Ohio Department of Commerce names new superintendent
The Ohio Department of Commerce welcomes the Division of Real Estate and Professional Licensing’s new superintendent.
Daphne Hawk brings 25-plus years of experience as a real estate agent to the role, which she assumes on July 18. She replaces Anne Petit, who retired in June.
"I am both honored and excited to be appointed to this post, and I look forward to carrying some great projects over the finish line that were begun by my predecessor,” Hawk said. “Our highest priorities will continue to be protecting the consumer and providing convenient services to our licensees.”
Previously, Hawk worked for the Ohio Housing Finance Agency as its real estate relations manager, and before then as Franklin County Recorder and as a Jackson Township trustee.
Hawk will oversee a division that manages seven different programs that offer 45 different credentials carried by nearly 76,000 people that operate in Ohio. That includes not only real estate agents, but also home inspectors, manufactured homes dealers, cemeteries, land professionals, and cable companies.
Additionally, the division has leveraged technology to improve its experience for licensees including the virtual option to attend board and commission meetings and remote testing for real estate license applicants.
“We thank Anne for her grit, determination, and all her hard work to provide excellent service to our constituents and staunch support for her staff,” said Sherry Maxfield, director of the Department of Commerce. “And we are excited to welcome Daphne Hawk who will quickly become a leader in the field of real estate licensure both in Ohio and nationally.”
The Division of Real Estate & Professional Licensing is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. The department is Ohio’s chief regulatory agency, focused on promoting prosperity and protecting what matters most to Ohioans. We ensure businesses follow the laws that help them create jobs and keep Ohioans safe. To learn more about what we do, visit our website at www.com.ohio.gov
