Kasich names new ODH director

Gov. John Kasich last week named the director of the state turnpike commission and a former state legislator to lead the Ohio Department of Health (Source: “Kasich names Hodges to lead Ohio Department of Health,” Columbus Dispatch, Aug. 1, 2014).

Rick Hodges will replace Dr. Theodore Wymyslo who stepped down earlier this year. Kasich also named Dr. Mary Applegate as interim medical director. Hodges has led the Ohio Turnpike Commission since 2011 and previously was with the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation. He served in the Ohio House from 1993 to 1999. 

Applelegate currently serves as the medical director at the Department of Medicaid and has overseen the development of a quality initiative to help improve health outcomes for low-income Ohioans. According to a press release from the governor’s office, she will work with Hodges to recruit a team of clinical professionals and then resume her role at Medicaid.