Avi Zaffini serves as president and CEO of the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, leading efforts to support and advocate for Ohio’s 23 community colleges and their leadership teams. Since stepping into the role in 2023, Avi has focused on strengthening workforce development initiatives, expanding partnerships and ensuring that Ohio’s community colleges remain a vital pathway to economic opportunity.

Before joining OACC, Avi was senior vice president of Business Engagement and Strategic Initiatives at the Ohio Business Roundtable, where he played a key role in business development, member engagement and private-sector initiatives. He also oversaw the Ohio CEO Summit, the state’s premier annual gathering of business leaders.

Avi’s career in public service includes serving as chief of staff in the Ohio Lt. Governor’s Office following Jon Husted’s election in 2019. He played a pivotal role in the DeWine-Husted gubernatorial transition and previously held leadership positions in the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. His experience in government and business has given him a deep understanding of how education, workforce development and economic growth intersect.

A proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, Avi completed two combat tours in Iraq in 2006 and 2009. His service instilled a lifelong commitment to leadership, discipline and public service. He later earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Ohio State University.

With a career spanning government, business and education, Avi is dedicated to fostering collaboration between Ohio’s community colleges, employers and policymakers to create stronger opportunities for students and workers.