Voinovich School welcomes Ty Giffin as Economic Development Program Associate

Ohio University’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs is pleased to welcome Ty Giffin as economic development program associate. In his position, Giffin will promote regional entrepreneurship and economic development.

Giffin is currently working with the Logan County Chamber of Commerce and Bowling Green State University, partners in the Voinovich School’s EDA University Center, to help the county develop an economic development plan. He gathers perspective on the economic situation in the county and what stakeholders would like to see changed and pursued.

“I am excited to work as an economic development specialist because I want to learn and be engaged in something that could help and benefit my home of Southeast Ohio and my home state,” Giffin said. 

He previously worked as a caseworker in U.S. Congressman Bill Johnson’s office in Marietta, Ohio. He managed 140 cases for veterans and organized events for three veterans who had secured Purple Heart awards with his help.

“Working for Congressman Johnson gave me the chance to learn how to speak with the public,” Giffin said. “And while my work with the Voinovich School isn’t veteran related, I think having worked at Congressman Johnson’s office will continue to guide me in writing reports.”

Giffin will put those skills in client services, account and event management to work at the Voinovich School, where he helps students, faculty and professional staff with reports about community and economic development.

His interest in economics grew when he took a class in macroeconomics during his bachelor’s in history at the University of Rio Grande in May 2013. He later received his Master of Public Administration from Ohio University in December 2018.