The workplace is evolving, and the next generation of leaders is stepping up to shape the future. Welcome to the Next Generation Leadership Forum, where aspiring leaders come together to network, learn and grow.

Agenda

1:00 – 1:30 | Opening Remarks

Michael Ross, Principal at High Performance
Michael Ross, principal at High Performance and author of The Leadership Edge, will moderate the event. With experience coaching business owners and executives, Ross specializes in leadership development and organizational growth.

Lt. Governor Jim Tressel
Former YSU President and current Lt. Governor Jim Tressel will deliver special guest remarks. Now serving the state of Ohio, he is a dedicated advocate for education and workforce development.

1:30 – 2:30 | Speaker Session 1: Building Leadership Skills Early

Dr. Jennifer Pintar, Provost and VP of Academic Affairs YSU
The session will focus on developing leadership capabilities before stepping into management roles. Attendees will participate in a live poll to commit to a leadership action.

2:30 – 3:30 | Speaker Session 2: Beyond Business: How Community Engagement Fuels Leadership

Gina Peplow, Workforce Development at Vallourec
Explore the role of community involvement in career advancement and leadership development. Attendees will receive commitment cards to pledge community engagement efforts.

3:30 – 4:45 | Panel Discussion: How to Engage Different Generations In The Workplace

Panelists include:
• John Demmler, CEO of 7 17 Credit Union
• Rod Wilt, Executive Director of Penn-Northwest
• Katie Detoro, Executive Director of Oh Wow!
• ShoMoré I. Wright, Social Media & Event Director at Trek Coffee House

Topics will include collaboration, innovation, and leveraging generational differences as strengths. The session will also include an audience Q&A.

4:50 – 5:45 | Mixer & Leadership Commitment

The mixer will provide attendees with opportunities to network and establish follow-up plans for leadership and community engagement goals.

Profiles

Michael Ross

With over 16 years of experience in leading and developing high-performing teams, Michael is dedicated to helping leaders and teams to reach their vision by aligning intentional actions with disciplines to create lasting impact.

As a certified Maxwell Leadership speaker, trainer and coach, Michael’s two master’s degrees, IT Project Management and Organizational Leadership, and his service in the US Navy, equips him with the skills to drive innovation and growth across various industries. His expertise in executive coaching and leadership and organizational development helps organizations achieve their strategic objectives and foster a leadership culture of excellence.

Michael’s 2024 release of The Leadership Edge from Business Expert Press provides a framework for developing strong business leaders and includes insights, strategies, and practical tools to empower individuals and organizations to gain their own leadership edge.

Lt. Governor Jim Tressel

Jim Tressel was appointed lieutenant governor of Ohio by Governor Mike DeWine in February 2025 and confirmed by the state legislature. A strong advocate for education and workforce development, he aims to continue advancing these priorities during the remainder of the DeWine administration.

Tressel previously served as president of Youngstown State University (2014–2023), where he boosted student success, retention, graduation rates, and fundraising. He also expanded the Honors College and oversaw major campus improvements. Before that, he was executive vice president for student success at the University of Akron.

A celebrated football coach, Tressel led Youngstown State to four national championships and later guided Ohio State to a national title and seven Big Ten championships. His numerous coaching honors include national Coach of the Year awards and induction into multiple halls of fame, including the College Football Hall of Fame, where he and his father are the only father-son inductees.

A northeast Ohio native, Jim Tressel shares the state’s values and commitment to helping residents reach their full potential. He graduated from Berea High School, earned a bachelor’s degree from Baldwin-Wallace College, and a master’s from the University of Akron. He serves on the Baldwin-Wallace board of trustees and is the author of two books on success and leadership. A frequent speaker and active philanthropist, Tressel and his wife, Ellen, donated $1 million to establish a student work opportunity fund at Youngstown State and have supported leadership development through the James P. Tressel Institute for Leadership and Teamwork.

JoAnn Stock

JoAnn Stock joined the Chamber team in December 2022 as Executive Director of Leadership Mahoning Valley and founder of the Center for Nonprofit Excellence. She has spent much of her career in nonprofit management and has experience in the social service, health care and arts and culture sectors.

Overall, she has led the efforts to raise nearly $55 million to support local programs, services, and capital projects for the organizations she has served, including the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley and, most recently, Stambaugh Auditorium and affiliated arts organizations.

In her role with Stambaugh Auditorium, she was responsible for securing $3.7 million in funding that led to the completion of the monumental staircase replacement and exterior renovation project and more than $2 million in relief funding, including Shuttered Venue Operating Grants that sustained both Stambaugh Auditorium and the Youngstown Symphony Society through the COVID shutdown.

JoAnn’s background also includes extensive experience in marketing and public relations as well as human resource and operations management. She holds a Master’s degree of Health and Human Services, a Master’s degree of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with a major in Advertising and Public Relations.

She is a Certified Fundraising Executive and member and past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals Mahoning/Shenango Chapter. Stock is also a member and past president of the Junior League of Youngstown and Youngstown Business and Professional Women. She serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County and is a member of the advisory council for PBS Western Reserve. JoAnn is a graduate of the Leadership Mahoning Valley Class of 2003.

JoAnn and her husband, Marty, live in Boardman.

Dr. Jennifer Pintar

Dr. Jennifer Pintar serves as the Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs at Youngstown State University (YSU), leading the university’s academic vision with a focus on student success, academic excellence, and community engagement. With more than 25 years of dedicated service to YSU, Dr. Pintar has played pivotal roles in shaping the institution’s academic priorities. Her leadership has been instrumental in developing YSU’s Academic Master Plan, a strategic initiative aimed at guiding the university’s future through innovation, collaboration, and transparency.

Prior to becoming Provost in 2024, Dr. Pintar served as Vice Provost for Academic Administration and Student Outreach Support and as Associate Provost for Academic Administration. From 1999 to 2017, she contributed to the Kinesiology and Sport Science program as an instructor, professor, and chairperson, building a strong foundation in teaching and academic leadership.

Dr. Pintar holds a bachelor’s degree in biology from Washington & Jefferson College and earned her master’s degree in exercise physiology, a Master of Public Health in epidemiology, and a Ph.D. in exercise physiology from the University of Pittsburgh. She has also served on numerous university and external committees, contributed to academic publications and presentations, and secured over 20 grants.

A proud Penguin parent, Dr. Pintar is deeply connected to YSU’s mission to inspire individuals, enhance futures, and enrich lives. Her leadership prioritizes collaboration, innovation, and ensuring YSU remains a cornerstone of education and opportunity in the region.

Gina Peplow

Gina Peplow is a dedicated professional with a strong passion for empowering individuals through personal and professional development. She currently serves as the Workforce Development Coordinator at Vallourec Star, where she focuses on creating impactful growth opportunities for employees.

Gina holds a Master of Science in Management and Leadership (MSML) from Western Governors University, and a Bachelor’s degree in Communications from Youngstown State University, along with a certificate in Nonprofit Leadership.

Before transitioning into the corporate sector, Gina built a meaningful career in the nonprofit world. She worked with several community-focused organizations, including Flying High Inc., and rounded out her nonprofit journey at Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates, where she served as an Employer and Community Engagement Professional. These experiences deepened her commitment to workforce development and community impact.

Gina believes in fostering environments where people can thrive—both in their careers and in their personal growth.

John Demmler

John Demmler serves as the President and CEO of 7 17 Credit Union, a $1.7 Billion credit union with 120,000 members headquartered in Warren, Ohio. The mission of 7 17 Credit Union focuses on building stronger communities through financial inclusion and economic development. John has 25 years of experience in the banking and credit union industry, having held executive level positions at multiple institutions since 2011.

Previously, John served as the CLO & SVP Corporate Strategy for A+FCU, based in Austin, TX. There he was responsible for the development and execution of the credit union’s five-year strategic plan. During his tenure at A+FCU he led the credit union’s strategy which has resulted in an increase in ROA from 0.76% in 2016 to 1.92% in 1Q22. Assets of the credit union more than doubled from $1.3 Billion to nearly $3.0 Billion and the credit union has expanded its geographic footprint into Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston.

John received two bachelor degrees in finance and banking in 1999 and two bachelor degrees in business administration and marketing in 1998 from Franklin University. He earned his MBA in 2002 from Capital University and received a juris doctorate from DePaul University College of Law in 2008.

Katie Seminara-DeToro

Katie Seminara-DeToro is the executive director of OH WOW! The Roger & Gloria Jones Children’s Center for Science & Technology in downtown Youngstown. Katie is a proud graduate of John Carroll University and is currently working to complete the OMBA program at Youngstown State. She is newer to the executive director’s role, but not new to OH WOW!

In the early years of the Center, Katie was the assistant manager and has a long-standing relationship with the organization and the Mahoning Valley. Previously, Katie was the head of marketing and community relations for her family business, Classi-Co Foods/Pizza Joe’s Corporate based in New Castle, PA. Her background is peppered with experience in non-profit, for-profit, and government work. She has been a part of many multi-generational teams and appreciates the benefits of gaining knowledge from colleagues of all backgrounds and age demographics.

One of her favorite quotes, attributed to Ken Blanchard, is “no one of us is as smart as all of us.” Katie hopes you remain curious throughout every stage and aspect of your life.

Curiosity drives continuing education and self-improvement. You can connect with her at katie@ohwokids.org or by visiting to the Happiest Place in Youngstown! As a board member of the Mahoning County Convention and Visitors Bureau, she also encourages you to discover all Mahoning County has to offer this summer including her favorite, kayaking on Lake Newport in Mill Creek Metroparks.

Rod Wilt

Rod brings over three decades of diverse experience to his role as Executive Director of Penn-Northwest, drawing from his background in government, finance, and real estate.

A local to Mercer County with education from Greenville High School and Thiel College, he spent his early career at financial institutions including First National Bank in Hermitage, PA, and served five terms in the PA House of Representatives.

Since 2008, he has been involved in the acquisition and management of over 3,500 multi-family apartment units. Rod also brings to PNDC six years of experience in legislative outreach, issues education and government relations from his experience working with several clients in the oil & gas, pharmaceutical and manufacturing industries, as well as serving as the Chair of the Thiel College Board of Trustees.

ShoMoré I. Wright

ShoMoré I. Wright is a passionate communicator, community advocate, and the Social Media & Events Coordinator at Trek Coffee House. Graduating with a B.A. in Communications with a concentration in Public Relations from Southern New Hampshire University, she brings a strong background in political organizing, communications, and event leadership.

She has served as Regional Liaison for the Ohio Secretary of State and worked with the state political party to support grassroots outreach and voter engagement. ShoMoré has been recognized as a 25 Under 35 nominee and served as a board member and two-time Vice President of Mahoning Valley Young Professionals.

She volunteers with NAMI Mahoning Valley and sits on the board of the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley. ShoMoré is also a certified yoga instructor and hosts a local book club that brings people together through thoughtful conversation and a shared love for reading. Her work is grounded in community and driven by a passion for helping people access meaningful resources and support.

She lives in Boardman with her husband Les, their son Marc, and their two pets—Jelly the cat and Bean the Frenchie.”