LAKE TO RIVER
Chief Executive Officer
Position Summary
Compensation: $200,000 – $225,000
Application Email: LakeToRiverCEO@kornferry.com
Lake to River, a private nonprofit economic development organization and JobsOhio Network Partner, seeks a visionary Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead strategic economic growth across Eastern Ohio’s four-county region: Ashtabula, Columbiana, Mahoning, and Trumbull. This high-impact leadership role will guide a dynamic, startup-style organization focused on business attraction, retention, site development, and workforce alignment—positioning the region as a competitive hub for innovation and investment.
The CEO will report directly to the Board of Trustees and serve as the organization’s key ambassador, building cross-sector partnerships and aligning regional strategies to drive sustainable outcomes. The ideal candidate will be a bold, collaborative leader with a strong understanding of economic development ecosystems, exceptional communication skills, and a proven track record of executive management, strategic planning, and stakeholder engagement.
Key responsibilities include leading strategic initiatives, cultivating investor relationships, building and mentoring a high-performing team, overseeing financial management and resource development, and ensuring strong governance. With a deep understanding of Ohio’s economic development landscape, the CEO will also serve as a connector between local priorities and statewide opportunities through the JobsOhio network.
First-year priorities include: building political and community relationships, developing a long-term strategic plan, expanding diversified funding streams, and positioning Lake to River as a trusted regional convener and catalyst for economic progress.
Interested candidates should submit a cover letter and resume to: LakeToRiverCEO@kornferry.com
Click here for the full description and details.
ABOUT LAKE TO RIVER
Lake to River is at the forefront of fostering equitable economic development in Eastern Ohio, centered in a four-county region bordering western Pennsylvania, extending from Lake Erie to the Ohio River. The Lake to River corridor is an advanced manufacturing and energy hub centered between Columbus, Cleveland, and Pittsburgh within a one-day drive of 50% of the US and Canadian populations.
Our unique assets include:
- Abundance of low-cost electric and natural gas
- Deep water ports on Lake Erie and the Ohio River
- Vast network of rail and road infrastructure
- Quality educational institutions
- Productive workforce