Jerry C. Cirino Biography

Senator Jerry C. Cirino is currently serving his second term in the Ohio Senate, representing the people of Lake county and portions of Cuyahoga county. He brings proven leadership and considerable business expertise, and a keen understanding of local government to state government.

With history of driving change, Senator Cirino sponsored SB 1 (135th GA) and SB 135 (134th GA), key pieces of higher education legislation, both now law, that have positively impacted Ohio’s colleges and universities, students, and taxpayers. Additionally, he played a pivotal role as Chair of the Senate Finance Committee in guiding the Senate through the most recent operating budget process, ensuring responsible fiscal management while supporting critical programs for Ohio’s future.  The budget included a plethora of positives reforms for the state including property tax reform. This general assembly, Senator Cirino has co-sponsored 56 bills, actively working with a vast number of legislators.

Before his tenure in the Senate, Senator Cirino spent four years as a Lake County Commissioner, where he gained invaluable experience in local governance. As a county commissioner, he was instrumental in fostering a jobs-friendly environment, responding to the challenges created by the COVID-19 pandemic, and helped prevent the shut down of Ohio’s two nuclear power plants.

Senator Cirino’s career in business includes many years leading companies in the medical device industry. Retired now, he was the founding CEO of SourceOne Healthcare Technologies in Mentor and played a key role in bringing hundreds of new jobs to Lake County and Ohio. His business acumen has been a driving force behind his approach to governance, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and taxpayer protection.

A fiscal conservative, Senator Cirino’s expertise in managing complex budgets and finding creative solutions to business challenges, paired with his passion for success, continues to guide his efforts in ensuring the future growth of Lake and Cuyahoga counties.

In his community, Senator Cirino has been actively involved in many organizations. He previously served as chairman of the board of trustees for Lakeland Community College and as a board member for Lake Health Systems and Lake Erie College. Additionally, he continues to serve on several boards of companies and not-for-profit organizations. He was the co-founder of MyBoard Advisors, a consulting firm dedicated to helping small businesses thrive. Senator Cirino continues to serve small businesses privately, and over the past 20 years has consulted over 30 private equity firms.  

Senator Cirino is deeply committed to his faith and has served in various capacities within the Roman Catholic Church. He has also served as Board Chair of Cleveland Right to Life, a 501(c)(3) educational entity. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business and an MBA from Lake Erie College in Lake County. In 2005, he was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Humane Letters, following his commencement address.

Senator Cirino and his wife, Donna, have been married for 52 years and have lived in Lake County for over 50 years, where they raised their nine children. They are proud grandparents of 39 grandchildren, most of whom reside in Lake County.

136th General Assembly Committee Assignments:

• Finance, Chair
• Higher Education
• Energy
• Housing
• Rules and Reference
• Controlling Board