I am pleased to announce John J. Stilliana, M.A., has accepted appointment to the position of vice president for government and external affairs at NEOMED. He will assume this role effective Jan. 1, 2019.
John Stilliana has had extensive experience in government affairs, working for elected officials and in politics for over 20 years. He started his career in state government as a campaign manager for the Republican challenger‘s congressional campaign in Ohio’s old 17th District in 1998. Prior to his arrival at Northeast Ohio Medical University, Stilliana also held various positions in U.S. and county government, working with U.S. Sen. George Voinovich as well as with the Cuyahoga County Board of Elections. He began his tenure at NEOMED in February 2011 as the associate director of governmental relations. In this capacity, he was responsible for government relations on the state level and regularly met with legislators and staff on issues relating to NEOMED and higher education. He also assisted in helping to secure $3.8 million for NEOMED during the 2011-2012 biennial appropriations budget, during a year in which the state of Ohio had an $8 billion shortfall of revenue.
In 2016, Stilliana was promoted to the position of director of state government and external affairs. In this role, he initiated the concept of instituting an opioid curriculum to be shared among Ohio’s seven medical schools. The concept was adopted by the Ohio Council of Medical Deans. In addition, Stilliana helped secure $2.8 million in state capital funding in 2018 and $2.1 million in state capital funding in 2016.
Stilliana led an initiative to have the Bio-Med Science Academy recognized as a state certified STEM+M school. He was also very helpful in obtaining recognition by Ohio’s governor that Bio-Med Science Academy was one of the top seven performing schools in the state.
Stilliana is a proven leader with in-depth government and community relations expertise. His successful experiences span local, state and national levels. His knowledge, strategic approach and vision will support the University’s mission moving forward.
Stilliana earned a B.A. in history and political science at Youngstown State University, and an M.A. in history from Cleveland State University.
Please join me in welcoming John Stilliana in his new role at NEOMED.
Jay A. Gershen
President