By Sue Kiesewetter
Enquirer contributor

LEBANON - Maggie Hess will bring her skills in career and technological education to Greater Cincinnati's fastest-growing county this month.

Hess has been named superintendent of the Warren County Career Center and was given a two-year contract, effective Sept. 15. Her salary was set at $104,000 annually.

"I have a passion for career/technological education. It's learning for life," Hess said Thursday.

Hess, dean of instruction with the Great Oaks Institute of Technology and Career Development, was selected from among 20 applicants. Her strengths, board president Bobby Grice said, are her background in vocational education, communication skills and character.

"We have someone who has good vision and can handle different tasks. We feel she's a right fit and we're really looking forward to working with her."

Hess said she is leaving one of the state's largest vocational education programs because of what she discovered while researching the district before accepting the position.

"It's clear from the research I did that they're proud of the work they do and the difference they've made in lives," Hess said. "I want to be part of a leadership team in a county that's growing and has such a strong interest in education."

One of the first things Hess said she wants to do is meet school superintendents and business leaders to talk about their needs.

Hess, an educator for more than 25 years, holds a bachelor's degree from Georgia State University and a master's from the University of Cincinnati, and received her administrative certification from Xavier University.

She served as president of the Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education for three years and is a member of the High Schools That Work Southwestern Ohio Regional Network.

E-mail suek@infionline.net