Governor DeWine Names Patricia Harris as Nominee for Commissioner of the Ohio Department of Taxation

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Ohio Governor Mike DeWine today announced that he is nominating Patricia Harris to be the next commissioner of the Ohio Department of Taxation. If confirmed by the Ohio Senate, Harris will replace Jeff McClain, who retired from the Ohio Department of Taxation in 2022. 

"Patricia Harris’s extensive experience overseeing operations and employer services at Ohio Bureau of Worker's Compensation (BWC) and experience in overseeing customers’ concerns with BWC injury claims will be particularly valuable in ensuring continued quality customer service at the Department of Taxation. Combined with her experience as a Chief Operating Officer, Patricia Harris is well qualified to lead the Ohio Department of Taxation,” said Governor DeWine.

Harris began her career at BWC in 1991 as a claim representative, tasked with analyzing, investigating and making initial determinations on workers' compensation clams. Throughout her time at the agency, Harris took on multiple leadership positions including regional training manager, service office manager, senior claims director, chief of claims services, and chief operating officer. Since becoming the chief operating officer in September 2020, Harris has been responsible for projects that impact overall agency performance, customer service, budgeting, and legislation. 

Harris has an undergraduate degree in organizational leadership from Xavier University and a master of education from the University of Missouri. She was recognized as the BWC Employee of the Year in 2006 and was recently awarded the Ohio Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Individual Award.