14.19 Levin Graduates Lead: Erik Janas (Chief of Staff)

Erik Janas joined Cuyahoga County in mid-September 2023 as chief of staff to county executive Chris Ronayne. A chief of staff is a senior advisor and key executive within an organization, often responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a leader’s office, such as a mayor, county executive, or governor.

Erik returned to Northeast Ohio after serving as deputy county administrator for Franklin County. In Franklin County, Janas managed a $2 billion all-funds budget and a workforce of approximately 6,500, supervised critical service departments, and directed government affairs across multiple levels of government.

His career spans nearly three decades in local government. Janas has held roles with the City of Columbus (as regional & government affairs advisor to the mayor), the City of Cleveland (departments of development, finance, and the mayor’s office), and began his public service in Cuyahoga County’s health & human services.

Janas holds a BA in economics from the University of Dayton and an MPA from the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. He also has a public sector leadership certificate from Cornell University and is a credentialed manager through the ICMA.