Secretary of state hires ex-assistant prosecutor

7/17/2009

COLUMBUS A former Lucas County assistant prosecutor was named the second-highest ranking official in the Ohio Secretary of State s Office yesterday.

Mike Rankin, 55, of Columbus and a former registrar of the Ohio Bureau of Motor Vehicles, was appointed assistant secretary of state by Secretary of State Jennifer Brunner. On Aug. 3, he will fill the vacancy created when Antoinette Wilson resigned to return to the private sector.

Mike is an accomplished leader who will bring a wealth of administrative experience to my office, Ms. Brunner said.

Mr. Rankin, who holds a law degree from the University of Toledo, also served as a special prosecutor for the city of Columbus in addition to serving as an assistant Lucas County prosecutor.

He served as chief deputy clerk for the Franklin County Municipal Court, another public records and filing agency, and worked in private law practice.

Mr. Rankin earned his undergraduate degree from the Ohio State University.