2026 OEDA Legislative Conference

March 24–25, 2026 | Columbus, Ohio

Direct access to legislators and policy leaders shaping Ohio’s economic future

Action-focused sessions on property tax reform, community opposition, and federal policy

Insight into the 2026 Governor’s race and its impact on economic development

ABOUT THE EVENT

The 2026 OEDA Legislative Conference marks a pivotal shift — from listening to leading.

In 2025, OEDA members helped shape the Association’s Policy Platform through direct input on energy, workforce, and housing. In 2026, we put that platform into action.

This two-day conference brings together economic development professionals, legislators, state and federal partners, and policy leaders to address the most urgent issues impacting economic development across Ohio — and to define what comes next.

THIS EVENT IS NOW SOLD OUT

WHY ATTEND

Economic developers are facing unprecedented policy uncertainty — from property tax reform threatening local incentive tools, to community opposition delaying projects, to federal policy shifts reshaping funding and programs.

The 2026 Legislative Conference is designed to help you:

Understand how state and federal policy changes directly affect your projects
Navigate community opposition and NIMBY challenges impacting development statewide
Engage directly with state legislators, agency leaders, and policy experts
Prepare for how the 2026 Governor’s race may shape Ohio’s economic development priorities
Connect with peers and partners in a high-impact, policy-focused setting

This year’s agenda reflects what OEDA members told us matters most — and delivers practical insight, strategy, and access.

THE SCHEDULE

Day 1 | Tuesday, March 24, 2026

All day, Independent meetings with legislators
3:00 - 4:30 p.m. - OEDA Board Meeting (closed meeting- board members only)
5:00 - 7:00 p.m. - Legislative Reception | sponsored by Appalachian Partnership
This event brings together OEDA members, legislators, and policy leaders in an informal networking setting at Bricker Graydon Wyatt (100 S 3rd St., Columbus, OH 43215).

Day 2 | Wednesday, March 25, 2026 (current agenda)

Athletic Club of Columbus - 136 E. Broad St., Columbus, OH 43215
Presenting Sponsor - JobsOhio

8:00 - 8:45 a.m. - Breakfast & Registration | sponsored by Ohio's Electric Cooperatives

8:45 - 9:00 a.m. - Opening Remarks
- Chris Singlering, Chair of OEDA Government Affairs Committee
- David Zak, President & CEO, Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA)

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. - Ohio's Property Tax Overhaul: Implications for Economic Development | sponsored by Small Nation
A deep dive into proposed property tax reforms and their potential impact on local incentives, school funding, and economic development competitiveness.
Panelists:
- Brian Perera, Senior Policy Advisor, Zaino Hall & Farrin (moderator)
- Rep. Dave Thomas, Ohio House District 65
- Cheryl Subler, Executive Director, County Commissioners Association of Ohio
- Dr. John Marschhausen, Superintendent, Dublin City Schools

10:00 - 11:00 a.m. - Navigating Community Opposition: Building Support for Economic Development Projects | sponsored by Development Strategies Group
Strategies for addressing community resistance, managing public perception, and advancing projects in today’s political and social climate.
Panelists:
- Doug Moorman, Vice President, Development Strategies Group (moderator)
- Eric Phillips, Economic Development Director & CEO, Union County Chamber of Commerce
- Tiffany Swigert, Executive Director, Coshocton Port Authority
- Merle Madrid, Principal with Amazon Web Services Public Policy

11:00 - 11:30 a.m. - Keynote Speaker | Presenting Sponsor JobsOhio
- J.P. Nauseef, President & CEO, JobsOhio
- Sen. Rob McColley, Ohio Senate President

11:30 - 12:00 p.m. - Networking Break
12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m - Lunch & State Legislative Update | sponsored by Huntington
A comprehensive update on state legislative activity and budget priorities impacting economic development across Ohio.
Presenter: Matt Koppitch, Partner, Bricker Graydon Wyatt
1:30 - 2:30 p.m. - Washington Update: Federal Policy Impacting Your Projects | sponsored by Ice Miller
New for 2026, this session brings a national perspective on federal legislation, funding programs, and policy shifts affecting Ohio communities.
Panelists:
- Tim Day, Ice Miller (moderator)
- Toby Rittner, President & CEO, Council of Development Finance Agencies
- Ryan Lidke, Vice President, Development Services, VanTrust Real Estate; NAIOP Central Ohio & NAIOP National Board of Directors
- James Coyne, Ohio Chief of Staff, US Senator Bernie Moreno
- Tom Evans, Deputy State Director & Communications Advisor, US Senator Jon Husted

2:30 - 3:30 p.m. - The Governor's Race & Economic Development Policy | sponsored by Bricker Graydon Wyatt
The 2026 governor's race and how it could reshape Ohio's economic development agenda.
Panelists:
- Dave Robinson, The Montrose Group (moderator)
- Joe Rettof, RT Advisors
- Ryan Stubenrauch, Communications Counsel

3:30 - 3:35 p.m. - Closing Remarks

Speakers

Hear directly from the leaders shaping Ohio’s economic landscape. The 2026 OEDA Legislative Conference features policymakers, practitioners, and subject-matter experts who bring timely insight, practical experience, and a forward-looking perspective on the issues that matter most to Ohio’s economic development community.

Brian Perera

Brian is Senior Policy Advisor for ZHF Consulting LLC. He began his public finance career on state Senate staff in 1991 and was Senate Finance Director for more than 20 years. In that role, he staffed Senate Finance, Financial Institutions, Ways & Means, Controlling Board, and served on committees including the Medicaid Managed Care Study Committee, the Lottery Profits Review Commission, and multiple Tax Study Committees. He also served as a member of the National Association of Legislative Fiscal Officers (NALFO), as a staff vice-chair of the Budgets & Revenue Committee. In 2014, Brian served as Associate Vice-President for State Relations in the Government Affairs Office of Ohio State University. In 2023, he joined ZHF Consulting LLC to focus on state & local tax and fiscal issues for a variety of clients.

Rep. Dave Thomas

State Representative David Thomas is serving his first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. He represents the 65th Ohio House District, which includes portions of Ashtabula and Trumbull counties. In addition to serving as Vice Chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, Thomas serves on the Energy, Personal Insurance and Pensions, and Arts, Athletics and Tourism committees.

A lifelong resident of Ashtabula County, Thomas served on Austinburg Township’s zoning board at the age of 16, easing zoning regulations on business. As a college student at Washington and Lee University in Virginia, he worked in state and federal government positions, including in the Ohio Statehouse, in the United States House of Representatives, and for the Republican National Committee in Washington, D.C. Yet, he chose to return to Ashtabula County after graduation in 2015 because he wanted to play a role in the future success of the community.

Cheryl Subler

Cheryl Subler is a respected government affairs professional who has more than 25 years of experience representing local government officials and who has worked in the Ohio General Assembly. She is the Executive Director for the County Commissioners Association of Ohio, and prior to that she served many years as the Association’s managing director of policy, coordinating the association’s policy team and lobbying efforts as well as specializing in personnel and labor relations, human resources, elections administration, environmental matters and general local government issues.
Prior to that, she worked for the Ohio Township Association. A former House legislative aide and a Senate page, Subler learned about Ohio’s state government from the bottom up. She earned a bachelor’s in philosophy from Miami University, where she majored in interdisciplinary studies with a focus in politics and law and minored in political science.
She is a former president of the Ohio Lobbying Association and member of the Greater Ohio Board of Trustees. She currently serves on the Capitol Square Foundation Board as well as the Ohio Public Works Commission.

Dr. John Marschhausen

Dr. John Marschhausen serves as the Superintendent of Dublin City Schools, where he leads one of Ohio’s premier districts in fostering a culture of excellence and innovation. With over twenty years of experience as a superintendent, Dr. Marschhausen is a recognized leader in aligning K-12 education with regional economic needs. His commitment to workforce development is evidenced by his appointment to the Governor’s Executive Workforce Board, where he advises on the continuous improvement of Ohio’s workforce system. Additionally, he serves as the Novice G. Fawcett Leadership Fellow at The Ohio State University and holds positions on the Boards of Directors for both the Dublin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Dublin. Dr. Marschhausen believes that a robust educational foundation is the primary engine for economic prosperity. He remains dedicated to building strategic partnerships between schools and industry to ensure the next generation of talent is prepared for the evolving global economy.

Doug Moormann

Vice President of Development Strategies Group Doug Moormann brings more than 35 years of experience creatively linking people with government to solve problems. Since 2011, DSG has helped clients secure millions of dollars in grants, tax credits and financing that have created thousands of new jobs and changed the landscape of our region.

Before his work with DSG, Doug served the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber as both the Vice President of Economic Development and Vice President of Government Affairs. There, he led initiatives to build the local economy through business attraction, job retention, and regional marketing. He also helped secure funds to replace the Brent Spence Bridge and launch numerous community projects. He graduated from the University of Dayton with a degree in Political Science. Doug and his wife Kimberly live in Madeira. They have six children and five grandchildren.

Eric Phillips

Eric Phillips has served as Marysville/Union County Economic Development Director since 2001 and also leads the Community Improvement Corporation and the Marysville-Union County Port Authority. His work focuses on attracting and retaining business growth while fostering collaboration among businesses, government, and the community.

He is active in regional leadership, having served as Past Chair of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, Secretary of the Columbus 2020 Board, and Past President of the Mid-Ohio Development Exchange. He also sits on the Community Capital Development Corporation Board.

Phillips played a key role in developing the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor, which has secured over $100 million in public and private investment, establishing it as a leading testing ground for connected and autonomous vehicles.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Muskingum University and dual master’s degrees in City and Regional Planning and Public Policy and Management from The Ohio State University.

Tiffany Swigert

Tiffany Swigert serves as Executive Director of the Coshocton Port Authority, leading economic development initiatives for the City of Coshocton and Coshocton County, Ohio. Since joining in 2017, she has advanced strategic projects that support business growth and community development, including development of the Coshocton Collaborative and securing AOFF funding for the Conesville Industrial Park. Previously, she served as Executive Director of the Coshocton County Regional Planning Commission and Safety Coordinator for the Coshocton County Commissioners.

She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Mount Vernon Nazarene University (2008). Tiffany serves numerous boards; including the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association, Coshocton Visitors Bureau, EODA, Genesis Hospital, and MVHC, and is a graduate of the ARC’s Appalachia Leadership Institute.

Tiffany and her husband, Geno, have been married for 26 years and have two sons, Briar and Camden. They enjoy exploring Ohio with their dog, Huck.

Emily Smith

Emily is an Economic Development Manager at Amazon Web Services (AWS), where she leads economic development initiatives with local, state, and regional governments to drive economic impact in the communities AWS operates in. With over a decade of experience, she brings deep expertise in site selection, business attraction and international trade.

Prior to AWS, Emily spent nearly eight years at American Electric Power as Global Business Attraction Manager, providing location advisory services and tailored energy solutions to international companies across AEP's 11-state footprint. She served in a leadership role at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation as Director of International Trade, and worked at the Ohio Development Services Agency as a Global Trade Development Manager. She began her career as a Legislative Aide in the Ohio House of Representatives and as a Legislative Service Commission Fellow.

Emily holds a J.D. from Capital University Law School and dual bachelor's degrees in International Business, Spanish, and International Relations & Diplomacy from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business. She is a Leadership Columbus graduate (Class of 2022), and serves on the Board of Directors for Seeds of Caring, a local non-profit empowering children through community service.

Tim Day

Tim M. Day is a principal at Ice Miller and co-vice chair of its Government Affairs & Regulatory Law practice. He specializes in legislative and regulatory advocacy, helping shape policy and guide initiatives through the legislative process. He works closely with policymakers and industry leaders to develop strategies that deliver results.

His experience spans industries such as electric and autonomous vehicles, unmanned aerial systems, artificial intelligence, health care, defense, education, and government appropriations. He advises corporate and government affairs leaders on navigating complex regulatory environments.

Previously, Tim served as Senior Vice President of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Chamber Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC), where he advanced technology policy initiatives supporting innovation and economic growth. He also led TecNation, a multi-state tour engaging policymakers and stakeholders on issues like digital skills, rural economic opportunity, and artificial intelligence.

Tom Evans
Tom Evans, MPA, is a communications and public affairs professional serving as Deputy State Director for U.S. Senator Jon Husted of Ohio. Prior to joining Senator Husted’s team, he was Director of Communications and Marketing for the Ohio Manufacturers’ Association, where he led strategic messaging and engagement on behalf of the state’s manufacturing sector. His also previously served as deputy press secretary and digital media manager for the Ohio Senate. Tom is a U.S. Army veteran and holds a Master of Public Administration from Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, as well as a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Abilene Christian University.

James Coyne

James Coyne currently serves as Ohio Chief of Staff and State Director for U.S. Senator Bernie Moreno, where he oversees statewide operations and advises on policy and constituent engagement.

Previously, Coyne was Deputy State Director for U.S. Senator JD Vance, supporting federal outreach and state-level initiatives. He spent over five years as Director of Regional Liaisons for the Ohio Auditor of State, managing statewide stakeholder relationships and regional engagement efforts.

Earlier in his career, Coyne served as Political Director for Keith Faber’s successful campaign for Auditor of State, led grassroots operations, and managed a state legislative campaign. He also worked as a Fellow with the Ohio Legislative Service Commission, gaining experience in legislative research and policy analysis.

Coyne is a graduate of Ashland University, where he began building his foundation in public service and leadership.

Toby Rittner

Toby Rittner is the President & CEO of Council of Development Finance Agencies (CDFA), a national association dedicated to the advancement of development finance concerns and interests. CDFA is comprised of the nation’s leading and most knowledgeable members of the development finance community representing hundreds of public, private and non-profit development finance agencies. Mr. Rittner runs the day-to-day operations of the Council including the organization’s various educational, advocacy, research, resources, and networking initiatives. He also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the CDFA Foundation.

Rittner is one of the most vocal and recognized leaders of the development finance industry nationwide and has advised local, state, and federal leaders, including Presidents Biden and Obama, on economic development finance policy. Through his leadership and guidance, CDFA was successful in preserving private activity bonds and other critical development finance tools during the 2017 tax reform deliberations and has had numerous pieces of legislation introduced in the United States Congress. In 2021, Rittner successfully led a national effort to reauthorize and fund the $10B State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) program as part of the American Rescue Plan Act. He has written and crafted dozens of strategic finance plans for development finance agencies and advised communities throughout the world on development finance approaches.

Dave Robinson

Principal, and Founder of Montrose Group, LLC. Dave Robinson serves clients based on 30 years of experience as an economic development executive, lobbyist, lawyer, and public relations executive before the federal, state, and local governments. Mr. Robinson served as a member of the Ohio House of Representatives, a lawyer with large Ohio-based law firms, an executive with the Fortune 100 company Ameritech, Press Secretary for the 15th largest city in America- Columbus, Ohio, and General Counsel for the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Mr. Robinson authored two economic development public policy textbooks- The Energy Economy and Economic Development from the State & Local Perspective by Palgrave-MacMillan and served as an adjunct professor at Bowling Green State University and the Ohio State University. Mr. Robinson represents clients on lobbying matters before the local, state, and federal government, negotiated over $500 M in economic development incentives tied to corporate site location and industrial site and mixed use development proejcts, co-produced 50 economic development strategic plans, represents multi-family and industrial developers on land use entitlements, infrastructure finance, tax incentives, and building financing, and provides economic development advisory services and project financing services for developers, communities, and institutional landholders. Dave Robinson is a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Bowling Green State University, the Mortiz College of Law at the Ohio State University, and has a master in the business certificate from the Fisher School of Business at the Ohio State University.

J.P. Nauseef

J.P. has served as President and CEO of JobsOhio since March 2019, leading the state’s private, uniquely structured economic development organization. A U.S. Air Force veteran, he began his career managing space and technology programs before transitioning to management consulting at Deloitte. He later advanced into economic development with the Dayton Development Coalition, where he helped transform it into a nationally recognized regional public-private partnership and significantly expanded Wright-Patterson Air Force Base’s economic impact.

J.P. also led a private investment portfolio in early-stage media technology and co-founded Krush Media Group, serving as executive chairman. He is deeply committed to supporting military families and veterans, co-founding initiatives such as Hometown Heroes and the Big Hoopla, which have benefited thousands nationwide.

He earned his bachelor's degree from the University of Dayton and his master's degree from the University of Southern California.

Joe Rettoff

Joe Rettof has over 15 years of experience in the political and non-profit sectors. He co-founded RT Advisors with Bridgette Tupes in 2014. Joe has worked on several statewide campaigns across the Midwest as a campaign manager, general consultant, fundraiser and strategist. He has worked for candidates and campaign committees, ballot initiatives, and non-profit organizations since 2005.

Joe has served on the Board of Equality Ohio and currently serves on the Advisory Board of New Leaders Council – Columbus. He holds a BA in Political Science and History from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

Senator Rob McColley

Senator Rob McColley was unanimously elected President of the Ohio Senate in January of 2025, and will preside over the Upper Chamber during the 136th General Assembly. President McColley began serving in Senate after being appointed in December 2017. He represents the 1st Senate District, which includes Defiance, Hancock, Hardin, Henry, Fulton, Paulding, Putnam, Van Wert, and Williams counties, as well as part of Logan county. He was elected by his Senate colleagues to serve as Senate Majority Floor Leader for the 135th General Assembly. McColley graduated from Napoleon High School in 2003 and then went on to attend The Ohio State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Finance. He then attended the University of Toledo College of Law and graduated with a Juris Doctorate in 2010. Senator McColley lives in Napoleon with his wife, Denise, their daughter Anna, and their twin boys Matthew and Michael.

Ryan Stubenrauch

Ryan Stubenrauch is an attorney, communications strategist, and government affairs advisor with more than 18 years of experience serving clients across 14 states. He has advised organizations ranging from small businesses to major corporations on crisis communications and has worked closely with government leaders at the local, state, and federal levels on legal, political, and media relations matters.

Stubenrauch is a frequent media contributor and has served as a spokesperson and crisis advisor during high-profile situations. Earlier in his career, he worked as an assistant attorney general, prosecuting complex criminal and organized crime cases, and later served as Senior Policy Advisor to Mike DeWine.

He is also a recognized speaker and instructor on Ohio public records law, media relations, and crisis communications. Stubenrauch holds degrees from The Ohio State University and Capital University Law School and lives in Lewis Center, Ohio, with his wife and three children.

2026 OEDA Legislative Conference Speakers Headshots for Website

Matt Koppitch

Matt Koppitch is a seasoned government affairs and policy professional with experience across all levels and branches of government. He advises clients spanning multiple industries on outreach, policy development, coalition building, communications, and political strategy, while ensuring compliance and ethical best practices. Matt is known for connecting policy with politics, helping clients negotiate legislation and administrative rules, draft regulatory language, and track legislative activity to achieve practical results. His experience includes work on gubernatorial and congressional campaigns as well as local and statewide ballot initiatives. A skilled consensus builder, Matt has represented businesses, developers, and political subdivisions on zoning, land use, and development matters, helping clients navigate complex regulatory environments. Matt previously served as District Director for U.S. Congresswoman Joyce Beatty, where he advised on a wide range of policy issues including financial services, labor and employment, health care, and economic development.

LEGISLATIVE CONFERENCE PREP SERIES

The Legislative Conference Prep Series is a set of virtual sessions offered in advance of the OEDA Legislative Conference to help participants prepare for effective engagement with policymakers. Each session provides timely context, practical advocacy tools, and insight on key policy issues so attendees arrive informed, confident, and ready to maximize their time at the Statehouse.

Turn Your Legislative Meeting into Results

Friday, March 13, 2026 | 1:30 p.m.

As a companion session to the OEDA Legislative Conference, this practical webinar equips economic development professionals with the tools to engage legislators with confidence, clarity, and purpose. Led by Hicks Partners, the session walks through the full lifecycle of an effective legislative meeting—from securing the appointment to post-meeting follow-up—while focusing on how to translate economic development priorities into messages that resonate at the Statehouse and on Capitol Hill.

Designed for both new and experienced advocates, this session provides actionable techniques to help participants turn conversations with policymakers into meaningful outcomes.

The Ohio Legislative Process

Wednesday, March 18, 2026 | 10:30 a.m.

Part of the Legislative Conference Prep Series, this webinar provides a practical, behind-the-scenes look at how legislation moves through the Ohio General Assembly. From bill introduction and committee review to amendments, final passage, and the state capital bill process, the session explores how timing, strategy, and stakeholder engagement shape policy outcomes that affect economic development.

Led by Tim Day of Ice Miller, participants gain real-world insight into how decisions are made, where opportunities to engage arise, and how to navigate the legislative environment with greater confidence ahead of the OEDA Legislative Conference.

THE VENUE

Established in 1912, the Athletic Club of Columbus is a historic yet forward-looking icon in the heart of downtown Columbus. The Club blends rich tradition with a modern, inclusive spirit—valuing members for their character, talent, and commitment to an engaged community.

As a true city club, the Athletic Club of Columbus offers a refined but welcoming environment, exceptional service, and state-of-the-art amenities. With its central location, Midwestern hospitality, and attention to detail, the Club provides an ideal setting for thoughtful conversation, meaningful connection, and high-impact policy dialogue.

HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS

A block of rooms has been reserved for Legislative Conference attendees at the Renaissance Columbus Downtown at a special conference rate of $199 per night. Rooms are available on an individual, pay-your-own basis, and a valid credit card will be required at check-in to cover room charges and incidentals.

The hotel offers valet parking for overnight guests at a current rate of $45 per day with unlimited in-and-out privileges, as well as a $23 daily parking rate for guests not staying overnight. Attendees are encouraged to make reservations early, as the room block cut-off is Monday, February 23, 2026.

All conference programming will take place offsite, but the hotel’s central downtown location provides convenient access to conference venues and nearby amenities.

Book your stay

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Feedback from last year

I appreciated the way it was broken out by topic. Each of the topics was well thought out and critical to the work of economic development.

Building relationships with other economic development professionals is always my number one priority, and I was able to get to know a few more at this event.

Overall, the 2025 OEDA Legislative Conference was very well done... nice cross-section of participants... good representation from throughout the State of Ohio... the level of involvement by JobsOhio was especially impressive... the updates regarding the pending/proposed legislation were both educational and informative...Legislative Reception was a good opportunity to get some "face time" with members of the General Assembly...also, the proximity to the hotel was quite convenient.

Energy Policy - this was very educational and informative, specifically Bill Reineke's insights. The presentation on OBRT’s Energy Competitiveness Study was very informative. The real-time policy feedback exercises using Mentimeter were very powerful. I would recommend continuing to use these. I found value in the Ohio Budget presentation, the pertinent topic areas, and the process of how this may play out. Finally, I appreciated the candor and the open discussion on the 2026 election. I gained some insight from "people in the know" and will watch with interest over the next year.

Act fast, limited space available.

Early registration is strongly encouraged. Registration will close once capacity is reached.

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