Latest News
Patricia Harris will be the next commissioner of the Ohio Department of Taxation, Gov. Mike DeWine announced. Harris currently serves as chief operating officer of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).
DeWine chooses new commissioner of tax department
Written on Jan 27, 2023
Patricia Harris will be the next commissioner of the Ohio Department of Taxation, Gov. Mike DeWine announced. Harris currently serves as chief operating officer of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC).
If the nomination is confirmed by the Senate, Harris will replace Jeff McClain, who retired as ODT commissioner in 2022.
Harris began her career at BWC in 1991 as a claims representative, charged 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 affect overall agency performance, customer service, budgeting and legislation.
Harris has an undergraduate degree in organizational leadership from Xavier University and a master’s degree in 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.