OSC Expands Staff, Welcomes Chad Welker and Dennis Honkala

Welker has almost two decades of experience working in schools including his most recent position as Business Manager at Twinsburg City Schools where he led the district’s Facilities Strategic Planning Process and managed more than 150 support staff employees. In addition to his work as business manager, Welker has extensive experience with communications and data management, technology and budget planning/management. Welker, a committed and involved supporter of the OSC, has served on the Central Advisory Committee over the last 8 years helping OSC create valuable programming and services. In addition, Welker has held several leadership positions with Ohio Association of School Business Officials, including his most recent appointment to their board of directors.

Welker will begin his new role at the OSC on Aug. 1 2022 as the organization’s current Director of Business Services, Larry Tomec, transitions into retirement in December of 2022. Tomec leaves the OSC with 7 successful and dedicated years to the organization, including managing the RFP and bidding process, implementing and managing the highly-effective OSC Safety program, Design Build program, Food Service consulting services and more.

Also on August 1st, Dennis Honkala, a long-time supporter and board member of the OSC, comes onboard to assist Executive Director Dr. William Zelei on implementing new programs and savings opportunities for the OSC’s growing membership of more than 270 districts and municipalities. He will also assist Dr. Dennis Allen through his work with the Greater Cleveland School Superintendents’ Association, which provides valuable professional development opportunities and networking events for superintendents across the region. Honkala brings over 3 decades of educational experience to the organizations, and has served most recently as superintendent for the Ravenna City Schools and previously as superintendent for the Buckeye Local Schools (Medina).

Dr. Zelei shared his excitement over the opportunity for the OSC and GCSSA to hire both Welker and Honkala. “Their energy and expertise will enable both organizations to grow and better serve students, educators and school districts across northern Ohio. While we will miss Larry Tomec, as he transitions into retirement, we look forward to engaging him in some future consulting opportunities.”