Ohio Department of Job and Family Services Director Tom Hayes today announced the promotion of Melissa DeLisio to assistant director of the department. In her new position DeLisio will oversee department programs that focus on employers and Ohio citizens who are seeking work.

"Melissa has an outstanding record of service and the right combination of intelligence, work ethic, personality and management experience to help set the future direction of this agency and its interaction with employers and job-seekers throughout Ohio," Hayes said.

DeLisio began her state government service in 1980 in the St. Clairsville local office of the Ohio Bureau of Employment Services. Prior to the merger of OBES and the Ohio Department of Human Services, she was director of the bureau's employment services division. When ODJFS was formed in July 2000, she was appointed deputy director of the Office of Unemployment Compensation.

DeLisio will assume the duties currently performed by Sandy Blunt, who has served ODJFS since May as an executive-on-loan from the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation. Blunt will return to BWC Oct. 15. In making today's announcement, Hayes thanked Blunt for his effort.

"During the four-plus months that Sandy has been here, his valuable contribution to the future success of this agency has been immeasurable," Hayes said.

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