Jenifer French. Chair
Term ends: April 10, 2029

Jenifer French was appointed to the commission and named chair by Governor Mike DeWine in 2021. In 2024, she was reappointed by Governor DeWine to serve a five-year term.

Chair French is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Conference of Regulatory Utilities Commissioners (MACRUC) and the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC). In 2024, she was appointed to the NARUC Board of Directors. She also serves on the NARUC Committee on Electricity and the Washington Action Program, the committee that primarily discusses NARUC's work in Congress and with other federal stakeholders.

Prior to joining the PUCO, French served as a Franklin County Court of Common Pleas judge from 2015 through 2021, presiding over civil, criminal felony, and administrative matters. While on the court, she was a member of the Court’s Criminal Law and Rules committees and served as a Judicial Board Member for the Franklin County Community Based Correctional Facility. French was named “Highly Recommended” in 2020 by the Columbus Bar Association.

French served as a member of Westerville City Council from 2011-2015. During this time, she served on the Westerville Planning Commission, and as vice mayor from 2013-2015. While serving on city council, French worked collaboratively with citizens and stakeholders on important policy issues involving municipal utilities, zoning, planning and economic growth.

French earned her bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from The Ohio State University, and her law degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law.