Columbus, Ohio - Leadership Ohio, the state’s premier leadership development program that brings together leaders from across Ohio is delighted to announce the graduation of the Class of 2023. After an exhaustive selection process and eight months of exploration and inquiry, 32 exceptional individuals have completed the Leadership Ohio Fellowship, now solidifying their status as alumni of this prestigious program.
These accomplished graduates, representing various sectors and regions of Ohio, bring a wealth of expertise and distinguished service in the public and private domains. The Fellowship empowered them to delve deeply into the critical questions, challenges, and opportunities facing Ohio and its residents, demonstrating a dedication to effective leadership and civic engagement.
Lisa Duty, Executive Director of Leadership Ohio, underscored the significance of nurturing effective leadership across Ohio's diverse landscape. "Our Class of 2023 stands as a testament to the strength of vision, innovation, and civility in leadership, and their commitment to collaboration and progress is a source of pride for Leadership Ohio and the entire state."
Upon graduation, the Fellows become a part of the Leadership Ohio alumni network, a distinguished group of accomplished and influential Ohioans. Alumni of the program hold leadership positions in major companies, nonprofits, government agencies, elected offices, and boards throughout the state, making them a powerful force in advancing Ohio's prosperity and growth.
Shon Christy, President of the Board of Trustees, lauded the Class of 2023 for their innovative contributions to Ohio's future. "We are thrilled to celebrate the Class of 2023 as they transition into the esteemed ranks of Leadership Ohio alumni. These individuals represent the best of a future-driven Ohio."
For more information about Leadership Ohio, visit www.leadershipohio.org. Leadership Ohio is currently accepting nominations for the Class of 2024.
###
Leadership Ohio Class of 2023
Akron MSA
Frank Favaro (Munroe Falls) Founder, ServeCentric Coaching; The Ian Patrick Schwarber Foundation Fellow
Judge David Hamilton (Akron) Administrative/Presiding Judge, Akron Municipal Court
Jacqueline Opal (Akron) Chief People Officer, STV Incorporated
Daniel Sublett, MBA (Wadsworth) President, J.W. Didado Electric
Canton-Massillon MSA
Joseph French, M.Ed. (Canton) Chief Executive Officer, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health
Brook Harless (North Canton) Government Affairs Director, Stark Trumbull Area Realtors Association
Sharon Perkins (Uniontown) Director of Opportunity Development, Clean Energy, The Babcock & Wilcox Company
Ryan Schmidt (Massillon) Founder & CEO, SKYCATCHFIRE
Cincinnati MSA
Karl Dostal, CPA, CFP (Cincinnati) Partner, Cherry Bekaert Advisory LLC
Cleveland-Elyria MSA
Julianne Bedel (Spencer) Director, Medina County District Library
Robert Girton (Shaker Heights) Partner, Edgewater Capital Partners
Elizabeth P. Maiden (Amherst) Executive Director, Erie County Community Foundation
Chavone Taylor Nash, M.A. (Woodmere Village) Community & Pro Bono Programs Specialist, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
LaRese Purnell (Hudson) Managing Partner, CLE Consulting Firm
Clifton R. S. Williams III (Chagrin Falls) Director of Public Affairs, Taft Advisors
Columbus MSA
Michelle Blanton (Circleville) Circleville Mayor-Elect; University Registrar, Ohio Christian University
Stephanie Bosco, OhioCED (Bexley) Executive Director, Lancaster Port Authority
Darrell Butler, P.E. (Dublin) General Manager, Ohio at Burns & McDonnell
Mary Cannon, M.N.M. (Bexley) Director of AmeriCorps, Ohio Commission on Service and Volunteerism (ServeOhio)
Elizabeth Curtis (Delaware) Regional School Improvement Facilitator for English Language Learners, Educational Service Center of Central Ohio
Chad Downing (Columbus) Principal, Downing Community Advisors
Sara Downs (Dublin) Chief Financial Officer, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
Ohilebo Prince Garuba (Columbus) Executive Director, The Ohio Association of Goodwill Industries (OAGI)
Lynanne Gutierrez, Esq. (Columbus) Chief Operating & Policy Officer, Groundwork Ohio
Neethi Johnson, MBA (New Albany) Vice President, Consumer & Community Banking – Product, JPMorgan Chase
Taylor Manahan (Bellefontaine) Executive Director of Services, Transportation Research Center Inc.
Frankie Morales (Groveport) AMI & Support Supervisor, AEP
Diana Welling, M.H.P. (Columbus) State Historic Preservation Officer / Director, State Historic Preservation Office, Ohio History Connection
Dayton MSA
Vanessa Glotfelter, P.E. (Miamisburg) Director of Engineering, Montgomery County Transportation Improvement District
Amy Riegel (Dayton) Executive Director, Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio (COHHIO)
Toledo MSA
Dennis Kennedy (Whitehouse) Commissioner of Urban Beautification, City of Toledo
Sam Melden (Toledo) Chief Communications & External Affairs Officer, Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA)
Contact:
Lisa Duty
Executive Director
Leadership Ohio
lisaduty@leadershipohio.org
614.806.0607