Clark County appoints Greg R. Kaffenbarger as acting county commissioner

The Board of Clark County Commissioners appointed Greg R. Kaffenbarger as Acting County Commissioner on June 3, 2026, adopting Resolution 2026-0422 by roll call vote. The board acknowledged the resignation of former Commissioner Richard L. Lohnes effective May 31, 2026 and set Kaffenbarger’s appointment to begin June 3, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. and continue until the appointing central committee selects and seats a qualified officer under Section 305.02 of the Ohio Revised Code.

Kaffenbarger addressed the board after the appointment, saying he had wanted the role for years and thanking voters for their support: "He is very thankful the voters selected him and put their faith in him. He will do his best for everyone in the county." The appointment followed earlier steps by the county and local Republican central committees after Melanie Flax Wilt’s resignation in December 2025 and a subsequent interim appointment of Richard L. Lohnes, who later resigned the seat.

Commissioner Charles A. Patterson moved the resolution; Commissioner Sasha L. Rittenhouse seconded. The roll call on the resolution recorded Commissioner Patterson, Yes; Commissioner Rittenhouse, Yes. The resolution text states the appointment is effective immediately on June 3, 2026 at 1:30 p.m. and remains in force until the central committee-appointed officer qualifies and takes office per ORC 305.02.

The public record provided no additional conditions, salary, or term-limit details for the acting appointment. The board recessed earlier in the meeting to allow for Kaffenbarger’s swearing-in and later returned to public session before voting on the formal resolution.