Leadership Mahoning Valley to Introduce Class of 2025

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Leadership Mahoning Valley will formally introduce the 43 individuals selected to participate in the Class of 2025 at a Sept. 26 kickoff breakfast.

The kickoff will begin at 7:30 a.m. at Waypoint 4180, 4180 Westford Place, Canfield. The event is open to the public, and reservations can be made HERE or by calling 330 744 2131, ext. 1227.

Immediately following the public breakfast event, the members of the Class of 2025 will stay on for a two-day opening retreat, which will begin the 10-month program. The program will conclude in June, 2025, with the Leadership Mahoning Valley annual meeting and graduation ceremony.  

Through the immersive, interactive program, which includes a series of speakers, tours, hands-on activities and site visits, participants will gain knowledge of programs, services, businesses and institutions in the community. 

Program days are centered around specific topics such as the history and heritage of the Valley, government and public service, media and communications, health and human services, education, business, labor and economic development, housing and community development, justice and public safety and quality of life.   

Additionally, participants will participate in a DiSC Assessment designed to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and others. Participants will enhance their personal leadership development by increasing the skills necessary to raise self-awareness and improve teamwork, productivity and communication. 

“A total of 43 outstanding individuals have been selected to participate in the Class of 2025,” said JoAnn Stock, Leadership Mahoning Valley executive director. “Upon completion of the program, these individuals will join the more than 1,200 Leadership Mahoning Valley alumni who have graduated from the program and have gone on to serve our community in a variety of leadership roles.” 

Members of the Class of 2025 are:

• Tarik Awad, senior tax manager, Cohen & Company Ltd.
• Jeremy Batchelor, superintendent, Youngstown City School District.
• Krista Beniston, planning manager, Western Reserve Port Authority.
• Mark Buchenic, vice president/regional director, MS Consultants Inc.
• Dante Capers, associate superintendent, Warren City School District.
• Tina Chance, resource development director, United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley.
• Mark Chapman, operations and logistics manager, Metalico Youngstown Inc.
• Nicholas Chretien, regional planning and development director, Western Reserve Port Authority.
• Brian Coulter, attorney, Browse McDowell, LPA.
• Guy Coviello, president and CEO, Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.
• Morgan Cretella, community engagement coordinator, Trumbull Career & Technical Center.
• Frank DeMain, director of national accounts, Aim Transportation Solutions.
• Erin Driscoll, executive director, student experience and resident life, Youngstown State University.
• Ronnell Elkins, owner, YoGo Bikeshare.
• LaMont English, CEO, Youngstown Metropolitan Housing Authority.
• Jenna Ficken, human resource manager, Berk Enterprises Inc.
• Sue Filipovich, owner/broker, Burgan Real Estate.
• Jeff Fishel, branch manager, First National Bank.
• Charlotte Gardiner, president, Mercy Health – St. Joseph Hospital, Bon Secours Mercy Health.
• Taylor Ginnis, associate relationship manager, Key Private Bank.
• Paul Grier, group facilitator, Mahoning County Juvenile Court.
• Emily Huggins, supervisor, CPA, Packer Thomas CPAs.
• Melissa Jupp, chief operating officer, Potential Development.
• Sarah Keeler, vice president of government affairs, Youngstown State University.
• Timothy Kiedrowski, director of government and external relations, Mercy Health – Youngstown.
• Zachary Machuga, financial adviser, Wells Fargo Advisors.
• Nicole Mansky, nurse manager, Mahoning Valley Pediatric Unit, Akron Children’s Hospital.
• Megan Martin, department director, out of home services, Trumbull County Children Services.
• Michele Merkel, president, Junior Achievement of Eastern Ohio.
• John Montgomery, business banking loan officer, Premier Bank.
• Andrew Ochman, business development manager, Dawn Inc.
• Danielle Pesta, corporate trainer, Phantom Fireworks.
• Meghan Reed, executive director, Trumbull County Historical Society.
• Amy Reynallt, senior manager/regional director manufacturing solutions, HBK CPAs & Consultants.
• Gregory Rhoton, community marketing and local programming manager, Armstrong.
• Lee Schwebel, trustee, director, Schwebel Family Foundation.
• Julie Sole, North America CapEx manager, Vallourec.
• Jason Thomas, project engineer, National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining/America Makes.
• Esmeralda Vargas, mobility manager, customer service supervisor, Western Reserve Transit Authority.
• Kathleen Vrable-Bryan, district administrator, Mahoning Soil and Water Conservation District.
• Merry Wagner, owner/principal agent, Macchione Richardson & Wagner Insurance Agency.
• Justin White, co-owner and CEO, Advanced Technology Partners LLC.
• Marla Zelinsky, probation supervisor, Mahoning County Juvenile Court.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.