Welcome to Our New Board Members
We are thrilled to introduce the newest members of our Board of Directors, selected through a rigorous and inclusive process that reflects our commitment to leadership and excellence. Our board consists of seven Area Directors, representing each of the state’s economic development regions, and seven At-Large Directors.
All board members are chosen through an open call process. Applicants are evaluated and scored by the Nominating Committee based on their expertise, leadership, and contributions to economic development. The Committee then develops a slate of candidates for approval, which took place at the Annual Membership Meeting on December 17, 2024.
Looking ahead, the Chair will be appointing (or re-appointing) Economic Development Directors to the board at the upcoming January board meeting. The Chair also has the option to appoint up to four additional directors, provided the total number of board members does not exceed 27, as allowed by the bylaws.
Here’s a closer look at the impressive backgrounds of those joining us for the first time:
1 – Completely New Members
Stephanie Gilchrist, City of Youngstown (Area Director, East)
Stephanie is the Director of Economic Development for the City of Youngstown, with a career dedicated to empowering communities through entrepreneurship and economic development. She has led accelerator programs for women and youth and managed large-scale economic initiatives like the Tech Block Building 5 Project. Stephanie’s passion for fostering generational wealth and community growth makes her an invaluable asset to the board.
Brittany Misner, Village of Hebron (Area Director, Central)
Brittany serves as the Economic & Community Development Director for the Village of Hebron, where she spearheads initiatives to attract investment, support small businesses, and enhance local infrastructure. She has over a decade of leadership experience and a strong track record of fostering partnerships that drive community revitalization. Brittany’s efforts have earned her numerous accolades, including the Newark Advocate 20 Under 40, reflecting her dedication to improving the quality of life in her region.
Chris Fine, City of Miamisburg (Area Director, West)
Chris serves as the Development Director for the City of Miamisburg, overseeing all aspects of economic development, planning, and zoning. With nearly two decades of experience, Chris has successfully executed projects that retain and attract businesses while fostering community growth. Known for his collaborative leadership, Chris brings a practical yet innovative approach to driving economic success for his city and the region.
Barrett Thomas, Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development (At-Large Director)
Barrett is the Director of Economic Development for Richland County, where he oversees transformative projects that create jobs, attract capital investments, and enhance community vitality. His experience includes managing large-scale initiatives that foster sustainable development. Barrett’s forward-thinking strategies and collaborative leadership have positioned him as a key driver of growth in the region.
Evan Scurti, Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association, Scurti Consulting (At-Large Director)
Evan is a seasoned economic development professional with a robust background in strategic planning and infrastructure development. As a consultant and active leader with the Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association, he has managed EDA grants and facilitated impactful community development projects. His expertise in economic strategy makes him an invaluable contributor to the board.
Max Upton, City of North Olmstead (At-Large Director)
Max is the Director of Economic and Community Development for the City of North Olmstead, where he oversees initiatives that enhance housing, commercial development, and public infrastructure. With a strong foundation in real estate finance and community engagement, Max has driven key projects that have attracted significant investments to his city and created lasting economic benefits.
2 – Returning for Another Two-Year Term
We are also honored to welcome back a group of dedicated leaders who are returning for another two-year term. Their expertise and continuity will ensure sustained progress and success for the board:
Sam Brady, President & CEO, Jackson County Economic Development Partnership (Area Director, Southeast)
Sam is the President and CEO of the Jackson County Economic Development Partnership, with over 15 years of experience in fostering economic growth. His leadership has been instrumental in driving strategic initiatives, supporting business retention, and promoting community development in Southern Ohio.
Kimberly Marshall, Economic Development Director, City of Medina (Area Director, Northeast)
Kimberly serves as the Economic Development Director for the City of Medina, where she has led impactful initiatives like the Made in Medina County Manufacturing Expo and downtown revitalization projects. Her innovative approach and strategic vision have significantly boosted economic growth in her community.
Stephanie Bosco, Executive Director, Lancaster Port Authority (At-Large Director)
Stephanie is the Executive Director of the Lancaster Port Authority, with a decade of expertise in economic development. She has led initiatives that focus on business retention, workforce development, and strategic land use, making her a pivotal figure in advancing economic opportunities for her region.
Maribeth Burns, President, Wayne Economic Development Council (At-Large Director)
Maribeth is the President of the Wayne Economic Development Council, where she oversees efforts in business attraction, retention, and strategic growth. Her background in corporate communications and public affairs complements her ability to develop impactful economic strategies for her community.
3 – Acknowledging Our Returning Board Members
We are proud to recognize the returning members of our Board of Directors, whose expertise and dedication provide invaluable leadership and continuity to our organization.
Nathan Cahall, Assistant City Manager, City of Middletown (Area Director, Southwest)
Nathan serves as an Area Director representing the Southwest region. With over two decades of experience in public administration, he is currently the Assistant City Manager for Middletown. Nathan’s leadership includes roles as Acting City Manager and Executive Director of the Middletown Port Authority. He has spearheaded key economic initiatives, focusing on strategic planning and infrastructure development to attract investment and foster growth, making him a vital advocate for his region.
Anthony Cadle, Economic Development Division Manager, City of Cincinnati (Area Director, Southwest)
Representing the Southwest as an Area Director, Anthony has a decade of experience in community and economic development. As Economic Development Division Manager for Cincinnati, he leads transformative housing and commercial projects. His expertise in economic development finance and urban planning enables him to craft innovative strategies that revitalize communities and drive inclusive growth throughout the region.
David Fehr, Director of Development, Butler County, Ohio (At-Large Director)
David serves as an At-Large Director, leveraging his deep expertise in zoning, land use planning, and public administration. As Butler County’s Director of Development, he has led initiatives to attract new businesses and facilitate smart growth while preserving community character. His strategic oversight has been instrumental in positioning Butler County as a thriving hub for economic and business development.
Thomas Winston, President & CEO, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority (Area Director, Northwest)
As the Area Director representing Northwest Ohio, Thomas brings over two decades of experience in public finance and economic development. Under his leadership as President & CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority, the organization has driven significant infrastructure, transportation, and redevelopment projects that create jobs and spur community revitalization. His extensive experience in public-private partnerships and fiscal strategy enhances the board’s ability to deliver impactful initiatives.
4 – Introducing Our Appointed Economic Development Directors
The bylaws of our organization allow for up to 10 Economic Development Directors to serve on the board. These directors are appointed by the Chair and approved by the board, with each serving a one-year term. The Economic Development Directors for 2025 will be appointed and approved at the first board meeting in January 2025.
We are delighted to recognize this distinguished group of Economic Development Directors, already serving on the board, whose leadership and expertise significantly enhance our organization’s mission:
Logan Dawson, Director of Business Development, One Columbus (Economic Development)
Logan brings over a decade of experience in economic development, specializing in corporate expansion and project management. At One Columbus, he leads efforts to attract and retain businesses in Central Ohio, fostering regional economic growth. His prior roles include Director of Corporate Expansion & Attraction at Milwaukee 7 and Business Recruitment Specialist at Racine County Economic Development Corporation, where he successfully facilitated numerous business relocations and expansions.
Sarah Custer, Project Manager, Dayton Development Coalition (Economic Development)
With over nine years at the Dayton Development Coalition, Sarah has been instrumental in advancing economic initiatives across a 14-county region. Her expertise in project management and stakeholder engagement has supported job creation and regional prosperity. Sarah’s background in client relations and marketing further strengthens her ability to connect businesses with vital resources and opportunities.
Andrea Pinho, Director of Site Selection and Real Estate, REDI Cincinnati (Economic Development)
Andrea is a results-driven professional with a passion for fostering economic growth through strategic partnerships. At REDI Cincinnati, she manages site selection and real estate strategies, facilitating business expansions and relocations in the Greater Cincinnati area. Her prior experience includes roles at the Michigan Economic Development Corporation, where she specialized in business connect programs, and at PatientPoint®, focusing on provider solutions.
Gary Thompson, Vice President & Northwest Ohio Director, Regional Growth Partnership (Economic Development)
Gary has been with the Regional Growth Partnership since 2011, serving as Vice President and Northwest Ohio Director. His leadership has been pivotal in attracting businesses to the region, leveraging his financial acumen as a Certified Public Accountant and his deep understanding of regional economic dynamics. Gary’s strategic initiatives have contributed to significant economic advancements in Northwest Ohio.
Renee M. Ligon, Managing Director of Partnerships and Engagement, Team NEO (Economic Development)
Renee leads efforts to strengthen partnerships across Northeast Ohio, focusing on collaborative economic development strategies. Her commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion informs her approach to fostering inclusive economic growth. Renee’s background includes extensive experience in stakeholder engagement and program management, making her a valuable asset to Team NEO’s mission.
Destiny Bryson, Manager of Engagement & Partnerships, OhioSE (Economic Development)
Destiny combines her background in public relations with a passion for building impactful relationships to drive economic growth in Southern and Eastern Ohio. Her role at OhioSE involves engaging with community stakeholders and fostering partnerships that support regional development initiatives. Destiny’s strategic communication skills enhance OhioSE’s outreach and engagement efforts.
Lydia Mihalik, Director, Ohio Department of Development (Economic Development)
Appointed by Governor Mike DeWine in 2019, Lydia leads the Ohio Department of Development, focusing on empowering communities through strategic investments. As the former Mayor of Findlay, Ohio, she spearheaded downtown revitalization and attracted global job creators, earning Findlay recognition as a top micropolitan for economic development. Her leadership continues to drive Ohio’s economic growth and community development initiatives.
Kristi Spears Tanner, Senior Managing Director, JobsOhio (Economic Development)
Kristi brings over two decades of leadership in economic development, playing a critical role in establishing JobsOhio. As Senior Managing Director, she leads major initiatives to attract foreign investment and drive industry growth across the state. Kristi’s strategic vision and commitment to economic advancement have been instrumental in positioning Ohio as a competitive destination for business development.
5 – Recognizing Positional Appointments
Our bylaws also designate specific positional appointments to the board to ensure continuity, leadership, and expert oversight. These positions include the Immediate Past President and the current President & CEO, who serves as an ex-officio board member.
Dr. Glenda Bumgarner, President & CEO, Appalachian Partnership, Inc. (Immediate Past Chair)
Dr. Bumgarner serves as the Immediate Past Chair of the Ohio Economic Development Association. She is also the President & CEO of the Appalachian Partnership, Inc. (API), where she leads efforts to advance businesses in Ohio’s Appalachian region. Her previous roles include Senior Director of Engagement at JobsOhio, Deputy Director of Jobs & Commerce at the Ohio Department of Transportation, and Executive Director of the Governor’s Workforce Policy Board. Dr. Bumgarner’s extensive experience in both public and private sectors underscores her commitment to economic development and community prosperity.
David Zak, President & CEO, Ohio Economic Development Association (Ex-Officio)
David brings nearly three decades of experience in economic development, including leadership roles at the Ohio Department of Development and JobsOhio. As President & CEO of the Ohio Economic Development Association, he leads efforts to advance the practice of economic development and foster prosperity across Ohio. David’s strategic vision and dedication to economic growth have been instrumental in shaping Ohio’s development landscape.