HOWLAND, Ohio – Leadership Mahoning Valley introduced the 43 members of its Class of 2026 at a kickoff breakfast Thursday at The Grand Resort.
The breakfast marked the start of a nine-month program that will immerse participants in community leadership. The program will conclude in June with a graduation ceremony at the organization’s annual meeting.
“Through this immersive, interactive program, which includes a series of speakers, tours, hands-on activities and site visits, our participants will gain knowledge of programs, services, businesses and institutions in our community,” said JoAnn Stock, president of Leadership Mahoning Valley. “We are so grateful for the companies who are investing in the leadership development of their employees.”
The event also recognized sponsors and donors who support the nonprofit program.
Following the breakfast, participants began a two-day retreat to launch the program, which includes a DiSC assessment and program days focused on topics such as history and culture of the Valley, government and public service, health and human services, business and economic development and justice and public safety.
Scott Schulick, vice president of the Leadership Mahoning Valley Board of Directors, noted the program’s longevity and mission.
“This program year represents our 41st year of community leadership development programming in the Mahoning Valley, which began with Leadership Youngstown in 1984, and Leadership Warren was founded shortly thereafter,” Schulick said. “Our commitment to the mission remains as strong today as it was 41 years ago – to identify, educate and motivate community leaders to address the challenges facing the Mahoning Valley.”
Paul Homick, president of the board, highlighted the importance of preparing new leaders.
“Many companies and communities are experiencing a generational leadership gap due to aging of the workforce, baby boomers retiring, workforce changes that have occurred due to the Covid pandemic,” he said. “We need a strong workforce and strong leaders to continue to attract new businesses to the Mahoning Valley.”
The Leadership Mahoning Valley program has more than 1,400 alumni who have gone on to serve in leadership roles across the region.
Members of the Class of 2026 are:
- Ketuan Baldwin, solutions architect, Microsoft Corp.
- Julianna Begalla, vice president, director of marketing, Farmers National Bank.
- Kimberly Bauchens, vice president, service lines, Bon Secours Mercy Health.
- Varada Bhide, chief operating officer, YWCA Mahoning Valley.
- Maria Bova, associate director of government affairs, Youngstown State University.
- Traci Buttar, CPA, manager, Packer Thomas.
- Amanda Cox, project engineer, Hynes Industries.
- Jessica Bochy Deane, vice president of marketing, Aim Transportation Solutions.
- Melanie DeCarmen, human resources manager, Vallourec Star LP.
- Gina DeGenova, magistrate, Mahoning County Juvenile Court.
- Rachael Dobson, director, The Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University.
- Kevin Flinn, commissioner of building and grounds, city of Youngstown.
- Amanda Fluck, marketing director, Window World Youngstown.
- Adam Gargano, branch manager, First National Bank.
- Karrington Griffin, certification specialist, Youngstown Business Incubator.
- Alex Hertzer, executive director, Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition.
- Tanay Hill, business resource adviser, Valley Economic Development Partners.
- Jim Houck, president, Houck Agency.
- Robert Kearns, deputy superintendent, Youngstown City Schools.
- Jeremy Kerola, owner/vice president, Uniserv LLC.
- Monica Kirkland, program service director, Mahoning County Juvenile Court.
- Courtney Lockshaw, financial resource development director, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation.
- Ryan MacLennan, director of operations and outreach, Trumbull County Historical Society.
- Bridget Madden, customer service manager, Berk Enterprises.
- Nicole Madison, clinical nurse manager, Akron Children’s.
- Casey Makosky, HR generalist, Metalico Youngstown.
- Heather McCowin, chief nursing officer, Mercy Health.
- Jason Neal, director of site strategies, Lake to River Economic Development.
- John Orsini, partner/owner, BSHM Architects.
- Nikunj Patel, chief operating officer, Cadence Care Network.
- Katie Petridis, program coordinator, Potential Development.
- Jacqueline Podolsky, senior manager, tax, Cohen & Co.
- Luke Politsky, director of development, Youngstown Business Incubator.
- Brian Rella, treasurer, Mahoning County Career & Technical Center.
- Elizabeth Repasky, chief human resource officer, Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County.
- Angela Sanders, customer success manager, Philips Healthcare.
- Michelle Sawicki, business engagement and training coordinator, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates.
- Michelle Schmader, senior communications coordinator, National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining/America Makes.
- David Sova, operations manager, Vallourec Star.
- Jill Stefanucci-Uberti, vice president of medical affairs, Bon Secours Mercy Health.
- Zachary Teter, business project manager, MS Consultants Inc.
- Patricia Summers, founder, president and CEO, Youngstown Blue Coats.
- Danielle Yarina, property manager, Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority.
In closing, Stock told the class their commitment reflects the program’s purpose.
“Each of you chose to be here because you want to make a difference,” she said. “Over the next nine months, you’ll discover how powerful you as a class, and we as a community, can be when we work together.”
Pictured at top: Members of Leadership Mahoning Valley’s Class of 2026.