News Release
January 29, 2008 - Ron Hohman
Inducted into Ohio Tax Hall of Fame
COLUMBUS, Ohio - A career Ohio Department of
Taxation employee was inducted into the Ohio Tax Hall of Fame
here during a ceremony at the 17th annual Ohio Tax Conference
Tuesday.
The late Ronald F. Hohman, who rose through the ranks in the
department to achieve the high-ranking post of executive
administrator for property taxes, is the eighth person to
receive the honor since the hall was founded in 2001. As
executive administrator for property taxes since 2000, Hohman
oversaw the divisions responsible for oversight and
administration of real, tangible personal and public utility
property taxes. These taxes meant as much $11.7 billion in
annual revenue for local governments.
Ohio Tax Commissioner Richard A. Levin announced his
induction during a ceremony Tuesday at the conference. More
than 900 people were expected to attend the two-day event at
the Greater Columbus Convention Center, which will conclude
on Wednesday.
"Ron Hohman was a real credit to public service," said
Commissioner Levin. "His personal sense of integrity and
outstanding work ethic were unparalleled. His basic principle
of being firm but fair - and his ability to work effectively
through complex issues with local taxing authorities, school
districts and the private sector - made his administration of
local taxes an era of equity and stability."
Hohman arrived at the Department of Taxation in 1973 with a
resume that included serving as high school class
valedictorian and a master's degree in economics from Ohio
University. He ultimately headed up the department's Division
of Tax Equalization and later became executive administrator
for property taxes.
During his 29-year career with the department, Hohman
developed a deep understanding of taxation that he frequently
shared with colleagues, public officials, attorneys,
reporters, students and individual Ohioans concerned about
their property tax bills. Colleagues say his management and
analytic abilities helped him set a new standard for the
administration of local taxes. Also, they say, he had a
strong rapport with local officials who implicitly trusted
him and his advice.
Hohman passed away on Dec. 19, 2002 at the age of 52 after a
battle with cancer. But he is still remembered by his
colleagues as a leader, mentor and friend.
Selection to the Ohio Tax Hall of Fame is made by the Ohio
Tax Commissioner and the Ohio Chamber of Commerce. Those in
the Ohio Tax Hall of Fame were selected on the basis of
outstanding contributions to the development, administration
or operation of Ohio's state tax system.
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CONTACT: Mike McKinney at (614) 466-5461 or
John Kohlstrand at (614) 644-3858.