Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry Announces Director of Law and Director of Development

On Thursday, August 09, 2007, Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry officially announced that he filled two vacancies in the Executive’s Office, naming Richard E. Dobbins as Director of Law and Patrick J. D’Andrea as Director of Development

“It is an honor to have two people with such strong qualifications, solid resumes and experience stepping up to fill these vacancies and serve the citizens of the County of Summit,” said Summit County Executive Russell M. Pry. “Citizens of Summit County are fortunate to have these two individuals who have devoted so much of themselves to public service.”

Richard E. Dobbins brings a wealth of experience to the position of Director of Law. Currently, Dobbins is a partner at the law offices of Dobbins and Henshaw. He will vacate his position at Dobbins and Henshaw upon his start date with the County of Summit in October. He has also acted as a Special Prosecutor for Tuscarawas, Stark, Geauga, and Portage Counties; as well as, Special Prosecutor for the City of Youngstown (1985-2007). He previously held positions as Director of Law for the City of Akron (1978-1980) and the City of Fairlawn (1989-1996).

Dobbins is admitted before the U.S. Supreme Court and the Ohio and Federal bars, and continues memberships with the Akron Bar Association, the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the Ohio Academy of Trial Lawyers, the Summit County Trial Lawyers Association, and the American Trial Lawyers

Dobbins has a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Kent State University and obtained a Juris Doctorate from The University of Akron School of Law in 1977.

The Department of Law handles legal matters for the Executive's Office while monitoring litigation involving county government. Staff lawyers also offer legal advice to all departments under the Executive's Office, review and draft contracts and legislation on behalf of county government. The department also oversees the Criminal Justice Affairs Division, Emergency Management Agency and Department of Public Safety.

Dobbins will begin his new position with the County of Summit on October 5, 2007.

Patrick J. D’Andrea brings a concrete understanding and experience in Zoning, Land Use and Development Law, Oil and Gas, and Municipal and Civil Litigation. D’Andrea is currently an attorney at the law offices of D’Andrea and Ruby. His elected official background includes serving on Akron City Council from 1979-1989 where he served as Vice-President of City Council, Chairman of the Planning Committee and Vice-Chairman of the Public Safety Committee. He was the Ward 1 councilman from 1979-1984 and served as At-Large Councilman from 1984-1989. On City Council, D’Andrea was involved on many Committees including Planning and Zoning, Akron Codes and Construction, Building and Development Task Force and Oil and Gas.

D’Andrea obtained a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees from The University of Akron and earned his Juris Doctorate from The University of Akron School of Law.

D’Andrea is an involved member and affiliate of the American Bar Association, Ohio Bar Association, Akron Bar Association, Summit County Trial Lawyers Association and Civil Justice Foundations. He serves as a board member and current Chair of CYO and Community Services Board of Trustees, board member of NEFCO (Four County Planning Board), Main Street Transitway Project (Chairman), Akron Board of Building Appeals, North Akron Board of Trade and Arthritis Foundation.

The Director of Development is responsible for overseeing the District 8 Public Works Integrating Committee, Planning, Community Development Block Grants (CDBG), Home Program, Housing Advisory Board, Weatherization and Building Standards.

D’Andrea will begin his position as Director of Development with the County of Summit on Monday, August 13, 2007.