Strickland picks Reardon for state job

YOUNGSTOWN — Mahoning County Treasurer John Reardon is resigning to take a position with the Gov. Ted Strickland administration.

Reardon of Boardman will serve as superintendent of financial institutions, one of nine divisions of the Ohio Department of Commerce.

The position’s responsibilities include upholding regulatory standards for 350 financial institutions including state-chartered banks, savings and loans and credit unions, and oversees retail licensing of financial service providers, including consumer finance companies and mortgage brokers.

“John will see that regulations are fair to both consumers and Ohio’s small and large financial institutions,” Strickland said. “He will work hard to see that our families and our economy continue to benefit from Ohio”s great financial institutions.”

Reardon says one of his goals will be to protect Ohio consumers from predatory lenders.

The position pays about $99,000 annually and employs 125 people. Reardon, county treasurer since 1998, earns about $66,000 in that post.

“I am honored to join Gov. Strickland’s administration in this important role,” Reardon said. “I’m looking forward to helping our state’s financial institutions thrive, while protecting consumer rights.”

Reardon, who will move to the Columbus area, starts his new job Feb. 12. He said, however, that he will maintain his primary residence in Boardman.

Reardon’s boss will be outgoing state Sen. Kimberly Zurz, a Green Democrat, appointed last week by Strickland as commerce director.

The Mahoning County Democratic Party will meet to select Reardon’s replacement. Lisa Antonini, Reardon’s chief deputy in the treasurer’s office, serves as county Democratic chairwoman.

“It’s a terrific position and I’m sure it will allow him to do great things for Ohio and the Mahoning Valley,” Antonini said. “The state is getting one of Mahoning County’s stars.”

The party will meet no later than 45 days after Reardon’s official date of resignation to select his replacement.