COLUMBUS — Guisselle Mendoza McDonald, of Toledo, and George Charchar, of Sylvania, were recently among those pegged by Gov. John Kasich to serve on his new 12-member New Americans Advisory Committee.

The panel is designed to help identify barriers in Ohio complicating efforts by legal immigrants to work, study, and otherwise find their way into life in Ohio.

Ms. McDonald, originally from Nicaragua, is director of operations for the Lucas County Treasurer’s office and a steering board member for the Welcome Toledo-Lucas County Initiative, which works to welcome newly arrived immigrants and refugees. She watched as Mr. Kasich signed the order. Her term would last through May 14, 2021.

Mr. Charchar came to the United States from Syria in 2012 and has his own business buying and flipping houses. His term would expire on May 14, 2020.

The advisory committee will work with Mr. Kasich’s recently created Office of Opportunities for New Americans.

Mr. Kasich also recently appointed Gorsham-Fayette Fire Chief Robert E. Stillion, Jr. to the 10-member State Fire Council through Nov. 1, 2021. The council advises the state on fire safety issues, recommends changes to the state fire code, and maintains the Ohio fire service hall of fame.

First Published June 22, 2018, 7:14 p.m.