Governor DeWine Issues Statement on the Death of John Mahaney

(COLUMBUS, Ohio)—Today Ohio Governor Mike DeWine issued the following statement on the death of John Mahaney.

“Fran and I were saddened to learn of the death of John Mahaney. As head of the Ohio Council of Retail Merchants for decades,  John effectively advocated for small and large retail establishments in Ohio.  While John has been retired during my time as Governor, he was a force that every previous Ohio Governor, Speaker of the House, and Senate President needed to deal with. John was bigger than life and instantly filled every room he entered.  John used his Irish wit, charm, storytelling ability, and determination to make sure his members were heard in Columbus.

“I met John when I was first elected to the Ohio State Senate.  John’s office walls were filled with pictures of those who had previously worked for him – his “alumni.”  What you quickly noticed is that these individuals went on to head up trade associations or government affairs for the most prominent businesses in the state.  The Mahaney network was everywhere.   John was called “The Chief” by his team members and by those who worked around Capitol Square.  I will miss his smile, his endless stories, and his history lessons.  Rest in Peace, Chief.”