WARREN, Ohio – Forty-one individuals who recently completed this year’s Leadership Mahoning Valley program were recognized during an event at The Grand Resort on Wednesday.

The program year began Sept. 25, 2024. The members of the class met monthly to develop their personal leadership skills and to learn more about the Mahoning Valley community.  

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

Program days were centered around specific topics, such as History and Heritage of the Valley, Government and Public Service, Health and Human Services, Education, Business and Economic Development, Housing and Community Development, Justice and Public Safety, Quality of Life and others.  

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

“Although this is the end of the program year, this is just the beginning of the leadership journey upon which these 41 outstanding individuals will continue,” said JoAnn Stock, executive director of Leadership Mahoning Valley. “At the beginning of the program year, these individuals made a commitment to continue to serve our community upon graduation. The relationships which they have formed and the knowledge that they have gained will lead to future collaborations and community service, including future leadership roles within their organizations as well as within our community.”

Members of the Class of 2025 are:

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

“We are honored to welcome the members of the Class of 2025 as the newest members of the Leadership Mahoning Valley Alumni Group,” said Paul Homick, president of the Mercy Health Foundation and Leadership Mahoning Valley board chair.

In the past 40 years, more than 1,300 alumni have graduated from the program and are now serving in leadership roles within their organizations and the community. 

The organization also marked its 40th anniversary, and members of previous classes were recognized before the introduction of the Class of 2025.

In the annual meeting portion of the event, new members were elected to the board of directors. They are Molly Burdette, Lisa Long, David Paull and Vern Richberg. Their terms begin July 1.

Officers also were elected. They are:

  • Paul Homick, chairman.
  • Scott Schulick, vice chairman.
  • Frank Valley, treasurer.
  • David Paull, secretary.

Returning board members were recognized. They are Karen Conklin, Syl Frazzini, Cheryl McArthur, Larry Moliterno, Marilyn Montes and Juan Santiago.

Paull also recognized outgoing board member David Croutch.

Stock said in addition to the upcoming 41st year of the nine-month Leadership Mahoning Valley program, plans include the continued expansion of the organization’s leadership development educational initiatives to include youth and young professional programming, On Board! Board Training, a Women’s Leadership Institute and a Lessons in Leadership speaker series.