As Chief of the Division of Oil and Gas Resources Management, Eric Vendel oversees the regulation of Ohio’s oil and natural gas industry for the protection of the public and the environment while ensuring the state’s abundant natural resources are managed and developed responsibly. 

An ODNR employee since 2012, Eric previously served as an attorney with the Ohio Legislative Service Commission where he was the principal drafter of several oil and gas bills. He holds a J.D. from Capital University Law School, a master’s degree in organic chemistry from The Ohio State University, and a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Wittenberg University. 

A native of the Dayton area, Eric enjoys watching movies, Ohio State football, and spending time with his family.