteran community is gaining an intelligent, dedicated advocate."
Harris began his military career in 1981 when he enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard. He has commanded at the platoon detachment, company, and squadron levels while serving in staff assignments at the battalion, squadron, and joint force headquarters levels.
Prior to becoming adjutant general, Harris served as Ohio's assistant adjutant general for Army.
The governor's nomination of Harris requires confirmation by the Ohio Senate. He is expected to assume the role of as director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services in June.
Tammy Puff, the governor's director of military and veterans relations, will serve as ODVS interim director.
Major General (U.S. Army, retired) Deborah Ashenhurst, director of the Ohio Department of Veterans Services, will retire effective May 1, the governor's office said.
Governor DeWine has appointed Brigadier General Matthew S. Woodruff to serve as Ohio's next adjutant general.
Woodruff currently serves as the Ohio National Guard's assistant adjutant general for Army and commanding general of the Ohio National Guard. He will assume the adjutant general role upon Major General Harris's retirement.
"Brigadier General Woodruff is uniquely qualified to take on the duties and responsibilities of the adjutant general," Governor DeWine said. "His experience and leadership skills will strengthen the Ohio National Guard's mission to be always ready, always there."