OEDA Closes Summit with Inaugural Hall of Honor
Dennis Mingyar and Kenny McDonald inducted; members approve 2026 board slate.
Akron, Ohio – Friday, October 17, 2025 – The Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) concluded the 2025 OEDA Summit today with its inaugural Hall of Honor inductions, the Annual Membership Meeting, and a final slate of sessions including the Legislative Update and IGNITE lightning talks.
Hall of Honor: Celebrating Lasting Impact
OEDA launched the Hall of Honor this year to preserve the history of excellence in Ohio’s economic development community and to inspire current and future practitioners. Inductees are approved by the board and selected for professional achievement and contributions to advance the profession as a whole.
This year’s inductees are:
- Dennis Mingyar, Ohio’s Electric Cooperatives — honored for a career advancing community growth through the cooperative network’s site development and business-attraction efforts, leadership within the National Rural Economic Developers Association, and service on local and regional boards.
- Kenny McDonald, One Columbus — recognized for guiding central Ohio’s strategy for attraction, talent, and competitiveness; elevating the region as one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing metros; and for national leadership through the International Economic Development Council.
“The Hall of Honor is about people whose work lifted communities and strengthened our profession,” said Thomas Winston, President & CEO of the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and OEDA Board Chair. “Dennis and Kenny embody service, collaboration, and results. Their leadership has created opportunity across Ohio and set a standard for all of us.”
Annual Membership Meeting: Board Elections and Association Business
Members received the Nominating Committee’s slate for two-year terms beginning January 1, 2026:
- Area Directors:
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- East — Stephanie Gilchrist, City of Youngstown
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- Northwest — Craig Teamer, Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority
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- Central — Brittany Misner, Village of Hebron
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- Southwest — Andy Kuchta, City of Springdale
- At-Large Directors:
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- Patrick Mohorcic, Lake Development Authority
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- Nathan Cahall, The Edgebrook Group
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- Max Upton, City of North Olmsted
“This slate reflects the strength and diversity of Ohio’s economic development network,” said Maribeth Burns, OEDA Vice Chair, Chair of the Nominating Committee, and President of the Wayne Economic Development Council. “These leaders bring regional insight, practical experience, and a shared commitment to service. We’re grateful to our volunteers statewide who make this work possible.”
Additional agenda items included the annual address, Treasurer’s Report, committee updates (Inclusive ED, Government Affairs, Summit), and a strategic planning progress update from Camoin Associates.