Thank You OEDI Capstone Mentors!

OEDA would like to take this opportunity to thank the following individuals who served as mentors for the first cohort of Ohio CED candidates:

• Greg Davis, Ohio State University Extension
• Harry Eadon, Economic Development & Finance Alliance of Tuscawaras County
• Jeremiah Gracia, City of Dublin
• Anthony Jones, City of Gahanna
• Chris Lipson, City of Dayton
• Lisa Patt McDaniel, Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio
• David Zak, Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership

Capstone Mentors provide invaluable insight and guidance to Ohio CED certification candidates.  In addition to the support from OEDI / Ohio University staff, each Ohio CED candidate approved to enroll in a Capstone Project cohort is assigned a Capstone Mentor who will be available to provide advice, counsel, and technical assistance during the six-month cohort period.

Each mentor is a highly regarded economic development professional and also recognized as a subject matter expert in specific areas of economic development.  Capstone Mentors are committed to giving back to the profession and helping develop future generations of economic development leaders.  Mentors volunteer approximately 10-15 hours during the six month cohort period.

“The Capstone Mentors are one of the most important pieces of the certification,” Mark Barbash, OEDA Professional Development Chairperson, said.  “The advice, counsel and technical assistance that they provide exponentially enhances the learning experience. Mentors really are an invaluable resource to the certification candidates.”

Barbash noted that there are still opportunities to participate in the Capstone Mentoring program.  Experienced economic developers who are able to commit 2-3 hours per month during the six month cohort period are encouraged to contact him at mark.barbash@gmail.com.