Thad Boggs - Frost Brown Todd
Monica Bricker-Thompson - Geauga Growth Partnership - Monica is currently the VP of Operations at Geauga Growth Partnership. In this role, she identifies partners and resources that can benefit Geauga County companies and leads a variety of projects to assure GGP continues to provide strategic support and guidance to the business community. Prior to joining GGP in 2019, Monica worked for 11 years at United Way Services of Geauga County where she provided financial assistance to residents of Geauga County in need, and coordinated efforts with community organizations, businesses, and volunteers and managed all grants United Way provided in the community. Monica is a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Ohio and received a Master of Science in Social Administration (MSSA) and Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Case Western Reserve University. In 2023, Monica earned recognition as a Certified Economic Developer through the Ohio Economic Development Association and is a Certified Practitioner for Everything DiSC. Monica is a graduate of the 2016 Leadership Geauga County program, and has served as a Board Member for two nonprofit organizations: Geauga Community Action, Inc. and Hope For Kids Geauga; as well as Area 19 Workforce Development Board.
Ryan Bunch - Toledo Design Collective
Craig Butler - Miami Valley WCD
Joseph Cappel - Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority - Joseph W. Cappel is the Vice President of Business Development for the Toledo - Lucas County Port Authority. He is responsible for working with the Port Authority’s existing and potential business partners in developing and expanding business opportunities in the Toledo Region. Mr. Cappel is also involved in many other facets of Port Authority operations including air service development, grant writing and administration, transportation planning, terminal development, lease negotiations, marketing and social media, dredge material management and environmental matters, port security and government relations. Mr. Cappel joined the Port Authority in September 2004. Prior to that, he was the Logistics Manager at Ryder Logistics in Dundee, MI and a Distribution Supervisor for the Kroger Company at their facilities in Columbus, Ohio. A native of Cincinnati, Ohio, Mr. Cappel is a graduate of The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio where he earned a Bachelor of Science in business administration majoring in transportation & logistics and marketing. He obtained his Executive Master of Business Administration (MBA) at Bowling Green State University in 2013. Joseph serves on the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments Board of Trustees, Transportation Council and several other committees and is on the Editorial Advisory Board of the Great Lakes/Seaway Review Magazine. Joseph is the 63rd candidate to receive the Professional Port Manager (PPM) certification through the American Association of Port Authorities (AAPA) and represents the Port of Toledo on multiple AAPA Committees including the Professional Development Board and as Chair of the Economic Development Committee. He is also Chair for the Ohio Freight Advisory Committee for the Ohio Department of Transportation and serves on various committees for the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency, the Maritime Academy of Toledo, and Toledo Public Schools.
Aaron Clapper - Greater Ohio Policy Center
Angelique Cole - Manufacturing Works
Marcia Ciryak, Director of Ownership Transition Program, is an accomplished Business Development and Sales professional with over 25 years of leadership experience across various manufacturing and distribution ventures. She is renowned for her expertise in propelling industries, sectors, and brands to new heights. With an extensive background in startup business development and a proven track record of maintaining long-term client relationships, Ciryak is a master at identifying new accounts and expanding territories. In her spare time, she is a committed community member having led successful fundraising efforts for her local alma maters: St. Ignatius of Antioch Parish and St. Joseph Academy. Her and her spouse enjoy most spending quality time with their nine grandchildren.
Denise Dahl - Epiphany Planning & Development - Ms. Dahl, President and Owner of Epiphany Planning and Development (EPD), brings to market over twenty-five years of proven success and experience working in economic development with governments, businesses, educational institutions, and nonprofits helping people and organizations thrive through utilizing and leveraging her economic development knowledge, experience, and/or tools. Ms. Dahl now focuses on advising/consulting to women on starting and growing their business(es), and utilizing incentives when incentives are applicable. Additionally she consults with women regarding their goals of rising in the workplace and/or switching career paths. Ms. Dahl has worked with universities, community colleges, Fortune 100 companies like General Mills, entrepreneurs, manufacturers, and individuals preparing for or already navigating change. Additional to her decades of proven experience, Ms. Dahl is/has been a professor at three universities and has also created university curriculum on numerous topics. Past honors of note, Ms. Dahl has been appointed in the past by the Governor of Iowa to the State's Community Development & Tourism Commission, sat on IEDC's Public Policy Advisory Committee and Higher Education Committee, been an executive committee member on the NORED board as well as many other boards. Additionally, she has written U.S. Senate Sub-Committee testimony related to community development and economies and appeared on WBGU's The Journal multiple times. Ms. Dahl is a member of the University of Toledo College of Business Management Advisory Board, Great Lakes Economic Development Council, Northwest Ohio Regional Economic Development, International Economic Development Council, Society for Human Resource Management, Northwest Ohio Human Resource Association Board, National Association of Women Business Owners, and numerous Chamber of Commerce.
Jerry Dannemiller - Ohio History Connection - Jerry Dannemiller is Chief Marketing Officer at the Ohio History Connection in Columbus where he leads a team of 12 across media and public relations, marketing, digital, publications, social, audience research, and industry applications. Prior to OHC, he has served in various marketing leadership roles at The Ohio State University, Wexner Center for the Arts, and United Way Worldwide. He lives in Columbus with his wife and a cranky Shiba Inu.
Beth Dawson - Manufacturing Works - Beth Dawson is a senior-level workforce development professional with two decades of success in program management, business development, strategic partnerships, and client relations. Beth is a passionate leader with experience in directing community building efforts that support post-secondary education and social justice. She is currently the Apprenticeship Program Director at Manufacturing Works, an economic development organization that supports the growth of manufacturing in Northeast Ohio. Under her leadership, the apprenticeship program has grown more than 400%. Beth loves workforce development because she can help employers solve workforce problems, help job seekers find career pathways that lead to upward mobility, and support the economic stability in our region.
Eric Denson - City of Cincinnati
Carmen DeVeau is a Project Manager with EDG Creative a subsidiary of Environmental Design Group in Akron, Ohio. Carmen’s creative experience includes branding, web design, content creation, public engagement and outreach. Carmen is a certified drone pilot and has additional skills in photography, videography, drone photography/videography, illustration and animation. Carmen’s open-minded creativity ranges from divergent thinking to a more conservative approach, depending on the solution needed for the specific task. She prioritizes her design for messaging and readability while maintaining the creative flair needed for audience engagement. In addition, Carmen has also taught graphic design at the University of Akron and the Hudson Montessori School.
Andrew Deye is Vice President, Strategy and Interim CFO of JobsOhio, the state’s private economic development corporation. In this role, Andrew leads strategy, finance, business development, research and data analytics functions. Beyond JobsOhio, Andrew serves on the Board of Directors of EC Waste, REDI Cincinnati, and is a member of the national steering committee for State Economic Development Executives (SEDE). Prior to joining JobsOhio in 2015, Andrew was an investment banker for 8 years working on public-private partnerships, privatizations, financings and acquisitions. Andrew graduated from Georgetown University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration and obtained a master’s degree in public administration from Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government.
Mark Dorman - Succession Plus
Ashley Epling has been the Director of Williams County Economic Development (WEDCO) since January 2023 and is an active member of the Williams County Port Authority. With over 16 years of experience in the private sector at Republic Services, she has built a diverse skill set and strong relationships with local industries. Ashley holds an Associate's degree in Business Management from Indiana Tech. Known for being calm, hardworking, and good with people, she leverages her business acumen and partnership-building skills to attract new businesses to the area and help current ones grow. As Director of WEDCO, Ashley is committed driving economic development initiatives that showcase the potential for growth and innovation.
Sam Filkins - Area Development Foundation, Inc.
Jeremy Fritzhand - Alloy Development
Joseph Geraghty - Dayton Port Authority - Joseph M. Geraghty is Executive Director of the Dayton-Montgomery County Port Authority a public sector economic development entity whose mission is to support and finance regional private and public municipal projects. Prior to the Port Authority, he was an owner and consultant at Conway MacKenzie, an international financial and operational consultancy firm. At Conway, he specialized in business advisory, capital raise, turnaround and crisis/transition management, insolvency and bankruptcy matters, mergers and acquisitions, operational reviews, and interim executive management. He directed, managed, and led the restructuring and turnaround of companies with sales ranging from lower middle market to more than $1 billion in revenues.
His industry specializations include manufacturing firms; firms supporting the automotive, aerospace, and plastics and metals industries; healthcare organizations; and service and technology firms. Regional engagements included ISA, Inc., Magnode Corporation, CTL Aerospace, Centrex Plastics, LiteFlex, Findlay Industries, Inc., Fernco, Group Aero, Galerie, MCSi, and many others
Geraghty has more than 36 years of financial and operational experience. Prior to joining Conway MacKenzie, he was Chief Financial Officer and General Manager of a privately owned $150 million automotive and aerospace machining, foundry and packaging company and director of internal audit for a $300 million publicly traded international manufacturer of valves and pumps. At the accounting firm of Ernst & Young, he was a senior accountant, working with clients in manufacturing and healthcare. He was also employed as an accountant with General Motors Corporation. A Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Turnaround Professional (CTP), Geraghty has been a member of the Turnaround Management Association, Association of Insolvency and Restructuring Advisors, and TriState Association for Corporate Renewal. In 2019, he was inducted into the American College of Bankruptcy; which is dedicated to the enhancement of professionalism, scholarship, and service in the bankruptcy field. Active in the Dayton community and a lifelong resident, he is member of the board of trustees for Premier Health and former Board Chair and trustee for his alma mater, Chaminade Julienne Catholic High School. He is a business advisor to several regional companies including JJR Solutions, Inc., Requarth Lumber Company, Solid Blend Technologies, Inc. and others. A sought-after contributor to business news stories, Geraghty also has authored news articles on topics such as southwestern Ohio higher education, aerospace industry financial restructuring challenges, Dayton’s health care industry, and Dayton’s potential to re-brand itself as a leader in reducing energy consumption. Geraghty holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of Dayton.
Commissioner Peter Gerken - Lucas County - Pete Gerken attended and graduated from Central Catholic High School in 1969. Pete continued his education at University of Detroit Mercy and The University of Toledo, receiving his bachelor’s degree in Organizational Behavior in 1991. Pete’s mother instilled in him a sense of social and political justice, and as a student and young adult, he
was active in promoting social and political change. While attending University of Detroit Mercy, he marched in Washington DC and participated in a hunger strike in opposition to the Vietnam War. During the 1980’s he stood on the picket lines in solidarity for major UAW and Teamster labor strikes. Pete started working on the assembly line at Jeep in 1976. He became a union rep for UAW Local 12 in 1985 and worked his way up through union leadership during his 30 years at Jeep, retiring as the Administrator at the National Training Center in Holland. As a union leader, Pete’s early interest in politics grew. He was appointed to an at-large seat on Toledo
City Council in 1996. Pete served on Toledo City Council for 8 years and chaired the Environment, Utilities, and Public Service Committee. He was also strongly involved in both Toledo Loves Jeep campaigns. Pete helped the City of Toledo become a leader in
the state by passing the first domestic partnership ordinance in the state, the first living wage ordinance in the state, and the first smoking ban in the state. Pete worked with Mayor Jack Ford to create CareNet. He was also a catalyst in the formation of the Toledo and Lucas County stormwater utilities and the Northwest Ohio Electric Aggregation Coalition.
Pete Gerken was elected as Lucas County Commissioner in 2005. Commissioner Gerken has since been re-elected to office
and was recently reelected to a fifth four-year term in 2020. Pete is currently serving as President of the
Board of Lucas County Commissioners.
Sally Gladwell - Mannick & Smith Group
Jamie Green - Planing NEXT - As founder and principal of Planning NEXT, a community planning firm based in Columbus, Ohio, Jamie has spent over 30 years making it his top priority to help his clients answer the question: “What’s next?” Jamie has worked in 25 states on numerous award-winning planning efforts, including Franklin, TN; Cary, NC, Overland Park, KS; Athens-Clarke County, GA, and Loudoun County, VA. He has led FRAMEWORK in Licking County and is assisting with the land use portion of the ODOT’s statewide Strategic Transportation Analysis and the Intel 40-Minute transportation and land use effort (2,100 square miles of central Ohio). All these efforts integrate strategic analysis of conditions and trends AND the insight and values, both of these in service of implementation, moving from planning to doing. In 2016, Jamie was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners, the organizations highest level of recognition for contributions to the profession.
Matt Gilroy joined the Fulton County Economic Development Corporation in August of 2014 as the first Executive Director of the newly formed non-profit organization. Matt has more than twenty years of experience in the non-profit sector and has extensive experience in business development, project management, fundraising and managing non-profit organizations. Prior to joining the FCEDC, Matt worked at Defiance College as the Chief Development Officer and at ProMedica Defiance Regional Hospital Foundation, where he served as the Director of the foundation. Matt is proud to have raised funds for Kaitlyn’s Cottage, a place of respite for young adults with special needs. To date, Kaitlyn’s Cottage is the only respite center of its type located on a community hospital campus in the United States. In his role at the FCEDC, Matt and the organization have supported more than 75 development projects that have provided more than $1.5 billion investment in Fulton County and more than 1,200 new employment opportunities. He implemented several programs such as Fulton Leadership University to provide leadership development opportunities for rising stars in the county, a bootcamp to teach educators about manufacturing, construction and healthcare career opportunities for their students and Career Exploration Day, an opportunity for students to mock interview with companies prior to graduation from high school. Matt is a Certified Economic Development Practitioner through the Ohio Economic Development Institute, hosted by the Ohio Economic Development Association.
Jamie A. Greene, AIA, FAICP - As founder and principal of Planning NEXT, a community planning firm based in Columbus, Ohio, Jamie has spent over 30 years making it his top priority to help his clients answer the question: “What’s next?” Jamie has worked in 25 states on numerous award-winning planning efforts, including Franklin, TN; Cary, NC, Overland Park, KS; Athens-Clarke County, GA, and Loudoun County, VA. He has led FRAMEWORK in Licking County and is assisting with the land use portion of the ODOT’s statewide Strategic Transportation Analysis and the Intel 40-Minute transportation and land use effort (2,100 square miles of central Ohio). All these efforts integrate strategic analysis of conditions and trends AND the insight and values, both of these in service of implementation, moving from planning to doing. In 2016, Jamie was named a Fellow of the American Institute of Certified Planners, the organizations highest level of recognition for contributions to the profession.
Don Grubbs - JobsOhio
Ben Hadden - Frost Brown Todd
Alyssa Hardenbergh - JobsOhio
Jeffry Harris - Bricker Graydon - Jeffry Harris’ practice spans the experience gained during his career working in Ohio’s economic development. Grant administration, financial incentives modeling and negotiations, nonprofit board governance, Ohio Sunshine Laws, abandoned property redevelopment, and handling federal funds all were touch points gleaned from his positions in state, county, and municipal government work in Ohio. Jeffry now advises clients – in both the public and private sectors – in the legal aspects of running programs, accessing funds, and implementing financial tools. As a public finance attorney in the firm, Jeffry is counsel to local governments, county land banks, private developers, and nonprofit organizations. Jeffry is helping lead the firm’s efforts to compile and direct clients to public incentives and funding tools for housing rehabilitation and construction in their communities. Jeffry especially enjoys helping clients understand the quantitative effects of legal concepts in public finance settings. A fan of multitabbed spreadsheets, he works with others at the firm to model real property tax exemption mechanisms, such as Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and Enterprise Zone and CRA tax abatements. Jeffry strives to help clients determine if the “juice is worth the squeeze” when considering various public development incentives; are the upsides (filling gaps in capital stacks) worth the downsides (reporting, contractual obligations, prevailing wage, and procurement requirements) in using government funding?
Tracy Henao - City of Montgomery - Tracy Henao was appointed Assistant City Manager for the City of Montgomery, Ohio in April 2019, the Community Development Director in January 2015 and previously served as the City Planner since September of 2006. Her prior experience includes serving as the Director of Planning and Zoning for Goshen Township in Clermont County and other roles relating to urban planning and development. Tracy received her bachelor’s degree from the University of Cincinnati in Environmental Studies and a master’s degree in planning from Indiana University. She is also a graduate of the Leading, Educating, and Development Program from the University of Virginia, Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service. Tracy is a member of the International City Manager Association, Ohio City/County Management Association, Urban Land Institute, and American Planning Association.
Kevin Hively - Ninigret - Kevin Hively is founder and President of Ninigret Partners. He brings over 20 years of experience working with corporations, governments, and leading nonprofits on key strategic and economic issues. Kevin's planning experience includes comprehensive and district planning work in more than 20 states. His Ohio experience includes working in the cities of Dayton, and Cleveland as well a number of suburban Columbus counties. He supported Planning Next's work on helping Licking County address growth challenges brought by Intel. Economic development work has included a diverse set experiences including urban manufacturing issues Milwaukee and Philadelphia, port development in places such as Newark NJ and Boston, regional development in east central Indiana, and housing strategies in Fort Worth and Tuscaloosa. His recent sector development strategies work is spans blue tech, cell and gene therapy, and quantum computing. Kevin is a graduate of Brown University. He grew up in Fremont Ohio.
Michael Jacoby - Bricker Graydon - Mike Jacoby is a seasoned economic development professional with over 25 years of experience in the field. He has worked at the state, local, and regional levels. His understanding of both private business and public sector economics, and his sensitivity to the interests of entrepreneurs and emerging growth companies, places him in a position to manage resources necessary to retain and help grow existing businesses, attract new businesses to the area, and coordinate private and public economic development programs of mutual benefit. At Mike's previous role he led the Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE) team in supporting companies in a 25-county region of over 1 million in population. Under Mike's leadership, the team successfully undertook expansion and attraction projects that created over 5,800 jobs. Additionally, he worked closely with JobsOhio, the state's private economic development corporation, as the JobsOhio Network Partner for southern and eastern Ohio. He actively engaged with business, government, and economic development leaders across the region and the state, representing southeastern Ohio and leading site development, workforce, and planning initiatives. Mike specializes in creative problem-solving to get deals done, grant writing, communications, marketing, real estate development, incentives, and team building. His ability to build consensus while balancing the interests of multiple constituencies has proven his prowess as a first-class leader in his field.
Wade Kapszukiewicz was elected mayor of Toledo, Ohio on November 7, 2017 and took the oath of office on January 2, 2018, becoming the 64th mayor of the city. He was re-elected on November 2, 2021. Mr. Kapszukiewicz was Lucas County Treasurer from 2005 until 2018. While treasurer, he worked to change state law in 2010 to allow for the creation of county land banks, founded the Lucas County Land Bank. Mr. Kapszukiewicz served one term on the Lucas County Board of Education and was later a Toledo city councilman for nearly seven years. He was first elected to city council in 1999 and then re-elected in 2001 and 2003. When he began his service on Toledo City Council, at age 26, Mr. Kapszukiewicz had the distinction of being the youngest person to serve on the legislative body in 25 years. Mr. Kapszukiewicz was recognized in 2006 as a “20 Under 40” community leader, and in 2010 ESOP gave him its “Above and Beyond” award. In 2012, the mayor was again honored by ESOP, this time earning its “Rooted in ESOP” award. The Toledo City Paper named him one of its “Big Idea Toledoans” in 2014 for his work creating and leading the Lucas County Land Bank, and again in 2018 for his commitment to pursue an ambitious agenda as mayor. In 2021, the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition awarded Mr. Kapszukiewicz with its Global Statesman Award for his advocacy. In 2022, Mr. Kapszukiewicz was selected to participate in the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative’s sixth class of mayors. Mr. Kapszukiewicz received a bachelor's degree in journalism and political science from Marquette University in 1994 and was named the valedictorian of the College of Communication, Journalism, and Performing Arts. He received a master's degree in public policy from the University of Michigan in 1996. After receiving his master's degree, Mr. Kapszukiewicz worked for two years as the Policy Analysis and Research Director of the New Ohio Institute, a public policy research organization that studied issues affecting Ohio's urban areas. In April 1998 he accepted the position of Manager of Planning and Development at the Lucas County Mental Health Board, where he worked until he began serving on Toledo City Council. While on City Council, Mr. Kapszukiewicz taught a course in American Government at Owens Community College and also worked at COMPASS, a social service agency that works with people with drug and alcohol addictions. Mr. Kapszukiewicz previously taught a course in urban policy as an adjunct professor at Lourdes University. An avid baseball fan, Mr. Kapszukiewicz had his research published in the Spring 2016 edition of the Society for American Baseball Research journal. Mr. Kapszukiewicz is a parishioner at Gesu Roman Catholic Church. A resident of Toledo since 1973, Mr. Kapszukiewicz was born in San Diego on October 30, 1972. He and his wife, Sarah, celebrated their 21st wedding anniversary in 2022. They live in the Old Orchard neighborhood of Toledo and have two children, Emma and Will.
Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur is the longest serving woman in the House of Representatives where she serves as a senior member on the powerful Appropriations Committee. As Ranking Member of the Energy and Water Appropriations subcommittee, Kaptur also serves on the Defense Appropriations subcommittee and the Agriculture subcommittee. A lifelong Ohioan with family roots in Poland and Ukraine, Congresswoman Kaptur is nationally known for her successful effort to authorize construction of a World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. The memorial was dedicated in 2004. She is a leader in the commitment to ensure proper care and compensation for veterans and their families and has dedicated her efforts throughout her tenure in Congress to putting America’s veterans and their families first. Marcy Kaptur brings a solid record of caring service to Ohio’s Ninth District. Recognized as one of the 25 hardest working Members of Congress, Congresswoman Kaptur is a tireless advocate for her district, which begins along the Lake Erie coastline and travels through Northwest Ohio including Erie, Ottawa, Sandusky, Lucas, Fulton, Williams, Defiance and a portion of Wood Counties. She is a committed champion of the American auto industry, American energy independence, renewables, and the burgeoning energy storage industry. Kaptur has diligently pursued real results with a solid record of accomplishments including initiatives developing our ports, rail transportation, airports, and highways; clean-up of the waterways adjacent to Lake Erie; development of initiatives to enhance the earnings potential of Ohio crops; shipping of federal cargos on the Great Lakes; enhancement of wildlife refuges and shoreline recreation; and expansion of university-related research. She is a leading voice in the effort to utilize the natural resources of Ohio’s Northern coast toward job development, a new and sustainable energy future, and coastal tourism. Marcy Kaptur has been a leader in national efforts important to northern Ohio communities, calling for accountability and sound policy in initiatives to develop small business, find creative solutions for affordable housing, and grow strong families. She continues to fight for economic security, retirement security, energy security, educational security, health care security, and national security for every American. Further, she has long championed equal application of America’s fundamental liberties, including: voting rights, women’s rights, worker rights, expanding opportunities and ensuring educational rights, and guaranteeing due process under the law. Congresswoman Kaptur co-chairs both the Polish and Ukrainian Caucuses in the U.S. House of Representatives and remains dedicated to democratic institution-building across the globe. She has spearheaded private charitable efforts for peoples of underdeveloped nations, including Ukraine and Vietnam. Before being elected to Congress, Kaptur practiced as an urban planner and as an urban advisor to President Jimmy Carter. The first in her family to attend college, she earned a scholarship from the University of Wisconsin and earned her undergraduate degree in history. She received a master’s degree in urban planning from the University of Michigan and was pursuing doctoral studies at MIT when asked to run for U.S. Congress. Kaptur is the author of “Women of Congress” a Congressional Quarterly book.
Frances Kern Mennone - Frost Brown Todd
Julie Kirk - Ohio Department of Development
Lauren Koch - Environmental Design Group
Matt Koppitch - Bricker Graydon
Brent Lane - Ohio University, Voinovich School - Brent Lane is a Senior Executive in Residence at the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs at Ohio University where he focuses on economic development that cultivates high growth firms with regional competitive advantages and community development that capitalizes distinctive cultural and natural heritage assets. In a variety of public and private sector roles he organizes and leads multi-faceted teams in the design and implementation of innovative but market-validated development. His approach yields effective strategies in diverse opportunities, with numerous successes in industrial and entrepreneurial growth, innovative infrastructure development, investment capital formation, and sustainable natural and cultural heritage utilization. Mr. Lane has master's degrees in business administration (MBA) and international science and technology policy (MA), and bachelor's degrees in both the physical and social sciences.
Lora Leuzinger - Bricker Grayden
Lisa Lloyd - Knox County Foundation
Kate Luebkeman - City of Cincinnati
Rachel Mains - Bricker Garydon LLP
Joseph Malek - City of Cincinnati - JOSEPH M MALEK IS A DEVELOPMENT MANAGER IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD DEVELOPMENT DIVISION OF THE CITY OF CINCINNATI'S DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ("DCED"). Following years of civic engagement and community development work, Malek pursued a Project Analyst internship with DCED while attending university. He continued his time with the City throughout school, during which he explored each DCED division further, as well as the functions of all other City Administrative offices (including the Health Department and the Buildings & Inspections Department). He currently serves in a leadership position in the Neighborhoods division, managing high-impact development projects in several of Cincinnati's neighborhoods, including projects that advance food security in critical neighborhoods through local grocery market development. Prior to his current role, Malek primarily focused on program management; in particular, improving grant and funding programs strategically targeted to developing the business districts of neighborhoods outside of the urban core. Malek holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance with a minor focus in Real Estate from the University of Cincinnati. He lives in the West End neighborhood of Cincinnati.
Matt McCollister - One Columbus
Yvette McGee Brown - Jones Day - Justice Yvette McGee Brown was born to a single, teenage mother on Columbus' East Side who worked two jobs to provide for her family. Early in life, her mother and grandmother instilled in her the importance of education and hard work. Justice McGee Brown was appointed to the Ohio Supreme Court by former Ohio Governor Ted Strickland in December 2010 to fill the seat vacated by Justice Maureen O'Connor when voters elected her Chief Justice in November 2010. Justice McGee Brown assumed the office on January 1, 2011. She was defeated in her bid to keep that office by Justice Sharon L. Kennedy.
A series of firsts defines the life and career of Justice McGee Brown. A first-generation college graduate, Justice McGee Brown is the first African-American woman elected to the Franklin County Common Pleas Court. When she left the common pleas bench, she founded a nationally recognized organization that redefines how hospitals, law enforcement and social welfare groups respond to children and families caught in the cycle of abuse. In January 2011, she became the first African-American woman to serve as a justice on the state's highest court. Justice McGee Brown was elected to the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas, Domestic Relations and Juvenile division, in 1992. As lead Juvenile Court judge, she led the creation of the Family Drug Court and the SMART Program, a truancy and educational neglect intervention program. She served on the Common Pleas Court until 2002, when she retired from the bench to create the Center for Child and Family Advocacy at Nationwide Children's Hospital. The Center is a multi-disciplinary child abuse and family violence program that co-locates prevention, assessment, treatment, research and advocacy services for children and families experiencing abuse. A common theme in Justice McGee Brown’s professional and community work is her advocacy for children and families. After joining the court, she became chair of an interagency taskforce focused on improving the educational outcomes for children in foster care. Justice McGee Brown is also an active board member for the Law and Leadership Institute, a collaborative program among Ohio's legal community and eight law schools that gives underserved youth an opportunity to explore the law and develop stronger academic skills. Justice McGee Brown has been an active community and corporate leader. She has served on the boards of the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption, Ohio University, the OSU Wexner Medical Center, the National Council of the OSU Moritz College of Law, M/I Homes Inc., and Fifth Third Bank of Central Ohio. She is the former chair of the United Way of Central Ohio, The Ohio State University Alumni Association and the YWCA Columbus Board of Directors. In 2008, Justice McGee Brown was inducted into the Ohio Women's Hall of Fame. Among her many honors are the Ohio University Medal of Merit, and the Phillip's Medal for Community Service, the Ohio State University Distinguished Service Award, the Champion of Children Award from the Columbus Montessori Education Center, the YWCA Woman of Achievement Award, the Women of Color Foundation Woman of the Year, and the Girl Scout Great award. She was recently recognized as an Odds Changer by the National Children's Defense Fund.
Justice McGee Brown graduated from Ohio University in 1982 with a degree in journalism/public relations. She continued her education at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law, earning her juris doctor in 1985. She has honorary doctorate degrees from Ohio Dominican University, Wilberforce University, and Central State University. After leaving the Supreme Court, Justice McGee Brown joined the Columbus office of Jones, Day, Reavis and Pogue as a partner practicing business and tort litigation. Justice McGee Brown is married to Tony Brown. They have three children and one grandson.
Katie Meehan - Team NEO
Director Lydia Mihalik - Ohio Department of Development
Tammy Nagucki - Environmental Design Group - Tammi is a member of the executive team at Environmental Design Group, a civil engineering, planning and design firm supporting six offices throughout the state of Ohio. She leads both the marketing and client experience teams utilizing her extensive background in community engagement, collaboration and communications to craft transparent and consistent messaging to promote company services and projects while showcasing core values and team building. She was the founding Principal of EDG Creative, the marketing services division of Environmental Design Group.
Tammi, along with her team of communications and marketing professionals, has won ten Zweig National Marketing Awards in the past six years. She holds a BS in Sociology, is a member of the Society for Marketing Professional Services and a Former Board Member and Marketing Chairperson for the ACE Mentor Program of Greater Akron-Canton.
J.P. Nauseef - JobsOhio
Michael Novakov - DiPerna & Company - Mike serves as a Vice President specializing in project and structured finance at serves as the primary contact for clients in Southwest Ohio. Mike leads the closing of financial transactions which includes the preparation of financial models, project credit reports, project term sheets and quantitative analyses for upcoming projects. Mike also manages the ongoing calculations and surveillance of all TIF, NCA, and special assessment projects in the bond funds, where DiPerna Advisors serves as Financial Advisor. Mike joined DiPerna Advisors in March of 2019 after spending four years at the City of Columbus Economic Development Division. At the City of Columbus, Mike administered the city’s Tax Increment Finance (TIF) program and was a project program manager. Mike managed the daily administration, payment schedules, revenue projections and reimbursement agreements for the city’s 70+ parcel and district TIFs, including the creation of new TIFs and amendments to existing TIFs. He also coordinated the construction and financing of public infrastructure projects associated with large economic development projects throughout the City. This included coordinating the timing and funding between the City, other City departments and the private developers. Prior to his time at the City, Mike spent four years at the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA) where he managed the funding and underwriting of economic development projects and administered over 100 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Revolving Loan Fund accounts for various communities throughout the State of Ohio. Mike holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and a Master of City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University. Mike also maintains a FINRA issued Series 50 securities license.
Nathan Ohle - IEDC
Abigail Okenge
Diane Quimper-Balliet - Cleveland Water Alliance
Brooke Rapp - Uptown Consortium, Inc.
Jamie Richards - IEDC
Mark Rose - Associate General Counsel
Sue Rowe - Rep Kaptur
Sean Rupp - Rupp Enterprises - Sean Rupp, President of Industrial Development at Rupp Enterprises Inc., brings over 30 years of expertise to industrial development and local governance. His leadership extends beyond the corporate realm, having served as Mayor of the Village of Holiday City from 1998 to 2009. With a BS in Business Administration and Management from Tri-State University (1990), Rupp applies his academic foundation to practical business strategies and community development. His current role as Housing Development Coordinator for the Williams County Port Authority, focuses on expanding affordable housing options to address market gaps. Based in Montpelier, Ohio, he continues to drive growth while actively contributing to community welfare, exemplifying a dual commitment to business excellence and civic responsibility.
June Ryan
Jim Samuel - Capitol Integrity
Lizzie Sanders - Retail Strategies
Lydgia Sartor is a dynamic leader dedicated to making a positive impact on her community. She plays a crucial role in overseeing the operations of DEI, managing a team of twelve public servants who monitor various development and business projects and initiatives for inclusion and equity. Sartor brings a wealth of experience and expertise in strategic thinking, project management, and a commitment to inclusivity. Her leadership skills and ability to navigate complex situations make her an invaluable asset to the organization. Prior to her current position, she served as a DEI Development Manager, certifying Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), and Small Business Enterprises (SBE). She actively identified and facilitated contracting opportunities for small businesses, ensuring their growth and competitiveness and emphasizing inclusion, wage enforcement, prompt pay, and prevailing wage compliance in managing compliance in all phases of multi-million-dollar citywide construction projects. Sartor is involved in various committees, including the Economic Inclusion Advocacy & Accountability Board, the National Forum for Black Public Administrators, the American Contract Compliance Association, and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., and is the appointed chair of the Selection Committee for the Notice of Funds Availability (NOFA) Loan Program. She has a Bachelor of Science in Business, majoring in Marketing & Management from Knoxville College, and is certified in Contract Compliance with the American Contract Compliance Association. Outside of her professional endeavors, Sartor is a long-term member and board treasurer for the House of God Church in the West College Hill neighborhood of Cincinnati.
Michelle Schultz - City of Toledo
Brianna Schultz - Manufacturing Works - A Cleveland transplant from Michigan, Brianna’s passion in life is helping people become the best version of themselves through education, learning, and development. Currently, she is able to fulfill that passion through her daily work as the Vice President of Learning & Development with Manufacturing Works (www.mfgworkscle.org). In this work she helps people connect with and grow their careers in manufacturing – from frontline supervisor to business owner. Prior to working at Manufacturing Works, Brianna served as the Program and Service Director for City Year Cleveland for 10 years where she was part of a team that improved the organization’s ability to help students stay on track to high school graduation. Brianna earned her Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University and her Master of Business Administration with a Human Resources Specialization from Ashland University. She volunteers her time as the VP of Strategic Programs with the Cleveland Society for Human Resource Management (CSHRM) and is a facilitator for the New Politics Leadership Academy. She is also an alumnus of the 2011 class of Cleveland Bridge Builders.
Adam Seeley - Bricker Graydon - Adam Seeley is a public finance attorney. His practice focuses on economic development and local government counseling, as well as administrative, environmental and energy law. Adam’s experience covers TIF, CRA, enterprise zone administration, appraisal, real estate transactions, contract negotiation and drafting, civil litigation, and administrative compliance. Prior to joining Bricker Graydon, Adam served as in-house staff counsel for the Franklin County Auditor’s Office, Real Estate Division. He has also worked as a policy and legal aide for the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) and in private practice representing clients facing consumer protection matters.
William Serrano-Franklin - City of Cincinnati
Terrence (Terry) Slaybaugh is the Vice president of Sites and Infrastructure for JobsOhio. Terry’s team manages JobsOhio’s seven network partner contracts, the sites programs, and the small business and community development programs. In addition to these programs, Terry manages JobsOhio’s air service restoration program and is in contract with airport sponsors and state and federal officials on airport, commercial air service and air cargo issues. Before joining JobsOhio, Terry was the director of aviation for the city of Dayton where he led economic development efforts at the airport. He also previously served as the director of aviation at the Greater Rochester International Airport. Terry has served on state and national aviation and airports trade association boards and committees advocating for small and medium-sized markets for air service and funding. He serves as the chairperson of the “First Four Dayton Hoopla” Local Organizing Committee. his wife Donna along with their eight children reside in Dayton.
Bryan Stubbs - Cleveland Water Alliance
Julie Suggs - Knox County Foundation
Julie Sullivan - Dayton Development Coalition
Courtney Thraen - Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio - Courtney Thraen is the Director of Sector Partnerships at the Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio, where she facilitates the Healthcare Career Collaborative of Central Ohio. Thraen recently served as an Economic Development Manager at the City of Gahanna. Prior to that, Thraen received several awards as Executive Director of Downtown Framingham, Inc., a non-profit Main Streets organization that demonstrated continued, measured success in placemaking, forging productive partnerships, demonstrating best practices for business attraction and retention, and amplifying area marketing. Hailing from Coal City, IL, Thraen participated in the Navy ROTC program at Ohio State University, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and received her commission into the U.S. Navy. After two overseas deployments, Thraen furthered her education by earning a Master of Public Policy at University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth and a Master of City Planning at Boston University. Thraen is a candidate in the Ohio State University Fisher College of Business Executive MBA cohort of 2025. Thraen has served as an instructor at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy, program coordinator within the City Planning division at Boston University, and as a disability claims processor at the Boston VA Regional Office.
Jennifer Van Horn - Metroparks Toledo
Scott Warner - HDR
Jason Warner - Greater Ohio Policy Center
Scott Weaver - HDR - An experienced leader in the energy and sustainability fields, Scott Weaver focuses on engaging clients in greenhouse gas emission measurement, reporting and mitigation and providing climate change related leadership on diverse projects, including transportation, infrastructure, power delivery, electrification, architecture, coastal planning and climate action planning. His client-focused endeavors leverage HDR’s robust engineering and technical design capabilities alongside greenhouse gas (GHG) expertise to provide insights on GHG strategy and risk management at the project, enterprise, local and regional levels. Prior to joining HDR, Scott worked for American Electric Power as Director Environmental, helping to promote sustainability and environmental progress in pursuit of a net-zero climate future for one of the nation’s largest electric utilities. Scott holds a Master of Environmental Management degree from Duke University and Bachelor of Science degree in environmental biology from Ohio University. He currently resides in Columbus, Ohio.
Nate Welch - Portsmouth CVB
Jessica Westropp - Manufacturing Works
Justin Wheeler - Fourth Economy - Justin Wheeler is an Akron-based Economic Development Consultant at Fourth Economy, a growing national strategy firm focused on the creation of more prosperous and equitable communities. Justin is a versatile professional dedicated to advancing economic development through research-driven insights and impactful design solutions. With a skill set spanning graphic design, data analysis, and engagement practices, he brings a multi-faceted approach to his work, supporting many aspects of our projects from research and analysis to shaping narratives and producing communication tools that advance objectives. Justin's proficiency in translating complex data into visually engaging formats enables him to deliver impactful insights that support informed decision-making.
David White - Innovation Economy Partners
Melody Young - Executive Director, Ross-Chillicothe Visitors Bureau - She has been in the hospitality and travel industry for over 35 years after graduating from The Ohio State University. She is currently serving as the Executive Director of the Ross-Chillicothe Visitors Bureau where she has worked for the past 12 years. She has an extensive understanding of the hotel industry after serving 25 years as a General Manager with a strong focus on revenue management. She is passionate about the community in which she was raised and honored to be able to tell the story of Chillicothe and the region to visitors. Collaboration is the key to success for the communities that she has served, so she participates on several state and local boards such as the Ohio History Connection, Appalachian Ohio, The Scioto Society – “Tecumseh!” Outdoor Drama, the World Heritage Steering Committee, and the Majestic Theatre to name a few. Family is everything to Melody, when she is not working, she enjoys spending quality time with her grandchildren and her 4 fur babies at home.
Melody Young - Ross Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau