(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS) Director Tom Stickrath announced today that Nicole M. Dehner has been named executive director of the Office of Criminal Justice Services (OCJS). Dehner replaces Karhlton Moore, who was appointed director of the Bureau of Justice Assistance within the U.S. Department of Justice.

As OCJS executive director, Dehner is responsible for the administration and evaluation of state and federal grants for law enforcement, victim assistance, crime prevention, courts, anti-trafficking efforts, re-entry, and corrections programs. She also works in continuing partnership with drug task forces and the Ohio Collaborative Community-Police Advisory Board and provides the Governor and the Public Safety director with current and projected criminal justice strategies.

“Nicole brings a wealth of experience that will serve OCJS well,” said Director Stickrath. “At various points in her career, Nicole has coordinated services for crime victims, worked closely with local law enforcement, and learned the ropes at OCJS in a previous role. Each of those attributes makes her the ideal person to take on this leadership role.”

Dehner served as chief policy adviser at OCJS for three years from 2009 to 2012. Previously, she was an in-house attorney within ODPS for OCJS and the Ohio Investigative Unit. Dehner also served as the first director of the Ohio Attorney General’s Office Crimes Against Children Unit. Most recently, Dehner served as chief legal counsel for the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.

“I’m looking forward to the challenge of overseeing the grants that help Ohio communities combat violent crime and help get crime victims back on their feet,” said Dehner. “I’m also grateful to be stepping into a role with an accomplished staff led expertly for 16 years by Karhlton.”

Originally from Painesville, Ohio, Dehner received her Bachelor of Arts degree from Indiana University and her law degree from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

OCJS is a division of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. By statute, OCJS is the lead justice planning and assistance office for the state, administering millions of dollars in state and federal criminal justice funding every year. OCJS also evaluates programs and develops technology, training, and products for criminal justice professionals and communities.

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