News Release
July 09, 1999 - Columbus, Ohio
- Tax Commissioner Names Team
During his first week in office, Ohio Tax Commissioner Tom
Zaino outlined his priorities for the Department, including
the creation of his Management Leadership Team.
Commissioner Zaino’s first priority is to develop a Taxpayer
Service approach for all taxes. This taxpayer-friendly system
will be similar to that used by the IRS and other states,
with an emphasis on courteous, accurate and timely response
to taxpayer inquiries. Mr. Zaino also wants to continue
modernizing the Department through enhanced training, added
technology and updated tax policy. Finally, the Commissioner
plans to address the human resource development issues facing
the Department over the next several years. These issues
include creating and/or expanding career path opportunities,
and providing mid-range management development.
In order to implement these changes, Commissioner Zaino has
appointed four long-time employees to be his Management
Leadership Team: Carol S. Bessey, James J. Lawrence, Clare N.
Long, and J. Patrick McAndrew.
Carol S. Bessey, who has been with the Department since 1989,
will continue to serve as Deputy Tax Commissioner for Tax
Policy. Ms. Bessey’s responsibilities will include developing
tax policy, overseeing legislative issues, and monitoring
research activities.
James J. Lawrence acted as Interim Tax Commissioner from
January through June, 1999, and served previously as Chief
Counsel for the Department. As Deputy Tax Commissioner/Chief
Counsel, Mr. Lawrence will oversee the legal and enforcement
functions, as well as manage the bankruptcy, estate, and
property tax divisions. Mr. Lawrence has been with the
Department for 21 years.
As Deputy Tax Commissioner of Administration, Clare N. Long
will administer the human resources and budget and fiscal
divisions. Previously, Ms. Long was Deputy Commissioner for
Legislative and Constituent Services. Ms. Long has been with
the Department since 1995. Prior to joining the Tax
Department, Ms. Long served as Chief Legal Counsel and Chief
of Human Resources for the Ohio Department of Commerce.
J. Patrick McAndrew’s role as Deputy Tax Commissioner for
Operations will be to direct the income and sales tax
divisions, the taxpayer service center and the (computer)
information services division. Mr. McAndrew, a Department
employee since 1974, was the Executive Administrator over the
income tax operations division prior to this appointment.
Mr. Zaino feels that this management team provides a wealth
of knowledge and experience to the specific areas they will
oversee. He is anxious to evaluate and implement their
recommendations.
Thomas M. Zaino became the Ohio Tax Commissioner in
July, 1999. A native of Xenia, Ohio, Mr. Zaino was a partner
with the accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers. Commissioner
Zaino holds a B.B.A. in accounting from the University of
Cincinnati and a law degree from The Ohio State
University.
For more information contact:
Gary Gudmundson, Communications Director
Ohio Department of Taxation
(614) 644-6903