Remembering Kurt Tunnell, Longtime OMA Counselor

In the early hours of Saturday, Aug. 31, former OMA General Counsel and good friend Kurt A. Tunnell was struck and killed by an impaired driver in rural Hilliard. Prior to his retirement in January 2018, Kurt had worked with the OMA for nearly a quarter century.

During his lengthy career, Kurt held several leadership roles, including managing partner with OMA’s general counsel Bricker & Eckler LLP, one of the state’s most prominent law firms. He also served as the chief legal counsel for Gov. George Voinovich, then returned to establish a leadership development program that would later be named in his honor. Read more in Kurt’s obituary.

Over the past several days, statements honoring Kurt and his legacy have poured in from across Ohio, including condolences from Gov. Mike DeWine, who worked with him in the Voinovich administration. Gov. DeWine said: “Kurt served his community, his state, and his fellow man, and we will miss him greatly.”

OMA President Eric Burkland said, “We are heartbroken by his untimely passing, but we are forever grateful for Kurt’s friendship and the opportunity to learn from him and work with him to better Ohio.”

A memorial foundation has been established to continue Kurt’s legacy of servant leadership. Contributions may be made to either of the following: The Namikango farm in Malawi, Africa in care of the Malawi Talent fund; or The Kurt Tunnell Servant Leadership Memorial Foundation in c/o of the Tunnell Leadership Development Program at Bricker & Eckler LLP. 9/4/2019