Eastgate Hires Hripko, Dignan to Aid Virus Relief Efforts

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Eastgate Regional Council of Governments has hired Mike Hripko and James Dignan to help area municipalities recover from the the COVID-19 pandemic.

Hripko, formerly the vice president of external affairs, government relations and economic development at Youngstown State University, will be retained for two years to helping with planning efforts among the most-affected communities. Among his duties is helping to identify grant-eligible projects, partnerships for public, private and nonprofit organizations, and serving as a liaison between local, state and federal groups.

Dignan has been hired for a one-year role as disaster recovery coordinator. There, he will be a liaison in identifying resiliency, mitigation and economic recovery projects. His tasks will include implementing recovery plans and working with disaster teams to review disaster plans in Mahoning, Trumbull and Ashtabula counties.

DIgnan is currently the president, CEO and chief operating officer of AMK Professional Services and is the former president and CEO of the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.

“We are excited to add the experience and professionalism that both Mike and James will bring to our agency,” said Eastgate’s executive director, Jim Kinnick, in a statement. “Their leadership and vision will be an asset to the communities as we all work together to recover from the pandemic.”

The two positions are funded by the Economic Development Administration supplemental award grant funded by the coronavirus relief bill.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.