CHICAGO -- Columbus-based law firm Bricker & Eckler LLP has hired Christiane Schmenk, the former director of the Ohio Development Services Agency, to serve as of-counsel in its public finance group.
Schmenk headed up the state department for two years after Gov. John Kasich redirected many of the state’s economic development duties to the newly created JobsOhio, a private non-profit entity. Schmenk was also the chairman of the state’s Third Frontier Commission, which issues bonds for technology development projects. Before coming to the state, Schmenk was the mayor of the town of Marysville for three years and an executive for nearly 20 years at Scotts Miracle-Gro Co.
At Bricker, Schmenk will also serve as senior vice president for Argus Growth Consultants, the law firm’s economic development consulting group. “Chris is a respected and strategic leader with hands-on experience in economic development and public finance,” Kurt Tunnell, Bricker & Eckler’s managing partner, said in a statement.
She will help governments develop economic development opportunities and navigate public sector law challenges.
The firm last December hired Bill Mason for its Cleveland office and Rob McCarthy for its Columbus office. Bricker & Eckler has acted as bond counsel for several high-profile issuers in Ohio, including the state, the city of Columbus, and the Ohio State University.
