Ohio Department of Public Safety Director's Office

Cathy Collins-Taylor

Director, Ohio Department of Public Safety

On Sept. 3, 2009, Governor Ted Strickland appointed Cathy Collins-Taylor to serve as the director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety. In this cabinet-level position, Director Collins-Taylor advises the Governor and staff on issues relating to the divisions within ODPS. These include an Administration division, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Emergency Management Agency, Emergency Medical Services, Homeland Security, Office of Criminal Justice Services, Ohio Investigative Unit, Ohio State Highway Patrol, and the Ohio Traffic Safety Office.

Prior to her appointment, Collins-Taylor served in various roles within the Department, giving her a unique understanding of its divisions and mission.

She most recently served as the executive director of the Ohio Investigative Unit from March 2007 until her current appointment. In just two years with the Ohio Investigative Unit, Collins-Taylor made great strides toward bringing consistency to its districts and has overseen the implementation of new systems and tools that allow agents to more effectively carry out investigations. She also upgraded agency policies in order to make the division compliant with the Commission on Accreditation of Law Enforcement Agencies for the first time in agency history.

Collins-Taylor began her state career by serving as a branch chief of State and Local Coordination and Domestic Security for Ohio Homeland Security, where she oversaw the creation of the Ohio Response System by coordinating resources from local and state first responders and state agencies.

Prior to joining ODPS, Collins-Taylor spent 26 years in the Columbus Police Department, retiring from active duty in September 2004.  She was the first female motorcycle officer in the department’s history and helped establish the Exploited Children’s Unit. Additionally, Collins-Taylor has served as an instructor at the Ohio Peace Officers Training Academy.

Collins-Taylor is a past recipient of the City of Columbus Outstanding Women in Government Award. She graduated from the Ohio State University in 1977 and Columbus Police Academy in 1978.

Collins-Taylor resides in Columbus with her husband, Mike, and two daughters.

George T. Maier

Assistant Director, Ohio Department of Public Safety

On May 21, 2007, Massillon native George T. Maier was appointed to serve as the Assistant Director of the Ohio Department of Public Safety.

With nearly 30 years of experience in law enforcement administration and operations support, as well as a strong commitment to community involvement and cooperation, Maier was appointed to one of the largest agencies in the state to help the Department build collaborative relationships with local, state and federal partners to promote statewide highway safety and public safety goals and initiatives.

A 24-year veteran with the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Maier retired in May, 2007 as Jackson District Commander - a position he held since his promotion to Captain in 2004. He began his career with the Ohio State Highway Patrol in 1983 as a trooper assigned to the Wooster Post, and was a member of the 112th Cadet Class of the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. During his career, he served in assignments at the Massillon, Cambridge, New Philadelphia and Steubenville Posts. He also previously served as Steubenville Post Commander (1998-2002) and Massillon District Assistant Commander (2002-04).

Maier received State Trooper of the Year, District Trooper of the Year and Post Trooper of the Year honors in 1991 and was a past recipient of the Blue Max “Ace” Auto Larceny Award as well as a state award from Mothers Against Drunk Driving for his active involvement in community and educational programs. Prior to joining the Ohio State Highway Patrol, Maier served two years as an officer with the Hartville Police Department in Stark County.

Maier has three adult sons and resides in Pickerington with his wife, Misty.

Michael McCann

Chief of Staff, Ohio Department of Public Safety

In November 2009, Michael McCann joined the Ohio Department of Public Safety’s Director’s Office to serve as Chief of Staff.

With more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement including administration, leading operations, sensitive investigations and multi-jurisdictional efforts, McCann was tapped for the Chief of Staff position to engage his experience and knowledge of the public safety field to ensure the Department is running effectively and efficiently with the safety and well-being of the public as its top priority.

Prior to this appointment, McCann was a Deputy Director within the Department’s Ohio Investigative Unit (OIU), overseeing Administration and OIU’s southern district offices operations. McCann came to the Department after retiring from active duty with Columbus Police in 2007.

During his tenure with Columbus Police, McCann lead investigations relating to homicides, serious crimes against people and suspicious disappearances as well as Critical Incident Response Team investigations. In 2002, he was selected as Police Officer of the Year. He also served the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #9 in the leadership capacity of Grievance Chairman/Elected Treasurer, supervising the day-to-day operations of the largest police local lodge in Ohio, handling finances, negotiating contracts and mediating disputes. He began his career with Columbus Police as a patrol officer, graduating from the Columbus Police Academy’s 57th recruit class, continuing his education through training, including attending classes at the FBI National Academy.

McCann has three grown children and two grandchildren. He and his wife, Bonnie, reside in Hilliard.