Kearney Named Director of Diversity and Inclusion at Ohio Chamber

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio Chamber of Commerce CEO Steve Stivers this week announced the hiring of Eric H. Kearney as the director of diversity and inclusion for the chamber. In addition to the part-time position with the Ohio Chamber, Kearney will continue in his role as the CEO and president of the Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce.

“I worked with Eric in the Ohio Senate and have known him for over 15 years. He is a great addition to our team at the Ohio Chamber,” Stivers says. “What he has accomplished in growing the Greater Cincinnati African American Chamber is impressive, and I know his expertise will be extremely beneficial in this new position as we focus our attention on diversity and inclusion efforts.”

Kearney has led substantial reorganization efforts, including a 50% increase in membership and the creation of a $300,000 endowment.

He served as the state senator for Ohio’s 9th District from 2005 to 2014. As the Ohio Senate minority leader, he championed a number of causes, including adoption, children’s health, small business development and pension reform. He is also a managing partner of Kearney & Kearney LPA.

Kearney also founded and built one of the largest African American-owned publishing companies, Sesh Communications, which publishes The Cincinnati Herald, The Northern Kentucky Herald, The Dayton Defender and other publications.

Kearney graduated from St. Xavier High School, then earned a B.A. in English from Dartmouth College and a J.D. from the University of Cincinnati, College of Law. He is married to Jan-Michele Lemon Kearney, who is a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law School.

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