Leadership Ohio Announces Class of 2020

Leadership Ohio has selected 33 Leaders for the Class of 2020. The program enables outstanding individuals to cross sectors and interests, elevating their knowledge, perspective and connections from a community to a state-wide level. The highly competitive program partners change-makers working at high levels of public, private and community service to achieve new impact in Ohio, making our state the best place to live and work.

“This year’s class is an impressive team of entrepreneurs, innovators and movement-builders committed to using their talents to give back to our state,” said Dr. Lisa Duty, Executive Director, Leadership Ohio. “Even as we acknowledge the difficulty and pain so many Ohioans are facing during the current pandemic, we know 2020 will be extraordinary. Together we see compelling opportunities ahead to shape a better, safer and more just future.”

Among this year’s inductees are a combat veteran deployed twice in support of the Global War on Terrorism; the manager of a research fund designed to stimulate innovative responses to Ohio’s addiction epidemic; the CEO of one of the 10 largest housing authorities in the country; the current Ohio Inspector General; a Mayor, and a City Councilman-- who in 2019 made history as the first Bhutanese American to be elected to public office in the United States-- and so many more.

“The credentials and experiences of these leaders are second to none,” said Nan Baker, President, Leadership Ohio. “We anticipate transformational collaboration and a new zenith of service to state and community.”

Across 2020, Leaders will:

  • Meet and interact with influential business, community and elected officials in the state;

  • Explore challenges and opportunities facing Ohio and its people;

  • Learn about various issues with a recognized group of experts, educators and insiders;

  • Create impact with other leaders who are dedicated to service, and,

  • Discover new inspiration: shaping how they will impact the world well into the future.

This year's program will launch virtually on May 15-16 and culminate with graduation in November.

 

Announcing the Leadership Ohio Class of 2020 

Michael S. Allio, Founder and President, Saint James Therapeutics, MA Workwear, LLC, The L4 Project

Michael S. Allio graduated from Loyola University Chicago’s School of Marketing Communications in 2006. Since graduation, Allio has developed a successful and tenured track record of leading sales teams, bringing new products to market and giving back to his community. Within the past six years, Allio has built three new start-up businesses within the health care, eCommerce and non-profit sectors. In addition, Allio has developed a deep passion for supporting community-based services and social causes within the Greater-Akron area. 

In 2017, Allio’s wife Laura Ritter-Allio was diagnosed with breast cancer just seven months after giving birth to their first and only child, James. After a long and courageous battle, Laura passed away on January 23rd, 2019. In an effort to preserve his wife’s legacy, Allio created The L4 Project, a socially conscious clothing brand which raises money for local nonprofits through the sale of merchandise and apparel. The brand recently launched its first major collaboration with The Boys & Girls Club of Western Reserve and has received both local and national attention. 

In 2018, Allio and his wife Laura began laying the foundation for a new venture, Saint James Therapeutics, which seeks to develop novel remedies and consumer-based products aimed at offsetting the painful side effects associated with commonly prescribed chemotherapy treatments. Saint James Therapeutics is set to begin their first clinical trial by the end of 2020 with continued aspirations of developing hyper focused solutions that ease a cancer patients journey from diagnosis to complete remission. 

In 2019, Allio was awarded with the Greater Akron Chamber of Commerce’s “30 For The Future” Award for his outstanding work as a business leader, entrepreneur and influential trendsetter within the industry. 

Allio currently resides in Copley, Ohio with his 3-year old son, James. He is the 2020 recipient of the Leadership Ohio Ian Schwarber Memorial Scholarship.

Sierra J. Austin, Ph.D., Regional School Improvement Coordinator for Diversity & Equity, Educational Service Center of Central Ohio

Dr. Sierra J. Austin is a graduate of the Department of Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) at The Ohio State University, with a focus on race and social justice. She also graduated with an interdisciplinary specialization in Latino/a Studies. Her research, activism and work focuses on education equity.

Austin’s most recent publications appear in Souls: A Critical Journal of Black Politics, Culture, and Society and Frontiers: A Journal of Women’s Studies, respectively. She is the recipient of several grants awarded by the National Women’s Studies Association, OSU’s WGSS Department, the Council of Graduate Students, the Office of Diversity & Inclusion, and the University of Texas at San Antonio. She has presented original research both domestically and abroad, including in Spain and various parts of the UK.

Austin received a B.A. in Communications from Wilberforce University (the nation’s oldest private historically Black university), and an M.A. in Women’s Studies from OSU. She has also studied at the University of Westminster in London, England. Austin has held teaching appointments at OSU, where she was nominated for an Outstanding Faculty Award, and Purdue University Fort Wayne. Her current appointment is in the Writing, Literature and Philosophy Department at Columbus College of Art & Design, where she teaches African American Literature. 

In the K-12 space, Austin has designed and taught curriculum for social justice elective course offerings and has served as a consultant for several equity and empowerment programs. She also served as Director of Leadership and Inclusion Programs at YWCA Columbus. Austin currently serves as Regional School Improvement Coordinator for Diversity & Equity at the Educational Service Center of Central Ohio.

Austin is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated, the Wilberforce University Alumni Association, the YWCA Columbus Alumni Committee, as well as the IMPACT Safety Advisory Board. She serves on the board of directors for the Women’s Fund of Central Ohio, and CHOICE (Center for Humane Options in Childbirth Experience), and was recently named a Deloitte/JP Morgan Chase “Rising Star,” a recognition for up-and-coming female leaders in Central Ohio.  

She currently lives in Columbus with her partner Don and one-year-old daughter, Ryleigh.

Devan W. Benjamin, Practice Management Supervisor, Memorial Health System

During his five-year tenure at Memorial Health System, Benjamin has had front-line and leadership roles. While pursuing his undergraduate degree in management and marketing at West University at Parkersburg, he was a front-line staff member in the courier department and quickly transitioned into a leadership role. He began supervising eight staff members and grew the department to twelve. He oversaw transportation logistics of the medical laboratory for the health system to include two hospitals, three campuses, and many outlying ambulatory clinics. He focused on streamlining processes and gaining efficiencies using tools such as LEAN.

In his current role as practice management supervisor, Benjamin oversees three ambulatory outpatient practices consisting of nine providers and nearly twenty front-line staff members. His daily duties include human resource management, physician relations, patient flow, clinical quality excellence, and revenue cycle initiatives.  A current management project that Benjamin is focused on is closing care gaps and care coordination as part of a multidisciplinary panel called a Quality Collaborative Team.

Benjamin has lived in the Marietta area for most of his life and enjoys the river town and outdoor activities with his Golden Retriever, Thor. He also enjoys giving back to the community by volunteering his time to the Memorial Health Foundation events, Hunger Solutions, and the Marietta Community Meal volunteer group.

Krystal Burke, Vice President of Business Development, Eastway Behavioral Health

As the Vice President of Business Development for Eastway Behavioral Health, Krystal Burke is responsible for creating and proactively seeking out opportunities for program and service expansion.  In this role, Burke has been a driving force in developing strategic partnerships in order to fulfill organizational objectives. As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, she has taken the mission and put it in motion—from property acquisition and hands-on construction project management, to program development and implementation, Burke has overseen multiple start-ups across the region to expand the agency’s service capacity.  Burke entered the behavioral health field eight years ago, and in that time Eastway has evolved from a Community Mental Health Center, to one of the largest behavioral healthcare providers in the state, with more than four-hundred staff serving twenty-two-hundred adults, and over a thousand children and families across the state and beyond. Eastway has grown from $18M in annual revenue to more than $30M at the close of the next fiscal year, demonstrating the agency’s commitment to adapting and responding to the growing needs of the region through our breadth of services. 

Prior to entering the behavioral healthcare field, Burke held a series of financial management positions in the banking industry.  She holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Lincoln Memorial University and a Master of Public Administration from Valdosta State University.  Her background in business and finance has provided a foundation for evaluating opportunities and building sustainable program models. Since joining Eastway, Burke has earned a Master of Science in Social Administration from Case Western University and become a Licensed Social Worker, which has provided the optimal balance between fiscal and programmatic responsibility.   

Burke is enthusiastic about the opportunity to connect with active organizational and community leaders in order to leverage resources to make a greater impact in the communities we serve.  She is passionate about reaching those among us who are underserved and often overlooked, but in the greatest need of help.  

Donald L. Bush, Employee Relations Advisor, Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley

Donald Bush is a skilled public speaker, trainer, facilitator, and coach with a passion for helping individuals strengthen, enhance, and empower their personal selves.  As a lifelong learner, Donald studied Early Childhood Education at Sinclair Community College, and earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in Organizational Management from Wilberforce University.  He also holds certifications in several areas, most recently earning Adult Mental Health First Aid and Crime Prevention Specialist certifications.

Donald currently serves as the Employee Relations Advisor for Goodwill Easterseals Miami Valley.  In this role, Donald has the opportunity to coach, motivate, and counsel more than 1,200 employees, of which more than 50% have a disclosed disability.  He also connects the employees to appropriate in-house and area resources in an effort to help them grow, maintain active employment, have their basic needs met, and engage with full inclusion in the life of the community.

Donald is also an enthusiastic and passionate volunteer for several organizations throughout the Dayton community in the areas of Social Justice, the Arts, Education, and Youth Outreach.  He volunteers with the Dayton Police Department, The Victoria Theatre Association and the Performing Arts, ThinkTV (PBS), Leadership Dayton, and the City of Dayton and its neighborhoods.

Christian Campbell, Infrastructure and Support Services Manager, Columbus City Schools

Campbell is the Infrastructure and Support Services Manager for the Columbus City School district, where he has served the students and staff for the past 23 years. During his tenure, Campbell has helped oversee the growth of educational technology in the district from a single computer in the library, to the 50,000 plus devices connecting the students to a world of possibilities today.  In his current role, Campbell oversees a hard working team of 45 supporting the servers, network, phones, and end point computing devices in 120 plus school and admin buildings in the district.

Campbell is passionate about serving and advocating for public school education.  He also strives to be a valuable member of his community. Whether it is helping out with his son’s cub scout pack or hosting a weekly movie night during the summer for the families in his neighborhood, he truly enjoys the sense of community.

Campbell is a native of Columbus, Ohio and currently lives in Worthington, Ohio with his wife Julie, 6th grade daughter Annie and 4th grade son Henry.

Alyse Clark, Director of Secondary Curriculum, Columbus City Schools

With great passion, Alyse Clark has served as an educator for more than twenty-four years.  As the Director of Secondary Curriculum, Clark leads with a vision of excellence and equity for all children by working collaboratively to create systems that are designed to provide high quality learning experiences for all students, while supporting and building the capacity of educators.

Prior to joining Columbus City Schools, Clark served Akron Public Schools as a Social Studies teacher, Instructional Coach, and Administrator.  During her tenure with APS, Clark was awarded the district's Teacher of the Year award in 2000 and 2015. Clark is the only teacher in the system to be awarded this honor twice.  Clark has also been awarded the Shining Apple Award and was recognized by the Parent Teacher Association for distinctive service.

Clark has served among the national leadership in youth and currently in women's ministry in her church.  Clark has also served the local congregation in music ministry for over thirty years.

Clark received her Bachelor's degree in Secondary Education and Master's degree in Educational Administration from the University of Akron.  Clark resides in Columbus with her husband Tyrone and two youngest daughters Symone and Rylee.

Kathy Day, RN, OCN, MSN, Nurse Manager, University Hospitals

Kathy Day currently works at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio. As UHPS Nurse Manager, she manages the Ambulatory area to ensure adherence to scope of evidence-based practice, process improvement and management of the Medical Assistant Float pool. Previous to this position, she was the Inpatient Nurse Manager for Solid Organ Transplant and General Surgery. Kathy has over 28 years of nursing experience and working in many specialty areas such as Orthopedics, Palliative Medicine and Oncology.

Day has a Master’s Degree in Nursing with a concentration in Healthcare Management from Kent State University and a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Ursuline College. She has had her Certification in Oncology Nursing since 2007.

Day is also Secretary for American Croatian Association of Professionals (ACAP) and has been membership chair for the Cleveland Chapter International Transplant Society and President and Treasurer for the Cleveland Chapter Oncology Nursing Society.  

She was born and raised in Ohio and has been married for 28 years with 2 adult children.

Mark Griffin, Inspector General, Cuyahoga County

Mark Griffin serves as Cuyahoga County’s Inspector General and Chief Ethics Officer.  The Agency of the Inspector General has a staff of attorneys, certified fraud examiners, and data specialists who investigate waste, fraud and abuse in County Government. Since becoming Inspector General in 2015, Griffin and the AIG have identified over $7 million in challenged costs, referred more than a dozen cases for criminal law enforcement review, and provided pro-active ethics training to more than 5,000 public employees.     

The United States Department of State now coordinates visits of international delegations to Cuyahoga County to understand the County’s response to public corruption, transparency and accountability.  In 2019, Griffin was awarded the Citizen Diplomat of the Year by the Cleveland Council on World Affairs.

Griffin has a Masters’ Degree in Public Policy from Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government; a law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania.  Griffin worked as an Intern for a Conservative member of British Parliament, and served two years as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Cameroon, West Africa building schools, supporting small economic development projects and promoting community development.

Priyam Chokshi, Director of Community & Legislative Strategies, CelebrateOne, Mayor’s Office, City of Columbus

Priyam Chokshi is the Director of Community and Legislative Strategies for CelebrateOne, a place-based, collective-impact initiative in the Mayor’s Office to reduce infant mortality and improve health equity in Columbus and Franklin County.

Before devoting her work full-time to Celebrate One, Chokshi served as a policy advisor to Mayor Andrew J. Ginther and worked to create Kiva Columbus, the Columbus Women’s Commission and engaged in social and economic programs and policies to improve the lives of residents in the City of Columbus.

Chokshi has also served as a legislative aide for Columbus City Council. She joined City Council in September 2010 and was responsible for legislative analysis, public policy research, communications, community engagement and public relations.

Chokshi is an alumna of the YWCA Gen Y Leadership Program, the Leadership Columbus Signature Program, the Tony Wells Foundation Social Impact Investing Executive Education program and the New Leaders Council. Chokshi currently serves on the regional board of the Children’s Hunger Alliance.

Chokshi graduated from George Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in International Affairs and is currently pursuing her master’s degree at Harvard University.

Chokshi has a passion for public service and remains committed to making government work for all people. Chokshi is a transplant from Cleveland and has been living in downtown Columbus for over 10 years. Chokshi believes it’s the best city to work, play and live.

Anthony Gatto, Executive Director, Arts & College Preparatory Academy

Anthony Gatto was on the founding staff of the Arts & College Preparatory Academy (ACPA) in 2002, and has been the school leader since 2010, currently in the role of Executive Director.  ACPA is an independent charter school in Columbus, serving students in grades 7 through 12 (artcollegeprep.org).  

Under Gatto’s leadership, ACPA has a mission and vision based on safety, acceptance and inclusivity, top state report card ratings, rigorous academic, a comprehensive arts program, and a student body that is valued and included regardless of race, gender, gender expression, class, or sexual orientation. This is all due to Gatto’s autonomous style of leadership, which has created an environment where students and staff have a voice in high-level decision-making.  

Gatto believes that schools have a responsibility to teach students the importance of diversity, and that students and school staff need to be able to understand, respect and learn from each other.  He states, “I am in a position to foster and enact progressive educational philosophies and practices that have the capacity to make school safer and more inclusive for all students, and I take that responsibility and privilege seriously.”

Gatto has a B.A. in Journalism from Miami University and a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership from the University of Cincinnati.  Gatto was recognized as the 2016 School Leader of the Year by the Ohio Alliance for Public Charter Schools and a 2016 GLSEN Educator of the Year Honor Roll member. Gatto is also currently the Education At Large Commissioner and Treasurer for the Greater Southeast Area Neighborhood Commission in Columbus.  

Lydia Gray, Manager of University Relations, Bon Secours Mercy Health

Gray has been a Talent Acquisition Professional with Bon Secours Mercy Health (formerly Mercy Health) since 2013. She has been working in the Human Resources (HR) field since 2003, taking a brief hiatus to work with inner city students in the world of charter school education. Gray’s HR expertise focuses primarily on talent acquisition, learning and development, and HR Generalist and Project Management work.

In her most recent role as Manager of University Relations for Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH), Gray is responsible for the strategic development and implementation of the system-wide university recruitment and relations program. Over the course of the past few years with BSMH, Gray has been instrumental in successfully leading the talent acquisition work-stream through merger related department redesign, policy consolidation, and standing up a combined ministry talent acquisition function.

Gray holds a Senior Certified Professional Certification through the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM-SCP). She obtained her undergraduate degree from Xavier University and her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from the College of Mount St. Joseph (now known as Mount St. Joseph University). She resides in the Wyoming suburb of Cincinnati, OH with her husband and four children.

Daniel Hof, Disabled Veteran Outreach Specialist, State of Ohio Department of Job & Family Services

As a Disabled Veteran Outreach Program Specialist (DVOP) for the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS), Daniel Hof provides Dayton-area job-seeking veterans that have employment barriers with one-on-one guidance and referrals customized to each veteran’s needs. 

Hof is a combat veteran, having served 9-years in the Ohio Army National Guard.  He deployed twice in support of the Global War on Terrorism and was awarded the Purple Heart in 2005.  Now the current Department of Ohio Senior Vice-Commander of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), Hof is responsible for membership and local chapter administration within Ohio. 

In 2019, the Huber Heights City Council appointed Hof as one of the first commissioners for the city’s newly established Military & Veteran Commission.  Hof serves on the board of directors for the Compass Retreat Center; a veteran organization focused on reintegrating veterans and their families after combat.  Hof is a Mission Continues Fellowship alumnus, where he helped Columbus first responders develop protocols to assist veterans in crisis.

Prior to working for the State of Ohio, Hof worked as a project manager and served 9-years in law enforcement.  He holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Indiana Wesleyan University. Originally from Cincinnati, Hof now lives in Huber Heights with his wife and four children.

Laura Koprowski, Director of Marketing & Communications, Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA)

As Director of Marketing & Communications at the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA), Laura Koprowski is charged with directing and advancing the Authority’s efforts in marketing, communications and external affairs to ensure public transportation is integral to the social and economic well-being of Toledo’s future. Koprowski’s responsibilities also include implementing a new community vision for TARTA, which includes rebranding the transit authority and its services and strengthening the leadership within the organization.

Prior to joining TARTA, Koprowski served as the Executive Director of OPTA. In this role, Koprowski provided statewide leadership and coordination to strengthen the future for Ohio public transit systems. She was responsible for the Association's legislative initiatives, community outreach, media relations, and professional development programs and events.

Koprowski served on the executive leadership team at the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA) from 2017-2019 as vice president of government affairs and communications. In this role, she led the Authority’s advocacy and legislative work as well as external and internal communications. During her tenure at COTA, the system received the Outstanding Public Transportation System Achievement Award in 2018 by the American Public Transportation Association.

Prior to joining COTA, Koprowski led the public and government affairs department at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). Her responsibilities encompassed government relations, membership services, communications and community relations to promote MORPC in the 15-county Central Ohio region.  

Koprowski earned a master’s in public administration at Bowling Green State University and holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from Ohio University.

Active in her community and professional organizations, Koprowski serves on the following boards and committees: Neighborhood Design Center, ODOT’s Access Ohio 2045 Steering Committee, Clean Fuels Ohio Public Policy Committee, Columbus Metropolitan Club, and the Legislative and State Affairs Committees of the American Public Transportation Association.

Paul Koomar, Mayor, City of Bay Village

Paul Koomar was sworn in as Mayor of Bay Village on January 1, 2017. Koomar has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He started his professional career in public accounting as a Certified Public Accountant and then used his business skills in management at Cleveland Clinic.

Koomar is a board member of the Cuyahoga County Emergency Services Advisory Board (CCESAB) and an alternate for the Northeastern Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) as well as a member of the Westshore Council of Governments (COG). He was elected by the Cuyahoga County Mayors to serve on the District One Public Works Integrating Committee (DOPWIC). As part of DOPWIC he also is a member of the Small Government Subcommittee and the Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC).

In 2017, he worked collaboratively with the Cuyahoga County Planning Commission to complete a Master Plan for Bay Village and with the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency (NOACA) to complete a connectivity study. The focus of the study was to improve pedestrian and biking access in the city parks / town center and the adjoining Cleveland Metroparks Huntington Reservation. A strategy was developed to identify external funding for implementing these plans. The creation of a full time position allowed the city to execute on grant opportunities and economic development initiatives.

Planning has continued, most recently with an overlay zoning project to update the city’s commercial and retail zoning code. The Stay in Bay initiative focused on building vibrant commercial districts that reflect the existing character of the city. 

In the first two years of actively working these plans the city secured funding from public and private sources in excess of $15M for the town center.

Prior to his mayoral appointment, he spent 16 years on City Council and was President of City Council from 2012-2016. He serves on Bay Family Services, a joint city and school program to help at-risk youth. He is a member of the Bay Village Kiwanis, Bay Men’s Club, and Bay Village Historical Society. He is active with the Scouts BSA in Troop 40 with his daughter. Mayor Koomar and his family are members of Bay Presbyterian Church.

Sue Marzano, Energy Advisor/Program Coordinator Sr., AEP Ohio

Sue Marzano is an Energy Advisor at AEP Ohio where she currently works with her team of energy efficiency professionals to promote energy efficient products and services. This includes marketing and outreach campaigns, business development, and direct outreach to Ohio customers with a goal to increase the customer’s experience while assisting with a community’s economic development. It was at AEP Ohio that she received her Residential Energy Auditor certification from the Association of Energy Engineers, and a Key Contributor Award.

Before joining AEP Ohio, Marzano was a Commercial Field Specialist at CLEAResult assisting commercial and industrial customers in seven Ohio counties to make smarter energy decisions for measures such as compressed air, process efficiency, HVAC and VFDs, refrigeration, and networked lighting.

Marzano received her MBA from Indiana Wesleyan University. She spent two decades serving and assisting local education and community development boards in Stark and Summit County to raise funds to implement their missions, and also taught business courses at Stark State College in North Canton, OH.

Marzano studied interior design and facility planning at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and was an accomplished interior designer and facility planner designing commercial office space and private homes for which she received critical acclaim and award.

Marzano continues to be a contributing community supporter where she is a member of Canton Rotary and the Building Industry Association. She currently lives in Canton, OH but also enjoys visiting her two children in Washington, DC. and Macon, GA.

Angela P. Meleca, Executive Director, Ohio Citizens for the Arts

Angela P. Meleca is Executive Director for Ohio Citizens for the Arts (OCA), a member-driven, not-for-profit, grassroots arts advocacy organization working to benefit the citizens of Ohio. OCA is the only statewide organization that advocates for increased funding and public support for arts and culture across Ohio. Meleca comes to OCA with more than 25 years of experience in journalism, politics, public relations/marketing, and the arts. 

Before joining OCA, Meleca was the Founder of Angela Meleca Gallery, a contemporary art gallery located in downtown Columbus. The gallery was active in elevating and transforming arts and culture in Central Ohio through connecting individual artists, arts advocates, and arts organizations. 

Before her career in the arts, Meleca was a political journalist and press secretary for the Ohio Senate Majority Caucus. She has extensive experience in communications, media, and public relations.

The Columbus, Ohio native earned her B.A. from The Ohio State University with a concentration in Political Science and Journalism. Her professional affiliations include serving on the Wexner Center for the Arts Donor Circle Council, Columbus Museum of Development Committee, Columbus College of Art and Design Guest Lecturer and Student Mentor Program, and the Dublin Arts Council Board of Directors.

Randall Meyer, Ohio Inspector General, State of Ohio

Randall Meyer was appointed by the governor as Ohio Inspector General in January 2011, and reappointed in 2015.  While serving as inspector general, Meyer has released over 675 reports of investigation and identified over $1/4 billion lost to Ohio’s taxpayers.

Prior to his appointment, Meyer worked in public service for more than 25 years.  After serving in the U. S. Navy for four years, Meyer began his career in law enforcement in 1990 working as a police officer and deputy in California.  In 1992, Meyer returned to Ohio and worked as a police officer and detective for the Wilmington Police Department. In 1999, Meyer was recruited to serve as a criminal investigator for the Ohio Attorney General, and later promoted as director of the agency’s Anti-Gang Unit.  In 2003, Meyer joined the Ohio Auditor’s Public Corruption Unit as senior investigator and, in 2007, was promoted to chief of Special Investigations.

Meyer holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety Management from Franklin University.  Meyer has served on the Franklin University Criminal Justice Advisory Board since 2009, and on the board of directors of the National White Collar Crime Center since 2008.  In 2013, Meyer was elected to the board of directors of the Association of Inspectors General.

Christine Morris, MA, MLIS, Deputy Director, OhioNET

At OhioNET, Christine Morris connects libraries of all sizes and types throughout the State of Ohio and beyond, so that they can build stronger communities for their users.  Morris holds a BA in Economics and International Studies from Bowling Green State University, an MLIS from Kent State University, and an MA in Public Policy and Management from Ohio State University.

Through her work at OhioNET, Morris leverages $9 million annually in public and private funds to provide licensed content, professional training, and technology solutions for nearly 300 libraries.  Additionally, Morris has been very active in developing library leaders through her mentorship of ILEAD-USA Ohio participants since 2013 and her work with the Library Leadership Ohio program since 2017.

A “Hoosier by accident and a Buckeye by choice,” Morris has worked in a variety of public, academic, and special libraries in Indiana and Ohio prior to coming to OhioNET.  Outside of her work as a librarian, Morris enjoys spending time with extended family, watching baseball, reading historical fiction. She currently lives with her husband Jeremy and their 12-year-old Connor.

Tracee M. Murphy, Wellsville Carnegie Public Library, Director

Tracee Murphy is the Director of the Wellsville Carnegie Public Library. Murphy attended Youngstown State University where she received her MA in American History, and then went on to earn her Master of Library and Information Science degree from Kent State University.

Murphy began her library career as a work study children’s librarian at the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County. While at YPL she worked in all the departments of the library. Murphy then accepted the position of Assistant Director at Galion Public Library. Four years later in 2008 she accepted the position of Director at the Wellsville Carnegie Public Library.  Murphy is responsible for overseeing the operation of the library, which includes staffing, collection development, and administering the library budget.

Ms. Murphy is a member of the American Library Association, the Ohio Library Council, Wellsville Lion’s Club, and is a member of the Wellsville Community Advisory Board. She currently serves on the Board of Trustees of Northeast Ohio Regional Library System and is a judge for the Midwest Book Awards. Recently, she concluded her term as Correspondence Secretary after nine years on the Board of the Wellsville Area Chamber of Commerce. In her free time, she enjoys concerts, travel and of course reading.

Michelle Angelozzi, Executive Director, Sodexo Healthcare at University Hospitals

Michelle Angelozzi is the Multi-Service Executive Director for Environmental and Nutrition Services at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center.  Angelozzi has a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in human resources. She has over twenty years of management experience with spending the last ten years in healthcare.

Angelozzi began her career in food service operations with G&R Management.  With a great passion for training and development, it soon landed her in a position with direct oversight for training and human resources.  Angelozzi has current responsibility for $42M managed volume, 40 managers, and 650 employees.  

Angelozzi is an Inclusion Ambassador for Sodexo’s Diversity and Inclusion and also is a trained facilitator for diversity learning labs throughout the country.  Angelozzi has also served as a Mentor through the Sodexo IMPACT Mentoring Program over the last four years.  

Angelozzi loves to travel to the Caribbean as frequently as possible.  She has two wonderful children - a daughter studying Pre-Med at the Ohio State University and a son who is a junior in high school.  She enjoys going to her son’s baseball games for his high school and travel team. The gym is also a large part of her busy schedule.

Jeffery K. Patterson, Chief Executive Officer, Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) 

Jeffery K. Patterson was appointed to Chief Executive Officer by the CMHA Board of Commissioners in March of 2012 after serving as CMHA's Interim CEO and Chief of Staff and Operations. Patterson has over 24 years of dedicated service to the residents of Cuyahoga County. As CEO of one of the 10 largest housing authorities in the country, he is responsible for a $260 million dollar budget, 1,000 employees, 10,500 units of housing, 15,000 housing choice vouchers, and nearly 55,000 residents and participants of CMHA's Low Income Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher Programs. Patterson directs CMHA's efforts to be the leader in providing safe, affordable housing for low income residents of Cuyahoga County, while striving to use innovative sustainable practices and techniques to serve the residents of CMHA.

Before being named Chief of Staff and Operations, Patterson served as Deputy Executive Director of Operations and Human Resource Management and Director of Human Resources. Prior to 2002 when he joined CMHA, Patterson worked 13 years for the City of Cleveland starting as an intern in the Office of Mayor George V. Voinovich. Patterson subsequently worked his way up through City government ultimately being appointed by Mayor Michael R. White, to the cabinet level position of Director of Personnel and Human Resources.

Patterson possesses a Bachelors of Arts Degree from Mount Union College and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace College.

Patterson serves on various national and local Boards of Directors, such as: Council for Large Public Housing Authorities, Housing Authority Insurance Group, National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO), Cleveland Transformation Alliance, St. Luke’s Foundation, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, American Heart Association, Greater Cleveland Foodbank, Unify Project, Campus District, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, National Initiative Mixed Income Communities, Board of Directors, United Way Board of Directors and Chair for the Kidney Walk in 2020.

Sarah Poe, Manager of Energy Efficiency Programs, Columbia Gas of Ohio

As the manager of Columbia Gas of Ohio’s energy efficiency programs, Sarah Poe is responsible for driving strategy and overseeing the execution of the company’s energy efficiency portfolio. This includes ensuring that the energy efficiency programs meet natural gas savings targets within budget while delivering a strong experience for customers. Prior to her current role, Poe supported the energy efficiency team through roles in program evaluation and data analysis. Poe serves on the GreenSpot Advisory Board in Columbus.

Poe joined Columbia Gas of Ohio in 2009 and has earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the University of Dayton, and a Master’s in Business Administration from Ohio University. Poe currently resides in Upper Arlington with her husband, Merrill.

Bhuwan Pyakurel, Councilmember, City of Reynoldsburg

Bhuwan Pyakurel, a former refugee from Bhutan, resettled in the United States in 2009.  He and his family moved to Ohio in 2014 and he became a U.S. citizen in 2015. They bought their first home in Reynoldsburg and immediately became involved in the community. Pyakurel and his wife, Dil, have been married for 14 years and they have two children, Aditi and Dev, both who attend Reynoldsburg Public Schools.  Aditi loves reading and volunteers her time to raise funds to protect the environment. Dev loves sports and plays basketball and soccer, and enjoys skateboarding, karate, chess, and solving the Rubik’s Cube.

As a community leader, Pyakurel has worked with the Reynoldsburg Police Department and residents ever since he moved to the city. He believes education is the most important tool to bridge the gap and build trust between those in public safety and the community. Since 2015, Pyakurel has been a manager of interpretive services for Primary One Health, which operates 10 clinics in Central Ohio, and he serves on the Board of the new Reynoldsburg YMCA and Multiethnic Advocates for Cultural competence (MACC).  He has also served as President of the Bhutanese Community of Central Ohio (BCCO).

For Ward 3 residents and all of Reynoldsburg, Pyakurel’s plans include: helping keep Reynoldsburg residents safer by fixing sidewalks, roads and infrastructure and improving lighting, increasing the number of code enforcement officers in the City, boosting communications and transparency between City Council and citizens by using modern technologies, and making City government work better for the people of Reynoldsburg by holding regular town hall forums with constituents. 

Pyakurel, who has a Bachelor of Science degree from North Bengal University in India, and the City of Reynoldsburg, made history in November 2019 when he became the first Bhutanese American to be elected to public office in the United States.  After he and 120,000 fellow Bhutanese-Nepali’s were forcibly pushed out of Bhutan and their civil, human and political rights stripped away, Pyakurel says he will “always be grateful to this nation for giving me a second chance to live my life and enjoy these freedoms in the greatest country in the world.”  Pyakurel deeply values his American citizenship and its inalienable protected rights, and he now works to “pay it forward” and create new opportunities for the people of Reynoldsburg.  

Kent Rademaker, Director of Brand Strategy, Highlights for Children and Owner, Human Heart Marketing

As Director of Brand Strategy at Highlights for Children, a global mission-driven children's media company, Kent Rademaker leads brand strategy, advertising, public relations, corporate communications and social media. Rademaker is responsible for shepherding the organization’s mission: to create content and experiences that help children become their best selves, with the vision of creating a more empathetic and optimistic world.

In addition to his role with Highlights for Children, Rademaker owns a branding and marketing consultancy focused on helping organizations better understand, define and create action around their guiding mission or purpose.

Rademaker has led marketing efforts for global organizations and their brands including MillerCoors/Molson Coors, McDonald’s, the NHL and Abercrombie & Fitch. He is a member of the Central Ohio Regional Board of the Children’s Hunger Alliance.

A graduate of Xavier University in Cincinnati, Rademaker is a practitioner of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and lives in New Albany, OH, a suburb of Columbus, with his wife and twin daughters.

Jessica M. Roach, LPN, MPH, CEO, ROOTT

Jessica M. Roach is the co-founder and CEO of Restoring Our Own Through Transformation, (ROOTT) a Non-Profit, Black Women led Reproductive Justice Organization focused on Maternal Child Health and Birthing Justice in Columbus, Ohio. Her work has spanned over 20 years in areas such as clinical nursing, public health advocacy, and independent scholarship. Ms. Roach has a deeply experiential perspective in her research both personally and professionally, regarding the effects of stress related to structural determinants, and the social determinants created as consequence of those structures, with a focus on inter-generational and historical trauma as it relates to policy development. Ms. Roach currently serves as the co-lead of the care working group for the Black Mamas Matter Alliance and has been featured in Rewire, The Atlantic, Columbus Underground, and Columbus Alive. She has served as a full-spectrum doula, homebirth midwife and assistant, consultant to various organizations and is the mother of three young women, one of which was a pre-term infant.

Kendra N. Smith, Vice President Community Health, Bon Secour Mercy Health

Kendra Smith is Vice President, Community Health with Bon Secours Mercy Health (BSMH). As an experienced thought and practice leader in community development, affordable housing, urban planning, and social determinants of health, she provides direction and oversight of collaborative efforts to implement community health priorities and address social determinants and health inequities in BSMH markets.

Previously, Smith served as the Director, Social Determinants of Health for ProMedica, managing community investment, housing and community programming, including the Ebeid Neighborhood Promise, a 10-year, $50 million place-based community revitalization health improvement program. In earlier roles as Executive Director of Preferred Properties, Inc. and Senior Housing Planner for the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Smith helped leverage more than $20 million for affordable housing development in city neighborhoods, co-authored regional policies related to fair housing and engaged more than 3,000 residents in community-based planning and investment decisions. 

Smith earned a master’s degree in urban studies with a focus on neighborhood and community development from Cleveland State University and has additional degrees and certifications from Ohio University, Harvard University Kennedy School of Government and La Universidad Pública de Navarra in Pamplona, Spain.Locally, Smith serves on the board of the Rotary Club of Toledo, is a 2017 recipient of the Toledo 20 Under 40 Award, and is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Whitney Somerville, Senior Partner, Client Experience at FrazierHeiby

Whitney Somerville brings more than a decade of in-house and agency communications experience to her role. Her time with the American Red Cross and FrazierHeiby have honed her thoughtful and passionate approach to strategic communications counsel, along with her keen sense for storytelling. 

Somerville’s role at FrazierHeiby is a hybrid of client experience and agency management. She acts as a partner for FrazierHeiby’s clients—managing accounts, team members and diverse projects—ensuring they get the top-notch service and solutions they deserve. 

Somerville prides herself on identifying stories that will spark genuine connection and finding the best way to share them, whether it is with internal or external audiences.

Somerville earned a Master of Arts in Journalism & Public Relations, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism from Marshall University. She currently lives in Pickerington with her husband Bryant and son Penn. 

Danielle L. Sydnor, Executive Director, Economic and Community Development Institute and President, Cleveland Branch NAACP

Danielle Sydnor is the Executive Director of Economic and Community Development Institute (ECDI) Northern Ohio. ECDI provides small business lending, coaching and training services to underserved individuals. Sydnor worked in banking since 2002, including National City Bank, MBNA and Bank of America, with experience in retail banking and management experience in credit card sales, service and lending. Sydnor is a formerly licensed financial advisor with Merrill Lynch. She obtained her licenses in 2011.

Sydnor is an active community member and serves as President of the Greater Cleveland Branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). As President, Sydnor is responsible for fighting for the equality of rights of all persons with a focus on eliminating racial hatred and racial discrimination.  

Sydnor is President of the Board of Trustees at Eliza Bryant Village, and 2nd VP of the National NAACP NEXTGEN Alumni Council, just to name a few. Sydnor holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of Phoenix. Sydnor is a native of Sacramento, California. Her family moved to Cleveland, Ohio in 1995. She has since proudly deepened her roots here and lives in Shaker Heights, with her two sons Noah and Giles.

Alpha Tongor, MBA, President, MK Global Holdings

Mr. Tongor is a husband and a father of four. He was born in the West African nation of Liberia and migrated to the United States by way of Philadelphia, PA, at age fourteen. Mr. Tongor earned a Bachelor degree in Business Management from LaSalle University, an MBA from Ohio Dominican University and a Management Essentials Certificate from Harvard Business School Online. Mr. Tongor is the President and CEO of MK Global Holdings.  MK Global Holdings offers management consultant activities to small business owners through business start-ups, mergers, acquisitions, and investment strategies.

Mr. Tongor is a high-performance entrepreneur and executive with over 13 years of business experience. He has shown consistent success in maximizing performance with business start-ups in the Fintech industry. His ability to lead high profile teams, drive growth, and improve profits are some of his biggest strengths. 

Additionally, Mr. Tongor is a community leader, mentor, community organizer, and philanthropist with a particular interest in community empowerment and economic development. He is currently the President of Liberians in Columbus (LICI), a fast-growing New American community in the City of Columbus. Mr. Tongor and his team are leading the efforts to build a $1.5 million community center to benefit families on the Far East Side of Columbus, Ohio. He is a member of the Columbus Inner-City Lions Club and volunteers on the board of directors for the Central Ohio African American Chamber of Commerce (COAACC). Mr. Tongor is also a graduate of the New American Leadership Academy, an initiative by the City of Columbus, teaching Civic Engagement and Community Leadership.

Anne C. Trinh, MPH; Senior Program Manager, Addiction Innovation Fund, OSU College of Public Health and Extension; Evaluator and Community Engagement Specialist, OSU Center for HOPES (Health Outcomes and Policy Evaluation Studies) 

Anne Trinh manages a research fund designed to stimulate innovative responses to Ohio’s addiction epidemic. She also has a part-time appointment as an evaluator for multiple public health projects within and outside of OSU. Trinh has almost two decades of experience in public health practice and research in different settings, including local and Tribal governments; nonprofits; and universities. She is passionate about implementation and translational science within the context of population health improvement and believes that focusing on prevention, equity, and the social indicators of health can create and sustain thriving communities.  

Before taking her position at the university, Trinh served as the maternal and child health epidemiologist and program specialist for Columbus Public Health. During her seven years with the city, she performed outbreak investigations and developed and led community coalitions to work with diverse partners to reduce Franklin County’s infant mortality rate. From 2008-2010, she lived on a reservation and worked with Tribes in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan as a chronic disease epidemiologist. This experience changed her immensely personally and professionally. During graduate school, Trinh worked for the San Diego County Veterinarian’s office to address challenges at the intersection of human and animal health.  

Trinh went to school in San Diego and received a BS in Microbiology, with minors in Communications and Visual Arts, at the University of California, San Diego and a MPH in Epidemiology at San Diego State University Graduate School of Public Health. She is originally from Los Angeles and misses the ocean above all else from her home state. 

Zac Writesel, Senior Program Manager, MaGrann Associates

Zac Writesel is the Senior Program Manager overseeing Residential New Construction for MaGrann Associates in Ohio. He is responsible for administering contract implementation and compliance and is the first point of contact for utility energy efficiency program stakeholders and participants.

As the senior team member in Ohio, Writesel coordinates meetings with utility clients, ensures that program goals are met, prepares, coordinates and conducts program presentations and training seminars, outreach activities, and provides input to program design, development and deployment. 

Utility energy efficiency programs managed by Writesel have a proven track record of success, earning multiple types of national recognition including the Environmental Protection Agency’s ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award for four consecutive years, the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy’s Exemplary Programs Award and numerous awards related to marketing and advertising. 

Writesel has participated in the organization and execution of several charitable events to support the community in which he lives and to increase the exposure and positive perception of clients, sponsors and employers. He has been published in Livingston Community News and Building Insider Magazine.

A graduate of Muskingum University in New Concord, Writesel currently lives in Blacklick, Ohio with his wife and two dogs. When not pestering his family and friends with energy-saving tips, Zac enjoys astronomy, reading, volunteering with Habitat for Humanity and riding motorcycles.

Michael Yopko, Regional Vice President, Catalyst Funds

Michael Yopko was born in NE Ohio and grew up in Carroll County in Eastern Ohio. He graduated from Malone College in Canton, but not before receiving the Journalism Award his senior year. He started a career in financial services in 1986 in Florida and moved back to Ohio a year later. Yopko had served in different management capacities with several New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) retail firms, before taking up the wholesaling of financial products to financial service representatives. He has trained over 20,000 financial service reps in his career and raised well in excess of One Billion dollars into the financial products of the manufacturers he represented. Yopko attended Penn’s Wharton School of Business and completed their Retirement Planning Certification program. He has multiple investments in wineries and restaurants, has passed his sommelier exam and also has produced award winning films in his spare time.

###

This release was last updated on June 2 to reflect current class membership.

Explore Leadership Ohio at https://www.leadershipohio.org

LEADERSHIP OHIO APPOINTS MILLER AND WEITZ AS FIRST AMBASSADORS OF STATEWIDE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM

Leadership Ohio (LO) has announced the appointment of its first-ever Ambassadors for the state-wide leadership program established in 1992. The Ambassadors, Melissa Miller (Galena) and Joe Weitz (Gahanna) were selected from the Class of 2019 to serve as representatives of LO, helping to unite people around an exciting, aspirational vision: making Ohio the best state to live and work.

The role of the Ambassadors is to connect with Ohio communities, organizations and employers, deepening awareness of the program and attracting new talent and partnerships. With the Executive Director, the Ambassadors will play an important role in 2020 sessions and receive an honorarium for their service. The honorary appointment begins in March and ends in December 2020.

“With the unique talents and backgrounds of our Ambassadors, Leadership Ohio has the opportunity to reach a more diverse public/private audience of influencers, innovators and activists and help cultivate their passion for service and entrepreneurial problem-solving,” said Dr. Lisa Duty, Executive Director of Leadership Ohio. 

The opportunity for government, nonprofits, business, philanthropy and everyday people to work together is powerful. On her inspiration for accepting the appointment, Melissa Miller said “As part of the 2019 cohort, I met incredible people and learned about different sides of their respective industries, which is an opportunity I would not have initially pursued. This exposure helped me integrate useful tools into my current position, and it helped my organization raise additional funds. There are some great things going on in our state, and my experience with Leadership Ohio spurred my desire to share these movements with other participants. Having the space to do this with the 2020 cohort is very exciting, and I’m grateful for the opportunity.”

The newly appointed ambassadors were selected by meeting criteria that ranged from excellence in social organizing, relationship building across networks, community planning, state policy analysis and formation, and experience in public and community service. On his inspiration for accepting the appointment, Weitz said, “Being a part of Leadership Ohio in 2019 was an eye-opening experience for me. I developed an understanding of the great history, strengths, and challenges of this state while also realizing my own potential in its success and opportunities. What better way to continue the journey than to support another great class of leaders?” 

The Leadership Ohio Class of 2020 will be announced later this spring.

 

Meet the Ambassadors

Melissa Miller, MBA, Associate Director, Ohio CDC Association

Melissa Miller has been with the Ohio CDC Association (OCDCA) since 2012, where she began by serving her second year of national service as an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader. She has held a variety of different roles during her tenure at OCDCA and is currently the Associate Director, where she helps build the capacity of community development organizations across the state of Ohio. She does this by managing membership, coordinating training opportunities, and overseeing the association’s programming.  During this time, Miller helped grow the AmeriCorps VISTA program to the one of the largest national service programs in the state of Ohio, added AmeriCorps VISTA slots to focus on rural issues, and assisted the Corporation of National and Community Service in piloting special initiative projects. In 2018, Miller oversaw the pilot of the Empowering Communities Grant Challenge, a statewide opportunity funded by the CareSource Foundation that provides funding to CDCs for innovative solutions to unique community challenges that involve the social determinants of health. Since then, CareSource Foundation has replicated this program in Indiana and Kentucky.

Prior to joining OCDCA, Miller served as an AmeriCorps VISTA member with UGIVE.ORG, a web-based youth volunteer platform, coordinating service learning projects and connecting high school students with volunteer opportunities. She was the AmeriCorps Alums Columbus Chapter president from 2014 to 2016. She also spent time interning for State Representative Ted Celeste. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from Ohio University and bachelor’s degree in political science from Kent State University.

Outside of work, Miller volunteers her time as a Big Sister with Big Brother Big Sisters. She currently lives in Etna with her husband, Adam, her son Hugh, and her two dogs, Max and Paris.

Joe Weitz, MLIS, Communications & Policy Coordinator, Educational Service Center of Central Ohio

Joe Weitz has worked for the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Central Ohio as its policy coordinator since 2008 and added communications coordination to his duties beginning in 2016.  As policy coordinator, he guides the agency in its public policy tracking, research and strategic analysis of services. He also leads the agency’s communications efforts with internal and external stakeholders and partners. In 2015, he received the Ohio Educational Service Center Association’s Torch Award, established to recognize individuals and/or organizations who have rendered outstanding service or who have made significant contributions to the association and ESCs as a whole.   

Previously, Weitz served as a library and research associate in the Ohio Department of Education’s (ODE) Office of Curriculum and Instruction. He also served as an assistant to the state superintendent of public instruction at ODE and to the state librarian at the State Library of Ohio.

Weitz received his undergraduate degree from Northern Kentucky University and a Master’s in Library and Information Science from Kent State University. He holds an administrative specialist license in educational research and has completed graduate-level coursework at The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs. He also serves as a member of the City of Gahanna’s Area Commission.

Leadership Ohio announces new board members

Leadership Ohio announces the appointment of four new members of its Board of Trustees, as well as a full slate of officers for 2020.

Joining the Board of Trustees are Andrew Mangels (Class of 2018) and Melissa Howell, Derrick Shelton and Adrian Thompson (all Class of 2019). “All four of our newest Board members embody the spirit of Leadership Ohio and bring talent, expertise and passion to our charge. We are very fortunate to have them on board as we continue to grow and strengthen Ohio’s public, private and civic leaders in the new decade,” Lisa Duty, Executive Director.

The four join the board as Leadership Ohio launches its application cycle for the much anticipated 2020 Year. Leadership Ohio is currently seeking motivated, passionate, intelligent, visionary, enthusiastic, committed, driven, energetic, dedicated, ambitious and inspired leaders— individuals who want to create change in Ohio in 2020 and beyond. More information about the program can be found here.

Introducing:

Andrew Mangels | Andrew Mangels is the Director of the Porter Public Library in Westlake, OH, a suburb of Cleveland. Mangels is involved and engaged in many community activities and organizations such as Kiwanis and Rotary as well as serving on the Boards of Connecting for Kids and the Far West Center, a community mental health facility.

Melissa Howell | Melissa Howell has been the Health Commissioner for Greene County Public Health since 2013. She directs over 60 full time public health professionals in daily operations, creates vision, and oversees the implementation of the strategies used to improve community health.

Dr. Derrick Shelton | Dr. Derrick Shelton has over 20 years of experience in the field of education. An MBA-Ph.D., he has served as a special education teacher, principal, superintendent and in several other positions in various school systems. Dr. Shelton currently serves at Reynoldsburg City Schools.

Adrian Thompson | Adrian Thompson is Co-Partner-in-Charge at Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP. Today, he leads 60 attorneys in Taft’s Cleveland office and serves as the firm’s Chief Diversity Officer. In this role he helps to drive the firm’s commitment and strategy regarding diversity and inclusion across Taft’s nine offices, its 460 attorneys, and in the Midwest communities that Taft serves.

The slate of board officers for 2020 includes:

NAN BAKER, President

JIM MURRAY, Vice President

CLAUDIA KRALY, Treasurer

ALISON D. GOEBEL, Ph.D., Assistant Treasurer

TRACIE CAMPBELL, Secretary

KEITH BOWMAN, Ph.D., PE, Assistant Secretary

TODD KLEISMIT, Immediate Past President

Learn more about executive leadership and board membership here. For more information about Leadership Ohio, visit leadershipohio.org.

Kleismit receives inaugural Kleismit Award, Baker takes reins as new President

On November 16, Leadership Ohio bestowed the inaugural Kleismit Award for Extraordinary Leadership in honor, and in the name of, outgoing Board President Todd Kleismit for his service to Leadership Ohio. Kleismit has guided the organization for three years as President during a time of transition and renewal, and is a Class of 2013 alum. Kleismit’s term ends December 31.

Kleismit received the award during this year’s graduation ceremony alongside Trustees who gave testimony to his efforts in guiding Leadership Ohio. Kleismit’s wife Lisa, and daughter Grace, were also in attendance.

“With Our Greatest Appreciation We Hereby Present Todd Kleismit The Inaugural KLEISMIT AWARD FOR EXTRAORDINARY LEADERSHIP For Your Unwavering Support And Unrelenting Guidance In Leading Our Path To Success.” -Nan Baker, Council Member, Cuyahoga County Council

As Kleismit moves to an active President Emeritus status, he notes that he is committed to Leadership Ohio now more than ever. He passes the reigns to Nan Baker, unanimously selected by the Board to be LO’s new President. With Baker’s vision, 2020 will no doubt prove to be an auspicious year and launch into the new decade for Leadership Ohio.

Since 1994, LO has cultivated and elevated the inspiration of elected officials, cross-sector CEOs, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and servant-leaders from public and private walks of life— grassroots to grass-tops. LO seeks to inspire an already distinct group of individuals to a higher level of service. 

This year's graduate leaders are prepared to contribute to and diversify boards, launch new businesses and initiatives, and champion critical issues politically and civically. Our Leaders are committed to serve, promote and affect change, making Ohio the best state to live and work.

We invite you to become an integral part of continuing a mission of service by nominating a Leader or applying to become a member of our Leadership Ohio 2020 cohort.

To learn more about our organization and application process, contact Dr. Lisa Duty, Executive Director, at leadershipoh@gmail.com.

Todd Kleismit, Inaugural Kleismit Award Recipient

Todd Kleismit, Inaugural Kleismit Award Recipient

Incoming President, Nan Baker (Center)

Incoming President, Nan Baker (Center)

Shelton is Leader Among Leaders, Burkes-Trowsdell is Most Inspirational

On November 16, Leadership Ohio concluded the 2019 year with graduation ceremonies at Cleveland State University’s historic Mather Mansion. On this day, we honored this year's 22 graduates and celebrated great leadership across Ohio.

We are excited to celebrate with you this year's group of distinguished leaders who have completed their eight month journey, launched remarkable projects, and curated new visions for the future of Ohio. Among this exceptional cohort, Dr. Derrick Shelton, Principal, Reynoldsburg City Schools, was selected as Leader Among Leaders, and Roni Burkes-Trowsdell, Deputy Director of the Office of Reentry and Enterprise Development at the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (ODRC), was chosen as Most Inspirational.

Leader Among Leaders Each year, Leadership Ohio honors an individual with its “Leader Among Leaders” award. This award recognizes that even among the best of leaders there is a leader that stands out. The individual bestowed this award is a member of the current year cohort and has been selected by the cohort for this distinguished honor. Selection of this individual is the current cohort’s declaration that this leader represents both the best of their cohort and their definition of a leader.

Most Inspirational A key development objective of Leadership Ohio focuses on growing leaders’ perspective and how they define the realm of “the possible.” Each year class members are asked to name/select the most inspirational guest from among all guest speakers. This includes each individual speaker, panelists, panel moderators, performers, and more, encompassing eight months of programming. Burkes-Trowsdell addressed the graduating class during the ceremony to resounding applause.

Since 1994, LO has cultivated and elevated the inspiration of elected officials, cross-sector CEOs, entrepreneurs, philanthropists and servant-leaders from public and private walks of life— grassroots to grass-tops. LO seeks to inspire an already distinct group of individuals to a higher level of service. This year's graduate leaders are prepared to contribute to and diversify boards, launch new businesses and initiatives, and champion critical issues politically and civically. These Leaders are committed to serve, promote and affect change, making Ohio the best state to live and work.

We invite you to become an integral part of continuing a mission of service by nominating a Leader or applying to become a member of our Leadership Ohio 2020 cohort.

To learn more about our organization and application process, contact Dr. Lisa Duty, Executive Director, at leadershipoh@gmail.com.

Roni Burkes-Trowsdell, Most Inspirational

Roni Burkes-Trowsdell, Most Inspirational

Dr. Derrick Shelton, Leader Among Leaders

Dr. Derrick Shelton, Leader Among Leaders

LEADERSHIP OHIO Graduates CLASS OF 2019

The Leadership Ohio Class of 2019 wrapped up an inspirational year in Cleveland on November 16.

Congratulations to this year's class!

Kacie Armstrong, Chair/Director, Ohio Library Council, Euclid Public Library

Melissa Howell, Health Commissioner, Greene County Public Health

Kendale Ivory, Supervisor, Radiology, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

Adrian Thompson, Chief Diversity Officer and Co-Partner in Charge, Cleveland Office, Taft, Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Seleshi Ayalew Asfaw, Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services

Stephanie McManus, Major Gift Officer, Ohio History Connection

Shelly Stotzer, Owner, Career Coach & Talent Strategist Crosworks

Andrea White, Senior Director, CLEAResult

Ana Claudia Zubieta, Director, SNAP-Ed, OSU Extension

Michael K. Harlow, Ohio State Director, Council for a Strong America

Gretchen Klingler, Veteran Community Outreach Coordinator, The National Veterans Memorial and Museum

Mary Nippert, Honorary Consul of Estonia for Ohio and Kentucky

Malik Wayne Moore, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader, Tailored Fit Consulting

Danna L. Plewe, Program Manager, United States Air Force

Dr. Derrick R. Shelton, MBA, Principal, Reynoldsburg CSD

Joe Weitz, MLIS, Communications and Policy Coordinator, Education Services Center of Central Ohio

Nathaniel Kaelin, Economic Development Officer, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission

Sandra Lucarelli, Director of Concierge Services, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

Melissa Miller, Associate Director, Ohio CDC Association

Sharetta Smith, Chief of Staff, City of Lima

David Tabata, Consumer Programs Manager, AEP Ohio

Ian Schwarber, In Memoriam

Leadership Ohio invites you to become an integral part of continuing a mission of service by nominating a Leader or applying to become a member of our Leadership Ohio 2020 cohort.

To learn more about our organization and application process, contact Dr. Lisa Duty, Executive Director, at leadershipoh@gmail.com.

Leadership Ohio visits Marysville, Union County to Study Artificial Intelligence and Restoring Citizenship

Marysville community spirit of innovation inspires leaders

This weekend Leadership Ohio, one of the oldest and most prestigious statewide leadership programs in the nation, is visiting Marysville, Union County and its local leaders and partners to explore the County’s journey in innovation. 

Leadership Ohio, which is comprised of a new class of twenty-three scholars, activists, innovators and influencers, will examine artificial intelligence through the lens of smart mobility and economics, and the role of innovation and the arts in restoring citizenship. The City of Marysville, Union County Community Improvement Corporation, Union County Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, DriveOhio, Honda of America Mfg., Inc., the Ohio Reformatory for Women (ORW) and more will support leaders’ examination of these issues as they begin ayear-long leadership inquiry comprised of many subjects, individuals and organizations. In past cohorts, Leaders have gone on to assume elected office, launch new initiatives and organizations, champion vital issues and serve on key boards and commissions.

Across two days on site in Marysville, Leadership Ohio Leaders will participate in an AI/Smart Mobility demonstration, dialogue with Drive Ohio, connect with Honda of America, and experience a private tour of the ORW and Q & A with the Warden and current inmates.

More than ever, Ohio’s capacity for reinvention must be driven by talent from every corner of the state. Leadership Ohio serves to fuel leaders’ inspiration and opportunities to connect with their unique abilities and with each other to address our greatest challenges-- and build new opportunities in their wake. 

“The City of Marysville and Union County are honored to host Leadership Ohio for its inaugural 2019 class. We look forward to being part of developing these leaders of Ohio,” said Eric Phillips, Executive Director, Union County/Marysville Economic Development.  

“Hosting Leadership Ohio is an honor and an opportunity to collaborate with community leaders, showcase restorative efforts and how “hope” impacts our culture,” notes Teri Baldauf, Warden of the Ohio Reformatory for Women.

“What’s happening here on both fronts—AI and restoring citizenship—is incredible,” said Dr. Lisa Duty, Executive Director of Leadership Ohio. “Marysville is a living laboratory translating public and private research and collaboration into exciting new technologies and addressing critical issues such as restored citizenship—each of which has profound consequences for Ohio’s future.”

 Over the past several years, the Marysville and Union County community and the Ohio Reformatory for Women with support from the state has worked with local leaders, universities, nonprofits, the business community and the social sector to design innovative partnerships that harness the power of science and technology and a belief in human ingenuity to build a stronger, more resilient Ohio. 

 ”The City of Marysville and Union County work closely together to improve numerous services to our citizens. In 2016, the City and County partnered with the City of Dublin, Ohio Department of Transportation, DriveOhio, Honda and the Transportation Research Center to begin the development of the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor.  We will continue to leverage our partnerships to grow our business sector and to improve our quality of life,” said Terry Emery, Marysville City Manager.

Marysville highlights in innovation:

●     The City of Marysville and Union County are working to develop the 33 Smart Mobility Corridor.  The goal is to create the “ultimate playground” for automotive manufacturers and research and development companies to test autonomous and connected vehicles in closed and open real-world proving environments.  www.33smartcorridor.com

●      The Connected Marysville project will realize the installation of communication devices at all of the City’s 27 traffic signals making it the first fully signal connected city in the world.  

●      Approximately 62 communication devices will be installed along US 33 between the Transportation Research Center and I-270 near Dublin creating a 35 mile stretch of continuous communication coverage.  

●     The City of Marysville is developing the 33 Innovation Park which will include over 200 acres for the expansion of mobility, research and development, and advanced manufacturing companies.   The park will also include the Automotive and Mobility Innovation Center which will become a mobility focused incubator with The Ohio State University. www.33innovationpark.com

●     ORW established in 2001, funded by a federal grant, the A.B.C.S. (Achieving Baby Care Success) Nursery program. Upon approval the mothers and children receive internal and external support programming such as Union County Health Department, local pediatrician’s office, LEADS Early Head Start.

●     ORW Tapestry Program, established in 1991, is a Therapeutic Community (TC). The mission is to assist alcohol and drug dependent women with their recovery, and to reinforce positive behavioral and social change. Through a partnership with the Harmony Project of Columbus the ladies have performed in the community with the Harmony Project Choir at the Columbus Zoo, Nationwide Arena, Ohio Theater, and Ohio Wesleyan University.

●     The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has established a partnership with the Ohio Reformatory for Women entitled “2ndChance Program.” The ODOT employment interview consists of a face-to-face interview within ORW.  Prior to release, ODOT staff personally deliver an intent to hire letter to the selected women. This program is an example of state agencies sharing the same goal of preparing and supporting restored citizens.

Learn more about Leadership Ohio, how to apply for the Class of 2020, or discuss opportunities to help advance the LO Mission. 

LEADERSHIP OHIO ANNOUNCES CLASS OF 2019

TWENTY-THREE SCHOLARS, ACTIVISTS, INNOVATORS AND INFLUENCERS WILL SPEND THE NEXT EIGHT MONTHS EXAMINING CHALLENGES, ASSETS, AND FORGING NEW GROUND TO CREATE A MORE PROSPEROUS OHIO

A Doctor of Medicine and former asylum seeker who helps New Americans become successful citizens. A high-tech entrepreneur who built and sold his first company inside of one year. The manager of the Air Force employee assistance program responsible for overseeing support for 170,000 civilians and their family members worldwide. A Police Officer turned MBA, Ed.D., and school principal.

These are just a few of Leadership Ohio’s newest class members — 23 leaders in all from seven Ohio cities. Today, we’re officially announcing the 2019 cohort of Leaders.

“We’re excited by the immense talent and breadth of experience reflected in this year’s Leaders,” notes Leadership Ohio Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Duty. “Together we’re advancing a unifying movement of diverse, connected leaders who are deeply committed to making Ohio the best state to live and work.”

For the class of 2019, leaders hail from both public and private institutions, nearly one third are minorities, and more than half are women. Leadership Ohio comprises scholars, intellectual leaders, activists and influencers from some of Ohio’s leading organizations.

Over the course of the year, these Leaders will examine key issues and persistent challenges, forge new ground, and inspire community. In past cohorts, Leaders have gone on to assume elected office, launch new initiatives and organizations, champion vital issues and serve on key boards and commissions.

Leaders will begin their journey through Leadership Ohio April 26-27 in Marysville, Ohio. The leaders will examine artificial intelligence through the lens of smart mobility and economics and the role of innovation and the arts in restoring citizenship. Union County Community Improvement Corporation, DriveOhio, Honda of North America, the Ohio Reformatory for Women and more will support leaders’ examination of these issues as they begin their year-long trek.

More than ever, Ohio’s capacity for reinvention must be driven by talent from every corner of the state. Leadership Ohio serves to fuel leaders’ inspiration and opportunities to connect with their unique abilities and with each other to address our greatest challenges-- and build new opportunities in their wake.

Learn more about Leadership Ohio, how to apply for the Class of 2020, or discuss opportunities to help advance the LO Mission.

Announcing the Leadership Ohio Class of 2019


Seleshi Ayalew Asfaw, MD, MPH., President/CEO, Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS)

As president and CEO of ETSS, Dr. Seleshi Asfaw built ETSS in 2000 from scratch to help New Americans become successful citizens and contributing members of our society. Dr. Asfaw has a good appreciation of the challenges and opportunities facing new immigrants, and is passionate about providing services to assist with the transition to life in the United States.

In addition to his leading role with ETSS, Asfaw was appointed by the Mayor of Columbus to serve as a board member for Primary One Health. He is a member of the New Americans Advisory Council established by Franklin County Commissioners and the Future Ready Columbus Community Engagement Council. He and his organization received appreciation and service recognition from Franklin County Commissioners, the Mayer’s office, City Council, Columbus Foundation, and the Governor’s Office. Dr. Asfaw is an honoree of the 2015 C-suite award of Columbus Business First; he also received the 2015 Molina HealthCare Ohio Community Champion Award, the 2016 African Distinction Humanitarian Award from the OSU African Youth League, 2016 Diversity in Business Award of Columbus Business First and Smart 50 Executive Award of 2016 for Innovation, Sustainability and Impact from Smart Business of Columbus.

Dr. Asfaw has a Doctor of Medicine from Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia and a Master’s in public health from Belgium Erasmus University. He practiced medicine and eventually served as Director of Gondar Regional Health Department through the Ministry of Health in Ethiopia before seeking asylum in Belgium in 1996, as Ethiopia was in crisis of civil war and human right violations. Eventually he immigrated to Columbus, Ohio in 1997 where he worked with Jewish Family Services and ECDI for five years directing IDA and the Microenterprise programs funded by ORR. He founded a number of community-based organizations tackling public health, educational and economic development issues in Central Ohio.

Kacie V. Armstrong, Euclid Public Library, Director

Kacie Armstrong is the Director of the Euclid Public Library.  Armstrong attended Notre Dame College of Ohio, and went on to earn her Master of Library and Information Science degree from Kent State University.

After graduation, she began her career at the Cleveland Public Library.  While at CPL, she served as a Teen Librarian, the Manager of six branches, and the Central Neighborhood Team Manager. After CPL, she began working for the Cuyahoga County Public Library as a Branch Manager of three suburban library branches.  After working for several years at CCPL, Armstrong accepted the position as the Director of the Euclid Public Library. As the Director of the Library, she is directly responsible for overseeing the operation of the library, which includes staffing, facility management, administering a 5.6-million-dollar budget, and providing a high-quality collection of materials and services to meet the needs of the residents of Euclid and our CLEVNET members.  

Ms. Armstrong is a member of the American Library Association, the Public Library Association, and the Ohio Library Council. She currently serves as the Board Chair of the Ohio Library Council.  Recently, she concluded board terms on the OhioNet Board and the Coretta Scott King Book Jury. In her spare time, Ms. Armstrong loves to read, travel and enjoy time with her family.

Michael K. Harlow, M.P.A., Ohio State Director, Council for a Strong America

Michael Harlow joined Council for a Strong America in March 2017, bringing nearly 20 years of policy and legislative experience to the organization.

Prior to becoming the State Director in Ohio, Michael served as a policy analyst for the Ohio Department of Education. Much of his work focused on school improvements, accountability, school governance, and educator effectiveness. He also coordinated stakeholder engagement efforts for producing Ohio’s state plan as required under the new Every Student Succeeds Act.

He has been a freelance political consultant and overseen grassroots advocacy efforts for policy victories at the state and Federal level. Early in his career, he worked in the local office for a Member of Congress in Ohio, and later as a consultant for KnowledgeWorks, a Cincinnati-based social enterprise dedicated to improving educational outcomes for children in poverty. He served on the Northwest Local Board of Education in Hamilton County, Ohio, from 2014-2018. He lives in Colerain Township, with his wife, Heather, and their two boys John (13) and James (6).  In his spare time, he likes to read, travel, and spend time with his family.

Melissa Howell MS, MBA, MPH, RN, RS, Health Commissioner, Greene County Public Health

Melissa Howell has been the Health Commissioner for Greene County Public Health since 2013. She directs over 60 full time public health professionals in daily operations, creates vision, and oversees the implementation of the strategies used to improve community health.  The organization is a local public health agency whose mission is to prevent disease, promote health in the community and protect against disease threats in the environment. For the past five years Howell has been working to modernize public health services, established a Federally Qualified Healthcare Center, accomplished national Public Health Accreditation and oversaw the construction of a $7.8 million-dollar new facility.

Howell has over 25 years of combined experience in nursing, leadership, business, and public health.  Howell is the 2015 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award for Health Commissioners in Ohio for her years spent developing Ohio public health leaders. Howell serves as Treasurer for the Association of Ohio Health Commissioners. Her most recent publication is Succession Planning for Public Health: Cost, Continuity and Compliance. One focused interest for Howell has been public health finance. She has been working since 2007 to help develop a national chart of accounts and define the gaps that exist in funding for public health.

When she is not working, Howell enjoys her time with family. She has three grown children who are married and two great grandchildren.  She has traveled extensively and supports medical missions in Central and South American countries. She likes to read, work in the yard and explore the outdoors.

Kendale Ivory, CT RT, Registered, Supervisor of Radiology, University Hospitals of Cleveland Medical Center

Kendale Ivory is the Radiology Supervisor who directs activities of a variety of diagnostic procedures producing high quality studies, and assures that the processing of radiographs meets established quality standards. He has worked in the field of Radiology for over 15 years, first joining University Hospitals in 2005 as a CT technician.

Ivory holds a bachelor of science in technology from Kent State University. He is a native of Cleveland.

Nathaniel Kaelin, AICP, Economic Development & Infrastructure Officer, Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission

Nathaniel Kaelin is the Economic Development and Infrastructure Officer at the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC). Kaelin is part of the Transportation Systems and Funding team and assists MORPC members and communities in advancing infrastructure and job creation projects through programming, technical assistance, and coordination of agency resources. In this position, Kaelin regularly coordinates with economic development and infrastructure professionals to ensure that Central Ohio communities offer competitive infrastructure to support community and economic growth.

Kaelin joined MORPC in 2016 to launch the newly-created Competitive Advantage Projects initiative, a partnership between Columbus 2020 and MORPC to identify and advance priority infrastructure projects across thirteen counties in Central Ohio. Nathaniel also supports other key initiatives for the agency, including the Rapid Speed Transportation Initiative/hyperloop project, the Downtown C-pass, the Rickenbacker Area Study, and competitive grant writing for state and federal funding programs.

Prior to joining MORPC, Kaelin worked for the Ohio Development Services Agency where he managed the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit program, in addition to working on other tax incentive and urban revitalization programs. He has degrees in Urban and Regional Planning from Miami University and Ohio State University, is a certified Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP), and is certified by the American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Gretchen S. Klingler, Women Veterans Community Advocate at The Ohio State University

Gretchen is a 6-year veteran of the United States Air Force, transitioning from active duty service to full-time student in 2015.  She has been actively involved with Ohio State student veterans since her transition, serving as the President of the OSU Student Veterans of America chapter, Vets 4 Vets, from 2016-2018, and recently serving as the OSU Women Veterans Community Advocate.  Further, she is actively involved with her VFW post, Hilliard Memorial Post #4931 in Hilliard, Ohio, and with The Mission Continues - Columbus 1st Platoon.

Following her time at the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California, Gretchen also developed a passion for serving the immigrant and refugee community from the Middle East.  She has presented her research with Iraqi women immigrants and refugees, from California and Ohio, at the Society for Applied Anthropology conference in 2018, and at The Migration Conference in Lisbon, Portugal in 2018.  Through this research, Gretchen became involved with Veterans for American Ideals (VFAI), and hosted their first event in Ohio in February 2019.

Gretchen is a 2017 Pat Tillman Military Scholar, and a 2018 Veterans in Global Leadership Fellow.

Sandra Lucarelli MSN, Registered Nurse, NE-BC, Director Concierge Services, University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center

As Director of Concierge Services Sandra Lucarelli oversees Patient Services, Personalized Physicians Primary Care Practice and Executive Health and Wellness.

She is dedicated to providing exceptional service and process improvement. Lucarelli received her Masters of Science in Nursing from KSU and also has the credentialing of NE-BC, Nurse Executive-Board Certified.

She has worked for University Hospitals for over 25 years dedicating her initial career to bedside nursing in the specialty areas of oncology, ICU and Labor & Delivery then expanding her career to the executive administrative arena. In 2018 she won the Healthnetwork Exceptional Care Award. In 2019 she was nominated and accepted to sit on Vizient/Global Executive Services steering committee. She is currently working with BVU to connect with Volunteer opportunities.   

She currently resides in Chesterland with her husband and two children.

Stephanie S. McManus, Major Gift Officer, Ohio History Connection

The Ohio History Connection, formerly the Ohio Historical Society, is a statewide history organization with the mission to spark discovery of Ohio’s stories. As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization chartered in 1885, the Ohio History Connection carries out history services for Ohio and its citizens focused on preserving and sharing the state’s history. This includes housing the state historic preservation office, the official state archives, local history office and managing more than 50 sites and museums across Ohio. As a Major Gifts Officer, Stephanie McManus is responsible for raising funds for historic sites and programs across Ohio. McManus is currently managing the fundraising efforts for an expansion to the Armstrong Air & Space Museum in Wapakoneta, OH; the construction of a brand new Warren G. Harding Presidential Center in Marion, OH; and educational programming across the state. McManus is also managing campaign planning and execution for a transformational project at the Ohio History Center campus in Columbus, OH. From April 2018 until January 2019 McManus co-directed the Ohio History Connection’s Development Office as Interim Co-Chief Development Officer.

Prior to joining the Ohio History Connection team, McManus served as Director of Development at The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology in Newark, OH where she was a part of the administrative team leading all fundraising efforts for the Museum’s programming and campus. Before her time with The Works, McManus was the Government & Foundation Relations Officer and the Alumni Relations Officer at the Columbus College of Art & Design in Columbus, OH.

McManus is an active resident in the Licking County community. She is appointed by Mayor Hall to represent The City of Newark on the Board of Directors for Explore Licking County (County Convention and Visitors Bureau). McManus recently served on the 2018 Campaign Cabinet for the United Way of Licking County. McManus has her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Auburn University in Auburn, AL and has nearly completed her Masters of Arts Administration from Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, GA.

Melissa Miller, MBA, Associate Director, Ohio CDC Association

Melissa Miller has been with the Ohio CDC Association (OCDCA) since 2012, where she began by serving her second year of national service as an AmeriCorps VISTA Leader. She has held a variety of different roles during her tenure at OCDCA and is currently the Associate Director, where she helps build the capacity of community development organizations across the state of Ohio. She does this by managing membership, coordinating training opportunities, and overseeing the association’s programming.  During this time, Miller helped grow the AmeriCorps VISTA program to the one of the largest national service programs in the state of Ohio, added AmeriCorps VISTA slots to focus on rural issues, and assisted the Corporation of National and Community Service in piloting special initiative projects. In 2018, Miller oversaw the pilot of the Empowering Communities Grant Challenge, a statewide opportunity funded by the CareSource Foundation that provides funding to CDCs for innovative solutions to unique community challenges that involve the social determinants of health. Since then, CareSource Foundation has replicated this program in Indiana and Kentucky.

Prior to joining OCDCA, Miller served as an AmeriCorps VISTA member with UGIVE.ORG, a web-based youth volunteer platform, coordinating service learning projects and connecting high school students with volunteer opportunities. She was the AmeriCorps Alums Columbus Chapter president from 2014 to 2016. She also spent time interning for State Representative Ted Celeste. She holds a master’s degree in business administration from Ohio University and bachelor’s degree in political science from Kent State University.

Outside of work, Miller volunteers her time as a Big Sister with Big Brother Big Sisters. She currently lives in Etna with her husband, Adam, her son Hugh, and her two dogs, Max and Paris.

Malik Wayne Moore, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Leader, Tailored Fit Consulting

Malik Wayne Moore is effecting change and strengthening community in Columbus, Ohio and throughout the world. Having spent 13 years as a YMCA Senior Leader and Executive Director, Moore is a founding member of the YMCA’s national team of social responsibility leaders. Moore is a committed student of Asset-Based Community Development and asset-mapping and he allots time to serve students in Columbus City Schools as a mentor and work-development coach. He also mentors nonprofit executives, and YMCA professionals throughout the world.

Moore believes that through mentorship, coaching, and intentional relationship-building, communities can become more closely connected - even during today’s polarizing climate.   

Moore is an experienced community leader and equity leader. He is a graduate of two of Ohio’s most reputable citizen police academies, and his professional highlights include over 20 years of leadership experience within the nonprofit world and in the YMCA.  

As a YMCA volunteer, Moore has led ”Y work” on three continents, in six countries, in over 18 states and countless cities.  During the last 15 years, he has worked for the Philadelphia Freedom Valley YMCA, the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, and the YMCA of Central Ohio. Moore focuses on partnerships, community transformation and facilitates courageous conversations around race and equity.

He is deeply invested in developing leaders and strengthening community and he also serves as an instructor with YMCA of the USA’s Leadership and Career Development Team.

Mary B. Nippert, Honorary Consul of Estonia for Ohio and Kentucky

Ms. Nippert is currently the Honorary Consul of Estonia for the states of Ohio and Kentucky. Appointed in 2015, by the United States Department of State and Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, she is the first person ever to hold that posting for those states. Recognized by various government institutions in Ohio and Kentucky for her work, personally and professionally, she has been named a Kentucky Colonel, the highest honor the Governor of Kentucky can bestow upon a civilian. She has also been named an Ohio Commodore, the highest honor the Governor of Ohio can bestow upon a civilian. In 2019, she was selected by the Ukrainian Congressional Committee of America, approved by Ukraine’s Central Election Commission (the governing body for the entire country of Ukraine) and participated as one of just 2,400 short-term International Election Observers (from 13 countries) for the Presidential elections in Ukraine. Sought-after as speaker on international affairs, she has been invited to speak at Stanford University and has spoken at UCLA, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. and at various events throughout Ohio. In 2018, Ms. Nippert was one of three featured speakers (along with a senior diplomat from the Ukrainian Consulate {in San Francisco, California}) to speak at a Holodomor memorial and talk about Russia and current geopolitics. She has studied at the University of Cincinnati, Oxford University (England), United States Naval Academy and Gemological Institute of America. Ms. Nippert was a professional artist and commercial photographer before owning and operating a high-end boutique jewelry store, for over ten years. As a noted professional artist, many of her paintings are in private collections in Europe and The United States. Ms. Nippert has advocated for Estonia and Ukraine (on behalf of various organizations) in Washington D.C., and has participated in numerous Baltic and Ukrainian related cultural and memorial events around the United States. She made a HALO skydive on March 20, 2017 from 30,000 feet (approx. 9,144 meters) to raise money and awareness for The HALO Trust for demining (e.g. landmine removal) efforts in Ukraine. This cause became a personal interest, after she experienced driving through active landmine fields, during a trip to Croatia and Bosnia-Herzegovina in 2015 and she wanted to help Ukraine with this cause. The HALO Trust, a favored charity of the late Princess Diana, raises awareness, educates and removes landmines and undetonated ordinances from war torn countries. Other areas of interest are international affairs, the environment, various humanitarian causes such as anti-human trafficking, landmine removal and prevention of domestic violence/child abuse, to name a few. Additional recent honors include her selection in 2017 as a “Great Leader Under 40,” by Venue Magazine and also a 2017 “Next Generation of Community Leaders,” by LEAD Cincinnati Magazine (Sponsored by the YMCA). In 2016, she received certificates of recognition from both the State Senate of Ohio and State of Ohio House of Representatives for international efforts. In 2014, she was Volunteer Chairperson, of the 2014 Campaign Cabinet for the United Way; Cincinnati Leadership Class for the Multiple Sclerosis Society and was named “YWCA Rising Star Woman of Achievement” by the YWCA in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Danna L. Plewe, Program Manager, United States Air Force

As the program manager for the Air Force Employee Assistance Program, Danna Plewe is responsible for overseeing the primary support and referral resource for 170,000 civilians and their family members worldwide.  

Prior to serving the Air Force in this capacity, Plewe served as the Community Support Coordinator for Wright-Patterson Air Force base, the largest single-site employer in Ohio and home to ~27,000 employees. She has a passion for servant leadership and has served her community in a multitude of volunteer roles to include the Dayton Art Institute and the Women’s Board, Dayton Children’s Hospital.  

Plewe is a graduate of Old Dominion University, Virginia, and currently in the Ed.D. program for Organizational Leadership at Wright State University. She and her husband, Tom (Air Force retired), reside in Huber Heights (Dayton).  They have 26-year-old twins, Matt and Cheyanne, a new son-in-law, Ben, and an enthusiastic 6-month-old Boxer, Sage.

Lenny Schafer, M.Ed., PCC-S, Executive Director, The Ohio Council of Community Schools

Lenny Schafer has worked at OCCS for 15 years and was promoted to Executive Director in 2014. The OCCS is the first and largest authorizer of charter schools in Ohio and is a student-centered organization advocating excellence in education through strategic partnerships. Schafer leads a team of 25 employees which provides quality oversight of 46 charter schools serving 32,000 students all over Ohio.

Prior to joining OCCS, Schafer has spent more than 15 years serving urban youth as a counselor, teacher and administrator. Schafer is the founder of two dropout recovery schools in Canton.  He holds a masters of education in counseling from Kent State University and bachelor’s degree in English from Ohio University. Schafer is an independently licensed professional clinical counselor and worked his way into education through mental health.

In addition, Schafer was the owner of Life’s Behavioral Solutions, a community based private practice for family and child counseling in Canton, Ohio.

Ian Schwarber, Co-Founder & Chief Strategy Officer, DriveIT

Ian Schwarber is the Chief Strategy Officer and Co-founder of DriveIT.  Schwarber also Co-Founded The EX[L] Center for Entrepreneurship and Civic Engagement at The University of Akron, in Akron, Ohio.  Graduating Summa Cum Laude from The University of Akron in 2013, Schwarber immediately began his graduate studies at the Ray C. Bliss Institute of Applied Politics, also at UA. Ian is also serves as the Executive Director of EcosySTEM, a 501c-3 non-profit organization focused on delivering STEM/tech learning opportunities throughout Northeast Ohio’s schools. Schwarber has driven a number of successful startups, founded non-profit organizations and held leadership roles in various campaigns, grassroots movements and community projects.  Schwarber graduated from Archbishop Hoban High School and lives in West Akron, Ohio, with his wife Mackenzie, and their children, Mary Justice and Jack.

Derrick R. Shelton, Ed.D, MBA, Principal, Reynoldsburg CSD

Dr. Derrick Shelton has over 20 years of experience in the field of education. He has served as a special education teacher, principal, superintendent, and several other positions in various school systems.  

Throughout his career Shelton has served as a Regional Vice President, Regional Operations Manager, Regional Operations Director, and Executive Vice President. His experience spans across various states to include Arizona, Florida, Louisiana, North Carolina, Ohio, and New York.  As an Executive Director, he managed 14 schools throughout the state of Florida.

Dr. Shelton recently transitioned from the positions of Superintendent of the Columbus Arts & Technology Academy (CATA) and Regional Vice President of additional schools in Ohio, to the position of Principal at Reynoldsburg City Schools. Shelton has dedicated his life to being a positive change agent, and he is committed to ensuring that all children receive a high-quality education. His commitment is driven by an indelible desire to change the face of education. That said, Shelton models the importance of education by continuing his educational journey. To that end, he completed his MBA, and his Doctorate degree in Educational Leadership at the University of Phoenix.   

Shelton also served as a Police Officer for over 8 ½ years. He served for 6 years on the Cincinnati Police Department, and 2 ½ years on the Delray Beach Police Department in Delray Beach, FL.

Sharetta T. Smith, JD, MBA, Chief of Staff, City of Lima

Sharetta T.  Smith serves as the Chief of Staff for the City of Lima. Smith joined the administration in January 2017. In her role as Chief of Staff, Smith is responsible for overseeing city operations including the coordination of policy and legislation, external affairs and communications, and leading many of the Mayor Berger’s key initiatives. Prior to joining the Berger Administration, Smith served six terms as a Magistrate for Hamilton County General Sessions Court in Chattanooga, Tennessee; reporting to the county commission. As a magistrate, she presided over probable cause and bond hearings, issued arrest and search warrants, and appointed counsel for indigent defendants. Smith has earned numerous awards including being named one of Chattanooga’s Top 20 under 40, and the 2011 Young Professionals Association of Chattanooga Young Professional of the Year.  Smith is a graduate of Leadership Chattanooga and a recent graduate of Allen Lima Leadership. Smith earned a bachelor's degree in general studies/communications from the University of Toledo, a law degree from Ohio Northern University, and a master’s degree in business administration from the University of Phoenix. Smith is also a Lima native.

Shelly Stotzer, Owner, Career Coach & Talent Strategist, Crosworks

Shelly Stotzer is Owner, Career Coach and Talent Strategist at Crosworks, where she uses her extensive executive leadership and coaching expertise to help clients gain clarity and focus to perform their best. Serving both individual and organizations, she leads the Crosworks team in guiding clients to success through proven processes – processes that explore each individual’s strengths, interests, skills and work environment needs – to gain the insight to deliver both personal fulfillment and maximum results.

Prior to acquiring Crosworks, Shelly was head of the residential solar division at IGS, a division that she launched. She also ran a consulting practice, Auxano, serving a variety of established corporations as well as startups, providing strategic business planning, executive leadership coaching and operations analysis. And, at Highlights for Children, she served as chief operating officer and chief marketing officer, appointed by the company’s CEO to drive a financial turn-around and rebranding of a decades-old magazine.

Shelly earned an MBA from the University of Dayton and a BS in business operations from DeVry University.
Deeply committed to giving back, Shelly recently joined the Leadership Worthington board. She has also served as a governance board member for the Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana region, on the board of the Worthington Resource Pantry and in other community-based leadership roles.

David Tabata, Consumer Programs Manager and Marketing, AEP Ohio

As consumer programs manager within AEP Ohio’s Distribution Technology and Innovation team, Dave Tabata leads a dedicated team responsible for providing residential consumers energy saving programs and tips to use energy more efficiently and provide increased customer satisfaction. His thirty-year career has been in the products and services industries involving technology, new product development and deployment. Tabata’s focus is to close the gap between the product or service and the customer by providing a target market approach, value propositions and benefits to the customer. Before joining AEP, he worked with Direct Energy, Time Warner Broadband and AOL.

Adrian D. Thompson, Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP, Co-Partner-in-Charge, Cleveland office; Taft Chief Diversity Officer

Adrian Thompson joined Taft in 2006. Today, he leads 60 attorneys in Taft’s Cleveland office and serves as the firm’s Chief Diversity Officer. In this role he helps to drive the firm’s commitment and strategy regarding diversity and inclusion across Taft’s nine offices, its 460 attorneys, and in the Midwest communities that Taft serves.

In his legal practice, Thompson provides counsel for private sector clients on issues including equal employment opportunity litigation, wage-hour problems, employment of the disabled and other labor matters. He also represents school districts in contract negotiations, grievance arbitration, litigation, education of the disabled, and employment discrimination matters.

Thompson co-chairs the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association Diversity & Inclusion Strategies Committee and is an active member of the Norman S. Minor Bar Association.

He is listed in The Best Lawyers in America for Education Law, and as an Ohio Super Lawyer for Labor Law. Thompson is a member of the Commission on the Rules of Superintendence for Ohio Courts and is listed in the National Black Lawyers Top 100. In February 2019, he was appointed to the Ohio Board of Professional Conduct by the Supreme Court of Ohio.

Joe Weitz, MLIS, Communications & Policy Coordinator, Educational Service Center of Central Ohio

Joe Weitz has worked for the Educational Service Center (ESC) of Central Ohio as its policy coordinator since 2008 and added communications coordination to his duties beginning in 2016.  As policy coordinator, he guides the agency in its public policy tracking, research and strategic analysis of services. He also leads the agency’s communications efforts with internal and external stakeholders and partners. In 2015, he received the Ohio Educational Service Center Association’s Torch Award, established to recognize individuals and/or organizations who have rendered outstanding service or who have made significant contributions to the association and ESCs as a whole.   

Previously, Weitz served as a library and research associate in the Ohio Department of Education’s (ODE) Office of Curriculum and Instruction. He also served as an assistant to the state superintendent of public instruction at ODE and to the state librarian at the State Library of Ohio.

Weitz received his undergraduate degree from Northern Kentucky University and a Master’s in Library and Information Science from Kent State University. He holds an administrative specialist license in educational research and has completed graduate-level coursework at The Ohio State University’s John Glenn College of Public Affairs. He also serves as a member of the City of Gahanna’s Area Commission.

Andrea White, Business Development VP, Midwest, CLEAResult

As Business Development VP, Midwest for CLEAResult, Andrea White is responsible for managing a team of over 100 energy efficiency professionals in the delivery of statewide energy efficiency programs on behalf of Ohio utilities including AEP Ohio, Columbia Gas of Ohio, Dayton Power & Light, Dominion Energy Ohio and Vectren Energy Ohio. Helping Ohioans save energy while creating a more comfortable work or home environment is White’s passion.

Prior to joining the CLEAResult family in 2010, White served as Account Services Director for two Ohio-based advertising agencies and as a Public Information Officer for the State of Ohio. She is an innovative strategist with the proven ability to generate awareness and drive results in a variety of fields from utility and retail to general services and healthcare.  Her work has garnered recognition from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance, Association of Energy Professionals, Building Performance Institute and the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

White is a graduate of Ohio Dominican University (B.A. Political Science) and resides in Lewis Center.

Ana Claudia Zubieta, Ph.D., Ohio SNAP-Ed Director, Family and Consumer Sciences, Department Extension, The Ohio State University

Ana Claudia Zubieta has been the Ohio SNAP-Ed (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education) director for over 12 years. As the SNAP-Ed director, Zubieta offers statewide leadership to the program by coordinating program implementation and evaluation while maintaining program under federal guidelines in the 88 Ohio counties. Moreover, Zubieta has been involved in community nutrition research studies that look at best practices for nutrition education programs  (assessing optimal nutrition education dosage for SNAP-Ed participants) and in a research study, led by Case Western Reserve University, that developed a tool to assess community readiness for PSE (Policy Systems and Environmental changes) interventions (PSE READI tool).

Zubieta received her doctoral degree in the Nutrition Department at the University of California in Davis. Her doctoral and postdoctoral training at UC Davis was focused on lactation and micronutrient malnutrition. At The Ohio State University Zubieta worked in the Human Nutrition Department as a Postdoctoral Research Associate for 2 years. In this position, Zubieta focused in community nutrition research working in the evaluation of a community-based program for Latinos in Central Ohio and on the relationship of breastfeeding practices in US households by household food security status using data from the National Health and Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2002. In addition, Zubieta participated as a co-investigator in a research project (2008) assessing community feedback, improvement and dissemination in the transition from a traditional food pantry to a choice food pantry in Butler County, Ohio.

Zubieta has served and continues to serve in leadership positions at state and national organizations and associations.

Leadership Ohio Announces New Executive Director

For Immediate Release

Columbus, January 15, 2019 – Leadership Ohio today announced Dr. Lisa Duty as its new executive director.

“We are really excited to have Lisa in this role for Leadership Ohio,” said Board President Todd Kleismit. “Lisa is an innovative, creative talent that will help Leadership Ohio build the strongest experiential leadership program possible.” 

The program cultivates transformative statewide leadership development experiences that elevate leaders’ knowledge, perspective, and connections from a community to a statewide level. Leadership Ohio is currently accepting nominations for its 2019 class, which begins in April.

As Executive Director of Leadership Ohio, Duty is focused on inspiring action and innovation in service to the state. A lifelong advocate of learning and inspired citizenship, Duty received her Ph.D. in Global Education from The Ohio State University with cognates in Democratization and Education Transformation. 

In addition to her leading role with Leadership Ohio, she is the Founder of Innovation Partners America, a national education and nonprofit consultancy that has helped launch game changing nonprofits like Imagine Worldwide and counseled global start-ups like Teach the World Foundation. Prior to Innovation Partners, Duty was a Founding Partner at The Learning Accelerator, Senior Director of Innovation at KnowledgeWorks and an adjunct faculty member at The Ohio State University’s (OSU) College of Education and Human Ecology. 

Leadership Ohio’s Board of Trustees, many of whom are graduates of Leadership Ohio, have leadership knowledge, skills, and experiences ranging from federal and state governments to the Pentagon, and publicly traded companies on the NYSE -- and across sectors such as genetics, history, aviation, energy, law and aerospace engineering. 

Nominations for Leadership Ohio Class of 2019 are currently open. Kleismit notes interested individuals can seek nomination from a Trustee, alumni, or directly from the Executive Director by contacting leadershipOH@gmail.com

Leadership Ohio Class of 2018

The Leadership Ohio Class of 2018 wrapped up a powerful year in Cleveland in November. Congratulations to this year's class! Special congrats to Wright Patterson AFB Col. Thomas Sherman whom the class selected as "Most Inspirational,” and to Andrew Mangels on being selected as this year's "Leader Among Leaders.”

Nominations for the Class of 2019 are currently open.

Col. Thomas Sherman 2018 “Most Inspirational”

Col. Thomas Sherman 2018 “Most Inspirational”

Andrew Mangels 2018 "Leader Among Leaders”

Andrew Mangels 2018 "Leader Among Leaders”

Leadership Ohio Class of 2018

Leadership Ohio Class of 2018