CCPA’s Traina Inducted Into Ohio Commodores

LISBON, Ohio — The head of the Columbiana County Port Authority has been recognized for her dedication to advancing the economic development of this area.

Penny J. Traina, executive director of the Port Authority since March 2016, was inducted Nov. 22 into the Executive Order of the Association of Ohio Commodores, founded in 1966 by the late Gov. James A. Rhodes to honor 60 Ohio businessmen who accompanied him on the state’s first international trade mission.

Since then, more than 300 men and women have been appointed to the association in recognition for their contributions to economic development in their communities and the state.

Membership in the association is only possible through appointment by the Ohio governor and is considered the state’s most distinguished honor. The mission of those inducted is to assist the state in its advancement in all areas contributing to economic growth and development of the state.

Traina announced her recent induction during this week’s port authority board meeting, telling board members she was “completely humbled and honored” to receive the appointment.

She thanked her sponsor, David Johnson, chairman of the Columbiana County Republican Party, and her co-sponsor, Victor Hipsley, president and partner of Governmental Policy Group Inc. “This is a prime example of collaborating together and showing Republicans and Democrats mutually respecting each other,” she said.

The induction ceremony took place at the Hilton Easton in Columbus during the annual meeting and induction dinner with Gov. Mike DeWine officiating.

Pictured: Columbiana County Port Authority Executive Director Penny J. Traina (second from left) was inducted Nov. 22 into the Executive Order of the Association of Ohio Commodores. Present for the ceremony were (from left) her sponsor, David Johnson, Columbiana County Republican Party chairman; Gov. Mike DeWine and Fran DeWine.

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