35 Leaders in Public and Private Sectors to Convene and Impact Future Policy
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Leadership Ohio, the state’s only leadership development program that connects diverse leaders from across Ohio to promote positive change, is pleased to announce the class of 2024. After receiving a record 147 nominations through a competitive selection process, the organization is appointing 35 individuals as 2024 Leadership Ohio Fellows.
Over the next eight months, these leaders will explore critical questions, engage in challenging social discourse, and identify opportunities that impact Ohioans and the communities in which they live and work.
“I am incredibly excited about the transformational impact this program will have on our participants, catalyzing positive change throughout Ohio,” said Shon Christy, president of the Leadership Ohio Board of Trustees. "The cultivation of leadership is not just a necessity, it's a responsibility. We’ve spent months reviewing applications and conducting interviews to get us to this point."
The Class of 2024 comes from many different sectors, including Energy, Transportation, Education, Economic Development, Arts, and more. These fellows live in different corners of the state and represent a spectrum of ideological and political viewpoints. 43% identify on the Conservative spectrum, and 57% on the Liberal spectrum. This variety of viewpoints is a cornerstone of the program as Ohio steers towards a thriving future for people of all ages and beliefs.
Fellows will engage in a series of intensive sessions that cover topics such as agriculture, manufacturing, the Great Lakes, human trafficking, opioid addiction, fair chance hiring, and economic development. Most importantly, they will build impactful relationships with other leaders from around the state with goals for lasting change throughout their careers.
“We’re excited to welcome these distinguished changemakers who are on the leading edge of solutions for a future-driven Ohio,” said Lisa Duty, Ph.D., executive director of Leadership Ohio. “I look forward to the ways they will inspire lasting, positive change throughout our state.”
Once fellows graduate they are inducted into the Leadership Ohio alumni network comprised of accomplished, diverse, and talented Ohioans that are making a difference in their communities. And new in 2024, Leadership Ohio is launching Catalyst 1803. This online tool is a one-stop-shop where Leadership Ohio alumni can virtually gather and launch initiatives in a variety of areas that make a difference throughout the state of Ohio.
Nominations for the class of 2025 open October 2024.
For more information about Leadership Ohio, visit www.leadershipohio.org.
###
Meet the Leadership Ohio Class of 2024
Akron Area
Kemp Boyd, Executive Director, Love Akron
Catey Breck, Director of Economic Development, inSITE Advisory Group
Tristan Griffin, Executive Director, Farming with Friends
Ashley Kline, LPCC-S, Chief Program Officer, Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center
Bill Manby, Founding and Managing Partner, Interstate Fusion Ventures
Don Meyer, Owner, Sergeants Home Improvements
Canton-Massillon Area
Christy Davis, Curator of Exhibitions, Canton Museum of Art
Angela Moses, Executive Director, Early Childhood Resource Center
Cincinnati Area
Joe Huber, President and CEO, Cincinnati Development Fund
Columbus Area
Bill Downing, Director of Tax Credit Development, BORROR
Michelle Fowler, Manager of Crash Safety, Transportation Research Center Inc.
Maria L. Haberman, Vice President – OH External Affairs, American Electric Power
David Meadows, Economic Development Director, City of Hilliard
Eve Mueller, Deputy Director of Communications, Ohio Governor's Office
Melissa Owens, MBA, Executive Director, Licking County Aging Partners
Gordon Rooney, Senior Consultant, State & Local Government, Guidehouse
Kristen Slaper, Director of Law Enforcement Initiatives, Ohio Department of Public Safety
Lynette Thomas, Vice President of Customer Experience & Store Communication and Operations, Lane Bryant (Knitwell Group)
Corey Wybensinger, Sr., Deputy Director of Administrative Services, City of Gahanna
Cleveland-Elyria Area
Kile Byington, Fiscal Officer, Twinsburg Public Library
Patrick Espinosa, Founder and Managing Partner, Sus Abogados Latinos
Lydia Gadd, MA, LPCC-S, Director of Community Services, City of Westlake
Marcus Harris, Diversity and Economic Opportunity Manager, City of Sandusky
Autumn Russell, President and CEO, Greater Cleveland Career Consortium
Delanté Spencer Thomas, Chief Ethics Officer, City of Cleveland
Dayton Area
Torey Hollingsworth, Executive Director, Ohio CDC Association
Mark C. Lyle, Legislative Affairs Officer, 88th Air Base Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
Brandon C. McClain, Magistrate and Acting Judge, Dayton Municipal Court
Dan Wendt, City Manager, City of Vandalia
Demarus Crawford White, DBA, Executive Director, NPower
Lima Area
Ann Donnelly, Project Manager, Small Nation
Mansfield Area
Kate Blakley, Senior Manager, External Communications, Westfield
North Northeastern Area
Jeff Gottke, President, Area Development Foundation, Inc.
Southern Ohio Area
Russell Morrow, Ed.D., Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Ohio University
Weirton-Steubenville Area
Edward L. Littlejohn, Jr., Founding Attorney, Littlejohn Law, LLC
Contact:
Lisa Duty
Executive Director
Leadership Ohio
lisaduty@leadershipohio.org
614.806.0607
Leadership Ohio Fellow Biographies
Autumn R. Russell, President and CEO, Greater Cleveland Career Consortium
Autumn Russell is a dedicated collective impact leader with a strong commitment to designing system-level solutions to address complex social problems. As the President and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Career Consortium (GCCC), Russell has been instrumental in bringing together diverse stakeholders to design a comprehensive, coordinated, and community-wide approach to career exploration and readiness that advances regional economic prosperity and empowers young Greater Clevelanders to chart their own path toward success.
As a respected thought-leader in aligning education and workforce systems, Russell brings a wealth of experience in facilitating collaboration, fostering partnerships, and implementing sustainable solutions. Prior to GCCC, Russell co-designed Early College, Early Career, an award-winning and nationally recognized youth apprenticeship model that links high school students to careers in STEM. Earlier in her career, she managed education reform strategies at the Ohio Department of Education and designed career-focused and workforce development initiatives for various K-12 and higher education institutions.
Russell holds a master’s in education administration and leadership, a bachelor’s in organizational development, and is currently pursuing a doctoral degree in public policy and administration. Past awards for her work include Crain’s Business 40 Under 40, Commission on Economic Inclusion Champion, and Bank of America's Neighborhood Builder. Russell is a class of 2021 Leadership Cleveland graduate and an active leader in her community. She is dedicated to making a positive impact by advocating for local needs and serving on multiple nonprofit boards.
She enjoys spending quality time with her husband Michael, and their three daughters.
Mark C. Lyle, Legislative Affairs Officer, 88th Air Base Wing (ABW) Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (AFB)
In this role, Lyle is the primary legislative advisor to the Wright Patterson Air Force Base Commander. He directly interfaces with members of Congress and their staff members on a regular basis to keep them apprised of installation issues. He monitors, evaluates, and analyzes national legislative activities for the 88th ABW. Lyle monitors organizations to ensure appropriate input is provided to respond to congressional inquiries and advises the commander on local legislative issues. He organizes congressional visits with members of Congress and their staffers.
Prior to his current position, Lyle served as Public Affairs Officer at Wright-Patterson. He was responsible for carrying out a wide range of public affairs assignments including, civic outreach, community engagement, communication planning, contingency/crisis response, special event planning, environmental, security, policy review, and public affairs resource management in support of the mission and the commander’s priorities.
A native of Xenia, Lyle is a 30-year retired veteran of the United States Air Force. His personal awards include three Meritorious Service Medals, two Air Force Commendation Medals, and two Air Force Achievement Medals.
Lyle has associate degrees from the Community College of the Air Force, and a bachelor's in sociology and a master’s in rehabilitation counseling, both from Wilberforce University.
Lyle is a graduate of Leadership Dayton, LEADership Wright-Patterson, Parity Inc. Black Leadership Development Program and a 2023 Parity Inc. Top Ten African American Male. He is currently on the board of directors for the Xenia Area Chamber of Commerce and Eastway Behavioral Health Care.
Lyle has been married to his wife Deb for over twenty-three years and they have four children and two grandchildren. He is an avid sports fan who enjoys music, travel, and hanging out with family and friends.
Christy Davis, Curator of Exhibitions, Canton Museum of Art
Christy Davis is a dynamic leader in the arts and culture sector, currently serving as the Curator of Exhibitions at the Canton Museum of Art (CMA). Davis is a passionate advocate for inclusive and dynamic storytelling within the arts, dedicated to creating exhibitions that resonate with diverse audiences and spark meaningful conversations. She strives to ensure that all people see themselves represented in the galleries, fostering a sense of belonging and connection.
In addition to her work at CMA, Davis is deeply involved in the cultural landscape of Ohio. As the Immediate Past President of the Ohio Local History Alliance (OLHA) and a member of the America-250 Ohio Commission, she is committed to promoting and preserving the state's vibrant history and heritage.
Davis is also dedicated to environmental conservation and education, serving as a board member for The Wilderness Center in Wilmot, Ohio. Her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of nature aligns with her belief in the transformative power of art and culture.
Davis holds a bachelor’s in both psychology and art therapy, along with a minor in art history from Capital University where she also earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art. She earned her master's in arts administration from the University of Akron.
Prior to her role at CMA, Davis was the Registrar at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, where she honed her skills in collections management, media relations, and exhibition coordination.
Beyond her professional endeavors, Davis is passionate about empowering young women through sports. She volunteers as a coach for girls' youth basketball and lacrosse, instilling in them the values of teamwork, dedication, and perseverance. Davis lives in Canton with her husband and three children.
Demarus Crawford-White, DBA, Executive Director, NPower Ohio
Demarus Crawford-White has over twenty years in higher education, primarily working in financial aid, and is deeply aware of the burden of student loan debt. She also has a strong commitment to her community. Over the years, she has volunteered with several organizations that share her commitment to improving the community by helping others, including Dayton Urban League, the Wesley Center, Clothes at Work, Habitat for Humanity, the Trotwood Chamber of Commerce, WYSO, the Dayton Metro Library, and the Dayton Chamber of Commerce.
In 2020, she decided to leave the traditional four-year education and work for a progressive online company that was offering union members and their families a debt-free college experience. She worked directly with these students to maximize grant and gift aid to cover costs without using student loans. Crawford-White brings a positive attitude and optimistic energy to her work. She believes that personal happiness is a choice and that how you react to a situation is one of the few things over which you always have control. Now at NPower Ohio, she is excited to help young people, retired military members, and their spouses move quickly into well-paying careers without any educational debt. Crawford-White has a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from Urbana University, a Master of Arts in Communication and Leadership from Park University, and a Doctorate of Business Administration from Northcentral University. She and her husband Michael are proud residents of Dayton.
Marcus Harris, Diversity and Economic Opportunity Manager, City of Sandusky
Marcus Harris is a proud native of Sandusky, Ohio, who has dedicated his career to driving meaningful change in his community. He currently serves as the Diversity and Economic Opportunity Manager for the City of Sandusky. In this role, he has established himself as a vital force for progress and expansive economic prosperity for all. With a strong educational background, a wealth of professional experience, and a deep commitment to public service, his life’s journey is rooted in a profound sense of purpose.
Harris draws from his diverse background, including a ten-year career in the private sector with Starbucks Coffee Company and with the nonprofit Youth Opportunities Unlimited to shape the city's inclusive landscape. Harris crafted, and is in the process of implementing, a comprehensive Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion (DEI) strategic plan, attracting diverse talent and ensuring the workforce mirrors Sandusky's rich diversity. A key focus of Harris's contributions lies in creating sustainable wage employment pathways for local residents. Harris collaborates with regional workforce development organizations, educational institutions, county government agencies, and private sector partners to create opportunities that empower individuals and contribute to the city's economic growth.
A 1997 graduate of Sandusky High School, Harris earned his bachelor's degree from Bowling Green State University in 2009. Currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration from Bowling Green State University, Harris is set to graduate in April 2024. Harris's commitment to public service and helping others stems from the influence of his paternal grandmother, Ada Harris, and maternal grandfather, Pastor Donald Owens Sr. Their legacy inspires Harris to prioritize positive impact over monetary gains or job titles. Harris, along with his wife Katrina and their son Dallas, reside in Perkins Township, just south of Sandusky, OH.
Russell Morrow, Ed.D., Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion, Ohio University
Dr. Russell Morrow has over a decade of experience as a diversity, equity, and inclusion educator, consultant, and leader. He is currently the Interim Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer (CDO) at Ohio University and was recently selected as 2024-2025 CDO Fellow for the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education. Previously, he served as the Assistant Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the College of Business at Ohio University.
Over the course of his career, Morrow has led student success and diversity and inclusion initiatives at the University of California, Davis, The Ohio State University, and Denison University. He is a two-time graduate of Ohio University, receiving his bachelor’s degree in communication with a focus on media arts studies and his master’s degree in education, with a focus on higher education and student affairs. Morrow’s doctorate degree is in education administration from The Ohio State University. He is also a Certified Diversity Executive (CDE®) and an Intercultural Development Inventory (IDI®) Qualified Administrator.
Morrow is passionate about civic engagement and service to his community. He has served as a board member for the Highland Youth Garden, a coach for central Ohio Special Olympics programs, a youth mentor for Franklin County Children Services, and has led hundreds of students on service-learning and cultural immersion experiences across the country. Morrow is a husband, a father, and in his spare time, a mediocre player of tennis, piano, and video games.
Corey Wybensinger, Sr. Deputy Director of Administrative Services, City of Gahanna
Corey Wybensinger stands as the Senior Deputy Director of Administrative Services for the City of Gahanna, Ohio, where his extensive background in both local government operations and financial management significantly contributes to the city's administrative excellence. With an academic foundation that includes an associate degree in economics from Columbus State University, a bachelor's degree in business administration from Saint Leo University, and a master's degree in public administration from Franklin University, Wybensinger brings a rich blend of theory and practical expertise to his role.
Wybensinger's journey through the realm of public service is marked by over fifteen years of progressive experience. His career has spanned several key positions, starting with the Monroe County School District (FL), the City of Solon (OH), and his role as a Deputy Director of Finance for Franklin County (OH), before his current role in Gahanna. This trajectory has endowed him with a nuanced understanding of the complexities inherent in municipal governance and fiscal stewardship.
In addition to his professional duties, Wybensinger is an active member of the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), where he serves on the Veteran Advisory Committee (VAC). In this capacity, he dedicates his efforts to aiding veterans in navigating the transition from military service to meaningful careers within the public service sector.
Wybensinger's own military background as a Sergeant in the Ohio Army National Guard, including deployment during Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) has imbued him with leadership qualities and a resilience that serve him well in his civic responsibilities.
A family man, Wybensinger resides in the City of Gahanna with his wife of fifteen years and their two children. His personal and professional life reflects a deep commitment to his community.
Melissa Owens, MBA, Executive Director, Licking County Aging Partners
Melissa Owens is a dedicated and dynamic community leader with over a decade of non-profit experience, currently serving as the Executive Director of Licking County Aging Partners (LCAP). A proud native of the community she serves, she remained in Ohio for her higher education, attending Ohio Northern University to earn a BSBA in Management and then obtaining an MBA from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.
Passionate about serving older adults, Owens has a drive to fight ageism and remind humans of their value at every stage of life. She has led LCAP through an organizational rebrand and recently helped launch the Age-Friendly Initiative in Licking County. Strongly believing in the power of collaboration and the importance of sustaining lasting relationships, Owens maintains that it’s all about who you take the time to know. To this day, she has never turned down an invitation to share coffee with anyone willing to share their time and experience.
Over the course of her career, Owens has demonstrated a dedication to civic engagement, aiding her community through various efforts. She currently serves on the board of directors for LEADS Community Action Agency and TrueCore Federal Credit Union and is the President of the Licking County Governmental Preservation Society. She is an active member of the Newark Rotary Club, the Central Ohio Area Agency on Aging Advisory Council, and a founding member of Young Leaders of Licking County. Whenever she can, Owens loves to travel, antique, and try new eats with her friends.
Angela Moses, Executive Director, Early Childhood Resource Center
Angela Moses is the newly appointed Executive Director of the Early Childhood Resource Center (ECRC). In her previous role as the Director of Early Care and Education Services, she served as the project director for the child care resource and referral grant for Service Delivery Area 4. Moses managed professional development services, including assessing the needs of the early childhood community, managing projects to address the needs, and supporting workforce and quality initiatives. Moses is experienced in grant writing and management, fundraising, staff management, and development and coordination of high-quality professional development services that include training programs, technical assistance, and community outreach.
Moses has thirty years of experience working in early care and education as a trainer and program director. She has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in curriculum instruction. She has worked at the ECRC for twenty-three years.
Angela resides in Massillon, Ohio with her fiance and four boys. She currently serves on the Board of Summit Education Initiative (SEI) and is a Guardian Ad Litem/CASA for family court.
Catey Breck, Director of Economic Development, inSITE Advisory Group, LLC
Catey Breck is the Director of Economic Development for inSITE Advisory Group, LLC, a regional economic development consulting firm that works with both corporations and municipalities to strategize, execute, and achieve their development goals. inSITE is an affiliate of Welty Building Company, a national construction company headquartered in Akron. Breck is a newlywed (yay!) who married her best friend John Scanlon in 2023 and is mother to a vivacious eight-year-old daughter.
For the last fifteen years, Breck served Northeast Ohioans at the federal, county, and municipal levels with more than a decade of experience in economic and community development. Most recently, Breck was the Director of Strategic Development for the City of Akron and co-led the Office of Integrated Development. During her tenure with the City of Akron, Breck oversaw the deployment of federal funding into key capital projects and city initiatives including the Akron Civic Commons – Lock 3 Park and Summit Lake North Shore, the Akron Financial Empowerment Center, the Small Business Relief Program, and fought tirelessly to establish the Targeted Help for Resilient InnoVative Entrepreneurs (THRIVE) program.
Through absolute persistence and dedication, Breck successfully secured millions of dollars in grant funding from both government and private foundations to help bring the vision of civic leaders and residents to life. Her passions are serving others, advocacy, and helping people achieve solutions, which is evident in her professional life and civic involvement. In her spare time, Breck co-leads her daughter’s Brownie troop, is a cantor for St. Hilary Church, and serves on the boards of Habitat for Humanity Summit County, Keep Akron Beautiful, and Ladies First Akron. Breck holds her BA in Political Science from the University of Akron and her MPA from the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University.
Kemp Boyd, Executive Director, Love Akron
Kemp A. Boyd, married to his incredible wife, Stacy, and blessed with a family of six children, is a dedicated family man and community leader. He serves as the Executive Director of Love Akron and is also a Co-Pastor at Garden City Church. Additionally, Boyd emphasizes mentorship and community engagement as the Head Football Coach at Garfield High School.
Boyd earned his bachelor’s degree from the University of Akron in 2004 and a master’s degree in organizational management with a concentration in business leadership from Ashford University in 2010. Boyd is a certified instructor of Youth and Adult Mental Health First Aid, helping raise awareness of mental health challenges while reducing the stigma associated with mental health disorders.
Boyd serves as the Chair of the Akron Citizens' Police Oversight Board and is a member of other local boards including Leadership Akron, Summit County Children Services, Chapel Hill Christian School, First Tee, and is Co-Chair of County of Summit ADM Boards Change Direction. He is also an active member of the Phi Beta Sigma fraternity, contributing to various community service initiatives, and fostering brotherhood among members.
Boyd brings a wealth of leadership experience to his role, embodying a relentless commitment to motivating others and empowering those around him to reach their full potential. Boyd is a firm believer that relationships are our greatest intervention and whether it's within the church, on the football field, or across Greater Akron, he strives to inspire individuals to be change-makers and make a collective impact.
Lydia Gadd, MA, LPCC-S, Director of Community Services, City of Westlake
Appointed by Westlake’s Mayor as the Community Services Director, Lydia Gadd, with her team, fosters connections and support for area older adults and residents in need. Their services offer solutions to the loneliness epidemic.
Over her tenure, the department’s service delivery tripled as they opened a new facility. Gadd was involved in all aspects of the planning, design, and construction phases. The comprehensive age-friendly considerations and modern amenities received national attention as an example of how to reframe aging. In addition to the building design accolades, Gadd’s department is also recognized for exemplary and innovative service delivery, winning a regional award in 2023 from Cuyahoga County Department of Senior and Adult Services.
As a daughter of immigrants, Gadd grew up in a close-knit ethnic neighborhood of Cleveland; no doubt sparking her appreciation for “community.” Her educational and professional background broadened her awareness of how “belonging” impacts overall health outcomes. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Cleveland State University and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from Ball State University, Gadd earned her independent counseling license and worked as a behavioral health clinician for the first half of her career. She practiced in various settings including inpatient psychiatry and private practice. She transitioned to an administrative role at University Hospital’s St. John Medical Center, where she was promoted as the Community Outreach Director. She continues to be engaged with the hospital as a member of their Mission & Values Committee. She also serves as a Chair of the Cuyahoga County Senior Services Network representing over sixty members and is on the board of the Farrell Foundation for Brain Health.
Gadd lives in Lakewood and has a daughter who attends the University of Dayton. Go Flyers! She also remains an active member of the Slovenian community in Cleveland. Go Browns!
Jeff Gottke, President, Area Development Foundation, Inc.
Jeff Gottke is the president of the Knox Area Development Foundation (ADF), Knox County’s economic development organization. ADF’s mission is to increase economic opportunity for Knox County’s businesses and workers by attracting high-paying jobs, supporting community vibrancy, and growing local talent pools. The four-person staff brings together high standards and a strategic vision to deliver comprehensive services for business and workforce development.
After teaching high school history and government in South Carolina and Ohio for thirteen years, Gottke went to work as Vice President of ADF in 2018 to lead the newly created Knox County Land Bank. He was promoted to President in 2020 and has led the county through several major initiatives like preparing for population growth and repositioning a large urban former industrial site. Gottke has a master’s degree from Ashland University and a bachelor's degree from the University of Mount Union. He earned his Ohio Certified Economic Developer credential in 2021. He previously served on Mount Vernon City Council and currently serves on several boards, including the Knox County Chamber of Commerce, Board of Elections, and the Mid-Ohio Development Exchange serving Knox and adjoining counties. He lives in Mount Vernon.
Torey Hollingsworth, Executive Director, Ohio CDC Association
Torey Hollingsworth serves as Executive Director of the Ohio CDC Association (OCDCA), a statewide organization that fosters vibrant neighborhoods and improves the quality of life in all communities through advocacy and capacity building of its member agencies.
Before joining OCDCA in 2023, Hollingsworth served as the Director of the Office of the Dayton City Commission, where she managed the policy work and support staff for the city’s elected leadership. Before this role, she was Senior Policy Aide for Mayor Nan Whaley, where she focused on issues related to eviction prevention, police reform, housing quality, and reducing gun violence.
Prior to returning to her hometown of Dayton, Hollingsworth was the Manager of Research and Policy with Greater Ohio Policy Center, where she researched and supported efforts to revitalize Ohio’s smaller legacy cities. Hollingsworth previously served as Senior Regional Organizer at the National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) and as an AmeriCorps VISTA for Greater DC Cares, both in Washington, DC.
Hollingsworth received her Master of City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University and her BA from the University of Chicago. She is a 2021 graduate of Leadership Dayton and serves on the Dayton Art Institute Associate Board. Hollingsworth and her husband, Michael, live in Dayton's Historic Huffman neighborhood.
Joe Huber, President and CEO, Cincinnati Development Fund (CDF)
Joe Huber is a lifelong Cincinnatian, who is passionate about community and economic development issues affecting the urban core and first-ring neighborhoods of Cincinnati. Upon graduating from Butler University in 1994, Huber returned home to Cincinnati to begin a finance career. After ten years at Fifth Third Bank, he began working as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Lending for the Cincinnati Development Fund, a non-profit and non-regulated Community Development Financial Institution. Having been at CDF for eighteen years, Huber now leads the CDF team, directing its vision and execution of goals to achieve growth, innovation, community impact, and long-term sustainability. At the direction of the CDF Board, Joe guides the implementation of its strategic plan, ensuring organizational capacity and alignment, and collaborates with financial partners and community leaders to fund growth strategies and new products with critical short and long-term financial resources.
Huber and his wife, Christina, are the proud parents of three daughters: Mia (21- The Ohio State University (OSU)), Gemma (19-OSU), and Greta (14- Roger Bacon High School). They reside in the Clifton neighborhood of Cincinnati and have recently renovated and moved into a house in the woods. Beyond family and work life, Huber plays music with his lifelong friend, and they periodically perform at happy hours and celebratory events. Huber is active on local non-profit boards (historic preservation and community development) and is on the Board of Warsaw Federal, a 125-year-old savings and loan that recently converted its federal banking charter to become a Minority Deposit Institution, committed to serving under-banked populations of Cincinnati.
Tristan Griffin, Executive Director, Farming with Friends
In 2014, Griffin moved from his home state of Texas to Ohio, and within his first few months in the Buckeye State, he met a beautiful woman from Celina, Ohio. As the story goes, she pursued him until he said yes…couldn’t keep her away from him. In May of 2016, they got married and moved into a little one-bedroom apartment in the Akron area. They enjoyed nearly two years of peace and quiet, and then their family began to grow. Scout was born in 2018. Tillie and Bingham were born in 2020, and Dawsey was born in 2022.
As for his professional life, Griffin jokes about writing a book called, “Climbing Down the Ladder.” He started as an attorney, then became a college football coach, then went into full-time ministry, and now he’s a farmer. He’d say that this was all a part of his plan, but that couldn’t be farther from the truth. The truth is that he’s been trying to follow God’s lead since 2015 and that pursuit has resulted in an atypical professional journey. Griffin is currently the Executive Director of a non-profit called Farming with Friends, which employs people with disabilities on an 87-acre farm in Hinckley, Ohio, as well as the owner of a business called Hill of Beans Fundraising, which specializes in fundraising consulting for non-profits, churches, and missionaries.
Prior to his professional journey, Griffin attended Texas Tech University where he studied energy commerce, and then completed his Juris Doctorate at The University of Texas.
Griffin is passionate about spirituality and helping the underserved. He loves spending time outdoors and in nature, and he enjoys reading a good book.
Edward L. Littlejohn, Jr., Founding Attorney, Littlejohn Law, LLC
Edward Littlejohn is the founding attorney of Littlejohn Law, LLC serving clients throughout the state of Ohio in real estate and probate administration matters. He believes that everyone deserves unparalleled legal services–especially during difficult times like losing a loved one. He believes that solving complex legal problems is only part of what he and his team do for his clients–the other piece is providing access to information so that his clients can make a well-informed decision. This is why Littlejohn has authored five books and multiple consumer guides.
Littlejohn grew up in Steubenville, a small town in southeast Ohio. He attended Steubenville High School better known as “Big Red” before he matriculated to Capital University and then Thomas M. Cooley Law School located in Lansing, Michigan. Upon graduation, Littlejohn became an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in Jefferson County. He quickly learned that his community needed more opportunities and not a better prosecutor. This is one reason why Littlejohn focused on building a business to serve his community. For over a decade, Littlejohn has built his company to serve his community and provide quality jobs for members of his community.
Outside of the legal world, Littlejohn is a martial artist and a small business advocate. He helps small business owners grow their businesses. Littlejohn enjoys helping others live their life to the fullest. But Littlejohn gets the most joy out of spending time with his two children, Kyzlee and Zade, while teaching them about entrepreneurship and martial arts.
Kile Byington, Fiscal Officer, Twinsburg Public Library
A lifelong library patron, Byington began her professional library journey performing story times in the children’s department of her local library and has since worn many hats including tutor, reference associate, and collection development specialist. She has served rural, urban, and suburban libraries with budgets from $250K to $20M. Byington has worked in library administration for more than eight years. Originally from Wichita, Kansas, she has lived in Ohio for more than ten years, two years in the Cincinnati area and the remainder in Brunswick, a short drive from Cleveland.
When not working, she enjoys disc golfing, running, and vintage baseball; Byington has played for the Ohio Village Diamonds for two years, supporting 1860s baseball throughout Ohio as part of the Ohio History Connection (OHC), Muffins/Diamonds organization. Byington is a proud member of the Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma and supports cultural retention through beadwork, moccasin making, and crafting other types of tribal and intertribal regalia. Chahta sia, oke. (I am Choctaw).
Byington is supported in her personal and professional endeavors by her family, including two children, Xavier in Tucson, Arizona, and Lexi in Wichita, Kansas, and by her partner Jason, without whom she would not likely have seen the opportunity to move to the number one state in the nation regarding community and governmental library support. Byington holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Akron and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Administration from Wichita State University.
Kristen Slaper, Director of Law Enforcement Initiatives, Ohio Department of Public Safety (DPS)
As the Director of Law Enforcement Initiatives, Kristen Slaper is focused on supporting law enforcement through a variety of projects geared towards wellness, recruitment, and data sharing. Throughout her career, she has worked closely with law enforcement, prosecutors, and many others in the criminal justice system. Slaper received her BS in Biology from Xavier University, where she discovered an interest in both public service and problem-solving through science.
Slaper began working at the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) in 2006. During her seventeen years with BCI, she was involved in thousands of cases performing DNA testing and serving as a subject matter expert. Notably, she served as a member of the state Sexual Assault Response Training Team, teaching nurses, law enforcement, advocates, and prosecutors about DNA testing in criminal investigations. She was part of the Pike County Rhoden Murder Task Force which received a Distinguished Law Enforcement Group Achievement Award at the 2021 Ohio Law Enforcement Conference for their work in solving the Pike County Murders. Slaper worked as part of the DNA team responsible for eliminating the backlog of sexual assault kits and establishing one of the best DNA testing turnaround times in the country. During her time as the statewide DNA manager, Slaper also focused on cold case investigations as part of the new multi-disciplinary team established at BCI.
Since May of 2023, with DPS, she has turned her focus to first responder wellness and recruitment; bringing awareness of the mental, physical, and emotional needs of first responders as well as working to help agencies increase their pool of qualified candidates and retain the current workforce.
Outside of her career accomplishments, Slaper lives in Hilliard with her husband and three young, active daughters.
Maria Haberman, Vice President – OH External Affairs, American Electric Power (AEP)
Maria Haberman is a government affairs professional with fifteen years of experience working on state policy, regulatory, and political issues. She is the Vice President of Ohio External Affairs for AEP, responsible for all state legislative policies that impact the overall Ohio Market from an electric utility perspective.
In this role for AEP, she is responsible for public policy, community and government relations, as well as building and maintaining external relationships with legislators, consumer groups, community organizations, and other Ohio stakeholders. She leads the company's activities to shape public policies and to coordinate and ensure effective AEP representation on national and state-level industry associations. Haberman also oversees the company’s community involvement role and corporate giving for AEP in Ohio.
Before joining AEP in 2015, Haberman worked in the Ohio Senate for six years as a legislative aide for two of Ohio’s state senators from east and southeast Ohio. During this time, Haberman traveled throughout ten of the state’s most rural counties to develop grassroots policy initiatives. Those areas of focus included energy, transportation, tax, and agricultural matters, in addition to running the senate office and managing district communications.
Additionally, Haberman serves on the Capitol Square Foundation board where she launched the Capitol Conversation series, uniting the statehouse community around events that promote Ohio. Other board memberships include the Ohio Chamber Research Foundation, Down Syndrome Association of Central Ohio, Ohio Legislative Black Caucus Foundation Corporate Roundtable, among others. She was the first female Chair of the Ohio Electric Utility Institute. Haberman is also involved in public service, receiving an Ohio Governor’s Appointment to the Public Benefits Advisory Board, responsible for ensuring low-income Ohioans have access to affordable energy.
Haberman graduated from The Ohio State University in 2010 with BAs in Sociology and Women’s Studies, focusing on political contexts and social change.
David Meadows, Economic Development Director, City of Hilliard
David Meadows has served the City of Hilliard, Ohio, as Economic Development Director since 2017. In this role, he leads the city in attracting developers, negotiating financial incentives, ensuring compliance, preparing sites, and creating grant programs to guarantee existing businesses continue to thrive in Hilliard.
Meadows secured $2.9 million in funding to construct HiFiO, a carrier-neutral, thirty-mile, city-owned fiber optic network. HiFiO expands broadband service provider options for businesses, schools, and residential customers.
Meadows also has been instrumental in creating a partnership with Hilliard-based Converge Technologies to develop Hilliard City Lab. This public-private partnership allows the city to support the development and growth of entrepreneurial high-tech and advanced manufacturing companies. In addition to HiFiO access, Hilliard City Lab provides resources such as real-time data analytics, innovation grants, and wrap around business support services. In 2023 alone, this program awarded $450,000 in innovation grant funding, leading to the creation of 391 new jobs, retention of 360 jobs, and capital investments of $74 million.
Prior to joining the Hilliard team, Meadows served as the Economic Development Coordinator at the City of Westerville, Ohio, where he facilitated the city’s strategic plan and developed a business retention program.
He is a graduate of The Ohio State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s in public administration from The Ohio State University John Glenn College of Public Affairs. Meadows is also a U.S. Army Veteran, deploying to Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005 with the 983rd Engineer Battalion.
Eve Mueller, Deputy Director of Communications, Ohio Governor’s Office
Eve Mueller is a visual storyteller who delights in the fact that everyone has a story worth telling. As the Deputy Director of Communications, she’s been telling the story of Mike DeWine’s priorities for more than thirteen years, currently in the Ohio Governor’s Office, and previously, in the Ohio Attorney General’s Office.
Mueller is a trusted communications leader who develops media strategies, manages visual communications, produces video storytelling content, and handles all TV interviews. She has been particularly involved in the storytelling of Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library of Ohio, a free book gifting program for Ohio kids between birth and age 5, which Ohio First Lady Fran DeWine has championed statewide.
Prior to helping to tell Ohio’s story, Mueller worked for twenty-three years as an on-air TV reporter and anchor. Most of her television career was spent in Columbus at CBS affiliate WBNS 10-TV, where her work as the Statehouse reporter earned her an Emmy and a National Edward R. Murrow Award. Mueller also had TV reporting and anchoring roles in Lansing, Michigan; Fort Smith, Arkansas; and Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, her hometown. She’s a graduate of Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast News.
An eternal optimist and aspiring painter, Mueller has two adult children with her husband of thirty-three years, Mark Henson. They live in the Upper Arlington suburb of Columbus with their giant great pyrenees, Penny, and like to hunt for great coffee and unique antiques.
Lynette Thomas, Vice President of Customer Experience & Store Communication and Operations, Lane Bryant (Knitwell Group)
Lynette Thomas is a creative and compelling leader, communicator, and minister. Thomas’s greatest passion is teaching life-changing truths of God’s word and helping women live Christ-centered lives. Community service and leadership have been the cornerstones of her life from a spiritual, personal, and professional vantage point. She believes that people can make a difference by taking the initiative to get involved and lead by example. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Thomas is a native of Franklin, VA, where she attended public schools and later went to Hampton University where she obtained a bachelor’s in communicative sciences and disorders. In 1997, during her tenure at Hampton, she had no idea when she started at Lane Bryant as a part-time stock associate, that her career would catapult into her current position.
Though Thomas has many titles, her most favorite is a helpmate to the “love of her life” – Marc Anthony Thomas (a native of Columbus, OH). They have been married for six years and, when not traveling abroad, reside in Westerville, OH.
Thomas is a well-rounded individual. She is not the type of person who sits passively and waits for something to happen – SHE MAKES IT HAPPEN! She is a leader who leads by example and faces “opportunities” head-on. Thomas is a very courageous individual who does not mind taking on a challenge. Thomas’s motto has always been, “Reach for the stars…the sky is the limit!” She has broken many glass ceilings and continues to excel in her professional and personal life.
Whether she is being a wife, ministering, teaching, adding special elements to a project, or developing leaders and teams, she does everything with a spirit of excellence and with transmissible joy.
Michelle Fowler, Manager of Crash Safety, Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC)
A proud Ohio native, Michelle Fowler has lived and worked in areas all throughout the state. Born and raised in the suburbs of Cleveland, she learned the value of hard work from her immigrant grandparents, being raised in the house her grandfather built. After graduating from Strongsville High School, she made her way down to Columbus to attend The Ohio State University to get both her bachelor’s and master’s in biomedical engineering. Co-op opportunities during her education allowed her to learn about quality, research, design, and manufacturing engineering at several companies across the state of Ohio. Ultimately, she found her passion for the field of crash safety through her work at The Ohio State University’s Injury Biomechanics Research Center.
After completing her master’s, Fowler started her professional career at Honda Research & Development Americas, Inc., now Honda Auto Development Center, focusing on side impact safety for vehicles designed and manufactured in the heart of Ohio. She has been with TRC since 2018, serving previously as a research engineer and team leader in the center’s Dummy Management Lab before moving to Manager of Crash Safety in 2019. Fowler has spent the last decade committed to eliminating the unnecessary pain and suffering caused by vehicle crashes. She has led several teams in the research and development of technologies that save lives, prevent injuries, and reduce economic costs due to road traffic incidents.
In addition to her management role, Fowler serves on the executive committee of TRC WOMEN (Women Offering Mentorship Expertise & Networking), an organization promoting professional, technical, educational, and personal connections among its members.
Fowler currently resides in Bellefontaine with her husband. They are massive Cleveland Browns fans, being season ticket holders since 2016. Fowler also has a passion for painting, golfing, and home renovation projects.
Ann Donnelly, Project Manager, Small Nation
Ann Donnelly Hamilton joined Small Nation in 2021 as a consultant and project manager after serving 20+ years in higher education. Small Nation, based in Bellefontaine, develops spaces, places, and dreams for small towns and small-town entrepreneurs across the country. Growing up in a village in Miami County, Donnelly followed Small Nation Founder, Jason Duff, as he and his team redeveloped small towns. Her desire to homeschool her two children united with her own passion for small towns and storytelling abilities created the ideal synergistic relationship with Small Nation.
Prior to this role, Donnelly served Ohio Northern University (ONU) in a leadership role on the President’s Cabinet as Executive Assistant to the President from 2011-2019. She served as the Alumni Director and the Campaign Manager for one of the largest campaigns in ONU history. ONU honored Donnelly in 2013 with the Distinguished Alumni Award.
In 2021, Donnelly was the Associate Producer of a feature-length documentary, Heart of an Ideal, working alongside award-winning producer and owner of ThreadPath Media, Bob Dawson. Donnelly published a children’s book, If I Were a Bumblebee, in 2021. The publication made the national public library platform Beanstack’s list of 1,000 books to read to your child before kindergarten.
With degrees in English/Education from ONU and a master’s from the University of Dayton, Donnelly is passionate about lifelong learning. She volunteer teaches at a Homeschool Cooperative Learning program in Vandalia. Donnelly is the vice president of the Ada Library Board and was a longtime member of the Kiwanis Club in Ada, where she and her family reside. She is chair of the Pride of Ada Fireworks and coaches her son’s soccer team. Donnelly serves as a Judge for Ohio’s Distinguished Young Women of Ohio program. Donnelly recently launched an Airbnb in Ada, The Grady House.
Brandon C. McClain, Magistrate and Acting Judge, Dayton Municipal Court
Brandon C. McClain is an Attorney who serves as a Magistrate and Acting Judge in the Dayton Municipal Court, having been appointed in May 2023. Previously, McClain served as the Montgomery County Recorder, having been elected in 2018 and 2020.
McClain graduated cum laude from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke with a Bachelor of Arts, the University of Cincinnati with a Master of Science, and the University of Dayton School of Law. He also served in the Army National Guard, having achieved the rank of Sergeant.
McClain is admitted to the practice of law in the state of Ohio, as well as the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio and the United States Tax Court. His legal experience varies from being an Acting Judge and Magistrate in the Dayton Municipal Court, to being an Assistant Public Defender in the Montgomery County Public Defender's Office. McClain also serves as an Adjunct Professor at the University of Dayton School of Law and The Ohio State University.
In recognition of his efforts in public service and dedication to the community, McClain was invited to the prestigious State of Ohio Leadership Institute, received the Huber Heights Military and Veterans Commission Award, the National Association of Social Workers Region 7 Public Elected Official of the Year Award, the Herman Zerger Veteran of the Year Award, the Top Ten African-American Male Award, the Forty Under 40 Award, the University of Dayton School of Law Joseph Cinque Award and has been inducted into the Dayton Bar Association Foundation Fellowship.
McClain has a beautiful wife named Tinisha, a daughter named Tyler, a bonus son named Gabriel, and two Boston Terriers named Vans and Bobby.
Bill Downing, Director of Tax Credit Development, BORROR
Downing serves as the Director of Tax Credit Development at BORROR, a leading central Ohio-based real estate services firm specializing in development, construction, and management. In this role, Downing spearheads the organization’s efforts to preserve and create affordable housing throughout Ohio. The mission of this work is to alleviate challenges facing communities of all types and bridge critical gaps in the local housing system through the utilization of housing tax credits and various community development finance mechanisms in order to provide a quality place to live for all residents. At BORROR, it is not just a motto but a belief that through a pragmatic and curated approach to real estate development, we can deliver products that enhance our communities and create a life better lived.
Prior to joining Borror in 2022, Downing worked for eight years as a principal of Downing Community Advisors (DCA), a premier community development consulting firm serving Ohio communities. In this capacity, his role focused on neighborhood stabilization, blight reduction, and foreclosure remediation strategies which often manifested through capacity building and technical assistance for local community development organizations and public land banking entities. Additionally, Downing worked with various community development financial institutions to provide capital formation strategies and implement housing production programs.
Downing is a graduate of Wittenberg University located in Springfield, OH where he earned his BA in Political Science. He currently resides in the Weinland Park neighborhood of Columbus, OH with his wife, two dogs, and soon-to-be daughter.
Gordon Rooney, Senior Consultant, State & Local Government, Guidehouse
Gordon Rooney is a Senior Consultant with Guidehouse, a global provider of consulting services to the public and commercial markets. Rooney works with state and local governments to solve their most complex challenges, so they may better serve their communities. From 2014 to 2019, Rooney served with the Mayor’s Office of Cultural Affairs in Charleston, SC. His responsibilities included monitoring an annual cultural budget of approximately $1.8 million and serving as a liaison between the Mayor’s Office and entities including the South Carolina Arts Commission, Charleston City Council, and Joint Base Charleston. Prior to serving with the City of Charleston, Rooney spent two years in rural Chiba Prefecture, Japan, where he taught English and about American culture. During his time in Japan, Rooney volunteered with disaster relief efforts after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami in the Tōhoku region.
Prior to his time in Japan, Rooney served with City Year AmeriCorps, where he supported students in high need schools in Columbia, SC. His professional experience includes stints with the U.S. House Judiciary Committee, the Texas Association of Regional Councils, and the Texas Senate Committee on Jurisprudence.
Rooney is a member of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition’s Ohio Advisory Committee, where he engages with policymakers on why investments in diplomacy and development help keep America safe and strengthen Ohio’s economy. Rooney is an alum of the German Marshall Fund’s Manfred Wörner Seminar and the Warsaw Security Forum’s New Security Leaders Program. Rooney completed his bachelor’s in government from the University of Texas at Austin and holds a Master of Public Affairs from the University of Michigan’s Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy.
Rooney is married to Emily Anne and they have two cats, Birdie and Miso. In their free time, they enjoy finding new hiking trails throughout Ohio.
Delanté Spencer Thomas, Chief Ethics Officer, City of Cleveland
Delanté Spencer Thomas serves as the first-ever Chief Ethics Officer for the City of Cleveland where he provides advice, counsel, and training to the Mayor and a city workforce of over 8,000 employees with regard to Ohio Ethics Law. In addition to building a citywide ethics and compliance program, Thomas assists in overseeing the city’s police reform and accountability efforts.
Prior to joining city leadership, Thomas spent five years as Deputy Inspector General and Ethics Counsel for Cuyahoga County. Additionally, since 2017, Thomas has managed his own private practice and consulting firm, LMP Solutions, LLC, focusing on housing law, organizational and legal ethics, personal injury, and small business consulting.
Thomas is the current president of the Norman S. Minor Bar Association–the premier bar association for Black legal professionals in Northeast Ohio. He also serves on the Board of Trustees for the Cleveland State University Law Alumni Association, where he most notably co-chaired its Annual Recognition Luncheon in 2019, 2020, and 2021. Additionally, Thomas has worked as an adjunct law professor at Case Western Reserve University and Cleveland State University (CSU) teaching various courses.
Thomas is a native of East Cleveland, Ohio. He attended Syracuse University where he earned a bachelor's degree in sport management and a master’s degree in public relations. Thomas then returned home and attended CSU. There, he earned a Juris Doctor degree as well as a second master’s in labor relations & human resources.
Most recently, Thomas was inducted into the CSU College of Law Hall of Fame as the 2023 Leader on the Rise. Last year, he was also listed in 15th Edition of Who’s Who in Black Cleveland. In 2022, the NAACP awarded Thomas with the Rising Leader Award and in 2021, he was featured in Crain's Cleveland Business' 40 Under 40.
Patrick Espinosa, Founder and Managing Partner, Sus Abogados Latinos
Patrick Espinosa was born in Landstuhl, Germany to Colombian parents and has called many places home including: Ohio, California, Florida, Texas, Washington, Colombia, and China. Initially beginning his studies at the University of Washington in 2000, Espinosa took a hiatus from studies to travel the world. His travels took him to many places including Changchun, China and Cartagena, Colombia where he taught English at several foreign language institutes and the Colombian Naval Academy. Espinosa eventually continued his studies in Texas where he received his BBA with a concentration in marketing, graduating cum laude. Wanting to pursue a career in law, Espinosa continued his studies at the University of Miami in Florida and graduated with his law degree and a master’s in business administration. After opening up a successful sports agency in Miami, Espinosa decided to change career paths and entered the world of corporate law and consulting.
Upon his arrival in Cleveland ten years ago, Espinosa decided to help the community and focused his attention on immigration issues. As an immigrant himself and being bilingual, Espinosa understands the issues that many of our underrepresented neighbors face and is in a great position to help those in need. In 2021, Espinosa founded Ohio’s first fully Hispanic and bilingual law firm, Sus Abogados Latinos, where he helps represent the over 150,000 Hispanics residing in Northern Ohio. Espinosa sits on the board of directors of many Cleveland organizations including Greater Cleveland Partnership, The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Global Cleveland, the Northeast Ohio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, and the Borderlight Festival of International Theatre. He is also the president of the Ohio Hispanic Bar Association. Espinosa currently resides in Mentor, Ohio with his wife, Kandace, and their two children.
Ashley Kline, LPCC-S, Chief Program Officer, Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center
Ashley Kline is a dedicated non-profit leader passionate about making a meaningful impact in her community. As the Chief Program Officer at Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center, which is home to the Rape Crisis Center and Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit and Medina Counties, she oversees program operations and evaluation processes across the organization, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services rooted in trauma-informed care and cultural responsiveness for survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking.
With a license as a professional clinical counselor with supervision designation (LPCC-S), Kline specializes in treatment of trauma, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and co-occurring mental health conditions resulting from experiences of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking. Throughout her career, she has provided trauma-informed crisis intervention, advocacy, and therapeutic services to survivors, and has led programs tailored to the needs of survivors.
Kline has held leadership roles in numerous community coalitions, task forces, and advisory boards focused on enhancing systemic collaboration to support survivors. She currently serves as a board member for the Ohio Alliance to End Sexual Violence.
She received a bachelor’s degree in applied conflict management and a master’s degree in clinical mental health counseling from Kent State University. She has an extensive history as a presenter at national, state, and local conferences providing education to professionals on best practices in working with survivors of trauma and strategies for professional resiliency.
Kline is passionate about providing accessible trauma-informed and culturally responsive services to survivors and is dedicated to ending relationship and sexual violence in our communities.
Bill Manby, Founder and Managing Partner, Interstate Fusion Ventures
Bill Manby grew up in Akron and has always been passionate about making his home better through investments, philanthropy, or whatever it takes. He graduated from Indiana University with majors in finance and insurance and has spent his entire career in the financial services industry. He’s had roles ranging from running his own firm to raising capital with a New York-based investment banking firm, before launching his first fund in late 2016. After developing relationships and spending time in Silicon Valley, their investment model pivoted and was rebranded in 2020.
Currently raising his second fund, Interstate Fusion Ventures (IFV) connects leading venture communities on the coasts to our Midwest (MW) roots based in Ohio and Chicago. Leveraging MW capital, ecosystem and talent creates a unique value proposition for founders, investors, and MW corporates by accelerating organic opportunities for each party. IFV delivers unique access to deal flow, world class resources, and an established network of highly successful entrepreneurs and investors.
Manby has been married for over twenty-five years and is the proud parent of three children, who are the center of his world. He has always been committed to his community and held countless leadership positions. He’s extremely passionate about raising money for his local special needs community and led numerous fundraisers and capital campaigns.
Dan Wendt, City Manager, City of Vandalia
The Vandalia City Council appointed Dan Wendt to serve as City Manager effective February 1, 2021. City Manager Wendt is the chief executive officer and public safety director, responsible for the day-to-day operations of a municipal organization with 287 full-time equivalent employees and a ~$63 million annual budget. Wendt oversees the day-to-day operations of police, dispatch, fire, and emergency medical services; finance; human resources; water, wastewater, and stormwater utilities; public works; economic development, building and zoning, planning, and engineering services; and community enrichment through the Vandalia Recreation Center, Senior Center, Cassel Hills Golf Course, and a community park system.
Wendt formerly served as the Assistant City Manager and chief operating officer at the City of Fairfield. He also served in a similar role as the Director of Public Safety and Service at the City of Norwalk. Fluent in Spanish, City Manager Wendt served three years in the United States Peace Corps administering community and economic development initiatives in the rural Dominican Republic. Wendt holds a Master of Public Administration from Bowling Green State University and a Bachelor of Arts from The Ohio State University.
Wendt is a Credentialed Manager through the International City/County Management Association (ICMA), a graduate of the ICMA Emerging Leaders Development Program, and the first recipient of the Ohio City/County Management Association (OCMA) Distinguished Early Career Award. Wendt currently serves on the statewide OCMA board as vice president-elect. He is a Certified Labor Relations Professional through the National Public Employer Labor Relations Association and past president of the Dayton Area Managers Association. In 2023, the Vandalia-Butler Chamber of Commerce recognized City Manager Wendt as the business professional of the year. Wendt enjoys hunting and fishing. He, his wife (Laura), and their three children are residents of Vandalia, OH.
Kate Blakley, Senior Manager, External Communications, Westfield
Kate Blakley is a dynamic and experienced corporate communications and marketing leader who understands the power of strategic communication in helping to achieve business goals and solve business problems. With more than 20 years of experience in the financial services industry, she currently leads the External Communications team at Westfield, a prominent US-based property and casualty insurance company.
In her role at Westfield, Blakley develops and executes strategic communication plans to drive preference and loyalty for Westfield with key stakeholders, primarily independent insurance agents and national brokers. As an experienced and respected thought-leader, she is pivotal in driving outcome-based communication strategies, crisis communications, media relations, cross-functional collaboration, and building strong partnerships across the organization. Prior to her current position, she was the Director of Marketing & Communications at Carousel Works, where she enhanced sales and expanded the company's global presence. Blakley’s well-rounded experience in sales, customer relations, and media management has contributed to her overall effectiveness in driving positive business results.
As a complement to her professional role, Blakley is a strong advocate of creating opportunities and connections for women in the workplace, serving as the co-lead of Westfield's Women's Network Employee Resource Group with more than 500 active and engaged members. She also serves on the board of the Insurance Industry Charitable Foundation (IICF), Ohio Chapter, an organization created to unite the collective strength of the insurance industry in providing grants, volunteer service and leadership in communities across the state.
Blakley holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with dual majors in marketing and economics from Ashland University. She is also a licensed insurance agent. Outside of work, Blakley resides in Mansfield, with her amazing husband of twenty-seven years, Don, and their daughter Alexa, a student at Kent State University.
Donald G. Meyer Jr., President, Sergeants Home Improvements
Staff Sergeant (SSG) Meyer epitomizes a legacy of service and excellence, spanning military and civilian spheres with over seventeen years of unwavering commitment. His contributions to the United States Army and the Ohio Army National Guard have set a standard of exemplary service.
Meyer's military career saw him deployed to Panama, Ecuador, and Honduras from 1997 to 1999, aiding US Army South Command in peacekeeping efforts. Notably, he served during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2008 and demonstrated exceptional leadership during Battalion Operations from September 2011 to September 2012. His tenure as Headquarters Retention Non-Commissioned Officer resulted in over forty new accessions and a remarkable 75% retention rate.
Transitioning to Alpha Company 237th Brigade Support Battalion, Meyer excelled as a Platoon Sergeant, mentoring over 100 Soldiers. His meticulous supervision ensured soldiers obtained licenses for all vehicles, contributing to their success in Battalion competitions in 2013.
Accolades, including multiple Army Commendation Medals and Joint Service Achievement Medals, underscore Meyer's commitment to excellence.
In the civilian realm, Meyer founded Sergeants Home Improvements LLC in 2012, later co-founding Band of Brothers Restoration in 2014, dedicated to employing military Veterans. His nomination for the 2014 30 for the Future award highlights his dynamic leadership. He received the Emerging Business Award from the Greater Akron Small Business Council in 2015 and served as the Creator and former President of Band of Brothers Homes for Heroes, focusing on housing disabled Veterans.
Relaunching Sergeants Home Improvements LLC in 2016 with a focus on property damage claims, Meyer advocates for homeowners in Ohio. His dedication to duty, professionalism, and compassionate leadership has made a lasting impact on the Ohio Army National Guard and the communities he serves. As a business owner, Meyer engages in diverse roles while championing local causes and fostering Veteran entrepreneurship.
