Erik Janas '89

During his time at Elyria Catholic, Erik Janas ‘89 played soccer, served as the class treasurer, wrote for the Challenge newspaper, assisted in reconvening the chess club, and made some wonderful friends whom he is still in contact with today. However, when asked what he remembers most about his EC experiences, Erik first cites the “quality of education” he received. Erik graduated from the University of Dayton where he earned a B. A. in Economics and a minor in English literature. He holds a Masters in Public Administration from the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. Although his senior class voted Erik most likely to own a McDonald’s, the political articles he wrote for his high school and college newspapers and his affiliation with the UD College Democrats more directly influenced his career path. Erik started his career in the public sector working in personnel services for Cuyahoga County Children and Family Services and then worked in numerous roles for Cuyahoga County, the City of Cleveland, and the City of Columbus over the next 15 years.

Erik currently serves as the Deputy County Administrator for Franklin County where he directly supervises the Departments of Economic Development and Planning, Sanitary Engineering, and Animal Care and Control, while also working with county human services agencies including Developmental Disabilities, Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board, Children Services, and the Office on Aging. Erik is also a board member for several organizations including Celebrate One, a community nonprofit to combat infant mortality, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, where he serves as board chair, the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio, the Community Shelter Board, and the Confluence Community Authority, which developed the new downtown Columbus Crew Stadium. Erik is also a registered lobbyist for Franklin County and directs the county’s government affairs efforts. In his recent conversation with President Annie Heidersbach, Erik provided advice on how to help our own EC students become more effective public advocates.