Board of Directors

The OEDA Board of Directors is composed of up to 27 members, representing diverse perspectives and expertise to guide the organization’s mission of advancing economic development in Ohio. Board classifications include Area Directors, At-Large Directors, Economic Development Directors, Positional Directors, and Chair-Appointed Directors, ensuring statewide representation and strategic leadership.

The Nominating Process opens annually to engage OEDA members in shaping the future of the organization. Starting August 1 and closing September 1, members can nominate themselves or others for consideration. The Nominating Committee, including representation from across Ohio, reviews submissions and presents a slate of candidates at the annual membership meeting during the Summit. This process ensures a dynamic and representative Board dedicated to driving Ohio’s economic growth.

CURRENT BOARD NOMINATION PROCESS

?

2025 Board of Directors

The OEDA Board of Directors is composed of up to 27 members, representing a diverse range of perspectives and expertise to guide the organization’s mission. Board classifications include Area Directors, At-Large Directors, Economic Development Directors, Positional Directors (such as the Immediate Past Chair and President & CEO), and Chair-Appointed Directors. This structure ensures statewide representation, strategic leadership, and collaboration across Ohio’s economic development landscape.

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

The Executive Committee is composed of the Chair, Vice Chair, Treasurer, Immediate Past Chair, Secretary, and the President & CEO (ex-officio, non-voting). This committee provides leadership and oversight for the organization, meeting regularly to address key issues and ensure smooth governance. All members, except for the ex-officio President & CEO, serve one-year terms, with responsibilities that include reviewing the organization’s policies, guiding strategic initiatives, and supporting the Board of Directors in achieving OEDA’s mission.

Thomas Winston

Chair of the Board

President
Toledo/Lucas County Port Authority
Toledo, OH

LinkedIn

Maribeth Burns

Treasurer

President
Wayne Economic Development Council
Wooster, OH

LinkedIn

Kimberly Marshall

Secretary

Economic Development Director
City of Medina
Medina, OH

LinkedIn

Glenda Bumgarner, Ph.D

Immediate Past Chair

President & CEO
Appalachian Partnership, Inc. & Affiliates
Logan, OH

David Zak

Ex-Officio

Economic Development Director
City of Medina
Medina, OH

LinkedIn

AREA DIRECTORS

Area Directors represent each of the seven designated regions of Ohio on the OEDA Board. They are responsible for providing regional perspectives, advocating for the needs of their areas, and fostering connections between regional stakeholders and the organization. These directors are elected at-large by the full membership and serve staggered terms to ensure continuity.

Sam Brady

Area Director - Southeast

President & CEO
Jackson County Economic Development Partnership
Jackson, Ohio
(2025-2026)

LinkedIn

Chris Fine

Area Director - West

Development Director
City of Miamisburg
(2025-2026)

LinkedIn

David Fehr

Area Director - Southwest

Director of Development
Butler County Development Department
Hamilton, OH
(2024-2025)

LinkedIn

Stephanie Gilchrist

Area Director - East

Director of Economic Development
City of Youngstown
Youngstown, Ohio
(2025)

LinkedIn

Kimberly Marshall

Area Director - Northeast

Economic Development Director
City of Medina
Medina, OH
Area Director – Northeast
(2025-2026)

LinkedIn

Brittany Misner

Area Director - Central

Economic & Community Development Director
Village of Hebron
(2025)

LinkedIn

Thomas Winston

Area Director - Northwest

President
Toledo/Lucas County Port Authority
Toledo, Ohio
(2024-2025)

LinkedIn

AT-LARGE DIRECTORS

At-Large Directors are elected by the full membership to provide broad-based leadership and support for OEDA’s strategic goals. They are not tied to specific geographic regions, allowing them to bring diverse insights and experiences to the board. Their roles include contributing to key initiatives and ensuring the organization’s success statewide.

Stephanie Bosco

At-Large Director

Executive Director
Lancaster Port Authority
Lancaster, OH
(2025-2026)

LinkedIn

Maribeth Burns

At-Large Director

President
Wayne Economic Development Council
Wooster, OH
(2025-2026)

LinkedIn

Anthony Cadle

At-Large Director

Economic Development Division Manager
City of Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH
(2024-2025)

LinkedIn

Nathan Cahall

At-Large Director

Assistant City Manager, City of Middletown, OH
Executive Director, City of Middletown Port Authority
(2024-2025)

LinkedIn

Evan Scurti

At-Large Director

Senior Development Specialist
Ohio Mid-Eastern Governments Association
Cambridge, OH
(2025-2026)

LinkedIn

Barrett Thomas

At-Large Director

Director of Economic Development
Richalnd Area Chamber & Economic Development
Mansfield, OH
(2025-2026)

LinkedIn

Max Upton

At-Large Director

Director of Community & Economic Development
City of North Olmsted
North Olmsted, OH
(2025)

LinkedIn

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORS

Economic Development Directors are appointed to represent Ohio’s state and regional economic development structures on the Board. Their expertise helps guide OEDA’s mission by aligning statewide strategies with regional economic development efforts, fostering collaboration, and enhancing the organization’s impact. Per the bylaws, all EDDs are appointed for a term of one year.

Destiny Bryson

Economic Development Director

Manager of Engagement and Partnerships
OhioSE
Logan, OH

LinkedIn

Sarah Custer

Economic Development Director

Project Manager
Dayton Development Coalition
Dayton, OH
Economic Development Director

LinkedIn

Sarah Daligga

Economic Development Director

Project Manager
REDI Cincinnati
Cincinnati, OH

LinkedIn

Logan Dawson

Economic Development Director

Senior Project Manager
One Columbus
Columbus, OH

LinkedIn

Renee Ligon

Economic Development Director

Managing Director of Partnerships & Engagement
Team NEO
Cleveland, OH

LinkedIn

Lydia Mihalik

Economic Development Director

Director
Ohio Department of Development
Columbus, OH
(2024)

LinkedIn

Kristi Tanner

Economic Development Director

Senior Managing Director
JobsOhio
Columbus, OH

LinkedIn

Gary Thompson

Economic Development Director

Executive Vice President – COO
RGP Northwest Ohio
Toledo, OH

LinkedIn

POSITIONAL DIRECTORS

The Immediate Past Chair serves as a director for one year, providing continuity and institutional knowledge to support leadership transitions and strategic decision-making. The President & CEO, as an ex-officio, non-voting member of the Board and Executive Committee, oversees daily operations, implements strategic initiatives, and supports the Board in achieving OEDA’s mission.

Glenda Bumgarner, Ph.D

Immediate Past Chair

President & CEO
Appalachian Partnership, Inc. & Affiliates
Logan, OH
(2024)

David Zak

Positional Director (OEDA Pres/CEO)

Economic Development Director
City of Medina
Medina, OH

LinkedIn

The Nomination Process

The OEDA Board of Directors is composed of up to 27 members, representing a diverse range of perspectives and expertise to guide the organization’s mission. Board classifications include Area Directors, At-Large Directors, Economic Development Directors, Positional Directors, and Chair-Appointed Directors. This structure ensures statewide representation, strategic leadership, and collaboration across Ohio’s economic development landscape. There are two paths to nomination:

Nominating Committee: For Area Directors and At-Large Directors, the nominating process for board positions will begin with a Call for Interest on or around August 1, which will close on or around September 1. During this time, members will have the opportunity to express their interest or nominate others for consideration. The Nominating Committee will then review all submissions and present a slate of candidates to the membership during the annual meeting at the Summit. This process ensures that the Board continues to reflect the diverse voices and expertise needed to advance economic development across the state.
Chair Appointments: For Economic Development Directors and (other) Chair-Appointed Directors, the Chair will solicit nominations at their discretion and then make appointments prior to December 1. The full Board of Directors will then approve those at the last meeting of the year.

For 2026, the following positions will be open:

Area Directors (4): Central, East, Northwest, Southwest will be open.
At-Large: Three positions will be open.
All Economic Development Director positions: Up to 10.
All Chair-Appointed Positions: Any additional positions, up to a maximum board number of 27.

NOMINATING COMMITTEE

The Nominating Committee consists of at least five members of OEDA, appointed by the Chair and approved by the Executive Committee. Its composition reflects the geographic diversity of Ohio. The Committee is responsible for soliciting interest in board service, reviewing applications, and presenting a slate of candidates for election at the annual membership meeting. The President & CEO serves as a non-voting member of the committee