LISBON, Ohio – After spending the past 30 years in public service, Penny Traina, Columbiana County Port Authority CEO and executive director, is retiring, effective April 1.
Traina attended Bowling Green State University with the goal of becoming a teacher, but life intervened. She eventually earned a bachelor’s degree in human services from Canyon College in 2006, graduating at age 42. She and her two sons, Alfonso and Anthony, attended college together during some of that time.
Traina began working part time in 1992 for Wellsville School District, where she copied pages for teachers. She moved to a teachers aide spot, then to the school secretary’s job.
“I loved being an elementary secretary. I thought that would be my career the rest of my life,” Traina said with a laugh, adding that other opportunities arose and she eventually became the district’s chief financial officer, ultimately working 14 years in the district.
In 2007, Traina was appointed a Columbiana County commissioner, only the second woman to have served in the position. She was elected both president and vice president during her time on the commission.
As a commissioner, her niche became finances because of her past experience in the school district. Among the highlights she helped accomplish on the commission was construction of the $10 million Government Service Building – which houses Job and Family Services – and the beautification of the downtown courthouse.
In 2012, she left the commission for a position in the private sector for a year, then returned to Columbiana County where she became executive director of Crossroads at Beaver Creek in East Liverpool. She was also appointed to the port authority board of directors and named its fiscal officer.
In 2016, Traina became the first woman to lead the port authority as CEO and executive director.
Asked her thoughts on being one of just two female county commissioners and the only female CEO of the port authority, Traina said: “Overall, as female leaders, we have to work harder. I’d like to say to any young woman, each job that you have defines who you are, and don’t be afraid to sit at the board table. You belong there.”
When she first came to the port authority, Traina brought with her a notebook with two pages of goals she wanted to accomplish.
“One of the things I’ve worked on a very long time was marketing the Ohio River. We didn’t do a very good job of marketing the Ohio River,” she said. “We are blessed with the most beautiful geographical river.”
Traina applauded the Ohio River Commission, which Gov. Mike DeWine signed into law Jan. 2.
“We now have recognition on the Ohio River. It’s for economic development and tourism,” she said. “I’ve been working on it for nine years, and it’s finally come to fruition.”
Traina said she’s been “blessed with a great 30-year public career. I’ve always relied on my faith. I’ve led with integrity, and being very passionate about the county and the people I’ve served.”
Traina said she will miss public service and, specifically, working with the port authority.
“I think that my philosophy for leadership over the years, I feel I’ve led with my heart, that I’ve been passionate and make sure it’s all about changing people’s lives,” she said. “I’ve always followed the three C’s: collaboration, cooperation and communication. With those three things, you’re always successful. We work well together in Columbiana County.”
Traina said the economic development work at the port authority has been rewarding.
“We’ve made significant strides in advancing our region’s economic vitality, creating opportunities for businesses and communities and improving the lives of countless individuals,” she said. “I’m deeply proud of the progress we’ve achieved and the partnerships we’ve built during my tenure.”
The port authority has “done a great job of thinking outside the box” and “laying the foundation for long-term success,” she said.
Traina praised her staff for the port authority’s successes, saying Glenda Shafer, Brittany Smith, Haedan Panezott and Elise Wallace are “definitely my A team.”
She also thanked the port authority board of directors “for their trust and guidance over the years,” as well as the leadership of the Columbiana County Commissioners.
During her tenure with the port authority she was a member of 29 boards and associations, serving in officer capacities for several. She was also the recipient of several awards and recognitions.
“The leadership in Columbiana County is stellar. We work well together,” she said. “I believe credit should be given where credit is due.”
Traina praised her husband, Doug Haddox, for always supporting her, and she said her sons “have been the wind beneath my wings.” She and her husband have five children and 11 grandchildren between them.
“I don’t know what the next journey will be,” Traina said about her plans after retirement. “I just want to be. We have about five trips scheduled. Obviously, we’ll spend more time with the grandchildren.”
County Commissioner Mike Halleck, who served with Traina throughout her term, said she “was excellent as a county commissioner. She certainly had the talents to do about anything she wanted.” Halleck said that when the port authority position became available, he couldn’t think of anyone who could do a better job for the county than Traina.
“I was privileged to work with her all these years,” Halleck said.
“Penny has been unbelievably valuable to Columbiana County,” said Charlie Presley, port authority board president. “She has guided the port authority through numerous tough times. She has left the port authority in a better place than she found it. She’s the consummate professional.”
Presley said it is now up to the board of directors to vote on Traina’s retirement at its March 24 meeting, then “go forward from that point” to find a replacement.
“We’re in good shape right now,” Presley said.