OVRDC’s John Hemmings wins first ever Weinberg Partnership Award

When John Hemmings graduated from Ohio University in 1991, his first job was in retail. He didn’t last long.

When the company he worked for asked him to move away from the Portsmouth area where he grew up, he declined and instead applied for a job at the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission (OVRDC) . He got the job, and now, 37 years later, Hemmings has just retired as the executive director of the OVRDC.

Hemmings’ illustrious career in economic development makes him the perfect choice as the recipient of the inaugural Mark L. Weinberg Partnership Award. Named after the founding dean of OHIO’s Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service , this newly established award recognizes practical, working, and often innovative partnerships involving public, nonprofit, and or private entities that have a record of making people's lives better in the southeastern Ohio region served by Ohio University.

“What Mark and the team learned at the Voinovich School is that great leadership makes a significant difference in outcomes,” says Jeff Finkle, head of the nominating committee. “The Weinberg Award will recognize one of those leaders every other year for making a difference in the Appalachia region. John has had a brilliant career.”

“I’m humbled by this award, especially since it’s named after Mark Weinberg,” says Hemmings. “During the years I've known Mark, he's been a force in public policy, and he's a voice that gets heard. He was a big influencer on things that happened here in Southeast Ohio so for me to receive this honor is pretty cool.”

“John Hemmings embodies the qualities of leadership, collaboration, and dedication that the Mark L. Weinberg Partnership Award seeks to recognize,” says the Voinovich School’s G. Jason Jolly, Ph.D., who nominated Hemmings for the award.  “[His] tireless efforts and commitment to the economic development of the OVRDC region have made a significant impact, demonstrating the power of effective partnerships.”

Though he retired from the OVRDC, Hemmings remains involved with economic development efforts, serving as an advisor to the Ross County Commissioners. Ross County was an awardee in the Appalachia Community Grant Program, a $500 million effort launched by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in 2024 to improve the quality of life in Southeast Ohio.