Michael Dustman is employed by the Dayton Development Coalition and currently serves as
the Program Director for JobsOhio Military & Federal Sector. In his role, Michael acts a liaison
between JobsOhio and the military facilities, defense communities and veterans communities
throughout the State of Ohio. Aerospace and Defense are critical to our national security and
has a large economic impact in Ohio. Michael works in coordination with the six JobsOhio
Regional Partners to advocate for economic development projects, future defense missions, and
to promote Ohio as the most military and federal employee friendly state – welcoming
personnel and families to be stationed in Ohio.
Prior to stepping into his current role, Michael served for 12 years as the Director of
Constituent Services for Ohio U.S. Senator Rob Portman. He directed a staff of four caseworkers
who act as liaisons to federal government agencies for Ohio constituents. Michael was also
responsible for statewide outreach on military and veterans issues. He regularly attended
meetings with statewide veterans groups, retirees and military organizations and reported to
the Senator the issues and concerns of those communities. As part of this outreach, Michael
was responsible for meeting with all of Ohio’s military facilities, installations and defense
community groups to recommend to the Senator ways to further reinforce Ohio’s defense
capabilities, protect Ohio defense jobs and strengthen national security. In 2006, Michael was
awarded the Patrick Henry Award from the National Guard Association of the United States, the
highest honor awarded to a civilian, for outstanding and exceptional service to the Armed
Forces of the United States, the National Guard and their families.
Michael started his public service as a Military and Veterans caseworker for Senator Mike
DeWine in 1997 and retired with 26 years of public service experience with the United States
Senate. He also served as the Director of Constituent Services for former U.S. Senator Mike
DeWine and former U.S. Senator George Voinovich.
A native of Youngstown, Ohio Michael resides in Grove City, Ohio with his wife and two
children. He is a 1996 graduate of The Ohio State University. On his nights and weekends he
performs as comedy magician for corporate events.
