Kutak Rock is pleased to announce that Russell W. (Russ) Balthis, Anthony E. (Tony) Core, Greg Daniels and Jessica Ice have joined the firm’s public finance practice. All four attorneys bring extensive experience representing public entities and advancing economic development projects throughout Ohio. The group strengthens the firm’s service offerings in the areas of public finance, tax, economic development and improvement district financings and government relations.

Russ Balthis advises on municipal finance and economic development projects, with prior experience as Law Director for the City of Cuyahoga Falls and as Chief of Legal Services for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.  Russ was previously with Squire Patton Boggs.

Tony Core’s practice focuses on representing port authorities, municipalities, counties, townships, and other local governments. He serves as bond counsel, issuer and disclosure counsel and underwriters’ counsel on tax increment, capital lease, revenue and general obligation financing and advises governmental entities on economic development initiatives.  A former Ohio state representative and county commissioner, Tony brings more than two decades of public service experience.  Tony was previously with Squire Patton Boggs.

Greg Daniels has significant experience in public infrastructure and economic development financing, representing public authorities and local governments in connection with bond, lease and tax increment financings. Greg was previously with Squire Patton Boggs and, for the past two years, practiced at Daniels & Rhodes LLC.

Jessica Ice focuses her practice on economic development matters for local governments and port authorities. She has experience with tax increment financings, bond fund transactions and capital leases. Jessica also has experience with other public finance transactions including public-private partnerships, general obligation and revenue financings for public entities. Jessica was previously with Squire Patton Boggs.

“Russ, Tony, Greg and Jessica bring deep public sector knowledge and experience that strengthen our ability to serve clients throughout Ohio and across the country,” said John Petr, Chair of Kutak Rock. “Their arrival further enhances our nationally recognized public finance practice and reinforces our commitment to helping communities grow and thrive.”