The Foundation mourns the loss of Ohio Access to Justice Foundation Board Member Thomas Chema. Chema was a founding member of the Foundation’s Board of Directors and served as Foundation Board President from 1996 to 1999. In 2010, Chema became an emeritus member.
Chema had a long and distinguished career spanning over 30 years in business, government, and law. He served as Executive Director of the Ohio Lottery Commission and, in 1985, was asked to become Chairman of the Ohio Public Utilities Commission, on which he served from 1985 to 1989.
In 1994, he founded the Gateway Group and consulted nationwide on sports and entertainment-related economic development projects. In 2003, Chema was named the President of Hiram College after serving as a voting member of the Hiram College Board of Trustees for 11 years.
Chema’s leadership, vast experience across multiple sectors, and commitment to public service made a lasting impression on his colleagues, the communities he served, and the profession at large.
“Tom’s commitment, energy, creativity, and ability to build consensus were remarkable,” said Foundation Executive Director Angie Lloyd. “He was a gift to Ohio, to Cleveland, and to the Foundation.”
The Foundation extends our sincerest condolences to Chema’s family and friends. He will be sorely missed.
The Ohio Access to Justice Foundation’s Board of Directors serves from around the state and is committed to improving access to justice. Meet the board.