After nearly 35 years of public service, Ohio Facilities Construction Commission (OFCC) Executive Director Cheryl J. Lyman has announced her retirement effective February 29.
Lyman was appointed Executive Director on October 21, 2019, returning to the Commission where she served as the Chief of Program Services from 2005 to 2013. During her OFCC career, she successfully led the design, planning, and construction of numerous Ohio K-12 schools, public facilities, and infrastructure projects impacting all regions of the state.
“Cheryl set a high bar for those of us in public service,” said OFCC Chair and Ohio Office of Budget and Management (OBM) Director Kim Murnieks. “She leads by example, never seeking accolades or personal glory. Cheryl inspires those around her to make a difference based on a genuine desire to strengthen Ohio communities.”
“Cheryl has made a lasting impact on Ohio’s public construction program, and I congratulate her on her retirement,” said OFCC Vice Chair and Ohio Department of Administrative Services (DAS) Director Kathleen C. Madden. “I have appreciated her leadership guiding the capital projects of state agencies, allowing them to focus on their core missions.”
“Cheryl’s years in public service are marked by dedication and inspiring leadership,” said OFCC member and Ohio Department of Natural Resources Director Mary Mertz. “Her commitment to enhancing Ohio’s infrastructure and facilities has laid a strong foundation for future growth.”
Executive Director Lyman’s storied career includes senior and executive management roles in state and local government as well as higher education. She worked at both the Ohio State University and Otterbein University as well as the City of Columbus. Her career also includes 18 years of service within four cabinet-level agencies including OBM, DAS, the Ohio Department of Commerce, and the Ohio Department of Development, in addition to her 12 years at the OFCC.
During Executive Director Lyman’s OFCC tenure, the U.S. Green Building Council awarded the Commission a national leadership award and recognized Ohio as a global leader in Leadership in Energy and Design certified public buildings. In addition, Executive Director Lyman was personally honored for her impact on the construction field with the Exceptional Women in Building Award from the National Institute of Building Services. Some of her recent achievements include the oversight of key DeWine Administration initiatives such as the Ohio K-12 School Safety Grant and the Career Tech Construction Grant programs. She also played a pivotal role in planning Expo 2025, a large-scale project transforming the Ohio State Fair into a premier event with state-of-the-art facilities.
After retirement, Executive Director Lyman plans to spend time with her family and travel extensively with her husband, Chet
