Commerce Director  
 

Andre T. Porter was appointed Director of the Ohio Department of Commerce by Governor John R. Kasich in April 2013.

Director Porter is focused on ensuring that the Department of Commerce provides extraordinary customer service and creates a statewide environment for job creation, all while safeguarding Ohioans. As Director of Commerce, Porter oversees one of the state’s chief regulatory agencies. The Department of Commerce enforces laws that apply to state-chartered financial institutions, mortgage brokers and loan originators, securities, real estate brokers and appraisers, the state fire code, liquor control, construction compliance, minimum and prevailing wages, unclaimed funds, underground storage tanks, elevators, cable providers, and others.

Prior to being named Director of Commerce, Porter served as a Commissioner at the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio. There, he assisted in the regulation of Ohio’s utilities, which include electric, water, gas, telecommunications, and commercial transportation. Before being appointed as a Commissioner, Porter was a private practice attorney in Columbus, Ohio where his legal practice focused on real estate taxation and public utilities in addition to providing general counsel for public agencies, including municipalities and counties.

Director Porter is active in his local community. He serves as a Trustee at his undergraduate alma mater, Capital University, where he leads the governance committee and the annual presidential assessment. Porter also sits on the audit committee and nominations committee at Capital University. Previously, Porter served as a member of the Gahanna City Council, Chair of the Gahanna Board of Zoning Appeals, President of the Gahanna Community Improvement Corporation, member of the Old Gahanna Study Committee, and member of the Gahanna Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Director Porter received his bachelor’s degree in political science from Capital University and his law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.