MUO - Howard L. Collier

Howard L. Collier

Mr. Collier, a Toledo native, was named budget director of the State of Ohio in 1963 by then Governor James A. Rhodes. In 1968, he became the stat's director of finance. He began his second career as vice president of administration of the Medical College of Ohio in 1971. A year later he became vice president of finance, the position he held until his retirement in 1985. He continued to serve MUO as a consultant until his death.

During his fifteen years at MUO, Mr. Collier twice returned to Columbus during leaves of absence to serve Governor Rhodes as director of the state's Office of Budget and Management. A financial wizard, Mr. Collier was known for his ability to clearly present facts and figures honestly and realistically. When he spoke on financial and government matters in his deep, slow voice, people listened. A lifelong Republican, Mr. Collier had as many friends among Democrats.

Despite his other commitments, Howard Collier always had time for Toledo -- as an elder statesman and volunteer troubleshooter. He served on the city plan commission and numerous local committees. In 1978, he mediated a Toledo Public School strike. He died October 10, 1990, at his home in Lakeland, Florida. He was 57.

MUO, Toledo, and the State of Ohio were well served by Mr. Collier's financial acuity, razor wit and unflinching candor during nearly 30 years of public service. The students educated in this new facility will do well, if they take from here Howard Collier's commitment and concern for his fellow man.