MORPC’S Joseph Garrity Promoted To Chief Strategy Officer

Expanded leadership role will strengthen strategy, operations, and regional partnerships

Joseph Garrity, currently the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission’s Senior Director of Government Affairs and Community Relations, has been named the organization’s Chief Strategy Officer & Senior Director of External Relations.

The promotion is effective January 1, 2026, MORPC Executive Director William Murdock said.

Joe is a key part of MORPC’s success—from driving strategic initiatives and forging strong relationships with local communities across Central Ohio and beyond, to leading major policy efforts and regional events. In this expanded role, he will help advance our strategic direction, strengthen internal operations, enhance services for our members, and cultivate high-impact regional partnerships. Joe is well-known by community leaders for his thoughtful, creative leadership, and we’re excited for him to deepen his positive impact on MORPC’s work for the region.”

William Murdock, MORPC Executive Director

In his new role, Garrity, 40, will focus on special leadership initiatives and assume additional responsibilities supporting internal operations, while continuing to oversee a broad portfolio that includes public policy, regional events, membership services, and community relations. His department will be rebranded as External Relations, reflecting its expanded role in aligning strategy, partnerships, and engagement across the organization.

With 15 years of public service and regional collaboration experience, Garrity joined MORPC in 2015 as Public Affairs Coordinator and has since advanced through a series of leadership roles, most recently serving as Senior Director of Government Affairs and Community Relations since 2022. He has been a key driver of grant strategy and regional investment, helping position Central Ohio to compete for state and federal resources while aligning public and private partners around shared priorities.

“I’m honored by the trust placed in me and excited to step into this leadership role at an important moment for Central Ohio. MORPC works on behalf of communities of all sizes, and our role as a regional convener has never been more important. I look forward to serving and working closely with our local government members, private sector partners, and staff to turn strategy into action and ensure MORPC continues delivering real value for the region—day in and day out.”

Joseph Garrity, MORPC Chief Strategy Officer & Sr. Director, External Relations

Garrity serves as a member of the ADAMH Board of Franklin County and as vice chair of the Columbus International Visitors Council. In 2022, he was selected by Columbus Business First as a 40 Under 40 honoree and participated in the 2023 Leadership Columbus Class. Garrity holds a Bachelor’s degree in Specialized Studies from Ohio University, a Master’s degree in Applied Politics from the University of Akron, and a Master’s degree in Public Administration and Leadership from The Ohio State University.