Boyarko Inducted Into Association of Ohio Commodores
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Sarah Boyarko, vice president of economic development for Lake to River, was inducted into the Association of Ohio Commodores during the organization’s annual meeting here Saturday.
Boyarko joins a select group of roughly 600 individuals who have been recognized by Ohio’s governors as members of The Executive Order of the Ohio Commodore, an organization established nearly 60 years ago.
She was nominated by Penny Traina, CEO and executive director of the Columbiana County Port Authority, and David Johnson, the organization’s Grand Commodore..
“Sarah’s unwavering dedication to driving meaningful economic development and her commitment to the success of our region made her a clear choice for this nomination,” Traina said. “Her leadership has profoundly impacted not only our community’s growth but also the opportunities available to future generations.”
The Ohio Commodores, founded in 1966 by then-Gov. James A. Rhodes, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to economic development in the state. Membership is by appointment of the governor. Members include government officials, university administrators, trade association leaders, and executives from a range of industries.
“Being inducted into the Association of Ohio Commodores is a rewarding experience because it confirms that my contributions in regional economic development are valued,” Boyarko said. “I am enormously thankful for the guidance and support I’ve received throughout my career, including from the Lake to River Board of Directors and the two members who nominated me. I wouldn’t be here without them.”
Boyarko, a Boardman native, leads Lake to River’s economic development team, which focuses on job growth and investment across the four-county region. Since the organization’s formation in April, her team has generated $72 million in pending investment and expects the creation of more than 200 new jobs in the coming months.
Before joining Lake to River, Boyarko spent nearly 18 years at the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, where she held several executive positions, including overseeing operations and human resources. During her 14 years in economic development at the chamber, her team managed 214 projects, resulting in $6.2 billion in private investment and the creation of more than 10,000 jobs across the region.
Pictured at top: Sarah Boyarko (center) with her two nominators, Penny Traina and Dave Johnson.
Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.
