ONOM C IC County Economic Development E

D All Stars T Symposium Speakers E N V E ELOP M

Mark Barbash, Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives, Finance Fund [email protected] Mark Barbash is the Executive Vice President of Strategic Initiatives at Finance Fund, a statewide non-profit community development entity that moves public and private cap- ital into low-income communities to improve the quality of life for people. He is responsi- ble for identifying funding opportunities, developing relationships and proposing strategic initiatives that can have major impact on Finance Fund’s performance. His 30 years of economic development experience includes service as Chief Economic Development Officer for the State of Ohio, Development Director for Columbus Mayor Michael B. Cole- man, Executive Director for the Columbus Countywide Development Corporation, and Vice President for the National Development Council located in Washington, D.C. Mark earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of Wisconsin-Mad- ison. Mark has been honored as an IEDC Fellow Member and an SBA Small Business Finan- cial Advocate.

Colonel Cassie Barlow (ret.), Ph.D., Executive Director, Aerospace Professional Development Center, Wright State University - [email protected] Cassie Barlow is currently the Executive Director of the Wright State University Aerospace Professional Development Center and the Advanced Technical Intelligence Center. Both of these organizations are laser focused on workforce development needs across Ohio primarily in the aerospace and defense industry. Previously, she was the 88th Air Base Wing and Installation Commander at Wright-Patterson AFB in command of one of the largest air base wings in the Air Force with more than 5,000 Air Force military, civilian, and contractor employees. Cassie has served in a variety of positions in the information management, behavioral science and personnel careers fields at squadron, Wing, di- rect reporting unit, major command, Air Force and combatant command levels.

Her degrees include a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Georgetown University; Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Chapman University; Doctor of Philosophy in Industrial/Organization- al Psychology from Rice University; Master’s degree in Military Operational Art and Science, Air Command and Staff College; and Master’s degree in National Security, Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University.

Kelly Bates, Manager – OhioMeansJobs Center, Marion County Department of Job & Family Services - [email protected] Kelly Bates serves as Manager of the Marion County OhioMeansJobs Center housed with- in Marion County Job & Family Services. She manages a staff of ten and coordinates with partner services and agencies to oversee delivery of local workforce programs in the Marion area. Kelly and her staff provide information on available programs and services to numerous agencies, service providers and employers on a regular basis. Starting as the Receptionist in the Workforce Development Department, she has been promoted to positions including Workforce Investment Act Case Manager, Business Services Represen- tative, and most recently to her current position, as well as provided contracted summer youth program services during her 10+ years of service. Jay Begg, Allen County Commissioner – [email protected] First term Allen County Commissioner Jay Begg is a member of the County Commission- ers Association of Ohio (CCAO) Agricultural & Rural Affairs and Health & Human Services Committees. In addition, he serves on the Special Committee on Drainage and Ditch Laws to review the petitioned ditch process. Jay is a board member of the Allen Eco- nomic Development Group and serves on the Lima Rotary Board of Directors. He comes to the Commissioner’s office with 17 years of experience as General Manager of the Al- len County Fairgrounds and serving in leadership positions including the Columbus Grove School Board, Ottawa River Coalition, Allen County Farm Bureau, and Allen County Cat- tlemen’s Association. Jay is the sixth generation to live on and manage the family farm with a 550 acre grain operation.

Norm Blanchard, U.S. Army Reserve (ret.), Economic Development Director, Cambridge-Guernsey County Community Improvement Corporation - [email protected] Economic development is a second career for Norm Blanchard. He joined the Cam- bridge-Guernsey County Community Improvement Corporation after completing 32 years as a public school administrator, culminating as Superintendent of the Rolling Hills Local School District. Concurrent with his career in education, Norm served in the Army Reserve for 27 years after a tour in Vietnam, retiring as a full Colonel, having held command at every level. Soon after taking the position with the CIC, the Guernsey County established a port authority for which Norm also serves as executive director. In addition, he chairs the Guernsey County Planning Commission and Workforce Policy Board. Norm holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Miami in Florida, and Master’s Degrees from both West Virginia University and the University of Dayton.

James Branagan, P.E., P.S., Jefferson County Engineer [email protected] Jim Branagan has served as the Jefferson County Engineer since 1989. A grad- uate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering, he has worked in design, construction and management of numerous bridge, road, water and wastewater projects. Early in his career, Jim worked for Weirton Steel and was a project engineer for a $40 million stream generation system. He serves as a park commissioner for Friendship Park District of Jefferson County. In addition, he is a member of the Jefferson County Township Trustee Association and received their leadership award in 2013. Jim authored one of the first Road Use and Maintenance Agreements (RUMA) to deal with the gas exploration boom in eastern Ohio and participated with the Ohio Department of Transpor- tation in the development of a model RUMA for general distribution.

Timothy Bubb, Licking County Commissioner and Symposium Chair - [email protected] A Licking County native, Commissioner Tim Bubb takes great pride in his lifetime of communi- ty achievement and involvement. Tim’s community career began as a staff executive at the Newark Area Chamber of Commerce and on the commander’s staff at the former Newark Air Force Base. He has been a Newark Public Library Trustee for 20 years and Board Presi- dent for 10 years. Tim was elected as Newark City Treasurer in 2002 and as Licking County Commissioner in 2004, where he is currently serving his third term. In a professional capacity, Commissioner Bubb chairs the County Commissioners Association of Ohio Jobs, Economic Development and Infrastructure Committee and serves the Counties of Ohio Risk Sharing Authority (CORSA) as treasurer and Board of Directors member. Tim is a graduate of Newark High School and received an undergraduate degree from Ohio University. He also graduat- ed from the National Chamber of Commerce Institute at Notre Dame University. Ryan Burgess, Assistant Director, Ohio Development Services Agency Ryan Burgess is the Assistant Director of the Ohio Development Services Agency. Previously, he was Senior Vice President of Fifth Third Bank where he worked for the last 20 years.

As a banker, he worked to support business, community and individual development. As Assistant Director, Ryan oversees Legal, Budget, Administrative and JobsOhio liaison sections of Development, as well as supports the staff in improving customer service, cutting govern- ment bureaucracy and growing jobs for Ohio. Burgess received a Bachelor of Arts degree from the College of Wooster.

Dave Burrows, Vice President of Development, Dayton Development Coalition/JobsOhio [email protected] Dave Burrows is the Vice President of Development at the Dayton Development Coalition. He has 20 years of professional experience ranging from manufacturing to executive leader- ship in both public and private sectors. Dave has been a small business owner in the Miami Valley area for 10 years.

Prior to this, Dave spent 10 years in manufacturing. Dave holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Marketing and Management from Wilmington College. He has also completed extensive business ownership and management training through the Kahala Corporation. Currently, Dave serves on a number of local boards and is an active leader and volunteer in the local community. He is an inaugural inductee of his high school’s alumni hall of fame.

David Civittolo, Associate Professor & Extension Field Specialist, Community Economics [email protected] David Civittolo is an Associate Professor and Field Specialist focusing on Community Eco- nomics. Currently he is housed on the OARDC Campus in Wooster, but is responsible for conducting economic development programs throughout Ohio. His primary research interests include strategic planning for economic development organizations and con- ducting business retention and expansion surveys for Ohio communities. His research also addresses economic development tools that can be utilized by cities, villages, and town- ships that can strengthen the financial impact of economic development projects. Da- vid has been with Ohio State University Extension since 2000 and has served as a county educator and county director prior to his current position. Before his work with Extension, Civittolo was employed as a village manager for numerous communities in Ohio.

Erik Collins, Director, Montgomery County Community & Economic Development Department - [email protected] As the Director of Montgomery County’s Community & Economic Development Department, Erik Collins oversees the Building, Planning, and Community & Economic Development Divi- sions. Erik developed and manages the County’s first countywide business retention and expansion initiative known as Business First! For A Greater Dayton Region. Business First! has expanded outside of Montgomery County with over 32 jurisdictions in a six county region containing over 100 Regional Resource Partners serving businesses. Erik has developed Mont- gomery County’s first Linked Deposit Program, in partnership with the Montgomery County Treasurer, which was a $20 million program designed to buy-down interest rates for businesses and housing developers that create and retain jobs and improve neighborhoods and the ThinkTwice – Buy Montgomery County – Support Local Businesses Program. Erik is responsible for overseeing a countywide two million dollar tax-based sharing program called Econom- ic Development/Government Equity (ED/GE) that is designed to promote development in Montgomery County.

Greg Davis, Ph.D., Assistant Director, Ohio State University Extension – Community Development [email protected] As an Assistant Director for Ohio State University Extension - Community Development, Greg Davis leads field-based specialists and educators engaged in the development of community, organizational and in an individual capacity to improve civic, environmental and economic conditions throughout Ohio. Previously, he served as a Leader in Com- munity Economics and Business, a collaboration between the Departments of Extension and Agriculture, Environmental, and Development Economics. In this role, Greg worked with communities, residents, and field staff to develop and implement programs and tools to foster better-informed community economic development strategies. In addition, he has served as an Extension Regional Leader and as an Agent in Crawford County working with local government, community volunteers, and organizations to develop the local capacity for community development. Greg has a Bachelor of Arts in Comprehensive Social Sciences from the University of Findlay, a Master of Public Administration in Political Science from Bowling Green State University and a Ph.D. in Extension Education from The Ohio State University.

Suzanne Dulaney, Esq., Executive Director, County Commissioners Association of Ohio [email protected] Suzanne Dulaney is the Executive Director for the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. Suzanne worked at CCAO from 1999 to 2006 as a Senior Policy Analyst. Prior to her return to CCAO in 2014, she served as the Associate CEO for the Ohio Association of County Behavioral Health Authorities which represents Ohio’s county alcohol, drug addic- tion and mental health boards.

Suzanne obtained her law degree with a concentration in Governmental Affairs from Capital University and her undergraduate degree in political science from Miami Univer- sity.

Dan Evers, Director of Economic Development, GROW Licking County Community Improvement Corporation/Licking County Chamber of Commerce [email protected] Dan Evers is the Director of Economic Development for GROW Licking County Community Improvement Corporation & the Licking County Chamber of Commerce. In this position, Norm facilitates information and community resources, to position Licking County to max- imize opportunities for new investment and job creation as well as business retention and expansion. Previously, Dan worked in a variety of public, non-profit, and consulting positions throughout Ohio in economic development and community administration posts. He is a member of the Ohio Economic Development Association Board of Directors and a past member of the Mid-Ohio Development Exchange Board of Directors. Dan is graduate of Miami University, where he received a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science/Public Adminis- tration. He received a Master of Public Administration from Xavier University. He is a Certi- fied Economic Development Finance Professional via the National Development Council.

Ginny Favede, Belmont County Commissioner - [email protected] Belmont County Commissioner Ginny Favede is a graduate of The Ohio State Uni- versity, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. She was recently appointed to the National Association of Counties Community, Economic and Work- force Development Steering Committee and is a graduate of the County Leadership Institute. On the state level, Ginny is a member of the County Commissioners Associ- ation of Ohio Board of Directors and serves as the association treasurer, the Taxation & Finance Committee and co-chairs the Deferred Compensation Committee. In ad- dition, she is a graduate of the Ohio Municipal League Municipal Training Academy. At a local level, Ginny chairs the Belmont County Records Commission, past president and member of the St. Clairsville Downtown Revitalization Task Force, Belmont Coun- ty Transportation Improvement District, Belmont County Planning Commission, Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association, and Eastern Ohio Development Alliance. Gin- ny is serving her second term as Belmont County Commissioner. Jeffrey A. Finkle, CEcD, President and CEO, International Economic Development Council [email protected] As President and CEO of the International Economic Development Council (IEDC), Jeff Finkle is a recognized leader and authority on economic development. With the for- mation of IEDC in 2001, following the merger of the Council for Urban Economic De- velopment (CUED) where he was president for 15 years and the American Economic Development Council (AEDC), Jeff set the course for a more effective and influential organization. Today IEDC is the world’s largest economic development membership organization and is a $5 million annual operation, renowned for its leadership in profes- sionalizing and diversifying the field of economic development.

Jeff previously served as Deputy Assistant Secretary in the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, and has been recognized for his commitment to making sustainable economic development a priority in communities of all sizes. He founded the Bollinger Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides financial assistance to children who have lost a parent who worked in the field of economic development. He received a Bachelor of Science in Communications from Ohio University and pursued graduate studies in business administration at The Ohio State University.

Tom Fishbaugh, Rural Development Specialist, Ohio Rural Community Assistance Program [email protected] Tom Fishbaugh is a water and wastewater operator certified in the State of Ohio for Class II facilities. He has worked for Ohio Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP) since 2004 after retiring from public service where he spent over 30 years operating and man- aging water and wastewater systems in Sandusky and Wood counties and as a Village Administrator. Since joining RCAP as a technical assistance provider in 2004, he has developed training courses for local officials covering utility, financial, and asset man- agement along with rate setting, non-revenue water, and realizing the value of water. Tom is a member of the Ohio RCAP’s Energy Efficiency Appraisal Team. He isa Past-President of the County Sanitary Engineers Association of Ohio and the Ohio Wa- ter Environment Association. He also is a member and served on the Board of Directors for the Water Environment Federation and a life member of American Water Works Association.

Sonia Fry, Employee Relations Manager, Whirlpool Corporation – Marion Operations [email protected] Sonia Fry currently serves as Employee Relations Manager of Whirlpool Corpora- tion - Marion Operations where she provides human resource leadership and consul- tation regarding workforce engagement, employee relations issues, staffing needs and manpower movement for an hourly population of over 2,200. Living in the Mari- on area nearly her entire life, she attended Marion Technical College and later earned a Bachelor of Science in Technical Management with an HR focus from DeVry Uni- versity. With over 15 years experience in the HR field, Sonia enjoys her work and also takes pleasure in being involved in the community. She currently serves as a board member for the Boys and Girls Club of Marion County, participates on the local HR Council and is a member of the Marion County Workforce Advisory Committee.

Jerry Greiner, President, Northwestern Water and Sewer District [email protected] As President of the Northwestern Water and Sewer District, Jerry Greiner represents an ORC 6119 District that includes approximately 65 employees and $180 million in assets with operating general revenue budget of $10-15 million per year. The district serves over 15,000 customers. His previous experience includes being a director of the district, working for the Wood County Sanitary Engineer’s Office as an acting director and business manager, and in the banking industry. Jerry is a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business. Michael Halleck, Columbiana County Commissioner and CCAO President [email protected] Mike Halleck is a Columbiana County Commissioner and was elected by his peers as the 2015 President of the County Commissioners Association of Ohio. Mike is serving in his fourth term as county commissioner. At CCAO he has been a member of the Board of Directors and the following committees: General Government and Oper- ations; Jobs, Economic Development and Infrastructure; and Taxation and Finance. On the state level, Mike has served on the Supreme Court of Ohio Commission on Dispute Resolutions. He serves on the National Association of Counties Finance, Pen- sions and Intergovernmental Affairs Steering Committee. Prior to his appointment and election as county commissioner, Mike served three terms as a Perry Township Trustee. Prior to entering public service Mike enjoyed a career as an executive in the business community. Mike has an Associate of Arts degree from the University of Kentucky and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Youngstown State University.

Susan Holben, General Manager, National Center for Economic Gardening [email protected] Susan Holben has been with the State of Michigan’s economic develop- ment agency for over 30 years, working in numerous capacities over five ad- ministrations. She served as a Michigan Business Ombudsman for 17 years and joined the Michigan Economic Development Corporation’s Pure Mich- igan Business Connect team in 2013 as Economic Gardening Program Ad- ministrator, providing specialized assistance to Michigan’s growing sec- ond-stage companies. Over the past two years, Susan has enjoyed the challenge of customizing Michigan’s Economic Gardening program to meet the needs of Michigan businesses throughout the Economic Gardening pro- cess as well as in the months and years following participation in the program.

Her extensive knowledge of various State department programs and services, and connections with business associations and statewide economic development agencies is a tremendous benefit to the companies she serves. She is excited to be able to make valuable, meaningful connections between Michigan’s businesses and statewide service providers.

Stuart Johnson, Vice President of Digital Works, a Connected Nation Program [email protected] Stu Johnson is the Vice President of Digital Works, a Connected Nation program that provides training for the 21st century workforce along with job mentorship and place- ment for program participants. Stu provides comprehensive strategy and manage- ment of the program including implementation and development on a national level, identification and achievement of programmatic goals, and revenue management of the program. Stu also serves as the primary spokesperson to media nationwide re- garding Digital Works. Prior to his role of Vice President for Digital Works, Stu served as the Executive Director for Connect Ohio, a subsidiary of Connected Nation working to bring the benefits of universal broadband to Ohio. Stu has over 25 years of executive level telecommunications experience and holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance de- gree from The Ohio State University.

Luke Kellett, Director of Business Development, Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority - [email protected] Luke Kellett is the Director of Business Development for the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority. This year, Luke kicked off the first Economic Gardening program in central Ohio. The Potentia Economic Gardening Program is only one of three programs in the state. The Port Authority partnered with the Edward Lowe Foundation and the National Center for Economic Gardening to bring Economic Gardening to central Ohio. Prior to working at the Port Authority, Luke worked in marketing and commercial lending at a financial institution for 10 years. He has a degree in Business Information Systems from DeVry University and is a Cer- tified Economic Gardening Professional by the National Center for Economic Gardening. Benjamin Kenny, Community Development Coordinator, WSOS Community Action Commission, Inc. [email protected] Ben Kenny has been the Community Development Coordinator for WSOS Communi- ty Action Commission located in Sandusky County since 2002 and has been involved in all aspects of community and economic development initiatives with partnering or- ganizations and entities. He is responsible for technical and developmental assistance for a variety of planning and community/economic development services, includ- ing assistance in developing comprehensive land use, economic development, and downtown revitalization plans; technical assistance to business revolving loan funds, and CDBG administration. Previously, he was the Director of Community Development and a Program Developer for WSOS, and Director of the North Star Council of Govern- ments. Ben has a Bachelor of Arts in Economics (cum laude) from Kenyon College and a Master of City and Regional Planning from The Ohio State University.

Colleen Killen-Roberts, Economic Gardening Program Administrator, Michigan Economic Development Corporation - [email protected] Colleen Killen-Roberts is the general manager of the National Center for Economic Gardening (NCEG), which is hosted by the Edward Lowe Foundation. The NCEG has helped establish more than 40 Economic Gardening programs across the country, including statewide programs in Michigan, Florida, Louisiana, and Kansas. In her role at NCEG, Colleen oversees program development, brings new organizations into the program, and acts as a liaison between partners and the NCEG’s National Strategic Research Team. She also oversees certification and training courses, which are con- ducted at the foundation’s learning campus in Cassopolis, Michigan. An MBA and trained business coach, Colleen has a strong background in operations and fiscal management. Prior to joining the foundation, she was director of business operations at Emerson School, a nationally recognized nonprofit school for gifted children in Ann Arbor, Michigan. She has also been a senior executive for several entrepreneurial startups, including a marketing company that served the packaging industry, a strategic consulting firm, an ac- counting consultancy, and an art and design supply company.

Debbie Lieberman, Montgomery County Commissioner - [email protected] Debbie Lieberman is currently serving her third term as Montgomery County Commission- er. Prior to her election as county commissioner, Debbie served two terms on the City of Clayton Council and on the Randolph Township Planning Commission. She worked for the Montgomery County Auditor’s Office as Director of Real Estate for ten years -before be coming the Chief Deputy Auditor. On the local level, Debbie co-chairs the Montgom- ery County Reentry Policy Board, is a member of the Dayton Regional STEM Collaborative board, serves on the Dayton Development Coalition’s Regional Leaders Forum, and is on the Downtown Dayton Partnership Board. Statewide, Debbie is on the executive board of the County Commissioner’s Association of Ohio and is past president of the Association. Debbie was appointed by the Governor to serve on the Ohio Local Government Innova- tion Fund Council, the Ohio Housing Trust Fund Committee and she serves on the Supreme Court Task Force on the Future Funding of Ohio Courts. Debbie serves as vice chair of the Aging Subcommittee of the National Association of Counties Human Services and Edu- cation Steering Committee. She is a graduate of the University of Dayton Law School.

Eric Luckage, Esq., Albers and Albers and Co-founder, Coalition of Ohio Regional Districts [email protected] Eric Luckage attended The Ohio State University for his undergraduate studies and re- ceived his law degree from Capital University Law School. At Albers and Albers Eric rep- resents local governments and individuals with respect to water, sewer and storm- water issues and litigation, regional district formation and administration, eminent domain, Joint Economic Development Districts, and similar development issues.

Eric frequently speaks and writes articles on various topics for the Ohio Township Association, the Ohio Rural Water Association, the Rural Community Assistance Partnership, and U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development. Eric worked for five years at the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development office, one of the major fund- ing agencies for water and sewer projects. He is also a co-founder and current Board member of the Coalition of Ohio Regional Districts, an association of regional water, sewer and stormwater districts formed under ORC 6119.

Brigadier General Dana McDaniel, Ohio National Guard, and City Manager, City of Dublin [email protected] Dana McDaniel is the City Manager for the City of Dublin. He has been employed by the City for nearly 27 years where he has served various roles, including director of service, dep- uty city manager/director of economic development and director of development. Dana has been instrumental in the development of DubLink, Dublin’s state-of-the-art broadband fiber-optic network, is co-founder of the Central Ohio Research Network and helped create the Dublin Entrepreneurial Center, which currently houses more than 100 start-up companies. He earned his bachelor’s degree in public administration from Miami University of Ohio and his master’s in public administration from The Ohio State University. He also received a mas- ter’s degree in strategic studies from the United States Army War College. Brigadier General McDaniel is a 33-year member of the Ohio National Guard and currently serves as director of the Joint Staff, Joint Force Headquarters-Ohio. He is an Iraq War Veteran.

Kenny McDonald, Chief Economic Officer, Columbus 2020 - [email protected] Kenny McDonald serves as the primary leader of all economic development and business attraction efforts for the 11-county Columbus Region in his position as chief economic officer of Columbus 2020. Kenny has an extensive background insite selection, regional economic development, community marketing, business re- cruitment and international business development. He holds the professional des- ignation of Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) and serves as an elected- mem ber of the Board of Directors for the International Economic Development Council. Previously, McDonald served as the executive vice president of the Charlotte Regional Partnership, a public-private economic development organization covering a 16-county region in North and South Carolina. His 16 years of economic development experience also include leadership positions at the Albuquerque Economic Development Corpora- tion, Fluor Daniels Global Locations Strategies and the Savannah Economic Development Authority. Kenny received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Dickinson State University and a Master of Public Administration from Georgia Southern University.

Ronald Meade, Workforce Programs Administrator, Marion County Department of Job & Family Services [email protected] Ronald Meade serves as Administrator for Marion County Job and Family Services and oversees all workforce development and social services programs. Ron retired from the U.S. Army after 20 years of service and joined the agency very soon after as a Workforce Investment Act and Ohio Works First case manager. He was promoted to Manager of the Marion Connections One Stop and then to Administrator. As the One Stop Manager, he and his team established and maintained excellent rapport with Marion area businesses. The Agency develops and provides employment and training opportunities to employers and job seekers. Ron has organized mass recruitments, Rapid Response services and Veteran Centered service events. His team recruits and provides pre-hire interviews and assessments for many local employers. Ron is a graduate of the Marion Area Leadership Training program, the Primary and Advanced Leadership programs through the U.S. Army. He has served on the Habitat for Humanity Board and currently serves on the Marion Work- force Advisory Committee and the Marion Matters sub-committee. Jed Metzger, President/CEO, Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce [email protected] Lima/Allen Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Jed Metzger has led the Cham- ber since 1999. During his tenure, the Chamber secured a $1.7 million collaborative Federal Gear-Up grant to increase the number of students achieving post-secondary education. In addition, a successful $2.8 million renovation of an historical building to house the Center for Business Services Building - “a one-stop shop” - was completed. The one-stop has led the ef- fort to complete the Allen 2020 Community Visioning Project and the Allen County Commu- nity Brand. Prior to 1999, he was the Executive Director, Chapter Manager/CEO-American Red Cross/Lima Allen County Chapter and Executive Director, Easter Seal Society of West Central Ohio. Jed has a Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University.

Greg Moon, Executive Director, Wyandot County Office of Economic Development [email protected] Greg Moon is the Executive Director of the Wyandot County Office of Economic Develop- ment with experience in new business attraction and a dedication to facilitating local busi- ness expansion. Greg also serves as the Executive Director of the Wyandot County Regional Planning Commission working with local elected officials on efficient land use practices. He is a founder and currently serves on the board of directors of the Wyandot County Young Professionals, as a member of the local Workforce Investment Board, and as a director of the Upper Sandusky Area Chamber of Commerce.

Greg received a Bachelor of Arts in Aviation Management from The Ohio State University and a Master of Business Administration from Franklin University.

Mark Partridge, Ph.D., C. William Swank Chair of Rural-Urban Policy at The Ohio State University - [email protected] Mark Partridge is the C. William Swank Chair of Rural-Urban Policy at The Ohio State University and a Professor in the Agricultural, Environment, and Development Economics Department. He is also a Faculty Research Affiliate for the City-Region Studies Centre at the University of Alberta. Prior to joining OSU, he was the Canada Research Chair in the New Rural Economy at the University of Saskatchewan, where he is an Adjunct Professor. Mark has published over 100 academic and scholarly papers and his work has been ranked among the top- 1000 economists in the world. His current research interests include investigating rural-ur- ban interdependence, why some communities grow faster than others, and innovations in regional policy and governance. He has consulted with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, various governments in the U.S. and Canada, and he is currently working a project for the European Commission. He has presented to the U.S. Congress and the Canadian Parliament on regional issues.

Mark received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics degree from the Montana State University, Master of Science in Economics from the University of Wyoming and a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Illinois.

Fredrick Pausch, Executive Director, County Engineers Association of Ohio [email protected] Fredrick Pausch is the Executive Director of the County Engineers Association of Ohio (CEAO) where he represents county engineers on transportation, en- vironmental, surveying, taxation, and regulatory issues affecting local, state and the federal governments. Before joining CEAO, Fredrick was the CEO and Founder of Bliss Lobbying & Consulting, LLC. Fred gained 27 years of ex- perience on the state level through a variety of roles within the Ohio General Assembly as an intern for State Senator Charles Butts, and handling govern- mental and media relations for Senate Minority Leader Harry Meshel. He then moved to the Ohio House of Representatives and served under the leadership of Speaker Vern Riffe as legislative aide to Assistant Majority Floor Leader Cliff Skeen. In addition, Fred was the Assistant Executive Director for the Joint Com- mittee on Agency Rule Review, lobbied for The Ohio Society of CPAs and was Director of Legislative Services for the Ohio School Boards Association.

Brent Painter, Director of Economic Development, City of Strongsville [email protected] Brent Painter is the Director of Economic Development with the City of Strongs- ville. Since joining the city in 2005, Brent has been heavily engaged in local busi- ness retention and expansion programs. He is a member of the Ohio Econom- ic Development Association, Strongsville Chamber of Commerce, and Rotary Club.

Brent earned a Bachelor in Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace and a Master’s in Education from the University of Akron.

Rick Platt, President and CEO of the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority [email protected] Rick Platt is President and CEO of the Heath-Newark-Licking County Port Authority, a position he’s held since 2002. The Port Authority owns and manages the former Newark Air Force Base facility redeveloped as home to privatized aerospace and defense operations and known as the Central Ohio Aerospace & Technology Center. During his tenure, the Port Authority has developed a reputation as a tech-savvy, government innovator and problem solver. The Port Authority has grown to become the largest self-sustaining port authority in Ohio and the fourth-largest overall among more than 50 port authorities in the state. Rick previously worked with an economic development public-partnership in Steubenville, the Governor’s economic development office in Northeast Ohio, Ohio’s State and Local Government Com- mission, and the U.S. Congress. Rick is active with the International Economic Development Council, and the state, regional, and local levels of economic development, including serving as Chair for the Grow Licking County CIC. Rick is a graduate of Miami University.

John Recker, CEcD, Senior Project Manager, Regional Growth Partnership, JobsOhio [email protected] John Recker is a senior project manager with the Regional Growth Partnership and rep- resents JobsOhio on business attraction and expansion projects for six counties in the North- west Ohio region. He is a Certified Economic Developer (CEcD) through the International Economic Development Council. John has also worked in economic development for the Ohio Department of Transportation Office of Jobs & Commerce and the Ohio Department of Development, Office of Workforce Development. Prior to his career in economic devel- opment, John was co-owner and CEO of Teledoor, LLC, a manufacturer of commercial garage doors, which he successfully sold to DYNACO USA in 2008. He started his career with The Ohio State University as director of the Strategy Store, an applied research consult- ing office. John has a Bachelor of Arts from Bowling Green State University and a Master of Public Administration from The Ohio State University.

Carolyn Rice, Montgomery County Treasurer - [email protected] Carolyn Rice has served as Montgomery County Treasurer since her appointment in 2007. She has served as the Chair of the Montgomery County Land Reutilization Cor- poration, better known as the Montgomery County Land Bank, since it was created in 2011. Carolyn also serves as Chair of the Montgomery County Vacant Properties Solu- tions (MVPS) – a group comprised of a variety of key stakeholders who meet month- ly to share best practices and address the blight crisis. She also has served as Chair of the Land Bank Committee of the County Treasurers Association of Ohio (CTAO) for the past three years. Carolyn is Past President of the Dayton Council on World Af- fairs and serves on its board as Chair of Membership and Marketing. Carolyn is a na- tive of Dayton, and received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Miami Uni- versity of Ohio and her Master of Business Administration from Wright State University.

L. Rafael Rodriguez, Business Development Manager, Canton Community Improvement Corporation - [email protected] Rafael Rodriguez currently serves as Canton Community Improvement Corporation (CCIC) Business Development Manager with responsibility for business retention, expansion and attraction. In 2007, he became interested in business and economic development when he was contracted by the Cleveland Hispanic Business Association to develop a Northeast Ohio Regional Hispanic Business Network. His economic and business development philos- ophy was influenced by time spent in the military, OEM sales experience servicing national and international markets, and the recession of 2008. As the CCIC Business and Economic Development Manager, Rafael embraces his responsibility to encourage long term busi- ness strategies for growth and expansion through networking and consultation with service providers, business owners, and other economic development organizations and govern- ment representatives.

Jim Rokakis, Esq., Vice President, Western Reserve Land Conservancy and Director, Thriving Communities Institute - [email protected] Growing up in Cleveland’s Archwood-Denison neighborhood, Jim Rokakis saw first-hand how neighbors helping neighbors could strengthen an entire commu- nity. Elected as the youngest member of Cleveland City Council at age 22, he embarked on a 19-year tenure that saw several successes in reversing neighbor- hood blight, redeveloping Downtown Cleveland, creating the Cleveland Hous- ing Court and chairing the influential Finance Committee for his last seven years on Council.

In 1997, Jim took office as Cuyahoga County Treasurer and for the next decade he overhauled the entire office and greatly enhanced the county’s existing tax collection system. Faced with Cuyahoga County’s mortgage foreclosure crisis, he helped write and pass House Bill 294, which streamlines the foreclosure process for abandoned properties. Jim was the driving force behind a bill that allowed for the creation of the Cuyahoga County Land Reutilization Corporation (CCLRC), also known as the Cuyahoga County Land Bank. He served as the CCLRC’s first chairman and played a key role in moving the land bank from a concept to a vital force in Cuyahoga County that has changed the real estate picture for distressed properties in just 18 months. Jim earned his undergraduate degree at Oberlin College and his Juris Doctorate degree from Cleveland-Marshall School of Law.

Eric Romich, Assistant Professor and Field Specialist for Energy Development, Ohio State University Extension [email protected] Eric Romich is an Assistant Professor and Field Specialist for Energy Development with Ohio State University Extension specializing in renewable energy development, energy policy, wind energy, solar energy, and bioenergy resources. He works with elected officials, com- munity planners, community residents, OSU faculty and Extension Educators, and state and federal government agencies to deliver educational programs. His background in renew- able energy began during his former assignment as an OSU Extension Educator in Wyandot County which involved the details of finalizing the Public Service Enterprise Group Wyandot Solar Project. The Project is a 12 MW 85 acre solar generation facility, which is the largest solar facility in Ohio and one of the largest in the Midwest. Eric has a Bachelor of Arts in Busi- ness Administration and Process Management from Franklin University and a Master of Arts in Exercise, Leisure, and Sports Administration, from Kent State University.

Brent Runge, 911 Program Manager, Perry County - [email protected] As Perry’s Program Manager, Brent Runge is tasked with developing and manag- ing a new 911 system and consolidating public safety communications. In this effort Brent continues to rebuild, reintegrate and/or enhance legacy communications onto an ever changing, ever expanding rural broadband platform. Brent brings 30 years of telecommunications experience as a retired GTE Corporation mid-level manag- er to Perry County. More recently, he has accumulated 15 years in 911 infrastructure and communications development in several counties in Ohio. He is a senior part- ner in COMSULT LLC, a communications consulting agency that involves the many disciplines of modern broadband, digital and VoIP communication technologies. Christiane W. Schmenk, Esq., of Counsel, Bricker & Eckler - [email protected] Chris Schmenk serves as of counsel with Bricker & Eckler’s Public Finance group. She has vast public sector service having most recently been Director of the Ohio Development Services Agency. In this position she restructured the department after the launch of Job- sOhio and was a member of Governor Kasich’s cabinet. Before becoming director, she was chief legal counsel for the department and assisted in the formation and launch of JobsOhio. From 2008 to 2011, she was the elected mayor of Marysville. She has also served as in-house legal counsel for Wendy’s International and as Vice President for External Affairs for The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company. While at Scotts, she worked on complex legal mat- ters including mergers and acquisitions, local and state permitting, governmental licensing and labeling, environmental health and safety issues, and employment matters and also headed Scotts’ Government Affairs team. Chris has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Ohio Northern University and a Juris Doctor degree from The Ohio State University.

Lindsay Shanahan, Esq., Executive Director of Connect Ohio, a subsidiary of Connected Nation www. [email protected] Lindsay Shanahan is the Executive Director of Connect Ohio, a subsidiary of Connected Nation working to bring the benefits of universal broadband to Ohio. Lindsay leads Con- nect Ohio’s involvement in state broadband and leadership initiatives with public and pri- vate sector stakeholders. She also manages existing Connect Ohio programs including lo- cal broadband action planning, broadband inventory mapping and technical assistance, research, and community solutions support. Lindsay was a member of the Federal Com- munications Commission internal task force focused on Connect2Compete development and establishment of a computer program adopted by Habitat for Humanity. Lindsay holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Kentucky and a Master of Arts in Public Policy and Management as well as a Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University.

James Shaw, III, P.E., Lucas County Sanitary Engineer - [email protected] For over 20 years, Jim Shaw has been with the Lucas County Sanitary Engineer’s Of- fice - serving five years as an assistant sanitary engineer and over fifteen as sanitaryen- gineer. As sanitary engineer he is responsible for the planning, direction and coordina- tion of all activities of the department including survey, design, inspection, construction, operation, maintenance and funding of water, sanitary sewer and wastewater treat- ment systems, oversight of a dormant landfill, and the Lucas County Solid Waste Man- agement District. In addition, Jim work as a project manager and engineer for Finkbein- er, Pettis & Strout, Limited. He has a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Ohio Northern University and is a licensed Professional Engineer. He has Ohio EPA Class III Wastewater Treatment Plant Operator and Class II Water Distribution Operator’s licenses.

Donald R. Sherman, PE, Deputy Director, Fairfield County Utilities [email protected] Don Sherman is an experienced civil engineer with diverse public and private company expe- rience. In his current position of Deputy Director of Fairfield County Utilities, he assists with plan- ning and directing engineering, operation, and maintenance of the water reclamation and water operations with a $7 million operating budget. His previous experience includes being an independent engineering consultant for marine, commercial, and residential projects; city engineer and service director for the City of Chillicothe; president and founder of a ERMM Cor- poration, a steel fabrication firm; and product and engineering manager, and design engineer.

Don holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering form Ohio Northern University and a Mas- ter in Business Administration from Ohio University. In addition, he is a Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers and is a member of the National Society of Professional Engineers. Martha Smith, former Director, Defense Finance & Accounting Services [email protected] Before her recent retirement, Martha Smith served 32 years in Federal Civil Service and 10 years in the Senior Executive Service. She served as the Director of Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) in Cleveland and Columbus managing accounting and finance services for the Departments of the Navy, Air Force, Army, and multiple Defense Agencies in addition to large (2,500+ employees) and small organizations. Prior to her Senior Executive assignments, she performed accounting functions for the Navy and Air Force at DFAS Charleston and DFAS Denver. She began her career in California, working with the Navy Seabees at the Construction Battalion Center in Port Hueneme, Califor- nia. Currently, Martha was appointed by Governor Kasich to serve on the Ohio Federal Military Jobs Commission. She received her Bachelor of Science Degree from California State University - Fresno and her Masters of Business Administration from Capella University.

David Spinney, Director, Butler County Transportation Improvement District [email protected] David Spinney has over 30 years of direct experience with local government adminis- tration and management. He has served as the Butler County Transportation Improve- ment District (TID) Director since 2012 and as chair of the Clermont County TID from 2006 to 2011. His other local government experience includes serving as Clermont County Administrator and Assistant Administrator, City of Milford City Manager, Town of Indian Head (MD) Town Manager, City of Hagerstown (MD) Planning Supervisor, and Jacksonville (FL) Area Planning Board Administrator. David has a Bachelor of Arts in Geography from Clark University (MA) and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from Virginia Polytecluric Institute and State University.

Jeff Sprague, President/CEO Allen County Economic Development Group [email protected] Jeff Sprague is the President/CEO of the Allen Economic Development Group where he manages and coordinates the economic development activities for Allen County. Jeff has been with the Allen Economic Development Group for 7 years. The Allen Economic Development Group is a public/private economic development organization formed in 1995. He has more than 20 years of experience in economic and workforce develop- ment. Prior to his present position he spent 11 years heading the workforce development area at Rhodes State College. Jeff also spent nine years working for the Ohio Department of Development. Jeff received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Ohio State University and a Masters of Business Administration from Ashland University.

Kristi Tanner, Managing Director of Advanced Manufacturing and Automotive, JobsOhio [email protected] Kristi Tanner is the JobsOhio Managing Director for Automotive. A member of the economic development organization’s leadership team, Tanner was instrumental in the transition and startup of JobsOhio. Prior to joining JobsOhio, Tanner served as Assistant Director and Chief Operating Officer of the Ohio Department of Development and worked closely with the De- partment in her role at the Ohio Business Development Coalition. She has led economic de- velopment efforts at the local, regional, and state levels, including establishing the first Gov- ernor’s Regional Economic Development Office in southern Ohio. She also oversaw many of the Ohio Department of Development’s business incentive programs while serving in var- ious leadership positions within the organization. A graduate of Morehead State University in Kentucky, Tanner earned a degree in Communications and Marketing. She is certified as an Economic Development Finance Professional through the National Development Coun- cil and served several years as a member of Ohio’s Development Finance Advisory Council.

Kyle Wendel, P.E., P.S., Van Wert County Engineer - [email protected] Kyle Wendel is a graduate of Crestview High School in Convoy and The Ohio State University. He received his Bachelor of Science Degree in Civil Engineering and played bass drum in the OSU Marching Band.

Upon graduation, he was employed by the Allen County Sanitary Engineering Department in Lima. He began his service in Van Wert County as Assistant County Engineer in 1997, and was elected County Engineer in 2000 where he is serving his third term. Kyle is a licensed Professional Engineer and Professional Surveyor in Ohio.

Greg Wilkens, P.E., P.S., Butler County Engineer - [email protected] Greg Wilkens has served as the Butler County Engineer since January 2001 but has been with the Engineer’s Office since 1973 where he’s been active in many different capacities. Prior to becoming County Engineer, Greg served as Executive Director of the Butler County TID begin- ning in 1998. While there he oversaw the construction of $200 million in projects. This constituted the largest highway building campaign in the County for any two-year period and included construction of the Butler County Veteran’s Highway as well as development of the new road- way grid around Union Centre Boulevard.

Dave Williamson, Director, Crawford County Partnership for Education and Economic Development - [email protected] Dave Williamson has extensive experience in economic development on the state and coun- ty level, including 10 years as a regional and deputy director with the Ohio Department of De- velopment. Dave is a Certified Economic Development Finance Professional, Chair of Work- force Partnership steering committee, past chair of the North Central Ohio College Tech Prep steering committee, and a regional organizer in workforce development programs. Dave has been the Crawford County Economic Development Director since 2007. Before his work in economic development, Dave had a career in broadcasting. He is a graduate of Ball State University.