During the annual meeting of the Buckeye Hills General Policy Council on April 4, we celebrated the successes of the past year. Buckeye Hills Regional Council’s 2024 Annual Report highlighted investments of more than $116 million in the eight-county region’s infrastructure and services to help older adults age independently in their homes and communities.
The General Policy Council approved the 2025-2030 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, Buckeye Hills Forward, which will be submitted to the U.S. Economic Development Administration for its approval. This comprehensive economic development strategy is a locally based, regionally-driven economic development planning process and document that creates the space for our region to identify its strengths and weaknesses while bringing together a diverse set of partners to create good jobs, diversify the economy, and spur economic growth.
The council also recognized Governor’s Office of Appalachia Director John Carey and the late Mayor of Somerset Tom Johnson for their commitment to improving the quality of life across Southeast Ohio.
“The work we do with our member communities doesn’t happen in isolation,” said Buckeye Hills Executive Director Chasity Schmelzenbach. “It’s only possible because of the dedicated partners across our state and region who share our mission to improve the quality of life in Southeast Ohio. We’re fortunate to collaborate with extraordinary individuals who work alongside Buckeye Hills and the communities we serve to move the region forward.”
Governor’s Office of Appalachia Director John Carey was the recipient of the 2024 Buckeye Hills Regional Council Appalachian Service Award—an award that recognizes individuals who exemplify vision, leadership, advocacy, and an unwavering commitment to the mission of Buckeye Hills and the success of Appalachian Ohio.
Director Carey’s leadership has shaped the region in countless ways. Since his appointment by Governor Mike DeWine in 2019, he has led the Governor’s Office of Appalachia, working to strengthen economic development and improve opportunities for the people of Southeast Ohio.
His dedication to public service spans decades. As Chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, Director Carey focused on aligning education with workforce needs, expanding collaboration between colleges, technical schools, and businesses. Before that, at Shawnee State University, he led strategic workforce initiatives that connected education with local employers.
Director Carey also served as Mayor of Wellston, a state legislator in both the Ohio House and Senate, and an advocate for policies that advance Appalachian communities. His leadership has been instrumental in shaping programs and policies that drive progress in the region.
The 2024 Simcox Leadership was given in honor of the memory Village of Somerset Mayor Tom Johnson. The award honors individuals who demonstrate vision, leadership, and commitment to the success of the Buckeye Hills region. The award is named for C. Boyer Simcox, longtime executive director of Buckeye Hills Regional Council and a champion for Appalachian Ohio.
Mayor Johnson was a dedicated public servant whose influence extended far beyond his own community. As a member of the Buckeye Hills Regional Council Board and the longtime mayor of Somerset, he was a tireless advocate for rural revitalization, historic preservation, and economic development. He believed that small towns could be models of innovation and opportunity, and he worked to make that vision a reality.
Throughout his career, Mayor Johnson helped lead transformative projects in Somerset, from restoring its downtown to advancing workforce initiatives and attracting new investment. His leadership inspired others across the region, and his legacy continues to shape conversations around rural development and community-led progress.
The Simcox Leadership Award recognized not only his accomplishments but also the values he embodied—service, vision, and a deep commitment to the people of Appalachian Ohio. Though his passing in 2023 was a tragic loss, the impact of his work will be felt for generations to come.
“The individuals we’ved honored—like Mayor Tom Johnson and Director John Carey—remind us that real change happens when passionate people step up, commit to a vision, and work together to move our region forward,” said Schmelzenbach. “The strength of our region lies in its partnerships, collaborations, and shared commitment of the local leaders, organizations, and communities working toward a better future for Southeast Ohio. Together, we are shaping a stronger Appalachia.”
$130.7 million invested in Southeast Ohio
The past year saw more than $130.7 million invested in Southeast Ohio through the work of Buckeye Hills Regional Council, our member communities, and partner agencies. Highlights of several of these projects and initiatives are outlined in BHRC’s 2022 Annual Report, available online at buckeyehills.org.