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Business View Magazine
membership of approximately 6,000.
All 88 Ohio counties are represented under 12 Ohio De-
partment of Transportation (ODOT) districts on a region-
al-based system. Members include 88 County Engineers
and their staff, as well as Supporting Members, such as
contractors, engineering firms, and construction services.
A priority within CEAO is to stimulate positive dialogue be-
tween County Engineers and related industries for the mu-
tual benefit of all. The Supporting Membership program
was designed to reach out to individuals, firms, and cor-
porations with an interest in local, county, and state trans-
portation systems.
County Engineers in Ohio are unique compared to those
in most other states, in that it is an elected position. They
also require dual certification – as both a Professional En-
gineer (PE) and Professional Surveyor (PS). Whereas the
state Board takes care of professional licensing, County
Engineers are held to a higher degree by voters in the
county, a major difference from other road supervisors
and engineers throughout the nation.
Ohio is served by four distinct highway systems:
1. ODOT is responsible for the state highway system
2. Township Trustees oversee the township system
3. Cities/municipalities each maintain their own roads
4. The CEAO has oversight of 28,971 miles of urban and
rural roads, and 26,326 county bridges, with a staff of five
full-time employees, plus two consultants/lobbyists and a
treasurer.
Since 1940, the Association has worked to unify its mem-
bers in providing the highest quality transportation, drain-
age, surveying and land record keeping services. Continu-
ing education programs and networking opportunities at
conventions and regional meetings are valuable member
benefits. Pausch noted, “Engineers and surveyors have
many qualification courses to take each year. That’s some-
thing we offer. Or, if you’re a construction company bidding
on projects, we put you in touch with the right people to
