The following positions are available for selection by the Nominating Committee for the Board of Directors of the Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) for a two-year term, beginning on January 1, 2025. The bylaws also allow for several chair-appointed positions. (Read bylaws.)

1. Area Directors

4 seats open, potentially 5 – “One such director elected from each of the six (6) designated areas of the State of Ohio.” Traditionally, this has meant Local Economic Development Organization (LEDO) representatives, but the bylaws do not mandate that. Two-year terms.

  • Area Director – Northeast. Kimberly Marshall’s term end. Can and wishes to serve again.
  • Area Director – West. Amy Shrimpf is currently serving and will not serve another term.
  • Area Director – Southeast. Matt Abbott is completing his term. Is eligible to serve again.
  • Area Director – Central Ohio. Kelsey Miller resigned and the spot is currently vacant.
  • *Area Director – East (Lake to River region). This position doesn’t exist, but the bylaws may be amended at the Board meeting prior to the annual meeting, so we are selecting someone in the event the bylaws are changed.
  • Thomas Winston (Northwest) and David Fehr (Southwest) are Area Directors who are in the middle of their term (ends in 2025).

2. At-Large Directors

(4 seats open) – Two-Year terms. All current At-Large directors are able to run again.

  • At-Large Director – Sam Brady, Jackson County. Term ends in 2024.
  • At-Large Director – Stephanie Bosco, Lancaster Port Authority. Term ends in 2024.
  • At-Large Director – Maribeth Burns, Wayne County. Term ends in 2024.
  • At-Large Director – Nathan Strum resigned and seat is vacant.
  • Nathan Cahall (Middletown) and Anthony Cadle (Cincinnati) are At-Large Directors in the middle of their term (ends in 2025).

3. Requirements

Requirements include the candidate support the mission of OEDA, works in Ohio, has past involvement with OEDA or has indicated interest, is employed at an ED organization or in support activities, and is an OEDA member in good standing.

4. Selection Criteria

In addition, the Nominating Committee will evaluate the candidates based on skills and experience they bring; diversity (geographic, community, organizational, personal); ability to devote time and control schedule to ensure attendance; economic development experience; leadership experience; character, reputation, and ability to collaborate; past OEDA contributions; and OEDA leadership potential.

5. Process

The application process will open on Monday, Nov. 4 and remain open until Friday, November 15 (close of business). The committee will review and score applications by November 29. On December 4, the Nominating Committee will meet and discuss, evaluate and finalize the slate of candidates for 2025 and submit to the membership. The membership will approve the directors for 2025 at the Dec. 17 annual membership meeting.

If you have any questions, please call or email David Zak at 419.912.1150 or dzak@ohioeda.com.