Chapter 9 – The Governor & Other Executives
9.17 Governor Voinovich’s Right Hand: CSU Alumnus & Trustee Tim Cosgrove
Tim Cosgrove is a CSU alumnus and a current CSU trustee who has made a significant impact on public affairs and government relations throughout his career.
Early in his career, Cosgrove served as a key staff member for Governor George Voinovich. In this role, he became a trusted advisor and was referred to as the governor’s right hand in Columbus. As the director of policy and legislation, Cosgrove helped to shape state laws and policies. His responsibilities included analyzing important issues, advising the governor on potential outcomes, and developing strategies that guided the state’s legislative and administrative actions to meet the needs of Ohio residents.
Success in this position required Cosgrove to have strong negotiation and communication skills to effectively work with the legislature, ensure proposals were practical and actionable, and collaborate with experts from various government agencies. Managing the policy portfolio for the entire state also meant overseeing a wide range of complex issues and making strategic decisions that affected millions of people.
Originally from Collinwood, Cosgrove majored in political science at CSU and also attended law school here. Previously a partner at Squire Patton Boggs, a global law firm known for its public policy and government relations expertise, he now leads his own firm, Cosgrove Jonhenry LLC.
As a trustee at CSU, Cosgrove’s leadership has been vital in strengthening the university’s connections with the broader community and enhancing its role as a key institution in Northeast Ohio.
What is a Board of Trustees?
A public state university like Cleveland State has a board of trustees to oversee its operations, set strategic directions, and ensure it fulfills its mission to serve students and the community. Trustees, appointed by the governor, are responsible for making key decisions on issues such as budgeting, academic programs, and campus development, while ensuring accountability and transparency in the university’s governance.
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