11/20/2025

Governor DeWine Announces Appointments Affecting Optometry 

Governor DeWine Names Scott R. Partika as Director of the Ohio Department of Medicaid 

Late last month Governor Mike DeWine announced that he is nominating Scott R. Partika to be the director of the Ohio Department of Medicaid following the announcement that Director Maureen Corcoran is retiring. 

Partika began working for Governor Mike DeWine in 2020 as assistant policy director covering health and human services before stepping in to his current role of policy director for Governor DeWine. 

Partika brings a strong background in state‐level policy development and public service to the Ohio Department of Medicaid. He has been deeply involved in Ohio’s health and human services policy landscape over the past decade.  

Appointments to the Vision Professional Board

The following have been appointed to the Vision Professionals Board by Governor Mike DeWine. 

Brian E. Dietz of Lima (Allen Co.) has been appointed to the State Vision Professionals Board for a term beginning October 31, 2025, and ending March 22, 2026.	Adrienne B. Chatters of Pickerington (Fairfield Co.) has been reappointed to the State Vision Professionals Board for a term beginning October 31, 2025, and ending March 22, 2028.
Rebecca J. Williamson Brown of Salem (Columbiana Co.) has been reappointed to the State Vision Professionals Board for a term beginning October 31, 2025, and ending March 22, 2028.	Erik L. Crouch of Bellbrook (Greene Co.) has been appointed to the State Vision Professionals Board for a term beginning October 31, 2025, and ending March 22, 2028.

Dr. Beckie Brown who practices in Salem and Dr. Brian Dietz who practices in Lima, are both OOA Past Presidents. Dr. Adrienne Chatters is a long-time OOA member and practices in Reynoldsburg. Mr. Erik Crouch is a licensed optician in Centerville.   

Dr. San-San Cooley, OOA President offers her best wishes on behalf of the profession to the appointees. “Congratulations to Dr. Brown, Dr. Chatters, and Dr. Dietz on their appointments to the Vision Professionals Board. Their leadership, professionalism, and commitment to patient care will serve our communities and Ohio optometry exceptionally well. The OOA is proud to see our colleagues representingthe profession at this important level of service.”