Kenneth B. Marshall has been appointed to head the ODJFS Office of Chief Inspector, interim director Greg Moody announced today.

Marshall served 31 years with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, attaining the rank of colonel and serving from 1997-2000 in the patrol's top leadership post as superintendent. Since last July he has served as assistant director of the Ohio State Dental Board, overseeing its enforcement division.

"Ken's law enforcement experience will be a tremendous asset in the chief inspector's position," Moody said. "His reputation and credibility in the law enforcement community will bring a heightened level of respect to the chief inspector's office."

Marshall's first assignment will be to investigate mistakes made by Ohio child support officials in enacting federal policy changes in 1997. Those mistakes, as announced last week by the Management Review Team conducting a focused review of the department, resulted in incorrect processing of some intercepted state income tax refunds and improper handling of administrative fees in some child support cases. If necessary, personnel action will be taken based on the result of the chief inspector's investigation.

In addition to conducting internal investigations, the Office of Chief Inspector is responsible for issues of policy and ethics compliance and the department's security. The chief inspector is the department's primary liaison with the Inspector General's Office, the Ohio State Highway Patrol and other law enforcement agencies.

Marshall and his wife Christa reside in Pataskala. They have two adult daughters, Heidi, an Ohio State Highway Patrol sergeant, and Debbie, a first grade teacher in the southwest Licking School District. Marshall will begin his duties with the department July 16.

- 30 -

For more information contact Jon Allen, ODJFS Communications, (614) 466-6650.