John Carey was appointed Director of the Governor’s Office of Appalachia by Governor
Mike DeWine in February 2019.

John Carey served as the Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education from
2013 – 2018. As Chancellor he worked to align higher education programs with Ohio’s job
creation and workforce needs. Carey also implemented initiatives that increased
collaboration among colleges, universities, technical schools and local businesses and
community organizations.
 
Prior to joining the Ohio Department of Higher Education, Carey was Assistant to the
President for Strategic Initiatives at Shawnee State University. He led university workforce
initiatives, working closely with local businesses. Carey served in the Ohio House of
Representatives and the Ohio Senate. He was the Mayor of Wellston for seven years. 
 
A graduate of Ohio University, he lives in Wellston with his wife, Lynley, and two sons.

Governor’s Office of Appalachia
77 South High Street, 26th Floor
Columbus, OH 43215