YBI Names Turning CEO, YSU Provost to Board

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – The Youngstown Business Incubator has added two new members to its board of directors: Turning Technologies CEO Kenneth Frank and Youngstown State University provost Brien Smith.

“As we grow and evolve as an organization, it’s imperative that our board evolves with us,” said YBI’s CEO, Barb Ewing, in a statement. “Mr. Frank and Dr. Smith are going to be great additions to our dynamic board of directors.”

Frank joined Turning Technologies as its CEO in July, bringing with him 30 years of executive leadership experience. The company creates interactive software that allows users to engage with audiences, measure sentiment and improve learning experiences. He holds a baccalaureate in computer science from the University of Southern California, a master’s in computer science from Stanford University and an MBA from Emory University,

Smith was named provost at YSU in June. He oversees the university’s six colleges, the graduate school, honors college, Office of International Programs, Office of Assessment and Maag Library. Previously, he was dean of the Scott College of Business at Indianan State University, where enrollment increased 18% and graduation rates increase 11% under his leadership. He also helped create new student success programs and career-readiness initiatives. 

Turning Technologies is one of YBI’s largest graduate portfolio companies and was named the fastest-growing software company in the world in 2008. Youngstown State meanwhile, has long had a partnership with the incubator, including when YBI was named the world’s No. 1 university-affiliated business incubator in 2013.

Pictured: YSU provost Brien Smith and Turning Technologies CEO Kenneth Frank

SOURCE: Youngstown Business Incubator

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.