Fellows bring a wide range of expertise and distinguished service in public and private sectors
Columbus, Ohio - Leadership Ohio, the state's premier leadership development program that connects diverse leaders from across Ohio to promote positive change, is pleased to announce the class of 2023. After receiving over 120 nominations, and through a competitive selection process, 35 individuals have been appointed Leadership Ohio Fellows. Over the next eight months, these leaders will engage in in-depth explorations of critical questions, challenges, and opportunities facing Ohio and its people.
“This is a distinguished group of accomplished individuals from all across the state,” said James W. Murray, president of the board of trustees, Leadership Ohio. “Ohio needs effective and civil leadership in today’s polarized society, and we are excited to welcome this diverse cross-sector cohort to Leadership Ohio today.”
The Class of 2023 participants come from a variety of industries, including business, healthcare, education, and government. Fellows hail from many corners of the state, and represent a spectrum of ideological viewpoints. This year's class includes leaders from organizations such as Taft Law, Ohio Department of Transportation, JPMorgan Chase, and Goodwill Ohio, and includes a record eight elected and appointed government officials.
Fellows will engage in a series of intensive sessions that cover topics such as the state judiciary, small town resurgence, and civil discourse while being exposed to an influential network of decision makers. Fellows will also develop Ohio Impact Projects taking direct action on a pressing issue or opportunity to benefit Ohio. Importantly, they will build impactful relationships with other leaders from around the state with goals for lasting change.
"We are excited to welcome the Class of 2023 to Leadership Ohio," said Dr. Lisa Duty, executive director of Leadership Ohio. "These distinguished individuals are part of a growing network of change-makers and innovators who are on the leading edge of solutions for a future-driven Ohio.”
Upon graduation, Fellows are inducted into the Leadership Ohio alumni network comprised of accomplished, diverse, talented Ohioans. Leadership Ohio’s alumni reside in Ohio cities big and small, lead major companies and nonprofits, launch small businesses, and serve in government agencies, elected offices, commissions, and Ohio’s boardrooms.
For more information about Leadership Ohio, visit www.leadershipohio.org. Nominations for the Class of 2024 open in Autumn 2023.
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Meet the 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) Cincinnati Market Leader, Partner, MCM CPAs and Advisors
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) 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 at JPMorgan Chase
Taylor Manahan (Bellefontaine) Director, Advanced Mobility, Transportation Research Center Inc.
Frankie Morales (Groveport) AMI & Support Supervisor, AEP
Diana Welling, M.H.P. (Columbus) Department Head & Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer for Resource Protection & Review, 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
Leadership Ohio Fellow Biographies
Sara A. Downs, Chief Financial Officer, Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)
The Director of Transportation appointed Sara Downs as the agency’s CFO in April of 2019 overseeing the Division of Finance and its approximately fifty specialized employees. Downs also has oversight of a budget exceeding $3.0B annually.
Prior to becoming CFO, Downs held management roles overseeing several finance offices and worked in nearly every section of the Division since 2005. She has helped the agency negotiate and enact nine multi-billion dollar budgets and assisted navigating ODOT through a motor vehicle fuel tax initiative through the Ohio General Assembly.
Downs, a native of a small village in Northwest Ohio, holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Ohio Dominican University and a Bachelor of Business Administration from The Ohio State University and Franklin University. Downs was appointed to the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) Committee on Funding and Finance in February of 2020.
Downs resides in Central Ohio with her family, including her boy/girl twins and doodles.
David Hamilton, Administrative/Presiding Judge, Akron Municipal Court
David Hamilton was born and raised in Akron, Ohio. He is a graduate of Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy and received his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and minors in Criminal Justice and Criminology from the University of Akron. Hamilton earned his Juris Doctorate at Western Michigan University.
Hamilton is a former Prosecutor and Judicial Attorney in Akron Municipal Court. He also served as the District 5 Summit County Councilman. As the Chair of Public Safety, Hamilton started and spearheaded the Summit County Jail Advisory Commission in 2017. Hamilton is also founder of the MY-STARS Summer Youth Enrichment Camp, designed for youth to gain exposure to “real world” skills and experiences needed for success in future planning for school and life. Hamilton also started the Greater Akron Small Business Summit, which is a network for start-up small businesses in Summit County to learn about the resources that are available to them.
Hamilton is currently serving his first term as the Akron Municipal Court Judge. Hamilton also serves as the Administrative/Presiding Judge. Hamilton created COMPASS (Compassion-Opportunity-Mentoring-Purpose-Achievement-Success and Stepping-forward), which is a court-sponsored program geared towards helping young men find their way by providing opportunities that foster personal and professional development. Hamilton is also the co-creator of Raising the Bar, which is a court-sponsored program geared towards creating a pipeline from high school to law school for minority high school students.
Hamilton is a board member of the Akron Zoo. He is also a class 34 graduate of Leadership Akron. Hamilton was awarded the BMe Genius Fellowship, Crain’s Cleveland Business Forty under 40, the Greater Akron Chamber’s 30 for the Future Award, and the Akron Urban League Rising Star Award.
Hamilton is passionate about helping people, and it is his desire to give back to his community.
Chavone Taylor Nash, M.A., Community & Pro Bono Programs Specialist, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association
Chavone Nash serves as the Community & Pro Bono Programs Specialist at the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (CMBA). In her capacity, she supports CMBA programs which serve historically underrepresented communities through access to legal supports and other wrap-around social services. In addition, Nash is a Doctoral Candidate at the University of Dayton, pursuing her Doctorate in Education in Organizational Leadership and Policy.
As a native Ohioan from East Cleveland, OH, she attended Alabama Agricultural and Mechanical University where she received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. Upon completing her degree, Nash returned to Cleveland. She immediately began work, obtaining her Master’s in Urban Studies from the University of Akron and began working with CHN Housing Partners, formerly Cleveland Housing Network. In her role, she assisted low- to moderate-income families become homeowners. After a few months with the organization, she played an integral role in developing a program to assist CHN residents ages 14-20. The Youth Services Program was developed to host workshops, programming, internships, and scholarships to assist CHN students with post-high school transition.
Her passion for civic engagement, community curation, and student success has been implemented through the services and projects she has aligned herself with. As a community change agent, Nash understands that educational and experiential investments must be aligned with the needs of the community served. She has exemplified this through her participation in numerous community program planning committees including Ohio’s largest High School Battle of the Bands; her service as a board member for local nonprofits focusing on post-high school success; volunteer service work; and navigating collaboration.
In addition to her community leadership efforts, Nash enjoys spending time with her extremely supportive family.
Joseph French, M.Ed., Chief Executive Officer, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health
Joe French has chosen to make his life’s mission to help children understand their today does not have to dictate their tomorrow. He is a life-long advocate for children and strives to help children discover and reach their full potential.
French’s previous roles include: classroom teacher, associate director of a protective child care center, director of an accredited early childhood development center, and executive director of a community-based early childhood initiative serving the Alliance community.
French is an active member of the Stark County community. He believes that you must do everything you can to make the world a better place, especially for children. French is a graduate of Leadership Stark County and serves on the boards of the Stark Library, JRC, Adventure Place Advisory Board, Leadership Stark County, Family Council of Stark County, Stark County Probate Court Advisory Council, Stark County Bar Association Grievance Review Committee, and Governor Dewine’s Early Childhood Advisory Council. French is also an elected councilman for Meyers Lake Village.
French has received several awards of distinction: Leadership Stark County’s 30 Faces of Leadership, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce’s YStark Twenty Under Forty, Ohio Association for the Education of Young Children’s Director of the Year, Ohio Department of Education’s Irene Bandy-Hedden Early Childhood Leadership Award, and United Way of Greater Stark County’s inaugural Dehoff Emerging Philanthropist Award.
French lives by the motto “we make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.”
French holds a bachelor’s degree from Kent State University in Elementary Education, a master’s degree from Ashland University in Early Childhood Education, and a certification from Harvard Business School: Center for Non-Profit Excellence in Strategic Perspectives in Non-profit Management.
French enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, great food, and a good shopping trip.
Taylor Manahan, Director of Advanced Mobility, Transportation Research Center Inc.
Ms. Taylor Manahan currently serves as the Director of the Advanced Mobility team at the Transportation Research Center Inc. (TRC Inc.). As Director, Manahan leads engineering and operations teams in the execution of research and analysis of automated and connected vehicles. Her team specializes in being on the cutting edge of advanced vehicle technologies and strives to bring those technologies safely and effectively to the public roads for consumers.
Prior to her role as Director, Manahan was Manager of Business Development and as such, provided concierge-style customer service to connect external clients to the internal services and solutions offered by TRC Inc. Additionally, Manahan also spent five years as a Research Engineer and Team Leader involved in advanced driver assistance system research and testing as a contractor for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) at the Vehicle Research and Test Center.
Manahan received her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Ohio Northern University as well as her MBA from Otterbein University.
Outside of work, Manahan enjoys spending her free time reading, spending time with her partner, Jordan, and their cat, and working out at her local CrossFit gym. Manahan currently holds a Level 2 CrossFit certificate and has a passion for coaching and supporting the members of their gym in reaching their fitness goals.
Amy Riegel, Executive Director, Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio
Riegel was selected to serve as Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio’s (COHHIO) Executive Director in June 2022 after serving as the Senior Director, Housing for managed care organization CareSource. At CareSource, she initiated and led the deployment of $50 million strategic investments in affordable housing across multiple states and helped to launch and replicate Healthy Beginnings at Home, a nationally recognized research study looking at the relationship between housing stability and healthy birth outcomes.
Reigel is an accomplished housing advocate with over 15 years of experience working with nonprofits and governmental entities, including the City of Dayton, where she provided policy leadership and designed programs in the areas of housing development, asset-based community development, community engagement, education, and homelessness. She serves on numerous boards in Ohio and nationally that are focused on poverty elimination, affordable housing, and neighborhood revitalization.
Riegel lives in Dayton with her husband and three daughters. She is a graduate of Wright State University. She loves attending sporting events, especially when her daughters or the University of Dayton Flyers are playing.
Mary Cannon, M.N.M., Director of AmeriCorps, ServeOhio
Mary Cannon is the Director of AmeriCorps with ServeOhio, Ohio’s Commission on Service and Volunteerism. For over a decade, she has worked to creatively engage, support and expand AmeriCorps service opportunities to alleviate some of Ohio’s most pressing education, health, economic and environmental challenges. In this time, Cannon has overseen the allocation of more than $60 million in federal funding to support local communities across the state. As an AmeriCorps alumnus, she has been involved with national service and civic engagement for more than twenty years. In addition, Cannon has served in multiple volunteer and board positions supporting a wide range of community organizations focused on voter education, community development, and student success.
Cannon holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University, a Master’s in Nonprofit Management from Regis University in Denver, Colorado and, most recently, obtained a Certificate in Monitoring and Evaluation from American University.
Cannon was raised in Dayton and moved back to Ohio in 2005. She currently lives in Bexley with her husband, son, and two lazy cats. She enjoys hiking, baking, yoga, reading, live music and laughing with her family and friends.
Clifton R. S. Williams III, Director of Public Affairs, Taft Advisors
Clifton Williams works with corporations, small and medium-sized companies, nonprofit organizations, and associations with matters before federal, state, and local legislative and executive branches of government. He advocates for clients in a wide range of policy matters before state legislative and executive agencies.
Prior to joining Taft Advisors, he served for over a decade as a senior level staffer to current Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Marcia L. Fudge in her congressional office. As one of Congresswoman Fudge’s key advisors, he was responsible for managing the staff, advising on both legislative and local issues, and assisting with the development and implementation of the Congresswoman’s strategic legislative agenda and outreach priorities.
Williams, a Shaker Heights native, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Religion and Black World Studies from Ohio Wesleyan University and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Black Church Studies from Ashland Theological Seminary. Williams currently serves on the boards of Global Cleveland and Engage Cleveland. He is also an active member of his church, Mt. Zion Fellowship in Highland Hills, Ohio and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
Ohilebo Prince Garuba, Executive Director, The Ohio Association Of Goodwill Industries
Ohilebo Prince Garuba is the Executive Director of the Ohio Association of Goodwill Industries. Before his role with Goodwill, Garuba earned his B.A. from The Ohio State University in Political Science with a minor in Sociology and Public Affairs and a certificate in Public Policy from the Harvard Kennedy School.
During his time at Ohio State, Garuba held many roles around public policy, from being a Policy Fellow at the Center for American Progress to an Economic Policy Fellow at the ICF, a global risk consulting firm in Fairfax, Virginia. Garuba has also worked in the State Legislature and for New Visions Group, which at the time, was the largest minority-owned lobbying firm in the state of Ohio.
As Executive Director for the Ohio Association of Goodwill Industries, Garuba handles all advocacy, lobbying, and government relations activities for the Association's coordinated collaborations between Goodwill members and external partners. Garuba is passionate about workforce development and economic development in underserved communities and is happy as a "Goodwillian" that he gets to help provide the power of work to the entire state of Ohio through his role. Outside his position, he loves reading, photography, and spending time with friends and family.
Michelle Blanton, University Registrar, Ohio Christian University
For almost 15 years, Michelle Blanton has worked at Ohio Christian University. Blanton started working in the College of Adult and Graduate Studies upon graduating with her Bachelor of Arts in Business from Ohio Christian University in 2008. After working in Student Services for eight years, Blanton became the Director of Admissions of the same division. In 2016, Blanton moved to the University Registrar’s Office as Associate Registrar. In this position she worked with students conducting graduation audits and planning the annual graduation ceremonies. From 2019-2022, Blanton served as the Director of Alumni Relations cultivating and stewarding relationships with previous students. Blanton returned to the University Registrar’s Office in 2022 as the University Registrar.
In addition to her involvement at the University, Blanton is very active in her community. She is a 2014 Pickaway Fellow and serves on a variety of local and statewide boards and committees. In 2017, Blanton was elected to Circleville City Council as an at-large member. She has been Chair of the Safety and Finance Committees. Blanton is a 2021 graduate of the JoAnn Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute and is running to be the next Mayor of Circleville in 2023.
Blanton lives in Circleville with Travis, her husband, Elijah, her son, and dog, Roxy. Watching basketball, singing and reading are a few of her hobbies.
LaRese Purnell, Managing Partner, CLE Consulting Firm
LaRese Purnell has 19 years of experience in business management, taxation, and finance. He is the current co-owner of Black Box Fix Restaurant located in Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio and the Managing Partner of CLE Consulting Firm, an Accounting, Tax and Payroll services company located in downtown Cleveland and one of the largest minority firms in Northeastern Ohio. He is a strong innovative financial and strategic leader with instinct and intellect, a formidable combination in the business world. He has served in executive positions, within leading businesses and financial departments within multi-million dollar for-profit and non-profit corporations.
Purnell received his MBA in Finance from the University of Toledo. He is currently pursuing his Master’s in Accountancy in Corporate Taxation from John Carroll University, with an expected completion date of Spring 2024.
Purnell is committed to the community and its residents, so he serves on several boards including YMCA of Greater Cleveland (Chair-Elect), The Cleveland Clinic South Pointe Hospital, Cleveland Public Library Foundation (Vice Chair), and Business Volunteers Unlimited (BVU). He is the current Chairman of the Board for Step Forward Today (formerly CEOGC), the largest community action agency in the state of Ohio, and was recently named the Co-Chair of the National Board of the Economic Empowerment Program of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc. based in Atlanta, GA. He is also a proud member of 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc.
Outside of work, Purnell stays busy spending time with his wife Rashaunda, sons (Gaven and Mace), and daughter (Gabbi), serving the community, playing sports, and traveling.
Stephanie I. Bosco, OhioCED, Executive Director, Lancaster Port Authority
Stephanie Bosco currently serves dual roles as the Executive Director for the Lancaster Port Authority and Economic Development Director for the City of Lancaster. Bosco oversees all aspects of economic development for the City of Lancaster, being guided with the mission to bring good-paying jobs to the city. No two days are ever alike.
Previously Bosco served as Economic Development Manager for the City of Grove City. Bosco’s primary responsibilities included creating and implementing a robust business retention and expansion plan. Bosco formed the Grove City Human Resources Committee to engage employers with workforce solutions to build a pipeline to workforce.
Bosco previously served as Assistant Director and Interim-Executive Director for Grow Licking County Community Improvement Corporation where Bosco led site selection visits, designed and implemented social media campaigns and communications designed to attract and retain businesses, and created lasting recognition of Licking County with developer-directed communication. Bosco managed active industrial projects and stood up a formal annual business retention and expansion plan.
Bosco started her economic development career in 2010 as Project Management Specialist for One Columbus, formerly known as Columbus 2020, the regional economic development organization for central Ohio. Among her responsibilities, Bosco managed site selection for region- and state-level leads and assisted local economic development organizations with site-readiness and redevelopment.
Bosco currently sits on boards for the City of Bexley Community Improvement Corporation, Ohio Economic Developers Association, Fairfield 33 Alliance, and the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission. In July of 2022, Bosco earned the Ohio Certified Economic Developer (OhioCED) credential.
Before moving to Columbus in 2003, Bosco graduated from the University of Cincinnati. Bosco currently lives in the City of Bexley with her husband and young daughter.
Robert Girton, Partner, Edgewater Capital Partners
Mr. Robert Girton is a partner at Edgewater Capital Partners, a private equity firm dedicated to unlocking potential in smaller performance materials companies in four target sectors: specialty chemicals, life science, advanced materials, and engineered components. Day-to-day, Girton works on originating, executing, and managing Edgewater’s investment opportunities and is currently on the board of Neograf Solutions, Pure Wafer Solutions, Prolytix, GL Chemtech International, and Evantic Performance Materials.
Girton's leadership at Edgewater extends beyond investing. As the chair of the firm's diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative, he is committed to creating a workplace culture that embraces and celebrates differences. His and the firm’s dedication to this cause has resulted in tangible progress, helping to ensure that Edgewater and its portfolio companies are places where everyone feels valued, empowered, and knows the potential impact of their work.
Girton is a committed lifelong learner. He has a B.S. in Corporate Finance from the University of Akron, an MBA from Case Western Reserve University, and a master’s degree in Positive Organizational Development & Change from Case Western Reserve University.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Girton remains grounded and dedicated to his family. He resides in Shaker Heights, Ohio, with his wife and two children, Ava and Theodore, where he hopes to continue to make a positive impact both in the community and in the business world.
Karl Dostal, CPA, CFP, Cincinnati Market Leader, Partner, MCM CPAs & Advisors
Karl Dostal is a Partner and the Cincinnati Market Leader at MCM CPAs & Advisors. MCM is a strategic advisory firm on a mission to help organizations of all sizes and structures through various industries. MCM provides a wide range of services, including traditional tax and audit offerings and advisory services developed to meet the ever-changing needs of our clients and help them reach their short- and long-term goals. MCM is a family of companies, including our partners at Meritrust Wealth Management, MCM HR Solutions, MCM Technology Solutions, and MCM Capital Markets Group, that provide a holistic approach to solving the problems of their clients.
As an expert in tax planning and business advisory, Dostal is able to serve as an unparalleled fixture for his clients. He has been essential in developing a CFO outsourcing practice, primarily in the medical profession. Dostal’s areas of expertise include tax planning, internal controls and accounting procedures, projections, research and compliance, financial statement preparation and forecasts, compensation agreements, merger and acquisition analysis, and general business advisory.
Dostal received his MBA with a taxation focus from Xavier University and his Bachelor of Business Administration at University of Cincinnati. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Certified Financial Planner (CFP).
In addition to serving as a Partner of MCM, Dostal is a member of several professional organizations and has received awards as a result for his dedication to the profession and his clients.
Jacqueline Opal, Chief People Officer, STV Incorporated
As STV’s Chief People Officer, Jacqueline Opal drives and executes the organization’s human resource strategy in support of the company’s overall business plan and its vision of creating a winning employee experience to attract, retain and develop talent. She also serves on STV’s executive committee. Opal has more than twenty years of operations and human resources (HR) experience in complex organizations, including in the architectural engineering and construction (AEC) industry and at a Fortune 500 company.
Opal joined STV after serving as Chief People Officer at a global leader in energy and environmental technologies and services for the power and industrial markets. Her expertise spans all facets of strategic human resources including compensation, benefits, talent acquisition and talent management, and employee and labor relations. She has an extensive background in supporting merger and acquisitions including human resources due diligence and post-acquisition integration efforts.
She has been an active supporter of the business community, including serving on the Team Northeast Ohio Talent Development Council, a Development Equity Council with key diversity and human resources leaders, and as a volunteer with the United Way and for other charitable causes and organizations.
She holds both a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Service Administration and an MBA from the University of Central Florida. She also earned Green Belt Six Sigma Certification.
Before moving to Ohio at the beginning of 2016, Opal lived and worked in central Florida. She enjoys reading, running, skiing, and spending time with family and friends, including her two children Jacob and Riley.
Neethi Johnson, Vice President, Consumer & Community Banking – Product, JPMorgan Chase
Neethi Johnson currently works in Digital for JPMorgan Chase. Her team’s work enables over 15 million customers to connect to money movement and personal finance apps like PayPal, Venmo, Mint, etc. Johnson is a double graduate of The Ohio State University, most recently receiving her MBA from the Fisher College of Business. She was most recently named to Columbus Business First’s 2022 ‘40 Under 40,’ Columbus CEO’s ‘Future 50’ list, and Columbus Young Professionals’ ‘Next Up Columbus’ cohort. In 2020, she was awarded The Ohio State University “William Oxley Thompson” young alumni award for her career and civic achievement and currently serves as a member of the Columbus Leadership Council.
Prior to business school, Johnson worked as Director of Business Development for Access Ohio, Ohio’s largest independently-owned mental and behavioral healthcare agency. She currently serves as President of Student Success Stores, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing free-of-cost hygiene items, school supplies, food, and clothing to students in need throughout Central Ohio.
Johnson was born in India and grew up in Dublin, Ireland before moving to the United States with her family. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, cooking, and exploring Columbus.
Elizabeth Pongracz Maiden, Executive Director, Erie County Community Foundation
Elizabeth Maiden came to Sandusky, Ohio to serve as the Executive Director of the Erie County Community Foundation (ECCF) in 2016. During her tenure, she has doubled the Foundation’s assets to nearly $37 million, worked with donors to create over 50 new funds, and led a $900,000 transformation of ECCF’s permanent home in a downtown nonprofit center. Maiden is most proud of ECCF’s work during COVID supporting other nonprofits who ramped up their work to feed and care for our most vulnerable neighbors. In recognition of her efforts, she was awarded the 2021 Visionary Leadership Award from the Erie County Economic Development Corporation.
Maiden, a graduate of Heidelberg and Case Western Reserve Universities, has devoted her career to the nonprofit and philanthropic sector. After stints at the American Red Cross and Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio, she worked for Nordson Corporation in their Foundation and the Community Foundation of Lorain County. Her role as President/CEO of Leadership Lorain County tapped into her desire to help nurture future leaders and encourage all to serve through community volunteerism, nonprofit board appointments, or elected office.
Maiden brings elements of her leadership development interest to her work at ECCF by serving as convener, advocate, and advisor to Erie County nonprofit directors. She currently serves as Governance Chair and Rebuilding Committee member for the Sandusky State Theatre, a landmark that was destroyed by a storm in 2020 and is in the midst of a $30 million rebuilding campaign. Her past board service includes Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio and the Oberlin Center for the Arts. A classically trained singer, Maiden attempts to find time in her life for music. She and her husband, Warren, reside in Amherst.
Brook Harless, Government Affairs Director, Stark Trumbull Area Realtors
After Brook Harless retired from the Army, she graduated from several leadership academies, including the Stark County Signature Program, Stark County Government Leadership Academy, Stark County Citizen Police Academy, American Legion Extension Institute, and Grassroots Leadership Academy Level I and II. She holds two Bachelor of Arts degrees from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor in English and History and an associate’s degree from Central Texas College.
Harless was inducted into the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame and the YWCA Women’s Hall of Fame. She is a recipient of Stark County's 20 under 40, United Way’s Volunteer of the Year, and Army Achievement Medals. Most recently, she was named Ohio's Mother of the Year and National Military Mother of the Year. Harless works tirelessly on behalf of her community as the Veteran and Community Liaison for Arrow Passage Recovery, Concerned Veterans of America’s Strike Team Leader, Rotary Club of Plain Township Past President, Military Women Across the Nation Executive Board, American Red Cross Services to Armed Forces caseworker and Disaster Action Team member, Ohio Veterans Coalition Co-Chair and on the Stark County Veterans Task Force. Harless’ volunteerism extends to the community at large through both the American Red Cross and Stark County Hunger Task Force Executive Board of Directors, N. Canton Chamber Board of Directors, Plain Twp. Historical Society, and the Coalition of Large Ohio Urban Townships Executive Committee.
She brings a background of public policy and political experience by not only being a Plain Township Trustee but as a citizen, working side by side to advocate priorities on pending legislation and educate elected officials and key stakeholders that affect our communities as the Government Affairs Director for Stark Trumbull Area Realtors, all the while raising her 3 boys: Mason, Brantley, and Weston with her husband, Steve.
Darrell Butler, P.E., General Manager Ohio, Burns & McDonnell
As General Manager of Burns & McDonnell’s Ohio offices, Darrell Butler leads a team of over 150 engineers, architects, designers, and environmental professionals. The Ohio offices serve the energy, water, commercial, and industrial industries supporting critical infrastructure projects in the region and beyond. He oversees operations, staffing, sales, marketing, financials, and quality control across all business units. He is also responsible for directing philanthropy and building the brand in the region. In addition, Butler currently serves as the President of the Columbus Association of Blacks in Energy and a board member of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Executive Challenge.
Butler, a native of Bedford Heights, OH, holds a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Washington University in St Louis. He is a registered Professional Engineer and a Certified Project Management Professional.
Prior to relocating back to Ohio in 2017, Butler held several roles within Burns & McDonnell including engineering design, construction oversight, project and program management, business development, and department management across several industries.
Butler is married to wife Jackie and has three very active boys (Benjamin, Oliver, and Miles). Butler resides in Dublin, Ohio and enjoys cooking, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Ryan Schmidt, Founder & CEO, SKYCATCHFIRE
Ryan Schmidt is the founder and CEO of SKYCATCHFIRE, a web and app development studio headquartered in Canton, Ohio with employees in four states. He graduated in 2005 from Perry High School in Massillon and bypassed college to start SKYCATCHFIRE in 2009. He’s responsible for the company vision and leads new business efforts while working closely with the team to develop software that solves problems for companies both locally and across the country.
Schmidt is most interested in building creative software solutions. His unique combination of business acumen and technical expertise enables him to distill problems into objectives that can be accomplished through software. By working with many different types of businesses, Schmidt has experience across a wide array of industries.
Today Schmidt lives in Massillon, Ohio with his lovely wife Jessica and their three children (Caitlyn, Emily, and Zane) who keep them busy with sports, horseback riding, and band. He’s a member of Entrepreneurs’ Organization Cleveland, Hampton, and serves on the board of the United Way of Greater Stark County. Outside of work, Schmidt is interested in electric vehicles, cryptocurrency, home automation, grilling, and Cleveland sports.
Julianne Bedel, Director, Medina County District Library
As Director of the Medina County District Library (MCDL), Julianne Bedel is dedicated to improving the quality of life for all in Medina County by empowering individuals to be lifelong learners. Bedel received her Bachelor of Arts in Business and Organizational Communication from the University of Akron and her Master’s of Library and Information Science from Kent State University. She is currently an Ohio Library Council (OLC) certified public librarian.
Bedel has worked in various library roles since her youth. Initially a Student Assistant at her neighborhood branch of Akron/Summit County Public Library, she progressed through support staff roles and eventually moved to the Wadsworth Public Library as Outreach Services Manager where she learned to drive a bookmobile. She later spent more than a decade as Director of the Barberton Public Library where she developed a great relationship with the Board of Trustees, shepherded several renovation projects, and coordinated two successful levy initiatives. She joined MCDL in 2018 as the Assistant Director and was named Director in February 2020...just in time for the pandemic.
Bedel believes part of the strength of Ohio’s public libraries comes from regional and state-wide cooperation. She was elected by OLC members to their Board of Directors through 2025. Cleveland Public Library implemented a return on investment (ROI) study on its CLEVNET consortium in 2022. The study found that they are supplying an astonishing 19:1 return on investment for patrons. Bedel has been active at CLEVNET member libraries for many years and was elected to serve on the CLEVNET leadership panel through 2024.
An Akron native, Bedel currently lives with her husband, Michael, in Spencer Township with an assortment of horses, dogs, and cats.
Dennis Kennedy, Commissioner of Urban Beautification, City of Toledo
Dennis Kennedy is accountable for the delivery of public services which have a direct impact on the quality of life for city of Toledo residents. He oversees the programming and strategies for maintenance on all city owned parcels, platted green spaces, residential properties, as well as public right-of-way spaces, streetscapes, and demolition work. Kennedy was appointed by Mayor Michael P. Bell in 2012 as the Manager of the Division of Code Enforcement. In 2018 he was appointed by Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz as Commissioner of Code Enforcement, and most recently, was appointed as the Commissioner of Urban Beautification in 2021.
In addition to his servant leadership for the city of Toledo, Kennedy has served as a board member of Keep Toledo/Lucas County Beautiful, with leadership on the Executive Committee as the Chair of the Board from 2020-2022, and Vice-Chair from 2018-2020. He is a graduate of the International City/County Management Association’s Professional Development Academy in 2021, and was awarded the rank of Eagle Scout by the Boy Scouts of America in 1999. He was recognized by Keep Ohio Beautiful with a Civic/Non-Profit Organization Award for the Clean Toledo Recycling Program, with which he played, and continues to play, a key role in the development and implementation of this annual program for Toledo residents.
In his free time, Kennedy enjoys traveling and recreational running. He has completed fifteen (15) marathons, countless half-marathons and various other races, and is a three (3) time ultra-Ragnar finisher. He is a University of Cincinnati and University of Toledo alumni, and resides in northwest Ohio with his wife Casey and two (2) daughters.
Vanessa A. Glotfelter, P.E., Director of Engineering, The Montgomery County Transportation Improvement District
Vanessa Glotfelter currently serves as the Director of Engineering for the Montgomery County Transportation Improvement District (MCTID). MCTID is engaged with projects at the request of other Montgomery County governments to improve safety, increase mobility, and build connectivity in local communities, while stimulating economic development and enhancing the quality of life throughout the region.
Glotfelter received her Bachelor’s of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Cincinnati and is a registered Professional Engineer in Ohio. With 20+ years in the architectural/engineering industry, Glotfelter has experience in transportation design, project development & execution, strategic planning, business development, talent recruitment, mentoring and management. She has performed roadway design projects for clients including the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and other municipal and federal agencies.
Currently residing in Miamisburg with her husband Dave and two sons, Glotfelter is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and the National Society of Professional Engineers, as well as a member of the Built Environment Advisory Board for Sinclair College. In addition to being recently elected as Chair of the Miamisburg Planning Commission, she is Past-President of the Dayton Society of Professional Engineers, and she chairs the Executive Women’s Council for the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce.
Chad Downing, Principal, Downing Community Advisors
Chad Downing is a partner in the family-owned and operated community and economic development consulting firm, Downing Community Advisors (DCA). After graduating from Wittenberg University, Downing had the opportunity to join forces with his father to create a consulting firm to work with small- to medium-sized communities in Ohio facing housing, community, and economic development challenges from the Great Recession. In doing so, Downing followed in the footsteps of his family to work in roles to serve the communities in which we live and work and the motto of his alma mater, “having light we pass it on to others.”
Since forming DCA, Downing has worked across Ohio with a focus on Western Ohio. With an emphasis on working with land banks and community improvement corporations, Downing has spent his working career supporting communities struggling with vacancy, blight, and distressed real estate. A primary client for DCA over the past ten years has been the city of Trotwood and the Trotwood Community Improvement Corporation (TCIC). In 2019, DCA was hired to serve as the Executive Director of the TCIC, under Downing’s direction, overseeing all economic and community development activities for Trotwood. Some other communities and non-profits DCA has served include Allen County, Lima, Riverside, Marion, and LADD.
Downing is also proud to serve on the “Friends of Aullwood” board of directors, which supports the Aullwood Audubon Nature Center & Farm in north Montgomery County.
Downing received a bachelor’s degree in Political Science with minors in East Asian Studies and Geography from Wittenberg University (2013) in Springfield, Ohio.
Downing, a native of Wapakoneta, Ohio, currently resides in Columbus, where he enjoys spending time with family and friends, working in his pottery studio, playing on an amateur soccer team, and staying active with outdoor activities.
Elizabeth Curtis, Regional Facilitator of School Improvement for English Language Learners, Educational Service Center of Central Ohio
Elizabeth Curtis has worked in public education for seventeen years, having most recently served as the District English Language (EL) Coordinator for Pickerington Local Schools. In this role she oversaw the district’s K-12 EL programming including, but not limited to, compliance, administration, family engagement, managing Title III and immigrant budgets, data and assessment, EL educational technology, and professional development of staff. Curtis also has worked in the Miami-Dade County Public Schools in Florida. She has served as a classroom teacher, International Baccalaureate coordinator, educational consultant for an international organization, and gifted coordinator.
Curtis holds a bachelor's degree in International Business, a Master’s in Public Administration and a Master’s in Educational Leadership.
Curtis is married to husband Ryan, has three children (two sons and a daughter - Sebastian, Liam, and Sophia) and her nephew (Chris). She also has two shih tzu’s (Ollie and Dexter).
Curtis resides in Delaware, OH, and enjoys the outdoors, traveling, great food, art and spending time with her family and dogs.
Sharon Perkins, Director of Opportunity Development, Clean Energy, The Babcock & Wilcox Company
Sharon Perkins is the Director of Opportunity Development for Clean Energy at The Babcock & Wilcox Company (B&W), a global leader in decarbonization, energy and environmental technologies and services for the power and industrial markets. Utilizing her 18 years of experience with B&W, she leads the process from opportunity identification through booking, ensuring appropriate win strategies are set and followed while evaluating the overall pipeline to ensure financial success. She is also at the forefront with the team bringing new and exciting decarbonization technologies to market. Perkins leads the Women’s Employee Resource Group (ERG) as the current chairperson at B&W, an employee-led group aimed to connect, empower and inspire women within the organization, while bringing awareness to the need for diversity, equity and inclusion as it relates to business success.
Perkins holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Clarkson University (Potsdam, NY) and an MBA in International Business from the University of Akron. When not working, Perkins enjoys time with her husband and three children - Samuel (8), Alexis (6), and Elizabeth (6). Watching football (Go Bucks!), Disney, running, riding the Peloton, singing and reading are her current favorite hobbies.
Lynanne Gutierrez, Esq., Chief Operating & Policy Officer, Groundwork Ohio
As Chief Operating & Policy Officer, Lynanne Gutierrez provides organizational, financial and resource development, operations, human resource, and staff management leadership. Gutierrez executes Groundwork Ohio’s strategic vision including the implementation of Groundwork’s policy agenda, priorities, and strategies through effective external relations, communications, advocacy, and research. A nonprofit leader and early childhood policy expert, she oversees the implementation of the organization’s policy agenda in consideration of best practices, data analysis, family voice, stakeholder and coalition engagement, strategic communications, and Ohio’s political landscape. During a period of incredible growth at Groundwork, Gutierrez has built and supported foundational infrastructure for the organization including the Ohio Early Childhood Race and Rural Equity project, the Ready, Set Soar Ohio Coalition, the Early Childhood Data Dashboard, Groundwork’s three “centers of excellence” focused on early learning, maternal and young child health, and family voice, and the organization’s transition to a standalone nonprofit. Her work is focused on building a movement that prioritizes the needs of every young child in the state.
Gutierrez previously worked for Voices for Ohio Children. Prior to her public policy work, Gutierrez was in private law practice for five years. She focused on child and family law, serving some of central Ohio’s most vulnerable children and families. It was during this time that it became clear to her that to best serve children and families, more emphasis must be placed on prevention and systemic change. Before becoming an attorney, Gutierrez served as a Senior Legislative Aide in the Ohio Senate. Gutierrez has a bachelor’s degree from The Ohio State University and a Juris Doctorate from Capital Law School.
Gutierrez lives in Columbus, Ohio with her husband, Anthony, and two young boys, Gabe (4) and Arlo (1) who are the preeminent early childhood experts in her household.
Sam Melden, Chief Communications and External Affairs Officer, Toledo Regional Transit Authority
Sam Melden serves as Chief Communications and External Affairs Officer at the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA). In this role Sam is proud to work with a dynamic team of transit professionals who are dedicated to transforming TARTA in order to provide the level of transit access Toledo area residents deserve.
In addition to his role at TARTA, Melden also serves as a member of Toledo City Council. Elected in 2019, Melden represents the citizens of District 5 on Toledo City Council, and also serves as the Chair of the Streets, Public Service, and Utilities committee. Melden’s role on Council, as well as his work at TARTA, are rooted in a deep desire to serve his community. For many years prior, this dedication to community was seen in his role in various non-profits throughout Toledo. From food insecurity to leadership development; healthcare to disability rights, Melden has been fortunate to serve in many different roles furthering the common good.
Melden holds a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree from The University of Toledo. He and his wife Lindsey stay busy with their three children (13, 11, & 7), supported by an incredible group of close friends and family nearby. When he isn’t working, or spending time with the people he loves, Melden would rather do nothing more than enjoy a game he has played for over 25 years: golf. And, like almost anything else, when he is going to golf it needs to be accessible, local, and meaningful. So, he prefers to play on Toledo’s oldest municipal course, and in fact the oldest public course west of New York City, Ottawa Park Golf Course.
Diana Welling, M.H.P., Department Head & Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer for Resource Protection & Review, State Historic Preservation Office, Ohio History Connection
Diana Welling has worked in Historic Preservation for over twenty years in Ohio. Since 2016 she has overseen the administration of the Resource Protection & Review Department at the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) as the Department Head & Deputy State Historic Preservation Officer. In her role at SHPO, she works with state and federal agencies as well as the public to help advocate for the preservation of significant cultural resources throughout Ohio.
Prior to working at the Ohio History Connection, Welling worked as an Architectural Historian and Project Manager for Lawhon & Associates, Inc. and has owned her own historic preservation consulting firm. Prior community involvement includes the Childhood League, the Columbus School for Girls Alumnae Board, and she served on the Uptown Westerville Review Board.
Welling holds a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University and a Master’s of Heritage Preservation from Georgia State University in Atlanta. A Columbus native, Welling currently lives in Westerville with her husband, Mark, and their three kids (Luke, Henry & Caroline).
Frankie Morales, Supervisor AMI & Support, AEP OHIO
As Supervisor of AEP Ohio, Frankie Morales leads a group of analysts on the adoption of smart technology throughout AEP’s service territory. Morales and his team use advance data to help make operational decisions that help with the overall customer experience.
Morales received his B.S. in Business Management from Ohio Dominican University.
Morales was born and raised in Long Beach, California and moved to Ohio when his father retired from the Army. Outside of work, Morales spends all his time with his wife and four kids. Morales is a volunteering dad that helps at his kids’ school whenever possible. When Morales gets free time, he enjoys playing fantasy football and reading.
Frank Favaro, President, ServeCentric Coaching
Frank Favaro is an entrepreneur, business coach, and President of ServeCentric Coaching in Munroe Falls, OH.
At the beginning of 2021, Favaro left his career as one of the nation's top Account Executives in the mechanical contracting industry to start his own consulting business. With no customers, money, or consulting background, Favaro has become the go-to customer experience consultant in the mechanical industry. Favaro serves the Mechanical Contractors Association of America and is the Customer Experience (CX) Educator for the National Education Initiative. In addition, Favaro was named 2022 CX Coach of the Year at the world-renowned Customer Service Revolution Conference.
Favaro specializes in working with companies to teach and coach the systems utilized by world-class businesses such as The Ritz Carlton, Chik-fil-A, and Starbucks to help them raise the bar and set the standard in customer experience. He is also a speaker and customer experience facilitator for the National Education Initiative, which supports The Mechanical Contractors Association of America (MCAA) and Canada.
Favaro serves approximately 2,600 firms' unique needs in heating, air conditioning, refrigeration, plumbing, piping, and mechanical service. In addition to his coaching business, Favaro hosts The People Business podcast, which focuses on improving connections and relationships personally and professionally.
Favaro recognizes the hurdles businesses are up against and is committed to helping them win by growing and investing in the customer experience. Favaro was an Ohio State wrestling finalist and captain of the 1996 state and national championship Walsh Jesuit Wrestling team. Favaro uses those experiences to help his clients go to the next level.
Dan Sublett, President, J.W. Didado
Dan Sublett is the President of J.W. Didado. He was newly promoted as president in 2022.
He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil and Construction Engineering from Youngstown State University in 2007 as well as a Master of Business Administration degree from Malone University in 2013. In addition to his formal education, Sublett also holds certifications as a Project Management Professional and Engineer in Training (EIT). In 2014, he completed the Civil Engineer Officer Course at Wright Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio.
Sublett began his career working for a large investor-owned utility where he developed his foundational knowledge of electrical infrastructure design and construction. After five years working directly for a utility, he took on the role as a lead project manager for a global engineering, procurement, and construction contractor. In this position, he led many high-profile projects involving large renewable developers as well as high-profile clients such as Google and The University of Arizona.
He joined J.W. Didado in 2013 as a project manager, overseeing a portfolio of work in excess of $200M annually. Throughout his career with J.W. Didado, he has provided leadership and support for the company’s growth and success.
In addition to his professional responsibilities, he is a Captain in the Ohio Air National Guard. He has served in various leadership capacities for nineteen years in the military as both an enlisted member and officer. During this time he has been a part of numerous overseas missions in different capacities which has contributed to the development of his leadership skills and growth.
In his spare time, Sublett enjoys time with his family as well as traveling, hiking, golfing, working on outdoor construction projects and coaching T-Ball and soccer.