Crain's Cleveland Business, December 23, 2024

THE BOOK 2025

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO BUSINESSES IN NORTHEAST OHIO

Supporting the Artists Who Support Northeast Ohio

For over 60 years, the Cleveland Arts Prize has recognized and financially supported Northeast Ohio artists at all stages of their careers. Under the dynamic leadership of new executive director Effie Nunes, CAP is growing in both scope and resources, ensuring its place as a cornerstone of the arts in Cleveland for another sixty years. Artists have the power to inspire and uplift, bringing joy and meaning to the lives of residents and workers across the region. To date, nearly 400 extraordinary Northeast Ohio artists and visionaries—such as Toni Morrison, Julien Stanczak, and Peter Van Dijk—have been honored with the Cleveland Arts Prize. This prestigious recognition not only elevates careers but also deepens the community’s connection to and appreciation for the transformative power of the arts.

Equally celebrated are the generous benefactors whose unwavering support fuels the vibrant arts organizations of Northeast Ohio. Visionaries like Milton & Tamar Maltz, Fred & Laura Ruth Bidwell, and Tony Sias stand as champions of creativity, ensuring the arts continue to flourish and inspire generations to come.

NEW FACES IN NEW PLACES

Ann

Aber

Executive vice president, chief legal and human resources officer

Joann Inc.

Hudson-based Joann, the nation’s largest arts and crafts retailer, in July promoted Aber to the executive vice president, chief legal and human resources officer job.

Aber has been with the company since 2019, when she joined as vice president, general counsel and secretary. She was promoted to senior vice president in 2021.

In her new, expanded position, Aber oversees the human resources and corporate communications functions, in addition to her existing responsibilities. She has been executive sponsor for Joann’s diversity and inclusion initiatives since 2023 and sits on several boards committed to serving the Northeast Ohio community and various charitable causes.

Diana Anthony Economic inclusion manager

Gilbane Building Co.

Gilbane, a large general contractor in Cleveland, in February announced that Anthony had joined the company as Cleveland’s economic inclusion manager.

Diana leads, plans and executes economic inclusion initiatives across Northern Ohio, developing strategies and initiatives that support supplier diversity objectives.

Additionally, she leads Gilbane’s Rising Contractor Program in Cleveland, aimed at providing opportunities for diverse and disadvantaged trade partners to develop and broaden their industry skills and knowledge.

Before joining Gilbane, Anthony was the program manager with the Ohio Turnpike Infrastructure Commission’s Office of Equity and Inclusion.

Ahmed Abonamah

Chief financial officer

Cleveland Cavaliers

After resigning as the city of Cleveland’s finance director on July 5, Abonamah found a new gig nearby.

The Cleveland Cavaliers hired Abonamah as their new chief financial officer, effective Sept. 16.

As CFO, Abonamah leads the Cavs’ day-to-day and long-term financial planning, provides input on all major business decisions and oversees the finance, procurement and payroll departments.

Abonamah replaced Stefanie Kacludis Meade, who left the Cavs in May to become CFO of the NFL’s Arizona Cardinals.

In 2024, new leaders gave a boost to Northeast Ohio’s organizations. Here’s a look at some of the talented executives working to strengthen the region.

Dr. Sunil Ahuja President

Lakeland Community College

The community college in Lake County in April hired Ahuja as its sixth president.

Ahuja replaced Dr. Morris W. Beverage Jr., who served as the college’s president since 2001 and resigned in April ahead of his planned retirement in August.

Ahuja has deep ties to Ohio, most recently as the provost and vice president for academic and student affairs at Shawnee State University in Portsmouth. He helped spearhead the efforts that led to the development of the C.H. Lute School of Business, the School of Nursing, and a focus on health and human services-related programs at Shawnee State.

Ahuja also served as dean of the division of social sciences and human services at Lorain County Community College and as a professor of political science at Youngstown State University, where he was acting chair of the department of history and chair of the academic senate.

Adam Artman President and executive director

Manufacturing

Works

Artman in early summer took the reins of the organization, which supports mostly small and medium-size manufacturers with issues ranging from workforce development to production improvements and business succession planning.

Artman had been with the organization for a little over two years as the vice president of workforce development.

A big task ahead is developing and implementing a new strategic plan that has five main components: programs and services, member engagement, awareness and outreach, fiscal stewardship and organization excellence.

Steve Baird

Executive vice president and chief revenue officer

Hyland

Westlake-based Hyland, a provider of content management products and services, on Oct. 2 announced that it had named Baird to the CRO position.

Baird has more than 25 years of experience in enterprise software sales, Hyland said. He most recently was president of the North American and Global Strategic sectors at E2open, a business-to-business provider of cloud-based, on-demand software for supply chains. Baird previously held leadership positions at SAP, where, in his final role, he oversaw the multinational software company’s $1.5 billion Midwest region.

Hyland said in announcing Baird’s hiring that he “possesses impressive sales leadership experience and operational expertise” — key attributes needed as the company launches what it’s calling the Content Innovation Cloud.

Davenia Akram

Community mortgage lender (Cleveland market)

Premier Bank

Premier Bank in August announced that Akram had joined the bank as community mortgage lender serving the Cleveland market.

She brings to the role more than 14 years of retail banking and mortgage lending experience. She most recently worked as a mortgage loan processor closer for a nonprofit real estate developer in Cleveland, Premier Bank said.

In her new role as community mortgage lender, Akram is establishing a retail mortgage business “focused on creating homeownership opportunities for targeted borrowers, as well as cultivating relationships with brokers, realtors, community development and faith-based organizations, developers/ builders and community housing counseling agencies,” according to the bank.

Executive director

Society of St. Vincent de Paul

Bedell in June was named executive director of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP), Diocese of Cleveland.

He came to the human services organization with more than 35 years of experience in finance, corporate development and compliance. Most recently, he served as managing director at German investment bank Freitag & Co. Before that, he spent 16 years working in executive positions at medical equipment company Steris. Bedell leads SVDP’s central office, supporting the organization’s 2,000-plus members and volunteers who provide emergency assistance to low-income individuals across an eight-county service region.

Dr. Lindsey Amerine

Chief

pharmacy officer

Cleveland Clinic

Amerine in late February began overseeing enterprise pharmacy initiatives for the health system.

She came to Cleveland from UNC Health in North Carolina, where she served as interim chief pharmacy officer and vice president of pharmacy from May 2023 to September 2023. She also served as system executive director of pharmacy at UNC, leading clinical, operational and financial services.

In her new post, Amerine leads more than 1,500 full-time pharmacy professionals in Ohio and Florida.

Chief risk officer

KeyCorp

Benhart took the chief risk officer job at the start of the year.

He joined KeyBank’s parent company as deputy chief risk officer in 2022 following a 30-year career with the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Benhart held several positions over his tenure with the financial regulator, most recently as climate change risk officer. In his new role, Benhart succeeded Mark Midkiff, who announced his retirement plans in November 2023.

Jack Bedell

Darrin Benhart

Bruno Biasiotta

President and CEO

Covia Holdings

Covia, the Independencebased provider of mineralbased and material products for industrial and energy markets, in March named Biasiotta as president and CEO and as a member of the company’s board of directors.

He succeeded Andrew Eich.

The CEO change came after Covia in January announced plans to separate its energy and industrial businesses into separate companies.

Biasiotta previously was CEO of Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope Inc., a manufacturer, fabricator and distributor of building materials with 82 manufacturing and distribution facilities across six countries. Biasiotta also was president and CEO of Nortek Air Management, a heating, ventilating and air-conditioning manufacturer.

Executive vice president and chief operating officer

Hospice of the Western Reserve

In March, Cannone, a longtime health care leader, became Hospice of the Western Reserve’s new executive vice president and chief operating officer.

In his role with the Clevelandbased palliative and end-of-life care provider, Cannone is responsible for the management of care services and the alignment of quality, compliance and educational teams.

Cannone has more than two decades of health care experience, including roles in geriatric patient care, nursing home medical direction, hospice and home health care medical direction, population health management, clinical education and geriatric formulary development.

He previously served as system medical director at University Hospitals, where he managed the health system’s post-acute quality network.

Robert Bohrer II

President

Hiram College

Bohrer, who served as Hiram’s president on an interim capacity since the retirement of President David Haney in spring 2023, was unanimously elected president in March of this year by the Hiram College board of trustees.

Bohrer joined Hiram in 2022 as vice president of academic affairs and dean. He also spent more than 20 years in various faculty and administrative roles at Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania.

In his most recent post at Hiram, he helped identify strategic academic initiatives, including the restructuring of student academic support and the development of a multidisciplinary team that provides integrated support to students, the college said.

Mamatha Chamarthi

Senior vice president and chief digital officer

Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

The Akron-based tiremaking giant announced July 30 that Chamarthi had been named senior vice president and chief digital officer, a new position. She reports to Goodyear CEO Mark Stewart.

Chamarthi previously served as chief software business growth officer for Stellantis (the former Chrysler), responsible for creating and leading a significant software business that Goodyear said consistently delivered year-over-year revenue targets.

Chamarthi oversees all aspects of digital businesses for Goodyear, in addition to having traditional chief information officer responsibilities.

Bradley C. Bond

Chief financial officer

University Hospitals

Bond, the longtime vice president of treasury at UH, took over in late February as the health system’s chief financial officer.

In his new role, Bond leads all financial, treasury, managed care contracting, insurance, revenue cycle, information technology, supply chain and materials management services for UH.

He took over for Michael Szubski, who retired as CFO Feb. 1 after 15 years in the job.

Bond joined UH in 2002. Under his guidance, UH has issued more than $5 billion in taxable and tax-exempt public bonds and negotiated over $2 billion in notional swap transactions and over $2 billion in bank credit facilities, UH said.

Bethany Bryant

Cleveland market director Glenmede Trust

Glenmede, a Philadelphiabased wealth management firm, in January announced the appointment of Bethany Bryant as the new regional director for the firm’s Cleveland-area office in Beachwood.

Bryant joined the company from The Private Trust Co., a Cleveland affiliate of LPL Financial. A founding employee of the business, which opened in 1995, Bryant had served the company as president for nearly 12 years.

Bryant received her MBA from Cleveland State University and her bachelor of science from Bowling Green State University.

Marissa Brydle Sustainability director KeyBank

The bank in June announced the appointment of Brydle as the company’s new sustainability director.

Brydle joined Key in April from Cleveland-Cliffs, where she served the last three years as its director of corporate sustainability.

Brydle leads the development and execution of climate strategies and disclosures, with a focus on “driving Key’s achievement of their climaterelated commitments,” according to the company. She also serves as the primary contact with representatives from various stakeholder groups, including investors and disclosure organizations.

Heidi Clevinger

Chief marketing and experience officer

University Circle Inc.

The nonprofit University Circle Inc. in July named Clevinger as chief marketing and experience officer.

She has more than 15 years of experience in marketing and communications.

Most recently, Clevinger was with Lorain County JVS, where she led countywide marketing, communication and event initiatives. She “has a strong focus on strategic vision and uses marketing and events to create an immersive experience for audiences,” University Circle said.

Kathleen Creech

Chief people officer

Diebold Nixdorf

Diebold Nixdorf in September announced that Creech joined the company as executive vice president, chief people officer.

She’s responsible for leading employee-focused initiatives across the organization and overseeing the global human resources strategy for 21,000 Diebold Nixdorf employees worldwide.

Creech has more than 30 years of experience in global talent management with expertise in total rewards, leadership development, change management and culture.

Prior to joining Diebold Nixdorf, she was chief people officer for Snap One, which develops and manufactures innovative smart living and automation technology products and services for residential and commercial use. Creech also was chief people officer for Manhattan Associates, a global supply chain and omnichannel commerce company.

George Currall Chief financial officer

The NRP Group

The NRP Group, a Clevelandbased developer, builder and manager of multifamily housing, in late January announced it had named George Currall as CFO.

Currall’s appointment followed the retirement of Andy Tanner, a 23-year NRP veteran and the firm’s longtime CFO. Currall joined NRP Group in 2008. As CFO, he leads capital markets, asset management, and tax and accounting functions for the company. He became a principal in 2016 and is a member of the company’s executive committee and its governing board. Currall was formerly chief investment officer, a role in which NRP Group said he “managed both the Capital Markets and Asset Management divisions, leading his team to more than 300 closings representing over $10 billion in total capitalization.”

Dr. Sean Cannone

NEW FACES IN NEW PLACES

Paul R. Darwin

Vice president, procurement

RPM International Inc.

RPM, a Medina-based specialty coatings giant, in July promoted Darwin to the procurement role.

Darwin has been with RPM for 17 years. During this time, his leadership “has been instrumental in the development of RPM’s purchasing and global procurement functions,” the company said.

After starting with Tremco Illbruck as purchasing manager in 2007, Darwin led the newly formed RPM group purchasing team in 2012. He then held roles of increasing responsibility, including director of global procurement and most recently as senior director of procurement.

As vice president of procurement, Darwin is responsible for the execution of RPM’s global procurement strategy, as well as directing all activities of the corporate procurement function and providing direction to operating company purchasing teams.

Jamie Easterling

Chief commercial officer

Project Medtech

Project Medtech, a consulting firm, in September announced the appointment of Easterling as chief commercial officer.

Easterling, who joined Project Medtech in 2024 as a commercial consultant, was “instrumental in developing the company’s commercial consulting capabilities to support Project Medtech clients,” the firm said.

As chief commercial officer, Easterling oversees all commercial functions, including sales, marketing and customer success, and continues to lead the commercial consulting division.

Andria Derstine

Virginia N. and Randall J. Barbato deputy director and chief curator

Cleveland Museum of Art

Derstine in September was tapped to serve as the Cleveland Museum of Art’s next Virginia N. and Randall J. Barbato deputy director and chief curator.

The Cleveland Museum of Art announced that Derstine, who spent more than 18 years with the Allen Memorial Art Museum at Oberlin College, would step into the role Dec. 2.

She is taking over for Heather Lemonedes Brown, who became the museum’s Paul J. and Edith Ingalls Vignos Jr. curator of modern European art in 2023. Derstine’s selection came after an international search by the museum. In her new post, she will supervise the work of roughly 20 curators and work with the director, curators and other museum leadership “to strengthen the CMA’s celebrated permanent collection and expand its nationally recognized program of exhibitions and related programs,” the museum says.

Susan Edwards Chief human resources officer

Lincoln Electric

Lincoln Electric announced that Edwards joined the company to work as senior vice president, chief human resources officer, effective April 8.

She reports to Steven Hedlund, Lincoln’s president and CEO, and leads the company’s global human resources strategy and operations, talent management, training and employee development programs, and compensation and benefits.

Edwards succeeded Michele Kuhrt, who was named executive vice president and chief transformation officer.

Edwards has more than 30 years of human resources experience, serving most recently as the global vice president and chief HR officer of Sealed Air Corp.

Carina Diamond Chief growth officer

Gries Financial Partners

Gries Financial Partners in September announced the appointment of industry veteran Diamond to the role of chief growth officer, a new position for the firm as it looks to expand and gain market share.

The Cleveland-based wealth management firm said Diamond will “leverage her extensive expertise in talent development and succession planning as the firm enters its next phase of growth.”

In 2023, Diamond founded Stella Secunda, which is described as a consulting firm focused on helping financial service firms navigate change and embrace next-generation business opportunities. Before that, she was chief growth officer for Dakota Wealth Management in Akron.

Jitesh Ghai CEO Hyland

Hyland in May announced that its board of directors hired Jitesh Ghai, who at the time was executive vice president and chief product officer for California-based Informatica Inc., as its new CEO effective May 20.

In the CEO post, Ghai succeed Bill Priemer, who served as the firm’s top executive since 2013.

Hyland said that Ghai, during his 14 years at Informatica, “was part of the key leadership team that defined the strategy and led the successful execution of its transformation to a cloud leader.”

It added that Ghai “was integral in leading the product innovation that resulted in the company being recognized as the enterprise leader in cloud data management and the development of its marketleading AI.”

Laurel Domanski Diaz Justice and health equity officer

Cuyahoga County

Diaz, the county’s first justice and health equity officer, started her role in mid-April.

Her position, funded by a grant from The George Gund Foundation, is focused on leading initiatives to address disparities in access to justice and health care services. It also includes a role in the creation of Cuyahoga County’s Central Services Campus in Garfield Heights.

Diaz has spent more than 20 years working in safety net health care operations. That includes experiences at the Free Medical Clinic of Greater Cleveland (now Circle Health Services) and about 11 years at Neighborhood Family Practice, a federally qualified health center based in Cleveland.

Stacy L. Gilbert

Chief accounting officer

KeyCorp

KeyCorp in late February named Gilbert as chief accounting officer, succeeding Douglas M. Schosser.

Gilbert had served as corporate controller of KeyCorp since August 2023. She previously served as assistant corporate controller and senior director of external reporting and accounting policy.

She is on her second stint at Key.

Gilbert joined Key in 2002, holding a variety of accounting roles, before leaving to join FirstMerit Corp. in 2008. She re-joined Key in 2016.

Kyle Dreger CEO

Patriot Software

Dreger, a software engineer who got his start at Patriot Software as an intern, has risen all the way to the top at the Canton company.

Patriot Software in June announced that Kyle Dreger had been named CEO. He took over for founder and now former CEO Mike Kappel, who started the company in 2002. Dreger graduated from the University of Mount Union in 2014 with bachelor’s degrees in both computer science and English writing. He was a software engineering intern in 2014 at Patriot Software and “quickly rose through the technical ranks with various design engineering titles,” the company said. Dreger was promoted to director of product in 2019, vice president of product in 2020 and chief product officer in 2021.

Patriot Software offers cloud-based accounting, payroll, human resources and time and attendance software for small businesses.

Anna Gluck

Chief human resources officer

Transtar Holding Co.

Transtar, a portfolio of businesses that provides customer service, distribution and manufacturing of original equipment and aftermarket automotive products, in April announced the promotion of Anna Gluck to chief human resources officer.

Her job is to “support the company’s rapid growth plans through organic expansion and targeted acquisitions,” Transtar said.

Gluck has been with Transtar since 2020. She led the company’s total rewards program and employee engagement efforts, with “a strategic focus on employee training and development programs and attracting and retaining top talent,” according to Transtar.

Michael J. Goar

President and CEO

Sisters of Charity Health System

Goar in June was appointed as the nonprofit’s new president and CEO following a national search.

Goar, who most recently served as president and CEO of Catholic Charities of St. Paul-Minneapolis, began his new role on July 22. He brings more than 25 years of leadership experience in nonprofits and education to the organization.

He succeeded Janice Murphy, who retired after roughly six years with the Sisters of Charity.

As president and CEO of Catholic Charities of St. PaulMinneapolis, Goar partnered with the board to develop a strategic plan, identify new revenue streams and establish a $50 million reserve fund, Sisters of Charity said.

Goar previously served as CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Greater Twin Cities, where he led a $10 million capital campaign and grew the number of children served by more than double. He has also held leadership positions with Minneapolis Public Schools, Boston Public Schools and Memphis City Schools.

Tiffany Hanisch

Senior vice president, internal audit

Eaton

Eaton in July announced that Hanisch had been named senior vice president, internal audit, effective July 22.

She succeeded Adam Wadecki, who was named senior vice president and controller. Hanisch reports to Olivier Leonetti, Eaton’s executive vice president and chief financial officer, and is part of the company’s senior leadership team.

Hanisch came to Eaton from GE Aerospace, where she most recently was a business separation leader. Prior to that, Hanisch was general manager for GE Aerospace’s commercial services contracts. Overall, she spent more than 30 years at GE in various operational and financial leadership roles.

Hanisch holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering from the University of Illinois.

Nicole Gray

Senior vice president and chief human resources officer

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

Goodyear in May promoted Gray to senior vice president and chief human resources officer, succeeding Gary VanderLind who retired.

Gray joined Goodyear in 2016, moving from leading the company’s global labor and employment team to senior human resources leadership roles.

Prior to joining Goodyear, Gray was a partner at McDonald Hopkins LLC, where she worked with employers to address a variety of business and workforce matters, from litigation defense to talent strategy. Her human resources and legal expertise also includes leading collective bargaining, managing corporate transactions and advising senior executives.

Elizabeth Harwood Chief human resource officer

YMCA of Greater Cleveland

The YMCA of Greater Cleveland in July appointed Harwood as its new chief human resource officer.

The nonprofit said she brings to the job “a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in leading HR functions across various industries.”

She joined the YMCA of Greater Cleveland from Vibrantz Technologies, where she served as manager of human resources for multiple sites across the Americas.

At the YMCA, Harwood spearheads strategic initiatives “to attract, develop and retain top talent, ensuring alignment with the YMCA’s mission of strengthening communities,” the organization said.

Joseph Greiner

Director and chief of public safety

The MetroHealth System MetroHealth named Greiner to the role in February.

He has more than 25 years of experience in law enforcement. His job is to ensure MetroHealth “is the safest possible environment for its nearly 9,000 employees and the individuals they serve,” the system says.

Greiner joined MetroHealth from the Cuyahoga County Sheriff’s Department, where he most recently served as chief deputy sheriff. He also served as interim sheriff for the county on two occasions. He previously held posts with the Lorain County Sheriff and Medina Township Police Department. Before his career in public safety, he worked as an EMT, including a stint with Metro Life Flight’s ground team and communications center.

Randy Hayashi

Vice president of strategy

Electronic Merchant Systems

The fintech company in July brought on Hayashi to its executive team.

EMS said Hayashi’s career “spans over two decades, with expertise in operations, strategy, and team leadership.”

He was chief operating officer of Payment Depot, leading the company from startup to serving more than 10,000 merchants with $3 billion-plus in annual processing volume. Payment Depot was acquired by Stax, where Hayashi became vice president of operations.

Hayashi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from California State University, Long Beach.

At EMS, he’s responsible for “shaping and executing the EMS vision, driving innovation, and ensuring the company remains at the forefront of the payment processing industry,” the company says.

NEW FACES IN NEW PLACES

Dr. Jorge A. Guzman

President of the Northeast Ohio Market Cleveland Clinic

Guzman, who was CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, returned to the U.S. to begin his new role as president of the Northeast Ohio Market on July 1.

Guzman succeeded Dr. Donald Malone Jr., who became a senior adviser for capital, space and strategy and clinical practice.

Guzman, who joined the Clinic in 2007, had been CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi since 2021. He previously served as vice president of regional hospital medical operations at the Clinic’s main campus.

He also was director of the medical intensive care unit and chair of ICU operations, coordinating the standards of critical care services and leading the development of the ICU telemedicine program.

Kathy Heflin

Chief financial officer

JumpStart Inc.

The venture development agency in July named Heflin, who for the last 6 ½ years served Holden Forests & Gardens as treasurer, deputy director and chief financial officer, as its CFO.

Heflin brings more than three decades of experience in finance and operations to JumpStart.

Her background includes serving SaaS-based marketing platform BrandMuscle as vice president of finance during its formative years throughout the 2000s.

BrandMuscle is headquartered in Chicago but has continued to support a hub of operations in Cleveland—it moved its local office to new digs at Post Office Plaza last year—throughout changes in private equity owners.

Heflin returned to that company between 2016 and 2018 to work a two-year stint as its executive vice president of finance and, in between, worked a few years as CFO for The Albert M. Higley Co.

Hugo Hall

Director of construction and turnaround services

Nexus Engineering Group

The full-service, independent engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) firm in August announced the appointment of Hall as the new director of construction and turnaround (TAR) services. With the appointment of Hall came the formation of a dedicated Construction Management and TAR Services Team. Nexus said the new group is “a vital component” of its project delivery strategy, building on offerings across a wide range of services: project development, engineering and detail design, construction management and TAR support, project services and controls, and procurement management.

Nexus said Hall has “extensive experience in progressive leadership at EPCM general contractors.”

Daniel Hopgood

Executive vice president and chief financial officer Nordson Corp.

Nordson, a Westlake-based maker of precision dispensing equipment, named Hopgood as executive vice president and CFO, effective May 20.

He assumed the CFO role from Stephen Shamrock, who on May 20 became Nordson’s chief accounting officer. Shamrock had been interim CFO since Nov. 1, 2023, when former CFO Joseph Kelley became segment leader for Nordson’s Industrial Precision Solutions business. Since 2012, he had worked in roles of increasing responsibility at Eaton Corp. where he most recently was controller and chief accounting officer, leading global accounting and reporting, as well as developing and executing Eaton’s global finance strategy. Prior to joining Eaton, he was vice president, aftermarket Americas, for Meritor Inc., a manufacturer of commercial vehicle components and systems.

NEW FACES IN NEW PLACES

Allison Howard

Executive vice president and chief commercial officer

Rock Entertainment Group and the Cleveland Cavaliers

Howard became executive vice president and chief commercial officer of Rock Entertainment Group (REG) and the Cleveland Cavaliers on Aug. 1.

She oversees corporate and ticket sales revenue and strategy, corporate partnership, membership sales and service and youth sports programming.

Howard most recently was president of the National Women’s Soccer League’s Kansas City Current. Before joining Kansas City in 2022 as the club’s first president, Howard spent more than 10 years with the Los Angeles Lakers, including the last five as VP of corporate partnerships.

Howard replaced Shelly Cayette-Weston, who left the Cavs after 12 years to become the new president of business operations for the NBA’s Charlotte Hornets.

Anthony Lawrence

Executive director

City Year Cleveland

Lawrence told Crain’s in May that he wants the nonprofit to help as many students as possible achieve their academic goals and receive the necessary social and emotional support to thrive.

He had been the education nonprofit’s interim director since December.

City Year Cleveland is part of the AmeriCorps national service network. The organization places young adults in public schools for a year of service. It has 10 full-time staff members and 40 AmeriCorps members serving in schools across the city of Cleveland.

Lawrence previously served as the organization’s chief of staff. He was familiar with City Year Cleveland’s staff coming into his new role and said it was a smooth transition. Before that, he worked as an impact manager with City Year Kansas City.

Nathan Kelly

President of real estate services

Playhouse Square Foundation

Real estate veteran Kelly in September was named Playhouse Square’s president of real estate services, which oversees property management and leasing at the foundation’s theaters and office buildings in the district.

He succeeds Tom Einhouse, vice president of facilities and capital improvements, who will also retire at year-end.

Kelly comes to the Playhouse Square job from his role as president and managing director of the Cushman & Wakefield/Cresco realty brokerage of Independence.

Kelly oversaw Cushman & Wakefield/Cresco’s administrative and strategic affairs since 2017. He joined the organization after working in economic development and planning, including serving as director of innovation and strategic initiatives, development director and deputy chief of staff.

Lazzaro

Executive vice president and general counsel

OverDrive

To keep pace with what OverDrive called “surging demand from millions of students, readers, and viewers benefiting from digital content available through their local libraries and schools,” the company over the summer announced the formation of its Content Group.

Lazzaro, who led OverDrive’s Publisher Services departments and legal team, was named to an expanded role as executive vice president and general counsel, heading the enterprise’s global legal, regulatory, governance and privacy policies, as well as managing OverDrive’s large portfolio of intellectual property.

Bridget Kent Marquez

Executive director

Northwest Neighborhoods CDC

After a year serving in an interim capacity, the board of Northwest Neighborhoods in June voted to make Kent Márquez the community development corporation’s permanent executive director.

Kent Márquez took over the reins of the CDC from Adam Stalder, who served as executive director after the former Detroit Shoreway Community Development Organization and Cudell Improvement Inc. merged.

Since the interim director appointment in May 2023, Kent Márquez oversaw the rollout of the group’s 2024-2028 strategic plan for its nearly 28,000 residents who live in the area spanning from West 45th to West 117th streets and north of I-90.

Prior to serving as NWN’s managing director and neighborhood services liaison, Kent Márquez worked in housing and marginalized communities as the property manager for the Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ and the outreach worker with St. Paul’s Community Church.

Olivier Leonetti Chief financial officer

Eaton

Eaton, a giant in power management, named Leonetti as executive vice president and CFO, effective Feb. 5. He succeeded Thomas B. Okray, who left the company for personal reasons.

Leonetti joined Eaton from Johnson Controls, where he was executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Before joining Johnson Controls in 2020, he was CFO of Zebra Technologies Corp. and Western Digital Corp. and held senior finance leadership roles at Global Commercial Organization, Amgen Inc. and Dell Inc.

He also serves on the board of All-In Milwaukee. Leonetti was a member of Eaton’s board of directors since 2019, but he stepped down from that role when he became CFO.

Wyatt Kilmartin

Executive vice president and chief commercial officer

Oatey Co.

Oatey, a manufacturer in the plumbing industry since 1916, in April named Kilmartin to a job where he’s responsible for the company’s U.S. marketing and sales functions.

Kilmartin has more than 20 years of experience across sales, marketing and operations in the manufacturing industry. He came to Oatey from Scott Fetzer Consumer Brands, whose portfolio consisted of plumbing pumps, electrical fittings and outdoor power equipment service, where he served as president.

At Oatey, his role is to “expand sales, customer relationships and marketing strategies within the retail, wholesale, commercial and e-commerce channels,” the company says.

Michele Kuhrt

Chief transformation officer

Lincoln Electric

Welding equipment maker

Lincoln Electric in April named Kuhrt as its executive vice president and chief transformation officer, a newly created role.

Lincoln said she “will lead initiatives to accelerate business process standardization and organizational alignment” in support of the company’s strategic goals.

Kuhrt has been with the company since 2006 and since 2019 has served as executive vice president and chief human resources officer. She also is a member of the company’s executive leadership team, reporting to President and CEO Steven Hedlund.

Kuhrt formerly served as Lincoln’s chief information officer and senior vice president, tax. Before joining Lincoln, she held leadership roles in tax at Elsag Bailey Process Automation and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Lauren Lutikoff

Global sustainability leader

Americhem Inc.

Cuyahoga Falls-based Americhem, a polymer products and services company, named Lauren Lutikoff to the job in September.

Her appointment is connected to Americhem’s global sustainability campaign, “Americhem, a Sustainability Enabler,” that was announced at the end of 2023.

She plays a central role in “integrating sustainability across all facets of Americhem’s business, spanning market strategy, customer relations, technology, and operational excellence,” the company said.

Lutikoff also drives “crossfunctional sustainability efforts, facilitating collaboration among diverse teams and empowering employees to actively contribute to Americhem’s sustainability objectives.”

Hermione Malone Executive director

Cleveland International Film Festival

The film festival in May announced the appointment of Malone, effective June 10, to take over for the organization’s longtime leader, Marcie Goodman. Goodman in August 2023 announced she would step down after the 2024 festival, which took place in April. That festival was her 23rd as executive director.

Malone is originally from Detroit but is no stranger to Cleveland, where she lived for 13 years before moving to New Orleans in 2016. In Cleveland, CIFF said, Malone held leadership positions at Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, and she served on boards and committees including the Cleveland (OH) chapter of The Links Inc.; ICA Art Conservation; Susan G. Komen for the Cure Northeast Ohio Affiliate; Women in Sports and Events; and the Junior League of Cleveland, where she served two years as president and 11 years as a member.

Erica

Garry Marsoubian CEO

MLS Now

Marsoubian, a software executive with a background in Multiple Listings Service operations, in April was named the new CEO of MLS Now, the property listing provider for Cuyahoga and Summit counties as well as 30 other counties in Northeast Ohio and West Virginia.

Lenny Lawrence, chair of the MLS Now board, said in an announcement that Marsoubian’s “outstanding leadership abilities and his progressive stance on technology position him as the ideal candidate to lead MLS Now.”

Marsoubian since July 2023 had been vice president for business growth and development at International Software Systems Inc., an IT service provider based in Greenfield, Maryland.

Marsoubian replaced Carl DeMusz, who retired at the end of 2023 after 23 years as the CEO of MLS Now and its predecessor organizations.

Philip Noftsinger

Chief financial officer

MAI Capital

Noftsinger in September joined MAI as the firm’s new CFO, a job in which he’s responsible for corporate accounting, financial reporting, and financial planning and analysis.

He brings more than 30 years of experience in the accounting and finance fields, including almost two decades with CBIZ as vice president of finance and corporate controller. Noftsinger most recently served as CFO for B&W Solar, the developer of community solar, distributed generation, utility solar and utility-scale storage assets.

Noftsinger reports to Jim Kacic, managing partner and chief operating officer at MAI.

Scott Meyerhoff

Chief financial officer

Keyfactor Inc.

Keyfactor, a fast-growing cybersecurity firm based in Independence, in April announced it had named Meyerhoff as CFO.

In the role, Meyerhoff oversees Keyfactor’s “global financial strategy and will partner with the company’s leadership team to operationalize the next cycle of corporate growth,” the firm.

Meyerhoff succeeded Jim DeBlasio as CFO. DeBlasio left to become CFO at a data and intelligence firm called Flashpoint.

Keyfactor said Meyerhoff has more than 25 years of experience in executive finance across enterprise technology. Most recently, he was CFO at EmployBridge, a large industrial staffing firm. Prior to EmployBridge, Meyerhoff held several leadership roles, including executive vice president, chief operations officer and CFO, at Incomm Payments, a global payments firm.

Rory O’Donnell

Chief financial officer and senior vice president

GrafTech International Ltd.

GrafTech in August said its board of directors appointed O’Donnell to CFO and senior vice president, effective Sept. 3.

He serves as a member of the company’s executive leadership team and reports directly to President and CEO Tim Flanagan. O’Donnell is responsible for overseeing all financial aspects of the company, which makes graphite electrode products essential to the production of electric arc furnace steel and other ferrous and non-ferrous metals.

O’Donnell previously was senior vice president, controller and principal accounting officer of Covia Corp., a provider of mineral-based and material services for the industrial and energy markets.

Prior to Covia, he was senior vice president, controller at Signet Jewelers Ltd., an Akronbased retailer of diamond jewelry, from 2014 to 2019.

Donna Mirandola Chief marketing officer CBIZ Inc.

Independence-based CBIZ, a national provider of financial, insurance and advisory services, named Mirandola as CMO, effective Aug. 26.

Her appointment came following a national search. She replaced Mark Waxman, who retired from the position at the end of 2023.

Mirandola “brings 24 years of diversified B2B marketing and communications experience across technology, industrials and diversified professional services,” CBIZ said.

She came to CBIZ from Aon plc, a publicly traded global professional services firm that provides a broad range of risk-mitigation solutions, where she held increasingly senior roles, most recently chief marketing officer, growth marketing. Mirandola before that spent two years as director, corporate communications at Coeur Mining Inc., and held marketing and communications roles at General Electric and Oracle Corp.

Brent Onan Chief revenue officer TRG

TRG, a global, privately owned managed services provider, in May announced the appointment of Onan as its chief revenue officer.

The company said he brings to the job “over two decades of experience across diverse facets of the retail industry and a robust track record in consultative selling and strategic leadership.”

Onan “held significant roles with major retailers such as Gap and Nordstrom,” TRG said. In those jobs, he led teams of up to 150 people.

In his most recent role at Honeywell, Onan led the strategic retail team, the West Coast region and the business development strategic team.

Nykaj Nair

Chief revenue officer

Surgere

Surgere, which describes itself as “an AI-powered supply chain visibility SaaS company,” in July appointed Nair as its first chief revenue officer.

The film called Nair’s hiring “an important step forward as Surgere seeks to drive significant new growth, enter new industries, and deliver boundary-pushing solutions for customers everywhere.”

Nair brings more than two decades of experience in business development, sales and leadership for global companies. Most recently, Nair served as managing director and general manager for global IoT sales for Cisco, a worldwide software, networking, security, computing and technology giant.

At Surgere, Nair unifies marketing, sales and servicedelivery functions to help optimize every stage of the revenue cycle.

Scarlett O’Sullivan Chief financial officer

Leaf Home

Leaf Home, a Hudson-based provider of home improvement products and services, in January named O’Sullivan as CFO.

She previously worked at Rent the Runway, a subscription fashion service, as CFO for nearly eight years.

At Leaf Home, O’Sullivan succeeded Rich Halle, who had been interim CFO for more than six months.

Leaf Home said O’Sullivan will “play a key part in scaling the business while also preparing it for the next stage of growth.” It said that at Rent the Runway, she was instrumental “in launching and scaling the company’s subscription business, driving financial transformation and taking the company public in 2021.” Leaf Home noted that O’Sullivan has “deep financial expertise” from her time leading technology IPOs as an investment banker and through venture capital investment experience at SoftBank.

Travis Nelson CEO

Diversified Fall Protection

Diversified Fall Protection, a Westlake company that makes and installs systems that keep workers safe from falls, in March named Nelson as CEO. It described him as a “leader and influencer in the fall protection industry” who has more than 20 years of industry experience.

Nelson joined Diversified Fall in 2019 as vice president of engineering after the acquisition of PEAK Fall Protection, where he was managing partner and president for nearly 12 years. He later became Diversified Fall’s vice president of strategy. Diversified Fall was formed in 1994 and says it now has more than 300 employees across six U.S. locations.

Joey Palmer and Duncan Wright

Co-CEOs

World Group

There are now two people at the helm of World Group, a global logistics company based in Rocky River. The company, founded more than 60 years ago as World Shipping Inc., in February named Joey Palmer and Duncan Wright as co-CEOs. Fred Hunger, who had been CEO, moved to the role of executive chairman.

Palmer and Wright continue to serve as presidents of World Group’s flagship brands— ContainerPort Group for Palmer, and UWL Inc. and World Distribution Services for Wright. World Group has around 900 employees across all its brands.

NEW FACES IN NEW PLACES

Emma Parker CEO

Center for Arts-Inspired Learning

Parker in May was named CEO of the Center for ArtsInspired Learning, a Cleveland nonprofit that integrates the arts into learning and education programs.

Parker, who joined the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning in 2012 as an independent teaching artist, has held several leadership roles within the organization. At the time she was named CEO, she was senior director of arts education, leading the programs department.

She succeeded Sheffia Randall-Nickerson, who departed the organization after roughly three years at the helm to become chief engagement and collaboration officer at University Circle Inc.

Aaron Petersal Executive director

Maltz Museum

Petersal took over at the museum on June 1. He was chosen by the Maltz Museum’s board of trustees following a national search.

He succeeded David Schafer, who announced his plans to retire in February.

Petersal previously worked at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts, the Clark Art Institute and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Most recently, he served as the chief development officer and vice president of resource development at United Way of Greater Cleveland.

Alexis Petric-Black

Vice president of content

OverDrive

Petric-Black, who has been with OverDrive for more than two decades, in July was promoted to vice president of content.

The company said that for the past 20-plus years, under the leadership of Petric-Black and Erica Lazzaro, now the company’s executive vice president and general counsel, the OverDrive Marketplace business “has become the largest global distributor and sales partner to schools and libraries worldwide, providing customers with thousands of publishers’ and suppliers’ catalogs in over 100 languages.”

OverDrive said its Content Group “will further explore geographic and channel specific offerings, new subscription plans and access models, expand on its industry leading collection of exclusive and carefully curated content, and grow beyond its core offerings to ensure the greatest variety and choice for libraries, schools, and institutions worldwide.”

Sheffia RandallNickerson

Chief engagement and collaboration officer

University Circle Inc.

Randall-Nickerson was appointed to the job in July.

University Circle Inc. described her as “an arts education professional with a wealth of experience directing large-scale programs.”

It said her work at the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning, Playhouse Square and Karamu House “has focused on equitable arts exposure and innovative community engagement.” The nonprofit added, “She’s committed to producing quality experiences that resonate with diverse communities.”

Jonathan Roebuck

Vice president and corporate controller

Oatey Co.

Oatey, a big name for more than a century in the plumbing industry, in May named Roebuck to the vice president and corporate controller job.

He replaced Mickey McMillan who retired.

Oatey said Roebuck has more than 15 years of experience in accounting and finance. He came to Oatey from Medical Mutual, where he was director of accounting and research.

He also spent more than a decade in accounting at Ernst & Young.

Will Roland Senior vice president and

chief marketing officer

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

The Akron-based tiremaker named Roland as CMO, reporting to President and CEO Mark Stewart, effective Aug. 1. Roland was previously senior vice president of media, consumers, analytics and digital for Stellantis North America, where Stewart worked prior to taking the helm at Goodyear.

In that role, Goodyear said, Roland “led integration of data, analytics and insights into influential consumer marketing channels.”

He also previously served as president of solutions for Publicis Media, overseeing data and platform management, advanced analytics, data science and applied marketing strategies.

Dan Petschke

Chief financial officer Rohrer Corp.

Wadsworth-based Rohrer, a retail-packaging designer and manufacturer, in July named Petschke as CFO.

The company described him as “a seasoned leader with leveraged experiences in business strategy, profit optimization, continuous improvement, and business intelligence to successfully drive organizational growth in a diverse array of companies.”

Petschke came to Rohrer from Velosio, a global fullservice technology organization, where he most recently was CFO. Previously, he was CFO with Dwellworks as well as Northern States Metals. He also has held financial leadership positions with Barnes Group Inc. and Avery Dennison.

Stan Rosenzweig

Executive chairman Joann Inc.

The Hudson-based fabric and crafts retailer named Rosenzweig as executive chairman of the board, effective Aug. 5.

Rosenzweig carries a high profile in the industry, as he’s the former executive board chair of SVP Worldwide, the parent company of Singer, Pfaff and Husqvarna Viking sewing machines.

He is the fourth generation of his family to be involved in the sewing business in some way, starting with his greatgrandfather in Europe. Rosenzweig has worked for more than 30 years “leading, managing and investing in numerous consumer-related businesses,” Joann said. Among them: a family business formerly called Euro-Pro that now is SharkNinja Inc., a global product design and technology company. He was CEO at the business from 2002 to 2007.

Damjan Pfajfar

Vice president, Center for Inflation Research Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

The Cleveland Fed in September appointed Pfaifar to lead its Center for Inflation Research.

Pfajfar oversees economists who study inflation. He also leads efforts “to augment the inflation-related resources the center provides for researchers, policymakers and the public,” the bank said.

He came to the Cleveland Fed from the board of governors of the Federal Reserve System, where he spent 10 years in the monetary affairs and research and statistics divisions, most recently as group manager in the monetary studies section. He was also an assistant professor at Tilburg University from 2008 to 2014.

Pfajfar’s research focuses on inflation, macroeconomics and monetary economics, the Cleveland Fed said.

Paulo Ruiz President and chief operating officer

Eaton

The big power management company has set the stage for a big leadership transition in 2025.

The company on Aug. 12 announced that its board of directors named Ruiz as president and chief operating officer and a member of the board, effective Sept. 2. But he won’t be in the position for very long.

Ruiz will be appointed CEO of Eaton on June 1, 2025, succeeding Craig Arnold. Arnold will retire on May 31, 2025, as he will have reached Eaton’s mandatory officer retirement age of 65. Arnold has been Eaton’s chairman and CEO since June 2016.

Ruiz has been president and COO of Eaton’s industrial sector since July 2022.

Becky Ruppert McMahon

President and CEO

Cleveland Leadership Center

McMahon, formerly CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, over the summer took the helm at Cleveland Leadership Center.

The organization’s board of directors unanimously voted to appoint McMahon as the organization’s next president and CEO in May.

McMahon had been CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association since 2015 and oversaw the organization’s charitable arm, the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation. She also is board chair at First Federal Lakewood, where she has been a member of the board of directors since 2013. Previously, she served as general counsel for Cuyahoga Community College.

Alla Schay CEO Asurint

Cleveland-based Asurint, a background screening company, announced the appointment of Schay as its new CEO, effective March 4.

Schay joined Asurint with nearly 30 years of experience, having held senior and strategic roles at organizations such as Sterling, CT Corp. and PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Most recently, she was president and global chief operating officer at Makosi, where Asurint said she “played a pivotal role in expanding product offerings and implementing processes for scale and growth.”

Kevin Ryan Managing director, head of capital

raising and client solutions

Citymark Capital

Citymark Capital, a real estate private equity platform headquartered in Cleveland, announced in May that Ryan had joined the firm.

He’s responsible for driving capital formation and investor engagement for Citymark.

The firm said Ryan “brings over 20 years of investing experience in institutional debt, equity, public, and private real estate.”

He came to Citymark from Manulife Investment Management, which has over $800 billion of assets under management. At Manulife, Ryan led capital raising and investors relations for its $18 billion real estate debt and equity platform.

Rachel Sampson

Head of community banking

KeyBank’s Consumer Bank

In this newly created role, Sampson leads teams responsible for “the strategy, implementation and execution of a variety of consumer products and services designed to acquire and deepen relationships with clients in low-to-moderate income and diverse segments, as well as the national consumer sales strategy for these segments,” KeyBank says.

Her team oversees the day-to-day management of Key’s workplace banking and financial wellness programs, and the direction of Key’s women and diverse consumer client-focused initiatives.

Sampson, who has been with KeyBank for 18 years, previously led KeyBank’s Key4Women and Key@Work programs, which are now part of the new Community Banking organization. She has also served as a commercial bank relationship manager in KeyBank’s Cincinnati market.

Matthew E. Schlarb

Vice president – investor relations and sustainability RPM International Inc.

The specialty coatings and sealants business based in Medina appointed Schlarb as vice president of investor relations and sustainability, effective July 19.

Schlarb joined RPM in 2022 as senior director of investor relations. In his new role, in addition to investor relations, Schlarb has oversight of RPM’s “Building a Better World” sustainability initiative. During his time at RPM, the company said, Schlarb “has integrated governance and rating agencies into RPM’s investor communications and works across RPM and with external stakeholders who are impacted by Building a Better World.”

Prior to joining RPM, Schlarb was vice president of investor relations at Lottery.com Inc. He also was head of investor relations at Fairmount Santrol and held investor relations roles at Mettler Toledo.

NEW FACES IN NEW PLACES

Jacquelyn Sawyer

Chief learning officer

Cleveland Museum of Art

The Cleveland Museum of Art in May named Sawyer to oversee public and academic engagement and outreach.

The museum said it appointed Sawyer as chief learning officer following “an extensive national search.” She started the job on June 17.

Sawyer came to Cleveland from the National Building Museum in Washington, D.C., where she was vice president of education and engagement.

The museum said she brings “a wealth of experience” to the chief learning officer job, “having served in museum leadership positions, overseeing education, interpretation and community engagement.” Sawyer previously held director roles at the Reginald F. Lewis Museum and the National Aquarium.

Jack Schneider

President of the Cleveland market

Premier Bank

Premier Bank announced the appointment of Schneider as the company’s new Cleveland market president, effective at the start of this year.

He joined the Youngstownbased bank in 2021 as a senior vice president and commercial lending manager following approximately 16 years with Fifth Third Bank. His last title at Fifth Third was senior vice president of sales in the corporate banking group.

As Cleveland market president, Schneider succeeds Don Hayes, who retired at the end of 2023. Hayes joined Premier as a market executive in 2019.

Michele Scott Taylor CEO

College Now

(effective Jan. 1, 2025)

College Now announced in June that Taylor would replace Lee Friedman as CEO on Jan. 1, 2025.

Taylor was promoted to College Now president in 2023 after 13 years as chief program officer for the organization, which serves nearly 33,000 people annually through career and postsecondary education.

College Now Greater Cleveland is the largest comprehensive postsecondary access organization in the country, awarding more than $7 million in scholarships last year.

Since 2010, Taylor has helped College Now expand its advising services to Akron, Barberton, Lake County and Mansfield, while increasing program revenues fivefold: from $2.1 million in 2010 to more than $12 million in 2023.

John Scarry Chief revenue officer Involta

The national provider of data center and cloud infrastructure and services in April announced that Scarry had joined the company as chief revenue officer. The company said he “will leverage decades of industry experience to lead Involta’s efforts in the growth and expansion of revenue streams to meet the rising demands of enterprise IT infrastructure and services.”

Scarry “has navigated the global data center and IT infrastructure landscape for more than two decades, bringing experience in sales transformation, vertical and channel development and new market expansion,” Involta said. In more than 20 years with Equinix, Scarry “was responsible for driving profitability and growth across the U.S. public sector, building network vertical ecosystems and designing and executing revenue generation plans in the Fortune 500 market,” according to the company.

Ben Shahshahani

Vice president and chief artificial intelligence officer Cleveland Clinic

The Clinic in July appointed its first chief artificial intelligence officer to direct the use of AI across the health system. Shahshahani, a technology executive with more than 20 years of experience in AI and machine learning, started in the position on Aug. 12. He reports to Chief Digital Officer Rohit Chandra, Ph.D.

In this newly created role, Shahshahani works “closely with other executives, clinical leaders and data scientists to drive Cleveland Clinic’s AI vision of transforming health care delivers,” the Clinic said. Shahshahani joined the Clinic from SiriusXM and Pandora, where he had been senior vice president of science, machine learning and product analytics since 2021.

NEW FACES IN NEW PLACES

Bilgesu Sisman

Director

Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque

The Cleveland Institute of Art Cinematheque on April 30 announced it had named Sisman—an experienced film programmer, educator and writer “with a background in philosophy and deep love for cinema” — as its next director.

She started June 17. Sisman succeeded Cinematheque co-founder and director John Ewing, who retired on June 30. Sisman, a native of Istanbul, Turkey, most recently was director of programming at Maryland Hall in Annapolis, where she oversaw the cultural center’s efforts related to tuition-based programs, free community programs, exhibitions and workshops, Cinematheque said. She also helped gain funding for a comprehensive film program to launch in 2024. Prior to that, she served as director of programming at Film Streams in the Omaha-Council Bluffs, Nebraska, area.

Sophie Sureau

Vice president for advancement

Northeast Ohio Medical University

NEOMED in early September announced the appointment of Sureau as vice president for advancement.

Her job is to “provide leadership and strategic direction for the university’s fundraising, development and alumni relations efforts,” NEOMED said. She started on Oct. 7.

Most recently, Sureau was associate vice president for national development at Case Western Reserve University. She was part of the advancement team since 2013, working closely with the CWRU School of Medicine.

Prior to joining CWRU, she was executive director of the Susan G. Komen Northeast Ohio Affiliate and was recognized with the 2009 Pillar Award for Community Service as Northeast Ohio Executive Director of the Year.

Laura Smith

Chief operating officer

Playhouse Square Foundation

Smith in late September was named chief operating officer of the foundation, succeeding COO Patricia Gaul, who also serves as general counsel, when she retires at year-end.

Smith worked at the Foundation for the Carolinas in Charlotte, North Carolina, from 2011 to 2023 and brings arts and business experience to the foundation. She served as interim CEO and president in her last year at the Foundation for the Carolinas. In prior roles, she oversaw its finance and operations, real estate, philanthropic advancement and marketing divisions.

Sarah Spinner Liska Director

Kent State University Museum

The museum in summer tapped Sarah Spinner Liska as its new leader.

She officially became the museum’s director on July 1. Her role is to oversee the museum’s operations, including curatorial decisions, exhibitions, educational programs and community outreach initiatives.

Liska was most recently managing director of Front International, a Northeast Ohio regional contemporary art triennial, where she developed partnerships and worked with museums, universities, artists and funders.

Rob Starrett

Managing director for commercial property investment sales

Berkadia

Berkadia, the real estate affiliate of Berkshire Hathaway, in July added Starrett as managing director for commercial property investment sales in Cleveland.

Previously, Starrett was a senior vice president and principal of BWE Investment Sales. He was a co-founder in 2021 when Bellwether Enterprise, a national commercial mortgage firm headquartered in Cleveland, launched BWE Investment Sales as an affiliate.

Starrett has 15 years in commercial real estate and has managed more than $3 billion in dispositions, finance and equity transactions in his career.

Mark Swaim-Fox President and CEO

The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio

The Diversity Center in June name Swaim-Fox as its new president and CEO, succeeding longtime leader Peggy Zone Fisher, effective Sept. 1.

Swaim-Fox joined the Diversity Center after 18 years as executive director of the Cleveland chapter of Facing History & Ourselves, a national nonprofit that uses lessons of history to challenge teachers and students to stand up to bigotry and hate.

Diversity Center board chair Tracie Longpre, who is vice president of supply chain at Applied Industrial Technologies, said Swaim-Fox “is an accomplished and committed leader of diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.” She added, “His enthusiasm for this work is palpable. Mark’s energy and drive to influence policy and practice, along with his experience in team development, strategic planning and building collaborative relationships, will be key assets in his new role.”

Ryan Swanson

Executive chef

Union Club of Cleveland

Swanson, a 2020 James Beard Best Chef-Southwest nominee, started July 29 as executive chef of the Union Club, where he will handles everything culinary the venerable institution has to offer.

Swanson started in the business as a teenager working under James Beard Awardwinning French chef Vincent Guerithault in Phoenix. He worked his way up from cook to sous chef to executive chef of Kai Restaurant, a five-star Native American restaurant in Phoenix, where he worked for about six years.

He left his home state to become the executive sous chef at Ocean House, a five-star hotel in Watch Hill, Rhode Island, for almost two years. Swanson eventually left that position to return to Arizona and was executive chef at L’Auberge de Sedona for about 16 months. He left that position for the Union Club.

Thomas Timko

Executive vice president and chief financial officer

Diebold Nixdorf Inc.

Diebold Nixdorf in April announced the appointment of Timko as executive vice president and CFO, effective May 17.

He’s responsible for Diebold Nixdorf’s financial strategies, including “optimizing the organization’s global financial systems and driving alignment of the company’s strategy to its financial performance to build value for stockholders and other stakeholders,” the company said.

He also oversees corporate finance, treasury, strategy, financial planning and analysis, tax accounting, investor relations, risk management and shared services.

Timko, for almost six years, was global chief accounting officer and controller at GE. Prior to GE, Timko spent over five years at General Motors as chief accounting officer and controller.

Larry Stevenson

President and CEO

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad

The nonprofit excursion railroad’s board of trustees on Aug. 28 announced that Stevenson would become president and CEO, effective Sept. 3.

Stevenson succeeded Joe Mazur, who announced in May that he would retire after seven years of leading CVSR.

Stevenson has “over 10 years of executive-level experience and 20 years of rail industry expertise,” CVSR said in announcing his hiring. Most recently, he was CEO of the Island Corridor Foundation, a nonprofit organization in Vancouver, Canada. Stevenson in June stepped down from that organization, where he had worked since 2018.

CVSR carries between 150,000 and 200,000 passengers annually. It has an annual operating budget of about $6 million and a full-time staff of more than 40 people, with up to 10 part-time seasonal staffers.

Zoe Toscos Director of project management

North Coast Waterfront Development Corp.

The North Coast Waterfront Development Corp. brought Toscos onboard in early August. The nonprofit is charged with the long-term development of the series of projects on Cleveland’s lakefront.

Toscos has deep political and governmental experience. Most recently, she served as special projects manager in Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne’s office. In that job, she managed the boards and commission process for the office of the executive while also working with the chief of staff on policy initiatives.

Prior to that, she was field director for the then-County Executive candidate Ronayne’s campaign after working in a similar position for nowCleveland Mayor Justin Bibb’s 2021 campaign as his West Side field director.

Jason Tyrrell

Executive vice president of content

OverDrive

To lead the OverDrive Content Group, Tyrrell at the end of July was promoted to executive vice president of content.

For the past three years, Tyrrell served as general manager of Kanopy, OverDrive’s video streaming service.

Prior to Kanopy, Tyrrell spent 17 years in high volume licensing and business development roles across the entertainment landscape, OverDrive said.

“We envision a future where there will always be an abundance of compelling media available through your local library,” Tyrrell said. “By developing content discovery channels and evolving access models to support the sustainability of the supply chain, OverDrive will continue to provide the best possible content experience for institutions across the globe.”

Ryan Waldron President

Goodyear Americas business unit

Waldron in April was named president of Goodyear’s Americas business unit, which in 2023 sold 87.3 million tires.

That’s nearly twice the 49.9 million tires the company sold in its Europe, Middle East and Africa unit, and far more than twice the 36.1 million tires sold by its Asia Pacific unit.

Waldron succeeded retiring Americas’ President Steven McClellan. He reports to CEO Mark Stewart.

Waldron joined Goodyear in 2003, and early in his career served in leadership roles in finance and supply chain for multiple North America business areas. In 2012, he was named vice president of supply chain, logistics and procurement. After that, he served as vice president of sales operations and strategy, vice president of business and process integration and vice president of global off-highway businesses and chemical operations.

Heathyr Ullmo Director of treasury management

Farmers National Bank of Canfield

Farmers in July selected Ullmo as its new director of treasury management.

Ullmo had been senior relationship manager of treasury management and was promoted to lead the department when Jim Dean retired from the role.

She has worked in treasury management for 15 years, with a total of more than 20 years in the financial services industry.

Joe Vitale Chief corporate development officer

The Tranzonic Cos.

Tranzonic, a maker of personal care and protection, contamination control and cleaning products, in January named Vitale to the newly created role of chief corporate development officer.

In the job, he provides “strategic direction and leadership as the business expands through acquisitions, investments and partnerships,” Tranzonic said, and he works with executive leadership on company strategy.

Vitale most recently led M&A and treasury for Brook + Whittle. Before that, he spent more than a decade with Ferro Corp.

Scott Voisinet

Executive vice president and chief operating officer Oatey Co.

Oatey in April promoted Voisinet to executive vice president and COO.

Voisinet joined Oatey 13 years ago and has since held roles with increasing responsibility in supply chain management, including as director of supply chain and logistics, vice president of sourcing, and most recently as senior vice president of supply chain. Prior to his tenure at Oatey, Voisinet held a range of roles in supply chain, logistics and marketing at Matco Tools, Dealer Tire and General Motors.

In his current role, Voisinet provides strategic oversight to the company’s domestic operations, including manufacturing, distribution, supply chain and engineering.

Damon Walsh CEO

Iten Defense

Iten Defense, an Ashtabulabased provider of advanced composites and armor solutions, in February named Walsh as its new CEO.

Walsh succeeded CEO and co-founder Lex Watson, who remained on the company’s board of directors and in an active adviser role.

Walsh is a defense industry executive with over 40 years of cross-functional leadership experience. His background includes 25 years of service in the U.S. Army, including 12 years as an infantry and Special Forces officer at multiple levels of command and staff, Iten said.

He most recently served as chairman of the board and co-founder of Mission Solutions Group.

Stephanie Wernet Chief innovation and

technology

officer

City of Cleveland

Aug. 5 was the first day on the job for Wernet, Cleveland’s new chief innovation and technology officer.

Wernet manages “the development, execution and coordination of technology with the goal of transforming the user experience for both municipal functions and in everyday interactions with residents,” the city said.

Wernet joins the city following eight years as chief information officer, vice president of information technology and vice president of purchasing for Breakthrough Schools.

Prior to that, she spent more than seven years at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co., serving as vice president of e-commerce and vice president of information technology. She also held senior roles at Reynolds & Reynolds, McKinsey & Co. and IBM.

Deandra Williams-Lewis

Chief privacy officer

FirstEnergy Corp.

FirstEnergy in the spring named Williams-Lewis to the role of chief privacy officer, in addition to her job as director of ethics and compliance, effective May 19. In the newly created role, Williams-Lewis guides FirstEnergy’s stewardship of “sensitive customer and employee information while continuing to oversee the management of ethics and compliance risks; promoting ethical business conduct; developing policies, procedures and controls; and managing complaints and concerns,” the company said. Williams-Lewis joined FirstEnergy as director of ethics and compliance in 2021. Previously, she worked at ReliabilityFirst as senior director of corporate services, overseeing the human resources, finance, information technology, security and infrastructure departments.

From 2010 to 2015, WilliamsLewis was an executive at GE Lighting.

Adam Wadecki

Senior vice president and controller

Eaton

Eaton in April announced that Wadecki had been named senior vice president and controller.

At the time, he was Eaton’s senior vice president of internal audit. Prior to joining Eaton, he was chief financial officer of corporate finance and finance transformation at GE Healthcare.

He also worked as CFO of Global Medical Imaging, GE Healthcare’s largest publicly reportable business segment. Wadecki holds bachelor’s degrees in mechanical and industrial and operations engineering, a master’s degree in industrial and operations engineering, and a doctorate in financial engineering, all from the University of Michigan.

Dr. Lisa Yerian

Executive vice president and chief clinical and operational improvement officer Cleveland Clinic

Yerian in the spring was selected as the health system’s new executive vice president and chief clinical and operational improvement officer. Yerian, who has served as interim chief clinical transformation officer since July 2023, started her new position April 15.

“In her new role, she will lead more than 1,000 caregivers in building an improvement culture and driving strategic improvements in safety, quality, patient experience, continuous improvement, and patient access throughout Cleveland Clinic,” said Cleveland Clinic CEO and President Dr. Tom Mihaljevic. Yerian joined the health system’s anatomic pathology staff in 2004. Over the years, she held several leadership positions at the Clinic, including director of hepatobiliary pathology and section head of surgical pathology. She is also a former member of the board of governors.

POWER 150

Chris Adams

President and CEO

Park Place Technologies

In the news: Fast-growing Park Place, now up to about 2,500 employees worldwide, in April acquired its new headquarters from Progressive Corp. for $17 million. The complex is on Alpha Drive in Highland Heights, just 3.6 miles from its current Landerbrook Corporate Center building in Mayfield Heights. The move capped an 18-month search by the data center and networking optimization company that included soliciting interest from 100 communities. Park Place is moving about 500 employees to its new campus, which will include office, warehouse and lab space.

Koby Altman

President of basketball operations

Cleveland Cavaliers

In the news: It was a busy offseason for Altman, who watched the Cavs win their first playoff series without LeBron James since 1993, then eased the city’s collective anxieties by signing guard Donovan Mitchell to a three-year, $150-million extension. Altman also locked up three other pieces of the team’s core — Evan Mobley (five years, $224 million), Jarrett Allen (three years, $91 million) and Isaac Okoro (three years, $38 million) — and replaced head coach J.B. Bickerstaff with former Golden State assistant Kenny Atkinson, a sign that he won’t let continuity lead to complacency.

Warren Anderson President and CEO

The Anderson-Dubose Co.

In the news: Anderson is the longtime owner of AndersonDuBose, a big supply chain company based in Warren that offers distribution, logistics and brand-protection services. The company grew alongside an important customer: McDonald’s, which in 2021 named Anderson-DuBose U.S. Supplier of the Year award. Anderson-DuBose has provided paper and food supplies to over 450 McDonald’s restaurants in Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York and West Virginia for more than 30 years. The company currently plans a $60 million cold and dry foods storage facility near Jacksonville, Florida, that could open in 2026.

Chris Antonetti

President of baseball operations

Cleveland Guardians

In the news: After the winningest manager in team history, Terry Francona, retired after a disappointing 2023 season, Antonetti made a home run hire in manager Stephen Vogt, who led the surprising Guardians to their 12th Central Division title and the secondbest record in the American League. Cleveland once again outplayed its 23rd-ranked payroll, making the playoffs for the seventh time since Antonetti was promoted to GM before the 2010 season.

Craig Arnold

Chairman and CEO

Eaton

Ken Babby

Owner and CEO

Akron RubberDucks; Founder

Fast Forward Sports Group

In the news: Through his Fast Forward Sports Group, Babby owns both the RubberDucks, who play at the AA level, and the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (AAA). In February, the Jumbo Shrimp announced a $31.8 million publicly funded renovation plan for their 121 Financial Ballpark, where the baseball team has a lease that runs through March 2043. In Akron, Babby has been an aggressive private investor in downtown’s Canal Park. The team had a successful 2024 season that ended with a 2-1 loss to the Erie SeaWolves in the three-game Eastern League Division Series. Before founding Fast Forward Sports Group, Babby spent 13 years on the business side of The Washington Post.

Mitchell Balk President

Mt. Sinai Health Foundation

Nic Barlage CEO

Michael Baston

President

Cuyahoga Community College

In the news: Berry and Co. salvaged an injury-plagued 2023 season with some savvy trades and signings — and none were bigger than the addition of quarterback Joe Flacco, who went 4-1 down the stretch to lead Cleveland to a playoff berth and win Comeback Player of the Year. The Browns also had seven players make the Pro Bowl — their most since 1988 — as Berry earned a multi-year contract extension in the offseason, making him the club’s longest-tenured GM since Ernie Accorsi (1985-92). From CEOs and

In the news: Balk, Mt. Sinai Health Foundation’s founding president, has been with the organization since the Mt. Sinai Hospital was sold and its assets converted into a foundation in 1996. Mt. Sinai maintains four major focus areas: the health of the Jewish community, health of the urban community, academic medicine and bioscience and health policy. It has a longstanding relationship with Case Western Reserve University. The foundation has invested more than $34 million into the institution, including a $2 million grant in 2023 to research cancer and other diseases.

Cleveland Cavaliers, Rock Entertainment Group (REG) and Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

In the news: With Barlage at the helm, business is booming for all of REG’s properties, from the Cavaliers (who have sold out their last 95 regular season games and recently won the NBA Team International Strategy Award) to the Monsters (who again led the American Hockey League in attendance, this time with a club-record 10,264 fans per game) and the G League Charge (who averaged a club-record 3,383 fans per game). REG is also leading the way on women’s sports in the city, serving as the presenting sponsor for Tennis in the Land and partnering on the bids for both a WNBA and a Women’s National Soccer League team.

In the news: After more than a decade of enrollment declines, Tri-C has made small gains in full-time equivalent (FTE) enrollment each of the last two years under Baston, who was hired in July of 2022. Tri-C has also been more willing to make changes, debuting a new five-school structure in the fall of 2024 designed to streamline its enrollment process and create a more career-focused plan in hopes of helping Cleveland become what Baston calls the “Career Capital of Ohio.”

In the news: Arnold has led one of Northeast Ohio’s most dynamic companies, power management giant Eaton, since 2016. But that tenure is coming to an end fairly soon. Eaton in August announced that Arnold will retire on May 31, 2025, as he will have reached Eaton’s mandatory officer retirement age of 65. Succeeding him will be Paulo Ruiz, who on Sept. 2 became Eaton’s president and chief operating officer, and on June 1, 2025, will become CEO. Arnold has led Eaton’s transformation into one of the world’s leading companies in the power management sector. The company, founded in 1911, reported revenues of $23.2 billion in 2023.

Andrew Berry

General manager and executive vice president of football operations

Cleveland Browns

Justin Bibb Mayor

City of Cleveland

In the news: The Cleveland mayor is nishing up the rst half of his rst term with a signi cant number of campaign promises underway or completed. His administration successfully revamped the city’s website creating an open data portal for residents. The downtown lakefront plan has already received more than $80 million in federal and state funding, and the riverfront development tax increment nancing district was passed by council. These accomplishments all happened as the city mitigated a cyberattack without paying a ransom and experienced decreases in crime after a series of law enforcement initiatives.

India Birdsong Terry CEO and general manager

Greater Cleveland

Regional Transit Authority

In the news: In May, Terry was honored as one of the YMCA Greater Cleveland’s 2024 Women of Achievement. In September, she received the 2024 Women’s Transportation Seminar Northeast Ohio Leadership Award; she will be submitted to compete for the Women of the Year Award at an international level in January 2025. Also in September, Terry spoke for Cleveland Leadership Center’s Leader Lunch Break about the Greater Cleveland RTA’s role in enhancing access and mobility along with highlighting community partnerships and efforts to diversify its leadership. Most recently, Terry was appointed to serve on the Cleveland Heights Community Improvement Corp.

When Ohio cannabis organizers sought a leader in the adult-use marijuana legalization effort, they tapped attorney Tom Haren, partner and chair of the Cannabis Law Group at Frantz Ward. Haren advises cannabis clients – often as outside general counsel – on a wide range of issues, including license acquisition, corporate transactions, litigation, day-to-day business matters, strategic planning, municipal law and regulatory compliance. He has led some of the largest M&A deals in the Ohio cannabis market and his extensive experience and practical insights have made Haren a trusted advisor to policymakers and industry stakeholders, who rely on his guidance to navigate complex issues and bridge the gap between policy and real-world application.

David Blitzer

Minority

owner

Cleveland Guardians

In the news: Blitzer has kept a low pro le since buying a 25% stake in the club in 2022, but he and his partner, Josh Harris, have since made some key investments in northern Ohio, most notably through Unrivaled Sports, the parent company for their youth sports properties. Unrivaled’s portfolio includes the ForeverLawn Sports Complex at the Hall of Fame Village in Canton and Sports Force Parks near Cedar Point. And Blitzer could soon have a much bigger pro le in Cleveland — he has an option to buy a controlling stake in the Guardians by 2028.

Laura Bloomberg

President

Cleveland State University

In the news: Bloomberg has been on the job since the spring of 2022, but her position has gotten considerably harder in recent months as CSU looks to close a projected $40 million budget gap. Thanks to a voluntary buyout program and some encouraging fall enrollment numbers, the university has made some progress, but big decisions remain about the future of its facilities, its academic offerings and its Division I athletic program, ensuring that Bloomberg will remain one of the city’s most important gures for years to come.

Kate Borders

President

University Circle Inc.

In the news: Borders in October outlined an action plan for the district housing many Cleveland arts, museum and health care institutions that includes elements ranging from increasing engagement with its stakeholders to improving mobility within the circle, tackling planning for parking and refreshing its brand. UCI also secured operation of its own special improvement district in 2023. Border emphasized measures to emphasize the circle’s people to foster a stronger sense of community. She is chair of the International Downtown Association, the trade group for professional place makers and enhancers.

POWER 150 SPOTLIGHT|THOMAS HAREN

Driving economic strength through cannabis advocacy

By Judy Stringer for Crain’s Content Studio

Describe a highlight or significant accomplishment by you or your organization in 2024.

In 2024, I had the privilege of serving as the spokesperson for the successful Issue 2 campaign to legalize adult-use cannabis in Ohio, which passed overwhelmingly in 2023. Alongside chairing the cannabis practice at Frantz Ward, I also took on the role of spokesperson for the Ohio Cannabis Coalition. In both roles, I played an integral part in launching the Buckeye State’s adult-use cannabis market.

The market’s launch in 2024 was a defining moment in my career. After the election, there were significant regulatory challenges, including zoning issues, licensing procedures and public health concerns, but it was rewarding to see the will of the voters come to life. Helping industry operators, legislators and regulators navigate the complexities of setting up the market was an accomplishment that gave me great pride.

People define “power” in many different ways. How do you define power and the role it plays in creating successful companies and communities?

To me, power is the ability to influence outcomes and affect change. But with

that power comes a responsibility to use it ethically and for the greater good. Anyone who grew up reading Spider-Man comics knows this, as the phrase “with great power comes great responsibility” captures this well. Power, when used correctly, can drive positive change.

In both business and community settings, power should be used to help others grow. In a company, it means prioritizing people and culture. In a community, it’s about uplifting others and fostering inclusive growth. True power isn’t just about what you achieve for yourself, but what you help others achieve. The most successful leaders understand that their ability to make an impact is amplified when they support others in achieving their goals. Ultimately, power is not a zero-sum game, but a resource that can multiply when shared.

Do you have a leadership philosophy that has guided your career?

My leadership philosophy is simple: “Do the right thing well.” I focus first on identifying the right course of action, then executing it to the best of my ability. While I don’t always get it right, I believe this mindset keeps me aligned with ethical decision-making and effective action.

This philosophy is crucial because action without direction is ineffective, and thinking without action doesn’t lead to

results. Success comes from both choosing the right path and executing it well, and I aim to keep this balance in my leadership approach. This also means constantly evaluating decisions with an eye toward long-term sustainability and impact, not just short-term gains. Leading with integrity ensures that the decisions I make will stand the test of time and that I’ll remain aligned with my values and those of my team.

What or who made the biggest impact on your leadership style?

My leadership style has been shaped by a blend of family, mentors and colleagues. I come from a family of entrepreneurs who instilled in me the importance of hard work and dedication. When I began my legal career, I was fortunate to be mentored by experienced lawyers who taught me the value of professional courtesy and collaboration.

Now, working alongside my partners, I see how important a positive company culture is for success. I’ve learned that treating people well, working hard and keeping your word leads to success – not only for individuals but for the business as a whole. This combination of values is at the core of my leadership style. SPONSORED CONTENT

Shontel Brown

Member (D)

U.S. House of Representatives, 11th district

In the news: The election wasn’t good for Democrats, but Brown was a big exception. She won re-election to her seat with more than 78% of the vote. Brown defeated Republican Alan Rapoport, an attorney and former mayor of Cleveland Heights who challenged the incumbent as too progressive. That message didn’t carry. At all. Brown was first elected to the heavily Democratic-leaning 11th Congressional District during a special election against progressive Nina Turner in 2021. The district includes Akron, Cleveland and the city’s eastern suburbs.

Sherrod Brown

U.S. senator (D) Ohio (not re-elected)

In the news: Although Brown ran nearly 8 points ahead of the top of the Democratic ticket this year, the dissatisfaction among the electorate was sufficient to end his 30-plus year career in Congress. At least for now. You might wonder why Brown, soon to be a former U.S. senator, remains on this list. He has said in interviews that he’s open to running in a 2026 special election against the person Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine will pick to fill the Senate seat to be vacated by Vice President-elect JD Vance. And as the only Democrat in Ohio with recent electoral success statewide, he holds considerable influence in the party.

Rick Buoncore Executive chairman

MAI Capital Management

In the news: Buoncore, the firm’s longtime managing partner, in August shifted to the role of executive chairman, where he continues to broadly oversees the firm’s vision and growth strategy. MAI is backed by a couple of investment partners, including Wealth Partners Capital Group of Florida, which acquired a 40% stake in MAI in 2017, and private equity-backed Galway Insurance Holdings, which acquired a majority stake in the firm in the third quarter of 2021. MAI has been an aggressive acquirer, adding five firms this year and 37 since 2018.

Bethia Burke President

Fund for Our Economic Future

In the news: Under her leadership, the Fund earlier this year released the “Practical Guide to the Green Economy.”

The guide is a roadmap on how to leverage manufacturing opportunities and grow a green workforce. Since the guide’s release, the Fund announced it would act as an incubator for a clean energy startup company created to help organizations fund and manage the green economy transition. Burke has been instrumental in bringing in federal funding. The Fund was awarded a U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Recompete grant for an Opportunity Corridor brownfield redevelopment plan. It also was one of the partners of the multi-state Great Lakes ReNEW that was awarded a $160 million water technology innovations and workforce development grant from the National Science Foundation.

President and CEO Akron-Canton Airport

In the news: Camacho, who has led the Akron-Canton Airport since 2018, leads a 60-member team of airport employees and directs all capital improvement programs. In July, the airport announced it will receive $3.2 million to build new ramps, which it said “will lead to significant growth in additional employment, hanger space and tax revenues.” The airport throughout the year continued to add new flights, particularly from low-fare carriers Allegiant and Breeze Airways. One highlight: Breeze added its first direct flight from Akron to Los Angeles.

Emily

President and CEO

The Center for Community Solutions

In the news: Campbell in December 2023 became CEO of the nonprofit, which provides valuable policy advocacy, research and data analysis in Ohio’s health and human services space. She’s a veteran of the organization, having worked there for nearly two decades. Campbell was a Crain’s 2024 Woman of Note. Sabrina Roberts, a senior adviser to Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne, said Campbell is “a numbers person, and a really good one. She’s a translator. She makes them (numbers) make sense. She knows how to tie (data) together and inform good policy.”

President and CEO

Steris

In the news: The medical equipment and life sciences company in April said it had agreed to sell its dental segment to Peak Rock Capital, a middle-market private investment firm, for $787.5 million in cash. The deal will “allow us to focus on our customers within our core markets in health care, pharma and medtech who can most benefit from our full portfolio of products and services,” Carestio said at the time. The company technically is based in Dublin, Ireland, but its U.S. operations are headquartered in Mentor.

Dr. Arnon Chait

CEO and co-founder

Cleveland Diagnostics

In the news: The clinical-stage biotech company kicked off 2024 by announcing the closing of more than $75 million in growth capital financing led by Novo Holdings. The company, founded in 2013, develops diagnostic tests for the early detection of cancers. The funding aimed to help the company expand the commercial availability of its prostate cancer test in the U.S. and abroad, as well as support the pharmaceutical research and development pipeline for additional cancer tests.

Micki Byrnes

President and general manager

WKYC Media

In the news: Byrnes is the longstanding leader of WKYC, where she oversees all operations of the broadcast station and its digital platforms. She joined Channel 3 in 1997 as director of marketing and was named vice President, advertising and promotion in 2000, and station manager in 2014. This was an emotional fall at WKYC (and for all of Cleveland), as Jim Donovan, the beloved former sports anchor and Cleveland Browns radio voice, died at age 68. In the spring, WKYC announced a new partnership with Cleveland. com in which Byrnes said the news organizations “will look for ways to partner on longer-range projects that address key issues. We each have different experts and resources that can add content and context.”

President and CEO

Global Cleveland

In the news: Cimperman is one of Cleveland’s leading champions for organizations here that serve the international community by advocating for and finding financial, civic and community support for immigrants settling in Northeast Ohio. He has been in the role since 2016, aiding the naturalization of thousands of new Americans and highlighting the need to incorporate immigrants into a Northeast Ohio workforce that’s in need of more people. The immigrant experience is personal for Cimperman, an immigrant’s son who grew up in a Slovenianspeaking home in the St. Clair-Superior neighborhood.

Ren Camacho

Campbell

Daniel Carestio

Joe Cimperman

Amanda Cole

Executive director

Plexus LGBT and Allied Chamber of Commerce

In the news: This year marked Cole’s fth as executive director of Plexus LGBT and Allied Chamber of Commerce. She became the rst executive director in March 2019. In October, Plexus moved to a new of ce space in the Gordon Square Arcade and hosted an open house for their new of ce along with an of cial launch of The Buckeye Flame’s rst newsroom in the of ce next door.

Michele L. Connell

Global managing partner

U.S. LLP

Squire Patton Boggs

In the new: As the giant law rm’s global managing partner for a U.S. LLP, Connell is responsibility for the business and operations of 34 of ces spread throughout the U.S., the Middle East, Asia and Europe. She was named to the role in September 2021, succeeding longtime Cleveland lawyer and civic heavyweight Fred Nance. Connell, a partner in the rm’s Corporate Practice Group, has more than 25 years’ experience in international legal and business matters. She works in high-risk regulatory and commercial end markets that include automotive/ transportation, ntech, industrial manufacturing and health care companies.

Bill Cosgrove President and CEO

Union Home Mortgage

In the news: As the Fed recently trimmed interest rates and anticipation runs high for more cuts, Cosgrove can look forward to a tilt towards normalcy in the lending side of the residential mortgage business. Regardless, the company continues to expand geographically and boost visibility with sponsorships such as the Union Home Gasparilla Bowl in Tampa. Cosgrove is active on local boards such as Greater Cleveland Partnership and Playhouse Square and chairs Union Home Mortgage Foundation. He also is growing membership at Medina County Country Club and invests in ownership of thoroughbred racehorses.

Terry Coyne Vice chairman Newmark

In the news: In the rst half of 2024, Coyne made 65 deals, including 1,115,844 square feet sold and 2,328,843 square feet leased. Real estate aside, Coyne was a trustee and sponsor for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Weekend in October. In March, the Coyne Team was named Newmark’s third-leading industrial and logistics performer in the U.S. for 2023.

Fred Cummings President

Elizabeth Park Capital Management

In the news: A stalwart of the nancial services industry, Cummings launched his bank-focused hedge fund at Elizabeth Park Capital Management in 2008 following a 17-year career with KeyBanc Capital Markets. Cummings’ rm is also a general partner with the Mission-Driven Bank Fund, which is designed to promote an equitable economy by closing racial gaps in access to nancial services by funneling growth capital to Minority Depository Institutions and Community Development Financial Institutions. Coming into 2024, that fund, which has a $500 million target, marked its rst close at $110 million.

A 39-year investment services veteran, Fred DiSanto became CEO of Ancora in 2006 and chairman in 2014. He previously served as executive vice president and manager of Fifth Third Bank’s Investment Advisors Division and president and COO of Maxus Investment Group. DiSanto is currently on the boards of Ampco-Pittsburgh Corp., The Eastern Company and Regional Brands Inc. He is also chair of the board of trustees at Case Western Reserve University, former chairman of the board of regents of St. Ignatius High School, and former chairman and current trustee of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

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POWER 150 SPOTLIGHT|FRED DISANTO

Leaving a legacy of board leadership at Case Western Reserve University

By Judy Stringer for Crain’s Content Studio

What is your most significant goal for 2025 in your professional or civic life?

I have been committed to the communities in which I’ve lived and worked for virtually all of my professional life, and this school year will mark my last as the chair of the board of trustees at Case Western Reserve University. My goal at Case over the coming year will be to continue to enhance the student experience through improved resources, student services and extracurricular programs, including athletics. The university has also been committed to strengthening its research funding, which is critical to our region, as well as increasing the number of professors. We continue to champion sustainability initiatives and focus on promoting diversity and inclusion within our community. Case is a treasured institution that is critical to our region and, by continuing to focus on these goals, I hope to leave a positive legacy.

Describe a highlight or significant accomplishment by you or your organization in 2024.

Ancora’s proxy campaign against Norfolk Southern during 2024 was an enormous success for our organization. We effectively engaged with shareholders to garner support for our point of view regarding NSC’s performance and governance; we highlighted issues relating to

accountability and transparency. We were able to accomplish this through detailed analysis of their financial performance compared to their competitors, which clearly resonated with shareholders. Our communication strategy utilizing media, investor presentations and public statements enabled three Ancora-backed nominees to win seats on the board, who we believe will better serve shareholders. Overall, our success in running a nationally visible proxy campaign on a $50-billion market capitalization company was an accomplishment we were very proud of as a firm in 2024.

People define “power” in many different ways. How do you define power and the role it plays in creating successful companies and communities?

I believe power is associated with leadership and with power comes responsibility – responsibility to lead the organization, to inspire and motivate our people to work toward a clear vison and common goals, and power to influence how decisions are made within the organization. Hopefully, using collaboration to get to the right decision that all can take ownership in making will lead to more effective decision-making. Within any organization, there are conflicts in how power and leadership are summoned, but I believe it should promote open and honest dialogue that is respectful to create a culture that is healthy but decisive when

necessary. The other aspect of power that I believe is critical to an organization is the power to influence where to allocate our resources. Individuals who are in power can determine where and how resources are used in terms of financial resources, time and talent and how they should be allocated.

Who or who made the biggest impact on your leadership style?

My involvement in team sports in high school and college had the most impact on my leadership style. In addition, my family has also been extremely important to my leadership growth. My leadership style emphasizes inclusivity by recognizing and valuing all the contributions each person makes to the overall organization, and the impact coaches, mentors, teammates, friends, business partners and family have had on my leadership abilities throughout my life. Trust is critical to enable open conversations and dialogue that creates a collaborative work environment. I believe that by extending ownership, responsibility and recognition within the firm you are better able to cultivate a winning organization that creates a culture where employees feel truly valued and part of the team.

Michael Deemer

President and CEO

Downtown Cleveland Inc.

In the news: Although Deemer often puts DCI staffers out front, it seems he has been everywhere this year, from matter-of-factly addressing downtown crime problems to implementing means to improve safety including measures such as automated cameras at Public Square. DCI also assumed oversight of the Public Square and launched additional programing there. He’s also on the front lines in fighting to keep the Browns downtown.

Dr. Cliff Deveny

President and CEO

Summa Health

In the news: Deveny has been president and CEO of the Akron-based health system since 2017. Summa Health came into the spotlight in early 2024, when it was announced the system would be acquired by Health Assurance Transformation Corporation, a portfolio company of venture capital firm General Catalyst. Deveny said Summa Health had been searching for a partner for years. In 2019, the health system had planned to merge with Beaumont Health in Michigan, but the deal fell through in 2020. Deveny said the HATCo deal will allow Summa Health to pay off the system’s debts. However, some have been critical of the arrangement and private equity ownership in health care.

Todd Diacon President

Kent State University

In the news: Diacon has been on the job since July of 2019, making him one of the longesttenured presidents in the state. His university has also garnered some of the best headlines in the state this year, with Kent receiving a record number of applicants (28,000) while welcoming its eighth-largest freshman class ever. Kent also ranks 126th among U.S. public institutions on this year’s U.S. News & World Report rankings, which is once again highest among schools in northern Ohio.

Fred DiSanto Chairman and CEO

Ancora Group

In the news: Since its founding in 2003, Ancora — which represents a family of companies, including Ancora Advisors and Inverness Securities — has grown into one of Northeast Ohio’s largest money managers. Having helmed the firm as CEO since 2006, DiSanto has overseen the bulk of this growth and helped shape the firm’s reputation as an influential activist investor. Among a variety of companies where Ancora has expressed its opinions this year is Norfolk Southern Corp., where Ancora waged a campaign in the spring to replace the embattled railway company’s board and install a new CEO.

Joshua Edmonds CEO DigitalC

In the news: Edmonds made a plan to connect the most unconnected city by providing nongovernment-subsidized, high-speed, affordable internet. That plan became a reality this year. Using the next-generation line-of-sight technology, the newly named company –Canopy – is rolling out its service neighborhood by neighborhood. The organization, headquartered at the MidTown Tech Hive, where the company holds information sessions and happy hours, also opened up a new office. The satellite office located at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank is part of a mission to bring quality internet to meet customers where they are and provide home internet service, digital skills training and job opportunities for underserved populations.

Karen Fanger President K&D Group

In the news: The co-owner of the largest commercial property ownership concern in the region and the most apartment units in downtown Cleveland, Fanger serves as chief operating officer of K&D and oversees its administrative functions such as changing its property software program to Yardi. She is in her third year as president of the Downtown Cleveland Inc. board, which has a growing role in operations to market downtown and oversee maintenance and security.

Umberto Fedeli President and CEO

The Fedeli Group

In the news: Since its founding in 1988, Fedeli has grown his insurance brokerage and consulting firm into one of the largest employee benefit services firms in Northeast Ohio. Fedeli is also very active in political circles and known for hosting large fundraisers with a who’s who of politicians at his home in Gates Mills. Late last year, Fedeli recruited an executive from FNB Corp., the Pittsburgh-based parent of First National Bank, to the newly created role of chief operating officer to support firm growth.

Managing director North Coast Ventures

In the news: In 2020, 14 years after it was formed to help finance high-tech startups in the region, North Coast Angel Fund changed its name to North Coast Ventures. With the new name came a revamped focus on investments in later-stage companies and an eye for targets outside Northeast Ohio. In 2024, North Coast was awarded $15 million—which came with a $15 million match by investors—out of $86 million in capital divvied up by the Ohio Department of Development for new and existing venture funds in the state. North Coast is primarily steering that money toward B2B SaaS companies.

Paul Dolan Owner and CEO

Cleveland Guardians

In the news: The Dolans’ steady — and thrifty — approach continued to pay dividends in 2024, as the Guardians clinched their 12th American League Central title despite having the 23rd-ranked payroll in Major League Baseball. The Guardians/ Indians have made the postseason six times since Dolan was named chairman and CEO in 2011, and have 10 winning seasons over that span. In November, Paul and his wife, Karen, were named 2025 Maltz Heritage Award honorees by the Maltz Museum.

Chair

The Hispanic Roundtable

In the news: Feliciano is one of the most respected influential Hispanic leaders in the city. As both the chair of the Hispanic Roundtable and one of the founders of the Convencion Hispana, he is an advocate for the representation. This year, Convencion Hispana celebrated its four decades of service to the growing Hispanic community through Esperanza – a Hispanic scholarship program and with the grand opening of the West Side’s Centro Villa25, a business development and community center. With the anniversary in the rearview mirror, he began to lobby for the drawing of a second Hispanic-influenced ward to be created during Cleveland City Council’s redistricting process.

Todd Federman

Jose Feliciano Sr.

William Finn

President and CEO

Hospice of the Western Reserve

In the news: The nonpro t provider of palliative and end-of-life care broke ground on a $25 million Hospice Care & Community Center on its lakefront property in Cleveland’s North Collinwood neighborhood in September 2024. The facility, slated to open in 2026, will feature 32 private patient rooms and a community center that offers bereavement support services and activities for patients and their loved ones. It will replace Hospice House on East 185th Street, which is the oldest of the organization’s four inpatient units. In 2024, Hospice of the Western Reserve, one of Cleveland’s largest nonpro ts, acquired Hospice of North Central Ohio.

Helen Forbes Fields President

YWCA of Greater Cleveland

In the news: Forbes Fields stepped into her role as president of the YWCA of Greater Cleveland, a nonpro t that provides direct services, programming and advocacy to marginalized individuals and families, in 2022. She previously served as executive vice president and general counsel at United Way of Greater Cleveland. In 2024, the YWCA of Greater Cleveland received $500,000 in the state’s capital budget to support repairs and upgrades to the 4019 Prospective Ave., which houses programs that support young adults, children and families.

Bryant L. Francis

Director of port control

City of Cleveland

In the news: Francis, who over the summer completed his rst year in the job overseeing Cleveland’s airports, has huge responsibilities. Cleveland Hopkins International Airport in 2025 is expected to begin work on the rst phase of its modernization plan, which will see a projected increase to around 11 million annual passengers with improvements estimated to cost between $800 million and $900 million. On a smaller scale, the future of Burke Lakefront Airport is up in the air, as the city considers whether its land might be better served for another purpose, including a new football stadium on the lakefront.

Bill Garvey President

Greater Cleveland Film Commission

In the news: Garvey leads what the lm commission calls a “small but mighty staff” that’s focused on bringing jobs and economic impact to Greater Cleveland through a thriving lm and media production industry. The lm commission said 2024 was its best year yet (you might even say it was super), as it was able to attract more than $147 million in total production budgets. The crown jewel of those productions was director James Gunn’s new “Superman” movie, which shot extensively in Cleveland over the summer and is scheduled to be released in July 2025.

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Dr. Cliff Megerian is CEO of University Hospitals and the Jane and Henry Meyer Chief Executive Officer Distinguished Chair, overseeing a comprehensive health system with annual revenues of $6 billion and more than 300 locations, including hospitals, health centers, outpatient facilities and physician offices located throughout 16 counties. He assumed this position in February 2021, after serving as the organization’s president through an unprecedented pandemic. Previously, Dr. Megerian served as president of University Hospitals Physician Network, Physician Services and System Institutes, where he raised physician productivity to its highest level and significantly increased physician engagement and research funding. Dr. Megerian is also a professor at Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine.

Dr. Stan Gerson

Dean and senior vice president for medical affairs Case Western Reserve University

In the news: The university’s School of Medicine has continued to show its dominance as a research institution under the leadership of Gerson, who was appointed dean in 2021. U.S. News & World Report named Case’s School of Medicine a “tier 1” institution for research in its 2024 rankings, putting it among the likes of Yale University, Vanderbilt University and Mayo Clinic School of Medicine. Faculty have landed major federal grants, including $1.14 million from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to study how arti cial intelligence can be utilized to determine best treatment options for veterans with rectal cancer.

POWER 150 SPOTLIGHT|DR. CLIFF MEGERIAN

Upholding

a mission of providing equitable access to healthcare

Describe a highlight or significant accomplishment by you or your organization in 2024.

University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center’s distinction as Ohio’s only hospital on U.S. News & World Report’s inaugural list of Best Regional Hospitals for Equitable Access marks a defining achievement for 2024, affirming the University Hospitals’ system mission to serve all patients, especially those in historically underserved communities. Only 2% of U.S. hospitals earned this recognition, reflecting the dedication of our caregivers and volunteers to providing equitable, highquality care. Further demonstrating our commitment, UH invested $707 million in community health initiatives in 2023, with $522 million directed toward traditional community benefits as defined by the IRS and $185 million covering unreimbursed Medicare costs. In fulfilling our founders’ vision that “the needy are the most worthy,” we proudly demonstrated our commitment to improving healthcare access for all again in 2024.

What is your most significant goal for 2025 in your professional or civic life?

One of our key priorities at University Hospitals for the upcoming year is transforming how we think and operate. Our goal is to move to a “hospitality” mindset, where we endeavor to treat every interaction as an opportunity to

provide warm, personalized service at every touchpoint in our system. We know consumers of healthcare have choices. We want them to judge their experience with us not just by their last healthcare experience, but by their best service experience. Like some retail companies who stand out for providing an exceptional service experience, we must think of our patients as customers or guests, because they do have a choice in where they seek care, and we want them to unequivocally choose UH – for our compassion as well as our medical expertise.

Do you have a leadership philosophy that has guided your career?

Focus on your purpose – how you differentiate yourself or your organization by what you do. Concentrate on the job you have – strive to enhance current relationships and develop new ones. Learn about your strengths and opportunities for improvement. Be mindful about today – it deserves 95% of your thoughts. Study other leaders – either by reading about them or through mentorship programs. Find out what made some successful and what made others fail. Be the convener –bring people together to solve an issue or advance a goal, facilitate collaboration among the team. Provide guidance and plans, but don’t micromanage. Encourage open dialogue and debate. Be humble – show your authentic self and be open

to learn from others, no matter what your role is. Don’t be afraid to show your vulnerability.

What’s one thing you consider to be Northeast Ohio’s biggest priority to spur economic development and create a place where people want to live, work and play?

Northeast Ohio is a powerhouse of medical innovation, technology and discovery. We are a hub that draws some of the world’s finest physicians, leaders, researchers and innovators from around the world. The priority should be on ensuring we continue to build on this, so we foster innovation and job creation to not only attract but retain talent. By expanding job prospects in key sectors like healthcare, technology and advanced manufacturing, we can provide highquality jobs that not only draw people here but keep them in the region to build their careers. With affordable living, a vibrant arts and culture scene, as well as fan-favorite professional sports teams, NEO offers a great quality of life. This combination of career growth and lifestyle benefits will help ensure the region’s longterm economic vitality.

Christopher Gessner CEO

Akron Children’s Hospital

In the news: In 2024, the children’s hospital bolstered its presence in Cuyahoga County with the opening of a new pediatric urgent care center and freestanding pediatric outpatient surgery center in Beachwood. The move came as part of the organization’s ve-year, $500 million master plan for growth, which includes expanding services in the Greater Cleveland market.

Earlier in the year, Akron Children’s also opened a new pediatric primary care of ce in May eld Heights. The new outpatient surgery center opened its doors in July, offering pediatric gastroenterology, orthopedic and ear, nose and throat surgeries. It plans to add other pediatric surgical specialities in early 2025.

Dan Gilbert Founder and chairman Rocket Companies; Owner

Cleveland Cavaliers

In the news: Gilbert achieved the improbable in 2016 when his Cavs snapped the city’s 52-year championship drought, and he’s now on the cusp of doing the seemingly impossible — actually getting a waterfront project done in Cleveland. The Cavaliers’ new practice facility, the 210,000-square-foot Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center, will be the rst vertical development for Bedrock’s $3.5 billion Cuyahoga Riverfront Master Plan.

David Gilbert President and CEO

Destination Cleveland and Greater Cleveland

Sports Commission

In the news: Cleveland continues to punch above its weight when it comes to attracting major events, and it scored a knockout with this year’s Women’s Final Four, which attracted $33 million in spending. Cleveland also scored tourism wins with the eclipse and the Pan-American Masters Games, and Gilbert’s organization is making a major push to host the 2030 Special Olympics USA Games.

Lourenco Goncalves

Chairman, president and CEO

Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

In the news: Nothing to see here, just the reincarnation of Andrew Carnegie trying to build America’s next dominant steel company. Goncalves has done that largely by buying up other steel companies or their operations, which is why Cliffs now owns the steel mill in Cleveland’s Flats. He spent 2024 continuing, sometimes overtly and sometimes not, his biggest quarry yet: U.S. Steel. So far, he has been stymied by rival suitor Nippon Steel, but while that company so far has the support of the USS board, Goncalves has won the support of the company’s unions and politicians on both sides of the aisle, including both Ohio senators and President Joe Biden. Goncalves has repeatedly said that Nippon has no chance of closing its deal and, for his part, concedes “I never give up.”

Larry Goodman

President and CEO

Cleveland Ballet

In the news: Goodman, installed in December 2023 as the interim leader of Cleveland Ballet to stabilize the organization in a time of turmoil with the ouster of previous leadership, now has the job on a permanent basis. The ballet in April announced that its leadership transition was “formalized and secured” following the board of directors’ appointment of Goodman as president and CEO. Since taking over as interim CEO, Goodman “has been instrumental in securing a future for ballet in Cleveland,” said Dr. Michael Frank, chair of the ballet’s board. He said Goodman “has focused on creating a roadmap for scal responsibility and artistic beauty that is the foundation for a thriving organization.”

Christopher Gorman

Chairman, president and

CEO

KeyCorp

In the news: Gorman became the top executive of the parent company of Cleveland’s KeyBank—the largest bank by market share in Northeast Ohio—when he succeeded Beth Mooney in 2020. The company has continued to grow and expand under his leadership. In August, Key announced a strategic minority equity investment from The Bank of Nova Scotia in a deal that will infuse it with more than $2.8 billion in capital, which may very well fuel the company’s next M&A deal.

Andre Gremillet

President and CEO

Cleveland Orchestra

In the news: Gremillet runs a steady ship at one of the world’s great orchestras. The orchestra at the end of 2024 reported a balanced operating budget for the sixth consecutive year with a small surplus of $6,000. (Operating results span July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.) Over this period, the orchestra’s endowment increased by $29 million, or 10.8 %, to $296 million, which it said was driven by investment returns and new endowment contributions. Both total revenues and total expenses stood at $66 million in scal 2023-24, a 7.7% increase from the $61.3 million operating budget in 2022-23.

Blaine Grif n President

Cleveland City Council

In the news: Being president of Cleveland City Council means your work involves a diverse group of constituents. This year, the Ward 6 councilman did that work for his residents, negotiating a deal that brought a Huntington Bank branch back to the Buckeye neighborhood he represents. He worked with the bank to not only prevent the permanent branch closing, but convinced the company to ramp up commercial and home lending in the area. As a liaison between City Hall and council, he landed an updated community bene ts agreement and helped pass a tax increment nancing district for downtown lakefront development. In his oversight role, Grif n set up a series of pre-budget presentations from key city department heads to help prepare for hearings on next year’s budget.

Tricia Grif th President and CEO

Progressive Corp.

In the news: Th May eld Village-based insurer’s top executive worked her way up from entry-level claims representative in 1988 to CEO in 2016. The company has continued to grow under her leadership. The business has recorded signi cant boosts in pro t in 2024 thanks in large part to strong demand for insurance products. Grif th also headlines a list of 15 women who have joined Cleveland Soccer Group as investors in a prospective National Women’s Soccer League team.

William Griswold Director and president

Cleveland Museum of Art

In the news: Griswold in June 2023 received a contract extension that keeps him as director of one of the country’s great art museum’s through January 2027. It was the second extension for Griswold, who in 2014 became the ninth director in the museum’s history. The museum in 2024 continued to receive signi cant philanthropic support. One of the largest came in June: a $25 million gift from The Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation that includes $15 million for the museum’s exhibitions program, $2.5 million for the landscape master plan, $5 million to fund the curator of decorative arts position permanently and $2.5 million toward the renovation of CMA’s north lobby.

Brian Hall

Owner and CEO

JIT Services

In the news: Talk about doing it all. Hall is the owner and CEO of several companies that provide outsourced staffing, road and rail construction and real estate development. The companies – JIT Services, but also Specialized Construction Inc., JPCO Inc. and The League Development - employ more than 100 in Ohio and Maryland. Hall also serves as a partner and investor in ECM Performance Materials, which processes and packages chemicals and rubber. And he has served on both private for-profit boards and public boards, including the Cleveland Cuyahoga Port Authority and the Northeast Ohio Sewer District.

Beth Hammack

President and CEO

Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

In the news: The Cleveland Fed named Beth Hammack, a longtime Goldman Sachs Group Inc. executive, as its next president and CEO effective Aug. 21. She succeeded Loretta Mester as the central bank’s 12th president and the fourth woman to hold the post. Hammack is also a voting member of the Federal Open Market Committee in her first year. Her rise at Goldman was driven in part by her ability to deal with regulators and government bodies after she made partner at the firm in 2010.

Daniel Hampu CEO

Burton D. Morgan Foundation

In the news: Hampu leads a Hudson-based foundation, started in 1967 by entrepreneur Burton D. Morgan, that focuses on “strengthening free enterprise by investing in people and entities that embody the entrepreneurial spirit.” It does that in the traditional grant model, of course, but it gets creative, too. Case in point: its YIPPEE Exchange platform, which offers more than 200 programs, resources and experiences designed to cultivate entrepreneurial skills in students and connect them with entrepreneurs in their communities. “Burt didn’t go through any type of youth entrepreneurship education,” Hampu told Crain’s in July. “Very little was offered along in his collegiate journey at Purdue. He was really into ‘How can we better support entrepreneurship education?’ Which he didn’t have and saw as a gap.”

Phyllis Harris

Executive director

LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland

In the news: In September, Harris served as a table captain for the Human Rights Campaign Cleveland annual dinner. The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland’s Pride in the CLE was a finalist for the 4th annual Anthem Awards in the diversity, equity and inclusion category. The organization also honored seven individuals committed to advancing equity and liberation at its 2024 Heritage Day in October.

Dr. Marc Harrison Co-founder and CEO HATCo

In the news: The former Cleveland Clinic executive made headlines in early 2024 when it was announced that venture capital firm General Catalyst’s Health Assurance Transformation Corporation (HATCo) planned to acquire Akron’s Summa Health.

Harrison, who previously served as CEO of Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, is co-founder and CEO of HATCo, a portfolio company of General Catalyst. Harrison said the company wants to use technology to improve the consumer experience and take the friction out of health care. The deal, however, has not come without scrutiny as some have concerns about private equity owning the Summit County health system.

Dee and Jimmy Haslam Owners

Cleveland Browns, Haslam Sports Group

In the news: The Haslams have dominated the headlines this year thanks to their push for the Browns to leave the lakefront in favor of a newly built $2.4 billion dome in Brook Park, one that would require taxpayers to foot half the bill. Meanwhile, their decision to mortgage the future for quarterback Deshaun Watson in 2022 continues to shape the franchise, for better or worse.

Tom Haren Partner; chair, Marijuana Law Group Frantz Ward

In the news: Fall 2023’s passage of Issue 2, the initiate statute legalizing recreational marijuana, “is a watershed moment for Ohio and the country,” said Haren, partner and cannabis practice chair at Frantz Ward LLP, and, as a leader of the Coalition to Regulate Marijuana Like Alcohol, a key player in the legalization push in the state. He made the comments during a Crain’s event in January. Haren noted Ohio’s debut as a legal state means that a majority of adult Americans—52%, to be exact—now can use marijuana legally.

Greg Harris

President and CEO

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

In the news: Harris is the man overseeing a grand remake of one of Cleveland’s most popular attractions. The Rock Hall in July announced that Ken and Martha Taylor, the KeyBank Foundation and the Cleveland Foundation all made gifts, totaling $7 million to support the institution’s expansion. The expansion of the museum is projected to cost around $150 million in total. It will include a new, 50,000-square-foot wing plus additional community green space in North Coast Harbor. Cleveland in the fall also got to host the 2024 Rock Hall induction in a huge concert at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse.

Craig Hassall CEO

Playhouse Square

In the news: Hassall, CEO of the performing arts nonprofit (with a real estate services arm) since February 2023, has had a showman’s touch in the job. He has helped bring new marquees to the district’s theaters and experimented with the creation of The Corner Gallery at East 13th Street and Euclid Avenue, in the former Cowell & Hubbard restaurant, that for six months hosted “Mummies of the World: The Exhibition.” That space, though, is become a restaurant once again: The Friars’ Table, from restaurateur Brandon Chrostowski. The organization also has bought the former Greyhound terminal for a to-be-determined redevelopment, and it’s working with the Streetsense consulting firm to identify uses for the Greyhound building and to activate what Hassall calls the “beautiful streets” around Playhouse Square.

Lincoln Electric Holdings Inc.

In the news: Hedlund, CEO of Lincoln Electric since January of this year, is taking on an expanded role at the Euclidbased maker of welding products. The company in early October announced that Christopher L. Mapes, its executive chair, will retire from that position and as a member of the board of directors on Dec. 31. In turn, the board elected Hedlund, Lincoln’s current president and CEO and a company director, to succeed Mapes as board chair, effective Jan. 1, 2025. Hedlund will take the role of chair in addition to his duties as president and CEO.

Steven B. Hedlund CEO

J. David Heller

Oresident, CEO and co-founder

The NRP Group

In the news: The head of the nationally ranked multifamily developer will see his company open The Collins, a 354-unit market-rate apartment in the Flats on Scranton Peninsula next year. With the nation increasingly concerned about housing affordability and supply, the company’s 30-year focus on affordable housing may nd more opportunities. His long devotion to Jewish causes is resonating with new challenges as he serves as chairman of the national Israel Emergency Campaign, aiding the Jewish Federation of North America’s Ukraine relief effort during Ukraine’s ware with Russia. He also remains active with Cleveland civic groups from Playhouse Square to United Way.

W. Nicholas Howley

Executive chairman and founder TransDigm Group

In the news: The founder of a Cleveland aerospace powerhouse is taking on an increasingly important role as a philanthropist. Howley chairs the board — but is no longer CEO — at TransDigm Group, the Cleveland-based producer, supplier and designer of engineered aerospace components. Back in 2001, he established The Howley Foundation. In August, the foundation provided a $13 million gift to Cleveland Clinic to allow it to expand a program that removes roadblocks to indemand health care careers. The gift will give 380 students a chance to pursue careers in respiratory therapy, surgical technology and sterile processing through the health system’s Howley ASPIRE Pathways program. In 2023, the foundation gave $12 million to the Clinic for a similarly named program, the Howley ASPIRE Nurse Scholars Program.

Brian X. Tierney has 30-plus years of experience in the energy sector. Prior to joining FirstEnergy as president and CEO in June 2023, Tierney was senior managing director and global head of operations and asset management for Blackstone Infrastructure Partners. He also spent more than 23 years at American Electric Power where he held a number of senior management positions. Tierney currently serves on the board of the Edison Electric Institute and previously served on the boards of trustees of The Jeffrey Company and Energy Insurance Mutual.

Julie Jacono CEO

JumpStart Inc.

In the news: A veteran of cial with The MetroHealth System who helped commercialize tech innovations there, Jacono was named JumpStart’s successor to founding CEO Ray Leach late last year following a national search that considered more than 275 people. The cumulative economic impact of startups and other small businesses supported by JumpStart and its partners totaled $1.7 billion in 2023, according to the agency’s latest annual report. In 2024, the state awarded $35 million in federal funds to JumpStart that were divvied out by the Ohio Department of Development for new and existing venture funds. That money is supporting four different funds at JumpStart.

Deb Janik

Senior vice president of business development Bedrock

In the news: Janik will be involved as plans by Bedrock to redevelop the Cuyahoga River valley in the shadow of its Tower City holdings move to the nancing stage and its rst building, the Cleveland Clinic Global Performance Center rises in the Flats. She handled presentations for the rm before Cleveland City Council as it secured authorization for the $3.5 billion plan to improve the connection of the downtown mall to the river as part of the city’s Shore to Core to Shore plan.

Michael Jeans CEO

Go Green Energy Fund and Growth Opportunity Partners

In the news: The optimistic goal of bringing hundreds of millions in federal grants to a Cleveland-based Green Bank, considered a longshot by some, paid off this year. Under his direction, $156 million in U.S. EPA Solar for All grant funds will be used to deliver affordable, clean solar energy to low and middle-income communities in Cleveland and in similar cities across the Midwest. Using the city’s municipal utility, Cleveland Public Power, he plans to build clean local energy generation and offer training for city residents to take advantage of the growth of the nascent energy economy. With additional federal funding, he will help oversee a program to offset the cost and install solar for public schools.

POWER 150 SPOTLIGHT|BRIAN X. TIERNEY

Building a better Cleveland through a strengthened power grid

By Judy Stringer for Crain’s Content Studio

Describe a highlight or significant accomplishment by you or your organization in 2024.

I’m incredibly proud of the FirstEnergy team’s response to challenging summer storms. On Aug. 6, the most impactful storm to hit the Cleveland area since 1993 disrupted power for more than 600,000 FirstEnergy customers. Our storm response involved over 8,200 workers, including contractors from 17 states and thousands of FirstEnergy employees. This massive restoration effort, with coordination and collaboration across state and local government agencies, was executed at a very high level, allowing us to restore power ahead of our original targets. We’re grateful for the assistance we received from outside crews, and we were proud to provide nearly 1,000 of our employees and contractors this fall to help restore power in communities devastated by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. I thank these men and women for their service in providing critical work to our communities.

What is your most significant goal for 2025 in your professional or civic life?

When I joined FirstEnergy a year and a half ago, the company was at a point in its business and cultural evolution when it could begin tapping into its strengths and realizing its tremendous potential.

Our employees have proven resilient and focused on change, aligning with a shared goal of building trust, committing to transparency and integrity, and working collaboratively with our customers and communities. Their work has been extraordinary, and the opportunities in front of us energized me. In the year ahead, I aim to help FirstEnergy fulfill its potential and become a premier electric company characterized by a highperforming culture, an excellent customer experience, solid and consistent financials, and recognized as a trusted community partner.

People define “power” in many different ways. How do you define power and the role it plays in creating successful companies and communities?

Simply put, power is the ability to engage, influence and motivate others. At FirstEnergy, we are responsible for using our power to build relationships with business and community leaders to support our customers, strengthen our neighborhoods, protect the environment and encourage economic growth. Stewardship is one of FirstEnergy’s core values and reflects our dedication to using our power for the public good. We are committed to seeking and listening to customer feedback to understand their needs. We actively support philanthropic initiatives, both financially and through volunteering, that enrich our communities. We strive

to minimize the environmental impact of our operations, and we collaborate with customers as a trusted advisor to help them meet their clean energy goals. I am humbled and honored to be entrusted with the power to help build a vibrant future.

What’s one thing you consider to be Northeast Ohio’s biggest priority to spur economic development and create a place where people want to live, work and play?

A priority must be building a robust power grid that supports economic growth and social well-being. FirstEnergy is focused on helping address challenges created by fast-growing power demand. As a responsible energy provider, we are working collaboratively with stakeholders to identify solutions to this long-term challenge. Simultaneously, we are investing in our system to support this growth in energy demand. Energize365, FirstEnergy’s 5-year, $26-billion transmission and distribution investment program, includes projects designed to increase operational flexibility, improve system resiliency, and enhance performance and reliability – all crucial factors for energy-intensive industries and our region’s success.

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Jeremy Johnson

President and CEO

Assembly for the Arts

In the news: Johnson has become one of the most important advocates for arts and culture in Northeast Ohio. In June 2021, he became president and CEO of the Assembly for the Arts, a regional arts council that looks to expand resources in the arts sector. The organization estimates the arts generates $9.1 billion annually and supports nearly 65,000 jobs in Northeast Ohio. Johnson launched the Artist Leadership Residency, an entrepreneurial training cohort for 25 diverse artists and creative businesses, and he was a vital gure this fall in working to pass Issue 55, an increase in the county’s cigarette tax to support nonpro t arts organizations.

Dave Joyce Member (R)

U.S. House of Representatives, 14th District

In the news: Joyce easily won re-election to the 14th Congressional District seat he rst won in 2012. He was essentially unopposed, as Joyce’s Democratic opponent pleaded guilty in July to a felony count of ling a false voter registration. (It wouldn’t have been a competitive race anyway in the conservative district focused on Geauga County.) In a Republican-led House with a close margin, Joyce, a conservative with a pragmatic streak on issues such as federal marijuana policy, can be an in uential voice in his party. At the end of the year, he undertook a push to reauthorize the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative, a popular program with bipartisan support.

Eric Kaler President

Case Western Reserve University

In the news: CWRU continues to grow under Kaler’s leadership, nishing Fiscal Year 2023 with a $17 million surplus while posting its second-best fundraising year on record. CWRU also moved up two spots in the U.S. News & World Report national rankings, to 51, and has secured more than $100 million in commitments for its new Interdisciplinary Science and Engineering Building.

Ethan Karp

President and CEO

MAGNET

In the news: As the head of perhaps the best-known manufacturing support and advocacy group in town, Karp essentially oversees a nonpro t and consulting rm in one. In 2024, he spent much of his effort working on issues critical to his sector: manufacturers’ dire need for employees and young people’s need for training to get such jobs. MAGNET’s new location in Midtown is all about student engagement, with a manufacturing-themed playground and easy access to its programs, like this year’s Summer Manufacturing Academy. But that’s a drop in the bucket for Karp. Luckily, he’s pretty easy to keep up with thanks to his regular interviews on the Freshwater Cleveland podcast.

Matt Kaulig Executive chairman

Kaulig Cos.

In the news: The Leaf Home founder and minority owner of the Cleveland Guardians oversees a business empire that operates brands in ve different verticals and serves as the title sponsor for the annual PGA Tour Champions event at Firestone Country Club. Kaulig is also heavily involved in Kaulig Racing, which elds two full-time NASCAR Cup Series charters.

Celebrating 50 Years of Creative Real Estate Solutions

Seeing Beyond

Ashish K. Khandpur

President and CEO

Avient Corp.

In the news: Khandpur in November 2023 became president and CEO of Avon Lake-based Avient, one of North America’s largest compounders and concentrate makers. Khandpur joined Avient after working for nearly 30 years at St. Paul, Minnesota-based 3M, where he worked in a variety of technology and R&D roles, including chief technology of cer. The company turned to a leader with signi cant technical expertise. Khandpur earned a bachelor’s of technology degree in chemical engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, and a doctorate in chemical engineering from the University of Minnesota.

Robert Klonk

Chairman and CEO

Unison Risk Advisors and Oswald Cos.

In the news: Klonk leads one of the nation’s largest privately held and employee-owned insurance brokerage and risk management consulting rms.

He has more than 40 years of experience in the insurance industry and in 2020 took the lead in the creation of Unison Risk Advisors, which was formed by the merger of Oswald and Baltimore-based RCM&D. Unison has been an aggressive acquirer, most recently (in October) expanding into the wholesale insurance space with the purchase of Boston-based Avondale Insurance Associates. Klonk has been a key player in civic circles, serving on the boards of organizations including Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Greater Cleveland Partnership and Cleveland Leadership Center, among others.

Sonia Winner became the 10th director of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History in July 2018. In this role, she partners with a nearly 60-person board of directors and nearly 140 staff members to direct one of the nation’s top 10 natural history museums, leveraging experience in development and leadership roles at Columbia and Case Western Reserve universities. An attorney, Winner served as co-chair on the American Alliance of Museums Reaccreditation Committee for the American Museum of Natural History and recently received the Stephanie Tubbs Jones Neighborhood Award, which honors significant contributions to University Circle and the Greater University Circle Neighborhoods.

Stewart Kohl Co-CEO

The Riverside Co.

In the news: Kohl joined Riverside in 1993 — just ve years after the business was established by fellow co-CEO Béla Szigethy — and has been an instrumental player in its growth into a global powerhouse. Co-headquartered in Cleveland but with investments spanning the globe, Riverside is easily this region’s most active private equity shop. Among some of its notable deals this year is the acquisition of The Townsend Group, which at the time of its purchase this spring from Aon PLC reported more than $218 billion in client assets. The rm also recently relocated of ces from the Terminal Tower to the top oor of Key Tower.

Lillian Kuri CEO

Cleveland Foundation

In the news: Kuri became the community foundation’s 10th president and CEO in 2023, succeeding longtime leader Ronn Richard. The foundation is working with JumpStart on its latest endeavor: the 95,000-square-foot MidTown Collaboration Center. The facility, which sits adjacent to the Cleveland Foundation’s headquarters, will bring a number of area institutions, including Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Institute of Art and University Hospitals, under one roof. The building will be home to research and training centers, a media lab, restaurants, a recording studio and music venue and collaborative work spaces. It’s expected to open in 2025.

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Kyle Kutuchief

Akron program director

Knight Foundation

In the news: Kutuchief, or more often his efforts, make the news almost as often as Akron itself, because so many things the city has done have been helped with support from the Knight foundation. Much of what Knight funds deals with the arts and helping underserved and minority communities. This year, Kutuchief got to do all three and complete a mission he and others have been on since 2021, by unveiling the Sojourner Truth Legacy Plaza in Akron. Funded by Knight, the plaza was something Kutchief has wanted to make a reality since 2021, when he started working with Akron’s Summit Suffrage Centennial Committee to honor Truth, a very early civil rights legend. In May the city unveiled the plaza, which is on the very spot where Truth gave her famous “Ain’t I a Woman?” speech in 1851.

POWER 150 SPOTLIGHT|SONIA WINNER

Cleveland Museum of Natural History transformation brings natural history to life

By Judy Stringer for Crain’s Content Studio

Describe a highlight or significant accomplishment by you or your organization in 2024.

As president and CEO of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, I am humbled and honored to be a driving force behind the organization’s most significant achievement in its 104-year history. With the completion of our $150 million transformation, which was unveiled to the public this December, visitors can now explore a completely reimagined campus and exhibits – more than 375,000 square feet – that showcase the amazing story of life on Earth. Our goals behind the transformation project were to spark curiosity, encourage a sense of connection to nature and inspire people to be a voice for our planet. This reimagining also reflects the things I hold dear: community, inclusivity and the belief that nature is the portal for understanding science.

Do you have a leadership philosophy that has guided your career?

From a young age, I had opportunities to explore and experience change. Because my father was in the United States Armed Forces, I was born in the Philippines and moved 14 times while I was growing up. Along with giving me a great love for travel, these experiences taught me to adapt and allowed me to experience the

amazing power of transformation.

My life and career have also been shaped by the opportunity to explore and seek change for myself. I was the first in my family to attend college and the first in my family to obtain a law degree. My leadership philosophy is one that seeks to not just accept change as an inevitable part of life, but to actively embrace it for the gift that it is.

People define “power” in many different ways. How do you define power and the role it plays in creating successful companies and communities?

In my view, your power is best measured by your impact. As the museum’s president and CEO, I have spearheaded initiatives to broaden our impact and make our resources more inclusive and accessible. For example, through the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Community Days, we have welcomed nearly 20,000 Cleveland and East Cleveland residents to the museum for free – many of whom visited for the first time. And now, the transformed museum is poised to be more responsive and adaptable to the community’s needs than ever. In our new galleries, we’re presenting the latest scientific research and inviting visitors to experience authentic encounters with scientists and their work, helping our audiences to find and navigate the information they need to make informed decisions in their daily lives.

What’s one thing you consider to be Northeast Ohio’s biggest priority to spur economic development and create a place where people want to live, work and play?

Now more than ever, the key goal we must focus on to achieve economic vitality and thriving communities is to empower people with the knowledge they need to lead healthy, sustainable lives. It is all about healthy humans and a healthy planet. We have such amazing and unique assets right here in Northeast Ohio. The museum aims to contribute to the vibrancy and strength of our community by serving as a civic trailhead for community gathering, public discourse and evidence-based knowledge, as well as being an educational center, a research institution and a scientific and cultural resource for Cleveland and the nation. By supporting our region with these vital resources, we are driving forward our vision for healthy humans, a healthy planet and a better future for all.

Steve Laserson CEO

Vitamix

In the news: Since June 2022, Laserson has led the Northeast Ohio company with, arguably, the most intensely loved brand in its consumer industry. (Talk to anyone who owns and uses a Vitamix; they’ll tell you.)

Laserson, who joined the company in 2020 as chief commercial officer also serves as president of the Vitamix Foundation. A consumer focus has long been part of Laserson’s career. He previously worked at American Greeting Corp. in a variety of commercial leadership jobs, and prior to that, he managed financial planning and new product market development at PepsiCo.

Stuart Lichter President IRG

In the news: Lichter’s first order of business in Northeast Ohio next year will be to convince shareholders and management of the Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Co. at the football HOF in Canton that it should accept his offer to take it private. Meantime, his staff at IRG continues his long-term practice of buying mammoth properties and turning them into moneymakers from old military bases to former rubber and auto plants. Lichter has named his son, Justin, its chief investment officer, one of several moves to deepen its management ranks to continue its growth.

Rebecca Liebert

President and CEO

Lubrizol Corp.

In the news: Liebert has led Lubrizol, a Berkshire Hathaway company that produces specialty chemicals, since October 2022. She’s a veteran in the industry space, having previously worked at Nova Chemicals. The company, which began life making lubricants for springs used in early automobiles and then branched out into making a host of transportation additives, still serves that market. But even the automotive market is rapidly modernizing, and so is Lubrizol, Liebert told Crain’s this summer. “Now, we’ve moved on to support EVs and hybrids,” she said. It’s also using new technology to enable data centers to run cooler, producing less noise and heat, while also using less power.

Thomas Lozick

Chairman and CEO

Swagelok

In the news: With sales of $2 billion and facilities all over the world, Lozick’s company is almost always being talked about somewhere. Near its home base in Solon, where it has 5,000 employees there and in the surrounding region, Swagelok has been making headlines with its expansion plans. Following up on the opening of its new 124,000-square-foot, $35 million campus in Solon in 2021, the company this year announced that it’s constructing a 200,000-square-foot distribution center on the site. In the meantime, the company has been active locally supporting efforts to introduce area youth to manufacturing and to prepare them for the sector’s increasingly high-paying jobs as skilled workers become scarce. Those efforts include a $500,000 grant the company made this fall to support an educational innovation center at the Solon branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library.

Edward Malesic Bishop

Catholic Diocese of Cleveland

In the news: Malesic was installed as the 12th bishop of Cleveland at a challenging time: in September 2020, in the heart of the COVID-19 pandemic. He prioritized ensuring access to parishes and the sacraments while putting guidelines into place to maintain the health and safety of parish and school communities. The Diocese of Cleveland is home to more than 613,000 Catholics across eight counties of Northeast Ohio. It’s the 23rd-largest diocese in the United States, with 185 parishes, 108 Catholic schools, one pastoral center and one mission office.

Shammas Malik

Mayor

City of Akron

In the news: By the end of this rst year in of ce, the former Akron city council member had 55 of 73 rst year priorities for the city completed by April. Since taking of ce as the city’s leader, Akron has joined Power a Clean Future Ohio, making it the last major city in the state to join. The city was selected as 1 of 25 Bloomberg American Sustainable Cities and awarded a $1 million Reconnecting Communities grant. Most recently, Malik was able to announce that the Akron Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub was selected to receive $51 million in tech hub federal funding.

Kevin Martin President and CEO

Ideastream

In the news: In a fast-changing (and confusing) media landscape, Martin, who joined Ideastream in 2017, is one of the people responsible for guring out new ways to deliver news and information to consumers. It’s a diverse and wide-ranging public service media organization that includes WVIZ, WKSU, WCLV and ideastream.org, as well as management of The Ohio Channel and Statehouse News Bureau on behalf of all Ohio’s public broadcasting stations.

Octavio Marquez

President and CEO

Diebold Nixdorf Inc.

In the news: Marquez leads a company, founded in Canton in 1872, that has gone from making safes to dominating the ATM market to become what is now a technology company working on both high-tech banking and point-of-sale products. Of late, things have been busy at Diebold, which in August 2023 completed a nancial restructuring and emerged from Chapter 11 and Chapter 15 bankruptcy proceedings, in a process that took less than three months. Earlier this year, Diebold Nixdorf left its 70,000-square-foot headquarters building in Hudson and moved the company’s headquarters to North Canton.

Darrell McNair

President and CEO

MVP Plastics

In the news: McNair is owner and CEO of MVP Plastics in Middle eld. And while that’s no small feat in itself, it’s just a smidgen of what McNair does in Northeast Ohio, where he is both well known and in uential. The Kent State graduate is a board member of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, for one thing. Beyond that, over recent years he has served as chairman of the Presidents’ Council in Cleveland, and as a board member for organizations ranging from the Northern Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council (NOMSDC) to the Playhouse Square Foundation, Great Lakes Science Center, University Hospitals Geauga, MAGNET, and for his former school in Kent.

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Through his work and civic involvement, Dave Wondolowski is focused on policies and initiatives that advance the Northeast Ohio economy and expand job opportunities in the region. For the past decade, Wondolowski has led the Cleveland Building & Construction Trades Council (CBCTC), the umbrella organization for more than 29 member unions and 12,000 individuals working in the construction industry. He also helped form the nonprofit Cleveland Building Trades Foundation, which funds apprentice training and charitable programs; is president of CBCTC Development, a nonprofit that provides safe, affordable housing for seniors; and serves on the board of the Port of Cleveland.

Tom McNair

Economic development director

City of Cleveland

In the news: Strategic redevelopment in some of the key but distressed commercial corridors around the city has taken off since he took over as economic director. Targeted capital investment is fueling the rebuilding of historic districts in neighborhoods suffering from disinvestment. The programs aim to revitalize the oncethriving retail centers on Buckeye Road, Fleet Avenue in Slavic Village and Clark-Fulton area of Old Brooklyn. As the head of economic development, McNair and his of ce were instrumental in the city’s creation of a $100 million Site Readiness Fund, and he has helped secure capital for UBIZ Venture Capital and JumpStart Inc. programs aimed at providing nancial support for small and minority-owned business.

POWER 150 SPOTLIGHT|DAVE WONDOLOWSKI

Putting workers on the job at Cleveland’s biggest development projects

By Judy Stringer for Crain’s Content Studio

Describe a highlight or significant accomplishment by you or your organization in 2024.

We have negotiated a large number of project labor agreements, including $3 billion worth of projects with the Cleveland Clinic, consisting of construction of the new Neurological Institute, expansion of the Cole Eye Institute and facility improvements linked to the Innovation District project; the Cleveland Cavaliers’ new 210,000-square-foot riverfront training facility; Sherwin Williams’ new 36-story global headquarters downtown as well as its R&D center in Brecksville; and the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s $100-million expansion project. These agreements have secured an unprecedented amount of work for our members. This will lead to our member unions growing.

Do you have a leadership philosophy that has guided your career?

Leadership, I believe, is best administered through service. I don’t ask any of my constituents, my members, to do anything that I don’t do. If we are canvassing neighborhoods or going on political walks in support of specific candidates or issues, for example, I’m right out there, arm-in-arm, with them. If I’m going to ask somebody to come out on a Saturday morning or Sunday morning, I need to

be there with them. When you are committed to your constituents and they realize it, they will be supportive of your leadership.

What or who made the biggest impact on your leadership style?

My late mother and father were very supportive and taught me to give of myself to others. My mom was a Eucharistic Minister for St. Pius X Parish in Bedford for many years, delivering communion to nursing home patients who were too ill to attend mass. She did this after mass on Sundays, taking time away from her family to serve others. She also, for many years, volunteered at WVIZ raising money to support public television.

My dad volunteered at the same parish working with the men’s club on events they planned together for every year. He was also a good cook, often being asked to make his famous stuffed cabbage for his friends’ son’s or daughter’s weddings. This was typically a two-day job. I remember when the men would come over to pick up the food, they would offer to pay my dad for his labor and supplies. My dad would say, if you want to thank me, enjoy the food. I don’t want the money.

This was the culture in which we were raised, and I aspire each day to live the way they lived. Hopefully, it will be passed on to my own children.

What’s one thing you consider to be Northeast Ohio’s biggest priority to spur economic development and create a place where people want to live, work and play?

We have to really get the lakefront development design right. If the closure at Burke Lakefront Airport does happen, and I believe there’s a political will to make that happen, then high-rise residential and office developments are viable options for the lakefront. This could create a vibrant neighborhood with public access to the lake, a much-needed amenity for the city.

And this property is a prime investment opportunity for out-of-town businesses, even Fortune 100 companies. Coupled with a land bridge connecting Lakeside Avenue to the lakefront, it could become a thriving business district and a popular public destination, revitalizing the city.

The development of the lakefront is a critical moment for the city. We must ensure that it’s done right and seize this opportunity to create a vibrant, sustainable and equitable waterfront that benefits all residents.

Sam McNulty

Restaurateur/developer

In the news: McNulty has played a key role in the ongoing development in Ohio City, where he and his business partners own properties and businesses. One of his marquee properties is Market Garden Brewery, which began as a microbrewery in 2011 and expanded with a large production facility five years later. One of McNulty’s newest enterprises, Clandestina, a bar built around an expansive list of mezcal and tequila offerings, opened in 2023.

Randell McShepard

Vice president,

public

affairs, and chief talent officer

RPM International

In the news: He has had the VP title since October 2007 and became chief talent officer in July 2018 at RPM, which owns subsidiaries that are leaders in specialty coatings, sealants, building materials and related services. McSherpard started at RPM in 2001, when he joined as director of community affairs. The community commitment remains strong. He’s a trustee for the Cleveland Foundation and Destination Cleveland, and a director for Citymark Capital LLC. McShepard also is chairman and co-founder of PolicyBridge, a public policy think tank.

Dr. Cliff Megerian CEO

University Hospitals

In the news: Megerian has led the health system, which boasts a network of 21 hospitals and more than 30,000 caregivers, since 2021. Under his leadership, University Hospitals has focused on becoming a national model in value-based care. The health system has also developed a partnership with the University of Oxford with the goal of delivering 40 new therapies for rare diseases into clinical trials over the next 10 years. Like other health systems, UH has been battling industry headwinds. Over the summer, the institution eliminated more than 300 positions as part of an organizational reset.

Tarak Mehta

President and CEO

The Timken Co.

In the news: The man at the helm of what is perhaps the Canton area’s best-known company, not to mention an internationally known industrial force, took the reins in September. He’s a new face at Timken, which conducted an extensive search to find him as a replacement for former CEO Richard Kyle. But this is not his first industrial rodeo. Mehta previously served as a member of ABB Group, a Swiss multinational electrical engineering corporation headquartered in Zurich.

Tania Menesse President and CEO

Cleveland Neighborhood Progress

In the news: With Menesse at the helm, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress heads up a number of transformational projects, including the redevelopment of Shaker Square and market stabilization through home and commercial investment in city’s middle neighborhoods. Those investments and the $2 million granted to more than a dozen community development corporations across the city is based on the focused strategy she put in place. Her goal for the organization is to focus funding based on the needs and priorities of the places they serve and to listen to the priorities on residents rather than dictating priorities.

Alan R. Miciak

President

John Carroll University

In the news: Miciak has been president of John Carroll since June 2021. Since becoming president, JCU in 2022 launched its Inspired Futures strategy, which included a three-year, $100 million investment in its campus facilities and academic portfolio, with some of those investments set to open next spring. In September, JCU received a $1 million gift to create The Jarosz Family Mosaic Fund to provide more resources and support for underrepresented students. The university also recently partnered with the University of Akron School of Law to expand its 3 + 3 program.

Dr. Tomislav Mihaljevic

President and CEO

Cleveland Clinic

In the news: Under Mihaljevic’s leadership, Cleveland Clinic has developed partnerships with tech giant IBM, which installed the rst quantum computer dedicated to health care research on the Clinic’s Main Campus in 2023, and Canon Inc. The health system has been exploring the implementation of arti cial intelligence in patient-caregiver interactions and is looking to start drone delivery of prescriptions in 2025. Still, the Clinic has not been immune to the nancial pressures facing hospitals, which Mihaljevic acknowledged in his 2024 State of the Clinic Address. He described margins as “severely compressed” as a result of the rising costs of wages, supplies and pharmaceuticals.

Steve Millard President and CEO

Greater Akron Chamber

In the news: Millard heads an organization that has played a key role in winning support for a regional polymer industry cluster centered in Akron. In July, Akron won $51 million in federal funding to advance the cluster for sustainable polymer technologies and production.

Two months later, the state of Ohio contributed more than $30 million of additional funding. The money, which totals $31.25 million, will be used to fund the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub project, led by the Polymer Industry Cluster developed by the Greater Akron Chamber.

Max Miller Member (R)

U.S. House of Representatives, 7th District

In the news: The former aide to President-elect Donald Trump has represented the 7th District since 2023. He won re-election in November in a race where he faced Democrat Matthew Diemer and Democrat-turnedindependent Dennis Kucinich. Miller won it with 51% of the vote, as Diemer (36%) and Kucinich (13%) split the rest of the electorate in a district that includes all of Medina and Wayne counties as well as portions of Cuyahoga and Holmes counties. One potentially awkward element in 2025: Miller is in a contentious divorce from Emily Moreno Miller, daughter of incoming Sen. Bernie Moreno.

Marsha Mockabee

President and CEO

Urban League of Greater Cleveland

In the news: Mockabee spoke virtually for the Rotary Club of Cleveland in February. In October, Mockabee was honored as a Soul of Cleveland 2024 Legacy Honoree. In a June Cleveland Leadership Center Leader Lunch Break, Mockabee spoke about her experience in addressing racism through the different positions she has held.

Bernie Moreno

U.S. senator-elect (R); President Moreno Cos.

In the news: The novice politician topped Sen. Sherrod Brown in a key race that helped Republicans gain control of the U.S. Senate. Moreno, an entrepreneur who made his money in car dealerships and has expanded to a host of tech-driven platforms, won with a little over 50% of the vote, vs. 46.4% for Brown. (A Libertarian candidate drew about 3.5% of the vote.) Moreno, who was born in Colombia and was endorsed by President-elect Donald Trump in the GOP primary, is expected to be a reliable vote for Trump’s initiatives in the new administration.

Warren Morgan CEO

Cleveland Metropolitan School District

In the news: With barely one year under this belt, the new CEO saw an overall star rating improvement from a 2.5 to 3, from the state board of education. That rating meant that Cleveland Metropolitan School District, which serves about 36,000 students, received a higher oveall rating in overall achievement than a number of large city public schools. He leveraged that into a successful campaign for a four-year levy, this November. The district plans to use the funds to ll the gap made by one-time pandemic funding that nanced effective after school and summer school programs. The levy will also provide about $95 million for the CMSD building footprint, which Morgan plans to reimagine as he looks to scale up the district’s most successful programs.

Larry Goodman, Ph.D., took the helm as president and CEO of Cleveland Ballet in January 2024, after serving on its board of directors for eight years. Before joining Cleveland Ballet, Goodman was an education consultant, drawing on his 30-year career in educational leadership. Through this time, he held administrative positions at the Latin School of Chicago and locally at Laurel School, The Ratner School and Andrews Osborne Academy. Goodman has served on several school boards over the past three decades, including as chair of the Ohio Association of Independent Schools. He has a Ph.D. in English language and literature from the University of Chicago.

Dan Moulthrop CEO

City Club of Cleveland

In the news: In May, Moulthtrop was the featured speaker at the Lorain Historical Society’s annual meeting. In September, the City Club of Cleveland hosted Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson. In the same month, the city club hosted the 2024 State of the County address by Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne. The City Club this year added new members to its board including Kevin Martin, Paul Federico, Jeff Johnson, Ariane Kirkpatrick and Amy Martin; Martin became board president.

Edward Moydell President and CEO

Holden Forests & Gardens

In the news: Moydell in fall 2023 took over as leader of the organization that operates two breath-taking places: the Holden Arboretum in Lake County and the Cleveland Botanical Garden in University Circle. Moydell, the third president and CEO in Holden’s nearly 10-year history, had been president and CEO of the Bloedel Reserve near Seattle. In partnership with the U.S. Forest Service, Holden has launched the Great Lakes Basin Forest Health Collaborative, connecting efforts across more than 25 federal agencies, conservation groups, researchers and other organizations working to save trees from invasive insects and diseases.

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Rosemary Mudry Executive director

Cleveland Public Market Corp.

In the news: The rst person to manage the West Side Market since it shifted to a nonpro t corporation from a city operation, Mudry is busy hiring staff members to expand the edgling group’s operations, improve physical operations for vendors and visitors to the landmark and make it as revered as a marketplace as it is as a Cleveland landmark. This role is the latest in her career of growing responsibility at several city CDCs. She also is a board member of Summer on the Cuyahoga and Laurel School Alumni Board.

POWER 150 SPOTLIGHT|LARRY GOODMAN

Demonstrating leadership through a collaborative spirit

By Judy Stringer for Crain’s Content Studio

Describe a highlight or significant accomplishment by you or your organization in 2024.

Cleveland Ballet will enjoy our most financially successful year in 2024. After record-setting sales for Sleeping Beauty in April and Dracula in October, ticket sales for The Nutcracker are running about even with last year, and last year was our most financially successful The Nutcracker ever. We attribute that success largely to a new and more strategic approach to managing Cleveland Ballet – one that is not only fiscally sound, but also empowers our team, both administrative and artistic, to be creative and draw on their skills and expertise to do what they do best. It has certainly paid off not only in the success of our performances but also in building new partnerships and collaborations throughout the community, which only strengthens what we deliver to patrons.

People define “power” in many different ways. How do you define power and the role it plays in creating successful companies and communities?

In this context, I think “power” refers to the potential impact one can have on an organization or community. It refers to the

promise that one holds to deliver a better future. The most “powerful” people have the ability to add the most to the overall health and well-being of our region. For this reason, I consider Cleveland Ballet to have a significant amount of “power.” The art we produce has the potential to uplift, educate and enrich 30,000 people in the region per year – the number of people with whom we directly interact over our 32 performances and community-impact programs. Our success artistically translates directly into a lasting benefit for the region.

Do you have a leadership philosophy that has guided your career? Please describe.

I have found that there are three important modes of action for leaders: listening, articulating the vision, and alternatively stepping forward to facilitate and then backing up to allow others to shine. The leader has to arrive at a clear understanding of what others think, believe, fear and hope for. Using this knowledge – and his or her personal expertise – the leader develops a vision that is at once ambitious and yet attainable. As the institution strives to realize the vision, the leader should alternately step forward to facilitate implementation and step back to allow others to shine.

Finally, there are two maxims that have helped me become a better leader. First, the job of the leader is to take all of the blame and none of the credit, or to be “out front” when the bullets are flying but in the rear during the parade. Second, there is no legitimate role for ego in leadership. The important entity is not the leader himself or herself but the institution.

What or who made the biggest impact on your leadership style?

In a word, the single biggest influence on my leadership style has been “collaboration.” Early on as a leader, I did not seek first to collaborate. I would get around to it eventually, but I wrongly thought other directives were more important: focus on culture, develop a formidable strategic plan, cultivate strong emotional intelligence on the leadership team, and so forth. And to be clear, each of these directives is quite important. But each of them – in fact, any potential leadership focus – depends upon a spirit of collaboration existing. Said differently, leadership is born out of a collaborative spirit. As I got older and more experienced, I understood this better, and my leadership style evolved to value collaboration first and foremost.

Michael Murphy

Co-founder and CEO

Cleveland Soccer Group

In the news: Women’s sports are growing exponentially these days, and Murphy is at the center of an effort to bring some of that growth to Cleveland. Cleveland has emerged as one of three nalists for a coveted National Women’s Soccer League expansion franchise, joining Cincinnati and Denver. The league was visiting those markets this fall and is expected to make its decision soon, potentially by the end of 2024 or early 2025. The Cleveland group is looking to build a $150 million stadium that would be nanced by a combination of ownership investment and state and local funding. Cleveland Soccer Group is looking to provide $60 million toward the stadium.

Frederick Nance

Senior partner, executive group member and global DEI counsel Squire Patton Boggs

In the news: A longtime global managing partner for his Cleveland-based BigLaw rm, Nance is also a nationally recognized practitioner in sports and entertainment law as the company’s U.S. lead for that practice group. His high-pro le practice ranges from involvement in high-impact regional economic development matters to serving as business counsel to NBA star LeBron James, comedian Dave Chappelle and other notable athletes and entertainers.

Sundaram Nagarajan

President and CEO

Nordson Corp.

In the news: Nagarajan became the president and CEO of Nordson, a Westlake-based maker of precision dispensing equipment, in 2019. The company made an important deal in May when it agreed to acquire Atrion Corp., a maker of medical infusion uid delivery and cardiovascular products, for about $800 million. Nordson said the acquisition of Atrion, which is based in Allen, Texas, expands its medical portfolio “into new markets and therapies, supported by long-term secular growth trends.” The company at the end of the year named Maria Spangler, director of community engagement at the SherwinWilliams Foundation, to serve as director of the Nordson Foundation and Community Relations.

Robert J. Nemer

President

University of Akron

In the news: Nemer was named president of the university in May after Gary Miller stepped down from the position. He’s the 19th president of the university. Nemer previously was dean of the College of Business for two years. Recently, the university announced that its law school would be expanding its 3 + 3 program, now with John Carroll University.

Michael Obi President

Spectrum Global Solutions and UBIZ Venture Capital

In the news: A proli c businessman in Northeast Ohio, Obi left a role as a senior vice president at KeyBank many years ago to launch Spectrum Global Solutions, an organization that helps businesses grow and plan for ownership and leadership transitions. He also led the effort that established the Entrepreneurship Center at the Urban League of Greater Cleveland in 2004. A few years ago, Obi helped launch UBIZ Venture Capital, a nonpro t Community Development Financial Institution that provides low-cost capital to small businesses in the Greater Cleveland area.

An immigrant’s son, Joe Cimperman is dedicated to growing the region’s economy by providing resources and opportunities to immigrant communities. He served 18 years on Cleveland City Council before becoming president and CEO of Global Cleveland in 2016. During his tenure, Cimperman and Global Cleveland have been recognized with the Temple Emanu El Tikkun Ha’Olam Award, LEDI International Life Changer Award, the Morton L. Mandel Leadership in Community Development award, and the 2023 Charles Eisenman Award for exceptional civic contributions, among others. He also was integral in launching the Global Entrepreneur in Residence Program to support immigrant-led startups in Northeast Ohio.

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POWER 150 SPOTLIGHT|JOE CIMPERMAN

Creating a welcome environment for immigrants in NEO

By Judy Stringer for Crain’s Content Studio

Describe a highlight or significant accomplishment by you or your organization in 2024.

By collaborating with philanthropic partners – such as the Cleveland Foundation, the Gund Foundation, the Jewish Federation, Cuyahoga County and the city of Cleveland – Global Cleveland helped land and start the international newcomer resettlement program led by the May Dugan Center. With Mayor Bibb and Cleveland City Council support, this effort welcomes approximately 500 new residents to Cleveland each year.

Under the leadership of County Executive Chris Ronayne, the opening of the Welcome Center has been a critical step toward providing immigrants with the resources needed to successfully integrate into our community. Global Cleveland’s longstanding advocacy for this initiative shows that true success is built over time.

What is your most significant goal for 2025 in your professional or civic life?

Northeast Ohio welcomed more immigrants in 2023 than at any time since 1948, and 2024 is poised to be an even stronger year. Our goal is to sustain this momentum through the end of the decade, with the aim of achieving population growth for the first time in 50 years.

Immigration plays a critical role in driving key metrics of success – impacting workforce development, job creation, entrepreneurship, revenue growth, housing and tax contributions. Immigrants bring new skills, innovation and diversity, strengthening the region’s cultural fabric and economic resilience. We must continue to embrace and support the international newcomer, ensuring they have the resources and opportunities to thrive. Our road has never been easy, but, like Saint Ignatius, we work for our international community and “give not to count the cost.”

People define “power” in many different ways. How do you define power and the role it plays in creating successful companies and communities?

For me, true power is defined by helping others without expecting anything in return. When it comes to immigration, we believe that kindness is a form of economic development. Welcoming immigrants and integrating them into our workforce is a key driver of economic progress.

Assisting individuals from around the world in pursuing their American Dream is a form of economic empowerment. It’s embedded in our community’s DNA to be one of the most welcoming and immigrant-friendly places in the country, directly contributing to job growth, economic expansion and greater civic engagement. Power is not measured by your bank account, but by helping others

achieve success. We as a community are faster, stronger and better because of our international brothers and sisters.

What’s one thing you consider to be Northeast Ohio’s biggest priority to spur economic development and create a place where people want to live, work and play?

We must make it easier for immigrants to find employment, invest in our region and live here permanently. Studies consistently highlight the challenges of our declining population. Achievements like national championships, new skyscrapers or major events are significant, but without the people to drive that progress and sustain it, we are in a state of diminishing return.

Without a steady influx of residents to power our growth, we risk entering a period of declining census. Immigrants are key to sustaining our economy and revitalizing our communities, bringing new talent, innovation and diversity. Everyone should consider how they can contribute to making Northeast Ohio a more welcoming place for immigrants and refugees. Need an idea of how to help? Text me at 216-215-6765.

Michael

O’Malley Prosecutor

Cuyahoga County

In the news: Look for the former Cleveland Councilman to push area transit agencies to make the proposed new county jail site in Gar eld Heights, a location he did not support, accessible to city residents who will lose convenient access to the woebegone Justice Cener in downtown Cleveland. He is expected to continue to publicly criticize Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court judges for being soft on juvenile offenders convicted of serious crimes and will have to manage the delicate situation of prosecuting a big campaign contributor, restaurateur Bobby George, on nine felony charges from rape to attempted murder in a domestic violence case.

Jennifer Parmentier CEO

Parker Hanni n Corp.

In the news: The top of cer at Parker since the start of 2023, Parmentier hit the ground running with a deep understanding of the company and its operations. She was formerly COO, after all. Parker’s stock has more than doubled in value since she took over and has recently been trading at above $600 per share. Lately, her biggest challenge seems to be keeping up with the company’s own growth. Parker beat recent earnings estimates and had to increase its forecast for future earnings, citing strong demand for its aerospace products.

Michael Petras CEO

Sotera Health

In the news: Petras has been CEO at Sotera, a provider of end-to-end sterilization products, lab testing and advisory services, since June 2016, and he has chaired its board since January 2019. He came to the role with a diverse background, having held high-level executive positions at places including Cardinal Health Inc., a multinational health care services company, and GE Lighting. Sotera at the end of September announced strong third-quarter earnings, with net revenues rising 8.5% to $285 million, and net income hitting $17 million compared with a net loss of $14 million in the year-earlier quarter.

John

Petures President and CEO

Akron Community Foundation

In the news: If you want to thank Petures for all he does for Akron, better get on it. He’s already announced he’ll retire in the second quarter of next year. He’ll have been on the job for 17 years at that point, providing what his board has described as “dedicated leadership and unwavering commitment to the foundation and the community it serves. His work has resulted in signi cant asset growth. From a low of approximately $100 million in assets in 2008, the foundation has since grown to nearly $300 million in assets today. Peture’s ability to increase local philanthropy has also meant more grant money available to the people and organizations that rely on ACE, perhaps Akron’s most important charitable institution.

Heidi Petz CEO

The Sherwin-Williams Co.

In the news: Talk about getting a great new of ce with your new job. Petz has certainly done that. She took the reins as CEO at the start of the year and now she, along with her coworkers, has a new of ce in the company’s gleaming and fresh headquarters in downtown Cleveland. Petz’s career has gone up right along with the building. When construction started in 2022, she had just been named president and chief operating of cer.

President Eric W. Kaler Stanton Gerson, MD

Jon Pinney

Managing partner

Kohrman Jackson & Krantz

In the news: Pinney’s stature continues to grow as he embellishes his role as an attorney with other growing investments such as expanding TurnDev, a real estate development company where he also serves as managing partner. TurnDev has another warehouse-to-apartment project to undertake in the Superior Arts District, one to nish up and recently jumped in as the development manager for the James Kassouf family’s stalled $200 million plan to convert Erieview Tower to primarily apartments and a W Hotel.

Steve Potash

President and CEO OverDrive

In the news: In September, Potash was named Tech CEO of the Year at the 18th Annual Best of Tech Day at Huntington Bank Field. In November, Potash was inducted into the 2024 Business Hall of Fame by Cleveland Magazine and Community Leader. OverDrive launched Heights Press in October, a boutique publishing imprint inspired by the spirit of Cleveland Heights. OverDrive also formed the Content Group within the company, an initiative aimed at keeping pace with the demand of those bene ting from the availability of digital content.

Douglas Price III CEO

K&D Group

In the news: Price will get to do what he most enjoys the next two years as K&D begins the $40 million conversion of the former of ce building at 700 Prospect Avenue to apartments after a grueling three-year effort to secure competitive Ohio State Historic Preservation Tax Credits and nancing for it in a tough lending market. He and K&D waged an unsuccessful effort to convince the Cleveland Municipal School District not to seek an additional property tax levy on the November ballot. He sees the outcome of the Browns stadium decision and rekindling the of ce market as keys to downtown’s growth.

Kenneth Ricci Principal

Directional Aviation

In the news: The high- ying aviation entrepreneur and philanthropist will be serving in the coming year as a trustee at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University to help shape its aviation program and the next generation of pilots. Delivery of Eve electric-powered vehicles for a subsidiary has been delayed to 2026 so jumping into the local mobility market from point to point remains a plan, and discussion of an IPO has not taken off so far, though the company is mum on its status. Ricci will continue pushing to expand the fractional jet market in Europe and oversee the company’s rst xed-based operation in London.

Anthony Richardson President

The George Gund Foundation

In the news: Richardson has served as president of The George Gund Foundation, one of the largest foundations in Northeast Ohio, since 2022. Prior to this role, he was the executive director of The Nord Family Foundation in Amherst. The foundation makes grants in the areas of climate and environmental justice, creative culture and arts, public education, democracy building, social justice and more. In its more than 70-year history, The George Gund Foundation has committed more than $931 million, including $12.5 million in June 2024.

Sean Richardson President, Greater

Cleveland region

Huntington Bank

In the news: Richardson was tapped to lead Huntington’s operations in Greater Cleveland in 2016 following the company’s acquisition of FirstMerit Bank in Akron. Huntington has since grown its market share to become the second-largest bank in this region and one of the area’s largest employers. The Columbus-based bank made a big splash in Cleveland this year when it secured a 20-year naming rights deal for the Cleveland Browns football stadium, which will stay in place even if the team relocates to Brook Park in the future as its owners prefer.

Chris Ronayne County Executive

Cuyahoga County

In the news: In his rst term as county executive, Ronayne set an aggressive and transformational agenda for himself. In his short tenure, he has restructured the county administration to work from the bottom up to react more ef ciently to problems. He dove into the myriad problems facing the county’s health and human services department, and he completely redesign both how and where residents go to get help. After years of planning by his predecessor, the Ronayne administration secured land and is now within months of a nal design and price tag for a new county jail.

Erika Rudin-Luria President

Jewish Federation of Cleveland

In the news: The Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s president was elected board chair of JPro, a professional development organization for those in the Jewish communal sector. She started her term on May 15. In April, Rudin-Luria was part of a humanitarian mission for business and civic leaders in Israel. The Jewish Federation of Cleveland raised $2,610,712 during its annual campaign for Jewish Needs during its Super Sunday kickoff event in September.

Becky Ruppert McMahon CEO

Cleveland Leadership Center

In the news: McMahon was appointed CEO of Cleveland Leadership Center in May and transitioned into the position in late July. She formerly was the CEO of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association (CMBA) and CMBA Foundation. In March, she was elected board chair of First Federal Lakewood, where she had been a member of the board since 2013.

Baiju Shah President and CEO

Greater Cleveland Partnership

In the news: As leader of the country’s largest chamber of commerce, Shah has been able to nd new and effective ways to support the city’s diverse business and industrial base. Under his leadership, GCP is quick to identify, support and partner on business and workforce building programs. His All In approach is about using all the city’s partners to make the case for Cleveland. One example is the Cleveland Talent Alliance, a talent recruitment program that brings Cleveland-based summer interns together for social events while making the case for those skilled workers to stay in the region. This year, GCP published a Cleveland Index, marketing the city’s track record of success to potential talent and companies looking to re-locate or expand.

An accomplished and visionary leader, Christopher Gessner became the fourth president in Akron Children’s history when he joined the independent, free-standing and locally governed pediatric hospital system in 2021. Prior to coming to Akron, he was the president and CEO of UC Health’s University of Colorado Hospital in Aurora, Colorado, and held various positions at Pittsburgh’s UPMC Children’s Hospital and UPMC Western Psychiatric Hospital and Clinic. As Akron Children’s leader, Gessner oversees its two hospitals in Akron and Boardman, more than 44 pediatrics primary care practices and dozens of pediatric specialties at its hospitals and regional health centers.

POWER 150 SPOTLIGHT|CHRISTOPHER GESSNER

Expanding access to pediatric healthcare in NEO and beyond

By Judy Stringer for Crain’s Content Studio

Describe a highlight or significant accomplishment by you or your organization in 2024.

Akron Children’s has made great progress in recruiting and retaining our highly trained and specialized staff throughout the organization. Our staff turnover and vacancy rates materially improved throughout 2024. However, we still have lots of work to do to ensure our staffing levels consistently match our steadily increasing patient volumes.

Additionally, while we’ve had a presence in Cuyahoga County for several years, in 2024, we significantly expanded our care when we opened a new Akron Children’s Pediatrics office in Mayfield Heights, as well as a stand-alone outpatient surgery center, an expanded multi-specialty clinic and a new urgent care in Beachwood. I believe that Akron Children’s coordinated system of care ensures that kids can grow up happy and healthy, and we’re excited to extend our reach into new communities.

What is your most significant goal for 2025 in your professional or civic life?

We at Akron Children’s want to be the

most trusted, inclusive and accessible pediatric health system in the communities we serve. We are striving to have 75% of our patient appointments with our providers scheduled without a phone call, either before they leave the office or through online scheduling. Our goal is to provide frictionless, highly convenient access to our high-quality care, as close to our patients’ homes as possible.

We are also looking to continue increasing access to specialties and other services in the communities we serve, such as Medina and Mansfield. Additionally, we’re partnering with Memorial Health System in southeast Ohio to provide comprehensive motherbaby care for families in Marietta and Belpre. A new Women and Children’s Hospital will open in 2026.

People define “power” in many different ways. How do you define power and the role it plays in creating successful companies and communities?

Power stems from gaining the trust and confidence of the people you serve. While managerial titles provide some level of authority and decision-making power, it quickly dissipates if people lose confidence in your leadership ability. Power, like leadership, must be earned.

One way I do this is by empowering employees at all levels to share their ideas with me and our leadership team. I conduct regular online video chats with our employees where they can ask me about anything that is on their minds. Afterwards, we post the transcript for everyone to read. I’ve done this for years. I don’t always have the answers, so I’ll reach out to other leaders and “phone a friend.” In my experience, this goes a long way to building trust with the team. There’s no such thing as a bad question. Additionally, employees are encouraged to attend office hours that are basically one-on-one time for employees to speak privately with me about their specific concerns and questions.

Do you have a leadership philosophy that has guided your career?

You are never as good or as bad as you think you are, but you must keep improving. If you become complacent, you will get run over.

Ilene Shapiro County Executive

Summit County

In the news: There was no drama on election night for Shapiro, a Democrat who ran unopposed for the job. As Summit County Executive, Shapiro, rst elected in 2016, manages a budget of nearly a half-billion dollars and 10 departments. She’s a big believer in delivering what she calls “high-quality services” to county residents. In her State of the County address in October, she outlined initiatives related to affordable housing, high-speed internet, youth employment and more issues focused on quality of life. Shapiro is the rst woman in Ohio to serve as county executive.

Tony Sias CEO

Karamu House

In the news: Sias leads the nation’s oldest Black-producing theater, founded more than a century ago. Karamu House has been undergoing a signi cant physical transformation, and over the summer it celebrated the completion of Theater Wing Phase III. In the last several years, Karamu House has made upgrades to two theatres, completed interior and exterior renovations, and added a new marquee as well as a bistro and enclosed pavilion. In January, it became the rst “af liate company” of Playhouse Square, which said that designation was created for “established, professional Northeast Ohio arts organizations that are signi cant to our cultural life and have a relationship with” the giant performing arts nonpro t.

and CEO

Mark Smucker President

The J.M. Smucker Co.

In the news: Smucker leads a company that is increasingly dominant across snacks categories. In late 2023, J.M. Smucker acquired Hostess Brands, with iconic products such as Twinkies and DingDongs. The company in October sold one brand it added in the Hostess deal, Voortman Cookies, for $305 million. J.M. Smucker’s homegrown Uncrustables brand continues to be a runaway hit. The company just opened a third Uncrustables manufacturing facility, in Alabama, and it expects the brand to hit $1 billion in annual sales by the end of scal year 2026.

Sharon Sobol Jordan

President and CEO

United Way of Greater Cleveland

In the news: Jordan, president and CEO of United Way of Greater Cleveland since June 2022, was the rst female CEO in the organization’s history. In a May Cleveland Leadership Center’s Leader Lunch Break, she spoke about what is next for the organization. In July, United Way of Greater Cleveland secured $10 million in combined cash and planned donations from a group of more than 20 donors matching a landmark from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Supporting Foundation in 2022. In October, United Way of Greater Cleveland held its Signature Fall Event which featured keynote speaker and author John Hope Bryant with a roundtable discussion from Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb and KeyCorp Chairman and CEO Christopher Gorman.

Deon Stander CEO

Avery Dennison Co.

In the news: Stander in fall 2023 became CEO of the Mentor-based packaging materials giant, as part of planned succession process in which then-CEO and board chairman Mitch Butier became executive chairman of the board. Stander joined Avery Dennison in 2007 with its acquisition of Paxar Corp. He had been president and chief operating of cer since March 2022 after previously leading the company’s Solutions business as well as working in a number of other leadership roles based in Europe, Asia and North America.

JULIANA KAE PHOTOGRAPHY

MARISA LYON PHOTOGRAPHY

Marc Stefanski

Chairman, president and CEO

Third Federal Savings & Loan

In the news: Stefanski joined Third Federal in 1982 and was appointed chairman and CEO in 1987, succeeding his father in both those positions. He added president to his title in 2000. The bank has a driving mission of supporting home ownership in Northeast Ohio and has garnered a reputation for being committed to the advancement of the Slavic Village neighborhood surrounding its headquarters.

Kevin Stein CEO

TransDigm Group

In the news: Stein leads one of the highest- ying companies based in Northeast Ohio. The Cleveland-based aircraft components giant in late May agreed to acquire Raptor Labs Holdco LLC, a portfolio company of L Squared Capital Partners that’s known as Raptor Scienti c, for about $655 million in cash. Raptor Scienti c makes test and measurement products, primarily for aerospace and defense end markets. That deal came less than a week after TransDigm announced it had acquired Canadian company SEI Industries for $170 million. SEI Industries makes products for aerial re ghting, remote refueling and other liquid transportation uses for the commercial and defense aerospace markets.

Jon Steinbrecher Commissioner Mid-American Conference

In the news: The MAC has been a model of stability over Steinbrecher’s 15-year tenure, but it will make a major addition beginning in 2025-26 when UMass becomes the rst school to join the conference full-time since Buffalo in 1998. The MAC also garnered positive headlines in April as the host conference for the most successful Women’s Final Four in history.

Mark Stewart CEO

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

In the news: Akron’s bestknown rubber company, and the last to still have its headquarters downtown, got Stewart as its new CEO early this year. Stewart took over from former CEO Richard Kramer following a campaign by activist investor Elliott Investment Management. Now the former COO of Stellantis (Chrysler) will likely be the one under pressure, again to make Elliott happy. Elliott would no doubt like to see Goodyear’s share price rise above the $8 range. It’s not much to ask, considering that’s the price the shares were trading at in 1990, and 2003, and 2009, and 2000.

Bryan Stubbs Executive director and president

Cleveland Water Alliance

In the news: As the leader of a nonpro t organization that seeks to better use the economic potential of Lake Erie, he has to balance business development with the development of new technology. With that in mind, he created the Freshwater Innovation Fund, a venture capital fund focused on investments in water technology. At the same time, he has successfully identi ed some promising technologies designed to nd lead service lines without the need for excavation in an effort to solve Cleveland’s lead line problem. This year, CWA, as part of a collaborative, was one of 10 groups to receive a National Science Foundation Engine designation which brings in funding for the build out of a water data testbed connecting Chicago, Cleveland and Milwaukee.

A POWERHOUSE RECOGNIZED

LOURENCO GONCALVES

Chairman, President & CEO – Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. on being named to the prestigious Power 150 List

Over the past decade, Mr. Goncalves led Cleveland-Cliffs through significant strategic initiatives and four major acquisitions to transform it into the largest flat-rolled steel company in North America. Mr. Goncalves deserves the recognition for his unwavering dedication and leadership as he fights for good paying, middle class jobs for our workers, best in class production for our customers, lower-carbon emissions in our North American communities and new opportunities for our long-term investors.

Your colleagues at Cleveland-Cliffs are proud to be a part of your journey.

Frank Sullivan

Chairman and CEO

RPM International Inc.

In the news: Sullivan, president and CEO of the specialty coatings giant since 2002, began his career with RPM in 1987 as regional sales manager for its joint venture AGR Co. The company this fall expanded its decking and landscaping business with the acquisition of TMP Convert SAS of Simandresur-Suran, France. That company makes outdoor design and landscape products under the JOUPLAST and OCAPE brands. Sullivan has been extremely active in civic matters, serving on boards including the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ohio Business Roundtable, the Greater Cleveland Partnership and the Medina County Bluecoats Chapter.

Emilia Sykes Member (D)

U.S. House of Representatives, 13th district

In the news: The hardest re-election race for a politician generally is their first as an incumbent and Sykes, of Akron, passed that test in November. She was re-elected over Republican challenger Kevin Coughlin of Bath in a tough race. Sykes edged out Coughlin by a 51%-49% margin, drawing about 194,000 votes to about 186,000 for her opponent. The 13th District, drawn as one of the most competitive in the country, covers all of Summit County, the northern portion of Stark County and parts of Portage County. Sykes won the seat in 2022 when she defeated Republican Madison Gesiotto Gilbert.

J.K. Symancyk CEO

Signet Jewelers

In the news: Here’s a man with some stylish shoes to fill. In November, Symancyk became chief executive of the parent company of Zales, Kay Jewelers, Jared and other brands plans. He takes over from Virginia “Gina” Drosos, who is largely credited with guiding the big jewelry retailer through some tough times and building its now strong online business. Symancyk gave up his role as CEO of PetSmart to take the job. While living up to or surpassing Drosos’ achievements will no doubt be hard work, at least he comes into a stable and relatively untroubled company. When Drosos took over the first thing she had to do was guide the company through and past a series of scandals and sexual harassment claims involving its previous CEO.

Don Taylor

President and CEO

Welty Building Co

In the news: Taylor bought the CitiCenter Building from the City of Akron with plans to convert the 10-story building dating from 1931 into more than 100 apartments from office space. He is active in pursuing additional development projects in addition to growing the core construction concern. The company’s joint venture with Gilbane Building Co. to construct the new 31-story headquarters for SherwinWilliams Co. will end in early 2025.

Eddie Taylor Jr. President

Taylor Oswald

In the news: As president of Taylor Oswald, a venture between Oswald Companies and Taylor, he runs one of nation’s largest Black-owned insurance brokerage firms. Taylor is chair of The Presidents’ Council, LLC, as well as University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. He also serves as a board member for the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission; Greater Cleveland Partnership; College Now, Ohio Foundation of Independent Colleges, Akron Zoological Park and the Burton D. Morgan Foundation.

Felton Thomas Jr.

Executive director and CEO

Cleveland Public Library

In the news: Thomas is overseeing a $100 million upgrade of the system’s branches, which included opening an updated and expanded Rockport Branch in West Park, and undertaking the new Martin Luther King Jr. branch opening in 2025 at University Circle as part of Circle Square’s Library Lofts project. His contract was renewed in 2024 for another ve years. He also received the 2024 American Library Association Equality Award for work to increase diversity, equity and inclusion within the nation’s libraries.

Brian Tierney President and CEO

FirstEnergy Corp.

In the news: On a kilowattbasis, Tierney is likely the most powerful executive in Northeast Ohio. Tierney’s another CEO who was brought into a company by activist investor, this time by Blackstone where he was already global head of portfolio operations and asset management for rm’s infrastructure group. He took the helm in mid-2023, charged with getting the company past the House Bill 6 bribery scandal that has plagued it for the past few years. It recently paid $100 million to the SEC to settle the agency’s investigation into the issue.) Skies appear to be bluer over the road ahead, though. Lately, Tierney’s been talking about the huge demand his company and other utilities are seeing from data centers and says much more is on the way.

Timothy Tramble Sr. President and CEO

Saint Luke’s Foundation

In the news: Tramble joined Saint Luke’s Foundation in 2020 after 20 years as executive director of Burton Bell Carr Development, Inc., a nonpro t community development corporation. Saint Luke’s Foundation primarily provides grants to projects centered around health equity in Cleveland’s Woodland Hills, Mount Pleasant and BuckeyeShaker neighborhoods, which surround the former Saint Luke’s Foundation. Tramble previously said the foundation has taken an equitable approach to grantmaking that focuses on leading with the neighborhoods. Saint Luke’s has embedded capacitybuilding grants into some of its awards, allowing grantees, otherwise known as strategy partners, to request additional funds for board and staff development, strategic planning and fundraising and marketing and communications.

Tony Troppe Developer Akron

In the news: Of all of Akron’s developers, Troppe might just be the most important. While some projects, like the city’s downtown Bowery District, might have gotten more press, Troppe has taken it upon himself to develop an arts district downtown adjacent to and south of the Akron Art Museum. If you walk along Market east of Main Street, you’ll almost surely be in front of one of his labors of love, whether it’s his Blu Jazz+ nightclub and Blu Hotel, or his cherished restored Everett Building. He has lled the area with small retailers, eateries, residential units, clubs and of ces. Troppe never seems to stop either. He’s currently working to build a mixed-use development that will include apartments, a coffee roaster, night club, and restaurant. If he pulls it off as planned, it will be a $50-plus million development centered around Troppe’s Castle Hall building, along with a new six-story building he plans to build on East Market Street.

Kristin Warzocha President and CEO

Greater Cleveland Food Bank

In the news: Warzocha this year celebrated 10 years as the president and CEO of the Food Bank. She was promoted from vice president of external affairs in November 2014. It was announced in October that the food bank was working with the Better Help Partnership, Case Western Reserve University and First Year Cleveland on the Nourishing Beginning program, a project to explore the impact of different methods of connecting expectant families to fresh and nutritious food during pregnancy and postpartum.

Tony White Managing partner

Thompson Hine

In the news: This spring, White succeeded Deborah Read as managing partner at Thompson Hine, one of Northeast Ohio’s largest law rms and one regularly involved many civic endeavors in Cleveland. White is also the company’s rst Black leader and one of a relatively thin class of Black managing partners at AmLaw 200 rms. The rm continues to grow and earlier this year marked and expansion of its footprint to California.

Brad Whitehead Managing director

Cleveland’s Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund

In the news: Whitehead served his rst year as managing director of Cleveland’s Site Readiness for Good Jobs Fund after it was launched in 2023 by Cleveland City Council and Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb. In April, the Site Readiness Fund acquired a 183,000-square-foot building in the city’s central neighborhood. Since its inception, the fund has acquired 11 sites and received a $8.5 million federal Recompete grant. In August, city council approved a transfer of $50 million to a seed fund for future development to the Cleveland Foundation, which will manage and fundraise for the Site Readiness Fund.

SPONSORED CONTENT

2025 BIG DATES

Don’t miss these nonprofit events in Northeast Ohio

TWILIGHT AT THE ZOO

August 1, 2025

7:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m., VIP party 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland OH 44109 clevelandzoosociety.org/twilight

Twilight at the Zoo has been summer’s most anticipated fundraiser for more than 30 years, inviting Northeast Ohioans to an evening of rock music and revelry in support of the Cleveland Zoological Society. Beloved bands from Cleveland’s local music scene play throughout the zoo for partygoers to enjoy along with small bites, beverages, and the beauty of the zoo after dark.

Sonia Winner President and CEO

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

In the news: During Winner’s tenure, the museum embarked on a $150 million transformation project. The remodeled Visitor Hall, containing many of CMHN’s most well-known attractions, opened to the public in late 2023 and is free of charge. Winner has said the remodeled natural history museum aims to put humans at the center of the story, creating a more immersive experience that encourages visitors to ask questions and helps them relate the material to their own lives.

Dave Wondolowski

Executive secretary

and business manager

Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council

In the news: As the leader of the Cleveland Building and Construction Trades Council, he was there with his counterparts at the city of Cleveland to sign a new more comprehensive project labor agreement this year. As head of the union that represents and trains skilled construction trade workers, Wondolowski has been on the forefront of how the federal Good Jobs Initiative can bene t his workers. As a Cleveland Port board member, he provides oversight and a good deal of pushback on how the developers behind some of the largest construction projects in the city pay their workers. This year, his push for transparency, in his position on the board, now means he will have a hand in hiring the new leader of the port.

Brian Zimmerman CEO

Cleveland Metroparks

In the news: Moves by the park district to expand its holdings made lots of headlines as it bought more properties on the Columbus Peninsula and a site for a potential soccer stadium near Progressive Field. Look for more of the same as Zimmerman oversees a group that will construct a $15 million, world-class sailing center at the East 55th Street Marina and a $60 million project to update the home of the zoo’s primates. Zimmerman’s board has a busy action plan for him to work from that includes serving as one of the partners making a reality of plans to reconnect the East Side to the lake by the Shoreway, and of course add more trails for the public to use.

OHIOGUIDESTONE’S EVOLUTION GALA 2025

September 20, 2025

6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. Hotel Cleveland, 24 Public Square, Cleveland OH 44113 ohioguidestone.org/evolution-gala

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s OhioGuidestone’s 2025 Evolution Gala at the new Hotel Cleveland! Join the region’s most influential corporate and philanthropic leaders to support OhioGuidestone’s mission to provide pathways to growth, achievement and lifelong success. Just like superheroes, OhioGuidestone’s clients are empowered to overcome life’s obstacles and take steps towards a healthier future.

It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s OhioGuidestone’s 2025 Evolution Gala! Join the region’s most influential corporate and philanthropic leaders in support of OhioGuidestone, the state’s leader in community behavioral health, and our mission to provide pathways to growth, achievement, and lifelong success.

For years, Crain’s has recognized Women of Note, honoring women across Northeast Ohio for their outstanding work, leadership and impact on their communities. And in 2024, just as in years past, our new list feels like it’s the best yet, representing many backgrounds and industries, from the arts to health care. Whether it’s heading up a major expansion of a cultural institution or helping lead the revitalization of Cleveland’s waterfronts, this year’s class — once again — represents the best of our region.

metroHealth’s board of trustees on Aug. 9 dismissed Airica Steed as president and CEO, saying it had lost confidence in her ability to lead. She had been on medical leave since July 22. In October, the board a ppointed longtime executive Dr. Christine Alexander-Rager to the president and CEO role through 2025.

Maria Bennett Founder, president and CEO SPR Therapeutics

Emily Campbell President and CEO The Center for Community Solutions

Carrie Carpenter Senior Vice President, Regional Director of Community Philanthropy & Engagement Huntington Bank

Shelly Cayette-Weston Executive vice president and chief commercial officer Cleveland Cavaliers

Celina Cunanan Chief Diversity, Equity & Belonging Officer University Hospitals

Elaine Eisner Principal Eisner Gohn Group

Deb Janik Senior vice president of business development Bedrock

Charmaine Rice Senior vice president – global learning, development and diversity AmTrust Financial

Jasmin Santana Councilwoman Cleveland City Council

Michele Scott Taylor President College Now Greater Cleveland

Airica Steed Former President and CEO MetroHealth

Elizabeth Voudouris President and CEO Business Volunteers Unlimited

Sonia Winner President and CEO Cleveland Museum of Natural History

SSome of Cleveland’s movers and shakers are often focused on the future, a bright vision of what’s to come, while others like to stay in the present, basking in the glow of current success. Somewhere in between is Crain’s annual 20 In Their 20s series, honoring the young leaders of Northeast Ohio who have already established themselves in their respective industries but still have a bright future ahead. From health care to real estate, government to finance, these 20 honorees have worked hard to establish themselves in their communities and specialties — but they’re just getting warmed up.

Lauretta Amanor, 29 Events manager, program and HQ engagement Cleveland Foundation

Bakari Ballard, 24 Project engineer II Gilbane Building Co.

Brenan Betro, 27 Social Media Manager Cleveland Browns

Hayley Bock, 29 Manager of project operations JobsOhio

Mary Carter, 27 Communication manager PRE4CLE

Cassidy Cleland, 28 Associate Thompson Hine

Patricia Colella, 28 Lead innovation strategist University Hospitals

Claire Coyne, 27 Director Newmark

Tyler Dalton, 29 Senior Associate Kaulig Companies

Daniel DiDonato, 28 Principal PD project management specialist Medtronic

Alex Guthrie, 29 Director of Events Topnotch Management

Hannah Haynie, 26 Manager of the NEOMED Free Clinic Northeast Ohio Medical University

Sadie Jones, 27 Geographic Information Systems Manager Western Reserve Land Conservancy

Eli Kalil, 28 Facility Space Coordinator –Health System Specialist VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System

Franco Kraiselburd, 22 CEO and Co-Founder Asclepii Inc.

Jessie Pushpak, 29 Associate Director, Development Research Cleveland Clinic Foundation

Samia Shaheen, 27 Associate Vorys

William Skoch, 25 Investment Sales Associate Marcus & Millichap

Kyra Wells, 26 Creative Marketing Designer American Greetings

Andrew West-Barry, 26 Attorney Summit County Executive’s Office

UNDER

Crain’s 40 Under 40 honors the exceptional achievements of young professionals across diverse industries and showcases dynamic leaders shaping their communities. For more than three decades, Crain’s Cleveland Business has highlighted CEOs, founders, innovators, community champions and others under the age of 40 who are making significant impacts. From government to real estate to health care, the 2024 class of 40 Under 40 honorees lives up to this heritage. Meet the next generation of leaders guiding Northeast Ohio into the future.

Ciara Ahern, 39 Founder Sixth Element Creative

Cal Al-Dhubaib, 33 Head of AI and data science Further

Brian Anderson, 37 Vice President, Polymer Industry Cluster Greater Akron Chamber

Kumar Arora, 38 CEO Arora Ventures

Adam Artman, 39 President, Executive Director manufacturing Works

Ben Austin, 38 Chief operating officer SPR Therapeutics

Claire Bank, 34 Educational design lead ThenDesign Architecture

Andrew Bennett, 38 Community development specialist Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Jason Buitrago, 39 Executive Director, Enrollment management and Strategic Initiatives Case Western Reserve University School of medicine

Christine Duval, 35 Assistant professor, department of chemical and biomolecular engineering Case Western Reserve University

Anastasia Elder, 33 Associate UB Greensfelder LLP

Mohammad Faraj, 37 Enterprise risk manager Bitcoin Depot

Andrew Feucht, 36 Founder Global Growth Partners

Monica Ghose, 39 Director, Donor Engagement and Stewardship United Way of Greater Cleveland

Jonathan Gordon, 34 Director global HR operations Park Place Technologies

Rachele Hill, 39 Director of human resources Osborn engineering

Wakita Johnson, 39 chief operating officer and regional vice president of Ohio medicaid Humana

Chris Kaiser, 38 executive Vice President and chief marketing Officer cleveland cavaliers

Hanna Kassis, 38 Founder, ceO babylon Asset management

Yelena Katz, 35 Partner benesch Friedlander coplan & Aronoff

Jason Lockett Sr., 39 Founder, executive director breadwinners Academy

Bryan Meek, 35 Partner brennan manna Diamond

Kara Porter, 38 executive vice president Starting Point

Jason Powers, 39 Senior vice president, cDc advancement and resilience cleveland Neighborhood Progress

Ryan Puente, 34 Deputy chief of staff and chief of government affairs city of cleveland

LaVonne E. Pulliam, 38 chief compliance officer University Hospitals

Daa’iyah Rahman, 34 engagement manager Open Doors Academy

David Razum, 35 chief of communications and strategy cuyahoga county

Michael Repasky, 38 ceO and Operating Principal Keller Williams Greater metropolitan

Angel Rice, 37 Partner, tax cohen & co.

Elizabeth Sawchuk, 38 Associate curator of human evolution cleveland museum of Natural History

Myesha Watkins, 36 executive director cleveland Peacemakers Alliance

Shelley Webber, 38 executive director of development and community health American Heart Association, cleveland

Dan Whalen, 38 managing principal Places

Rhonda Winslow, 38 Vice president of development finance Port of cleveland

Andrew Gotlieb, 38 President Keystate Homes & Development

Monica Gustin, 35 Vice President of business Development Greater cleveland Sports commission

Crystal Ann Hall, 36 Northeast Ohio outreach supervisor Help me Grow central Intake and referral, bright beginnings

Su He, 38 Of counsel Porter Wright

Kate Heffernan, 34 branch manager Liberty Home mortgage

The PictureBig

FAST 50: THE FASTEST GROWING COMPANIES CRAIN’S LIST

FAST 50: THE FASTEST GROWING COMPANIES CRAIN’S LIST

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Source:Informationwasprovidedbythecompanies.Toqualify,companiesmustbeprivatelyheldandheadquarteredintheNortheastOhio areaincludingAshland,Ashtabula,Cuyahoga,Erie,Geauga,Huron,Lake,Lorain,Mahoning,Medina,Portage,Stark,Summit,TrumbullandWaynecounties.Companiesmusthaveatleast$5millionin revenuein2023.Franchisees,regulatedbanks,utilities,realestatedevelopers,realestateinvestmenttrusts(REITS)andsomeholdingcompanies(suchasthosethatprimarilybuy/sellothercompanies/ large assets) were excluded.

Originally published: Dec. 16, 2024.

HIGHEST-PAID CEOS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Netincomeisincomeattributabletoordinaryshareholders.Pensionvaluechangefiguresincludenonqualifieddeferredcompensation.To appearonthislistanexecutivemusthaveservedasCEOofalocalpubliccompanyduring2023.CEOpayratiosmaybebasedondifferentcompensationcalculationsunderSECrules.Smallerreporting companies are not required to disclose CEO pay ratios. 1. Morikis resigned as chief executive as of Dec. 31, 2023. 2. Mapes served as chairman, president and chief executive through Dec. 31, 2023. Originally published: June 3, 2024.

HIGHEST-PAID CEOS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Netincomeisincomeattributabletoordinaryshareholders.Pensionvaluechangefiguresincludenonqualifieddeferredcompensation.To appearonthislistanexecutivemusthaveservedasCEOofalocalpubliccompanyduring2023.CEOpayratiosmaybebasedondifferentcompensationcalculationsunderSECrules.Smallerreporting companiesarenotrequiredtodiscloseCEOpayratios. 1. Pattersonresignedaschairman,presidentandchiefexecutiveasofDec.1,2023. 2. Carestiopreviouslyservedasseniorvicepresidentand chief operating officer. 3. MasterBrand Inc. relocated to Beachwood in December 2023. Originally published: June 3, 2024.

HIGHEST-PAID NON-CEOS IN NORTHEAST OHIO

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Thislistincludespubliccompanyexecutiveswhose2023compensationwasreportedinpublicfilings.Netincomeisincomeattributableto ordinaryshareholders.Thepensionvaluechangecolumnincludesnonqualifieddeferredcompensation. 1. BankspreviouslyservedaspresidentandCOO. 2. PetzwasnamedchiefexecutiveasofJan. 1,2024.Sheformerlyservedaschiefoperatingofficer. 3. RankinservedaschiefexecutivethroughMay9,2023,andthentransitionedtoexecutivechairman. 4. ButierretiredasCEO,effectiveSept.1, 2023. 5. SmithpreviouslyservedasexecutivevicepresidentandCOO. 6. WellsretiredasofFeb.29,2024. 7. KocipreviouslyservedasexecutivevicepresidentandCFO. 8. Hedlundservedaschief operating officer through Dec. 31, 2023. 9. Binns previously served as president of the paint stores group. Originally published: June 10, 2024.

100 LARGEST EMPLOYERS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Source:Informationisfromtheorganizations,includingwebsitesandpublicfilings,unlessotherwisenoted.Listedcitiesinmostcases representthelocationoftheorganization'sprimarylocaloffice,thoughafeworganizationsheadquarteredelsewherelistcitiesoutsideNortheastOhio.Inafewcasesthelocalexecutivelistedoversees the local operation but is not based locally. 1. Estimate based on Cuyahoga and Summa counties ACFR. 2. As of December.

Originally published: Aug. 26, 2024.

100 LARGEST EMPLOYERS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Source:Informationisfromtheorganizations,includingwebsitesandpublicfilings,unlessotherwisenoted.Listedcitiesinmostcases representthelocationoftheorganization'sprimarylocaloffice,thoughafeworganizationsheadquarteredelsewherelistcitiesoutsideNortheastOhio.Inafewcasesthelocalexecutivelistedoversees thelocaloperationbutisnotbasedlocally. 1. TotalemploymentatClevelandEnginePlantandOhioAssemblyPlant. 2. AsofJune2023. 3. Carestiopreviouslyservedasseniorvicepresidentandchief operating officer. 4. Information from annual report. 5. Information from Wayne County annual comprehensive financial report. Originally published: Aug. 26, 2024.

100 LARGEST EMPLOYERS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Source:Informationisfromtheorganizations,includingwebsitesandpublicfilings,unlessotherwisenoted.Listedcitiesinmostcases representthelocationoftheorganization'sprimarylocaloffice,thoughafeworganizationsheadquarteredelsewherelistcitiesoutsideNortheastOhio.Inafewcasesthelocalexecutivelistedoversees the local operation but is not based locally. e. Crain's estimate. 1. Information from city of Ashland financial report. 2. As of June 2023.

Originally published: Aug. 26, 2024.

100 LARGEST EMPLOYERS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Source:Informationisfromtheorganizations,includingwebsitesandpublicfilings,unlessotherwisenoted.Listedcitiesinmostcases representthelocationoftheorganization'sprimarylocaloffice,thoughafeworganizationsheadquarteredelsewherelistcitiesoutsideNortheastOhio.Inafewcasesthelocalexecutivelistedoversees the local operation but is not based locally. 1. As of June 2023. Originally published: Aug. 26, 2024.

LARGEST MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESSES

LARGEST PRIVATELY HELD COMPANIES IN NORTHEAST OHIO

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Source:Informationisfromthecompaniesunlessfootnoted.Rankingsarebasedonexactfigures,butinsomecasesmayappeartobetied duetorounding.FTE-FulltimeequivalentemployeesasofJune30,2024. e. Crain'sestimate. 1. EstimatebasedonFitchRatingsdata. 2. EstimatebasedonMoody'sdata. 3. GrossrevenuefromThe American Lawyer's Am Law 200. 4. Revenue as of December 2021. 5. As of June 2023. 6. Estimate based on Moody's. 7. From Moody's; for 12 months ending June 2022.

Originally published: Oct. 7, 2024.

LARGEST PRIVATELY HELD COMPANIES IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Source:Informationisfromthecompaniesunlessfootnoted.Rankingsarebasedonexactfigures,butinsomecasesmayappeartobetied duetorounding.FTE-FulltimeequivalentemployeesasofJune30,2024. 1. FromModernDistributionManagement. 2. Figurefrom2022. 3. Approximate;fromwebsiteofMiddlegroundCapital,which owns Shiloh Industries. 4. Estimate from Forbes. 5. From Commercial Carrier Journal. Originally published: Oct. 7, 2024.

LARGEST PRIVATELY HELD COMPANIES IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S

LARGEST PRIVATELY HELD COMPANIES IN NORTHEAST OHIO

NOTABLE LEADERS

LARGEST PUBLIC COMPANIES IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

LARGEST PUBLIC COMPANIES IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

LARGEST WOMEN-OWNED BUSINESSES IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

GinoFaciana; BarbaraFaciana, Co-CEOs

Access to capital remains top challenge for womenowned businesses – here’s how to overcome it

Why has Impressia Bank made support for women-owned enterprises such a core part of its mission?

Women entrepreneurs are a driving force in the U.S. economy, with nearly 40% of all businesses being women-owned. These businesses employ 12.2 million workers and, between 2019 and 2023, added 1.4 million jobs and nearly $580 billion to the economy according to the 2024 Wells Fargo Impact of Women-Owned Businesses report. Despite this impressive growth, significant barriers remain.

The greatest challenge for women-owned businesses is access to capital, with only 27% of women seeking financing to scale their ventures. While the women’s economy is growing twice as fast as other business sectors, the financial services industry has historically overlooked this dynamic segment.

At Impressia Bank, we see an opportunity — and a responsibility — to bridge this gap. Our mission is to empower women entrepreneurs by providing the financial tools and support they need to thrive. By prioritizing women-owned enterprises, we aim to help close the gender gap in funding and level the playing field for women leaders. Supporting this growing niche is not just good for business — it’s essential for fostering long-term economic growth and innovation.

What are the biggest challenges or obstacles you see women-owned businesses facing right now regarding access to capital? Are these obstacles unique to women-owned businesses, or do they mirror those faced by the broader business community?

Women-owned businesses face significant challenges in accessing capital, with obstacles that are both unique and systemic. Despite women accounting for 38% of founders, only 2% of U.S. startup investment goes to businesses solely founded by women, according to Pitchbook. This disparity is further compounded by the fact that less than 5% of venture capital partners are women, with women of color representing less than 1%.

The World Economic Forum highlights a staggering $1.7 trillion funding gap between women-owned businesses and their male counterparts. This gap creates barriers to both launching ventures and achieving sustained growth. While broader economic trends impact all entrepreneurs, women often face additional challenges, including underrepresentation in venture networks and implicit biases in funding decisions.

By addressing these inequities, we can

Mary Kate Loftus is the president of Impressia Bank, a division of CNB Bank dedicated to developing and advancing women in business. Since 1999, she has led Fortune 500 financial institutions in transformational change, strategy and customer engagement. Her achievements include being named one of Forbes’ Six Women Changing the Face of Leadership in Banking and Finance and by PA Business Central’s Women in Business 2024 Women Making a Difference and Top 100 People in 2024. As president, Loftus oversees customer experience, strategy and operations for Impressia Bank, serving customers in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Virginia.

unlock tremendous potential for innovation and economic growth driven by women entrepreneurs.

Conversely, what do you see as the biggest opportunities on the horizon for women-owned businesses that will be seeking capital in the coming year?

The first opportunity is to capitalize on a mindset shift where more people and businesses are open to evaluating the economic potential of women-owned businesses scaling into highly profitable, revenue-generating businesses. As a result, we see more private equity focused on women-owned and womenfocused businesses and more programs designed to open access to capital.

Investors are looking for investments that deliver economic impact locally and a return on their investment.

Is there specialized support that Impressia Bank offers women-owned companies that they might not find elsewhere?

There are several examples of specialized support that Impressia Bank offers. These include:

• Comprehensive Financial Education: In 2024, we launched the Financial Wellness Center, a free resource hub designed to help women improve their financial literacy and business acumen. From foundational skills to advanced strategies, our tools empower women to take control of their finances. We want to empower people by providing them with the tools and knowledge needed to succeed. Through the Financial Wellness Center, we hope to level the playing field and support women in achieving their goals.

• Profit First Cash Management Strategy: We guide our customers in implementing the Profit First system, a cash management approach that prioritizes profit before expenses. Setting up dedicated accounts for income, profit, taxes and more enhances cash flow, financial awareness and stability for women entrepreneurs.

• Women in Business Master Class: In 2024, we introduced the Women in Business Master Class, a 12-month program exclusively for Impressia Bank customers. This program provides curated content on critical topics like

women entrepreneurs can grow, connect, and lead with confidence.

If I am a business owner seeking growth capital, how can I best position and prepare myself for success when applying for financing?

Understanding the many options for accessing capital and the implications of each option are your first steps when growing your business. Spend time educating yourself through free and self-paced information like the resources available through Impressia Bank’s online Financial Wellness Center. The “Grow Your Business” section connects you to information on Loan Programs, Grant Opportunities, Education and Advisory Services. Deepen your knowledge by gathering insight directly from those who have either lived the entrepreneurial experience or are trusted experts.

Secondly, sound business plans and pitch decks help you introduce your business to a potential partner for financing, such as a bank. Just like you tell your business story through a pitch deck or business plan, ensure you can tell the story of your current business’s financials and projections. Understand your numbers thoroughly and be prepared to communicate them. The questions asked of you by a lender or financing partner will strengthen your understanding of the outside view of your business’s performance and potential.

“The first opportunity is to capitalize on a mindset shift where more people and businesses are open to evaluating the economic potential of women-owned businesses scaling into highly profitable, revenue-generating businesses.”

- Mary Kate Loftus, President, Impressia Bank

financial statements, branding, marketing and strategic planning. Participants gain access to experienced facilitators, networking opportunities, and leadership development tools to drive innovation and growth.

• Networking and Mentorship: We host regular in-person and virtual events to connect like-minded women and to foster collaboration and peer learning. Additionally, our one-on-one coaching and mentorship programs ensure personalized guidance tailored to each business owner’s goals. At Impressia Bank, we are committed to more than providing capital—we are creating a thriving ecosystem where

Next, if possible, avoid higher-interest credit cards to finance a business initially. A strong credit history and personal financial statement speak to your ability to manage your finances.

Lastly, having a strong and personal relationship with a banker will support the growth of your business. Leverage their experience to connect your goals to solutions.

Finance

LARGEST BANKS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

LARGEST BANKS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Source:Financialdatacomesfromfdic.gov.Thislistincludesdepositsandlocalofficesin15counties:Ashland,Ashtabula,Cuyahoga,Erie, Geauga,Huron,Lake,Lorain,Mahoning,Medina,Portage,Stark,Summit,TrumbullandWayne. 1. WayneSavingsBancsharesInc.,theholdingcompanyofWayneSavingsCommunityBank,andMain Street Financial Services Corp., the holding company of Main Street Bank Corp., merged in May.

Originally published: Oct. 21, 2024.

CRAIN’S LIST LARGEST M&A DEALS ANNOUNCED

LARGEST M&A DEALS ANNOUNCED IN 2023 IN OHIO

CRAIN’S LIST LARGEST CREDIT UNIONS IN NORTHEAST

OHIO

LARGEST CREDIT UNIONS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

CRAIN’S LIST LARGEST PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL FIRMS

Company Location

Align Capital Partners Shaker Heights

Blue Point Capital Partners Cleveland

Citymark Capital Cleveland

Cleveland International FundLtd. Cleveland Heights

Coventry League Capital Partners Cortland

CW Industrial Partners Cleveland

Cyprium Partners Cleveland

Drummond Road Capital Shaker Heights

Edgewater Capital Partners Independence

Elvisridge CapitalLLC Beachwood

Evolution Capital PartnersLLC Cleveland

Foundation Investment PartnersLLC Chagrin Falls

Gammite Ventures Beachwood

Impact Angel Fund Zoar

Interstate Fusion Ventures Akron

$1.5 billion $20 million–$60 million

$1.8 billion

$40 million–$150 million

Business services, technology, specialty manufacturing, distribution

Manufacturing, business services, consumer and value-added distribution

03E Source, Counsel Press, Marco Rubber, Premier Biotech ChrisJones, Managing Partner

08Transtar Holding Co., Weaver Leather, Country Pure Foods, Europa Eyewear

$325 million $10 million–$100 million Real estate 01Real estate equity and debt investments

$101.8 million

$500,000–$3 million

$500,000–$2 million

$200 million $15 million–$30 million

$5 million–$60 million

$25,000–$250,000

$525 million

$10 million–$50 million

$1 million–$10 million

$5 million–$20 million

Commercial real estate, multifamily preferred

Niche manufacturing, food/beverage, consumer products

JohnLeMay; ChipChaikin; SeanWard, Partners

DanielWalshJr., Founder, CEO

StephenStrnisha, CEO

JosephKane, Managing Director

Industrial manufacturing and services00ERL, Bryant, Paradigm, Safe-Way ToddMartin, Managing Partner

Manufacturing, distribution, health care, food/beverage, plastics/packaging, business services

Software - analytics, SaaS, B2B, finance; fund-of-funds

Engineered components, specialty chemicals, life sciences, performance materials

Fishing products, landscape/hardscape products

Small businesses, business services, niche manufacturing

02Apollo, DP Nicoli, Kustom, OneroRX

05Astronomer, Veho, Snowflake, Anaplan

10Luxium Solutions, Neograph Solutions, Naprotek Holdings, Ameriwater Holdings

00Blackfin Rods, Glacier Outdoor, BBS Tech (FINS Fishing), Surfacelogix, Innovative Concrete Technology

10DiningRD, Mainline Environmental, DataFit, Empire Dental

AndrewMolinari; CindyBabitt; BethHaas; DanKessler Partners

MorrisWheeler, Founder, President

RyanMeany; Christopher Childres, Managing Partners

MichaelSouthard, Founder, CEO

JeffreyKadlic, Founding Partner

$30 million $2 million–$20 million B2B manufacturing, service, distribution00W.A. Jones, Spartan Tool Supply, WRWP LLC, Advanced Probing Systems LLC DavidWood, Managing Member

$500,000–$2 million Primarily software

$250,000–$300,000 Technology

$200,000–$500,000 Manufacturing, life sciences/health care, CPG, advanced materials

06PsiQuantum, TAIV, Passage, Rain Financial, Stream Orders TonyPyros; HimanshuAmin, Managing Partners

00InfoGPS Networks, Vlipsy

JonElsasser, Fund Manager

14PodFoods, Society Brands, Ugen, BIOHM Health BillManbyJr.; VickiTifft, Founders JumpStart Ventures Cleveland $140 million $250,000–$2 million B2B software, health care IT, medical devices

, CEO JWI

services 05Galatti Cheese, PEScience, Authentico Foods, Chamber Media ThomasLittman, CEO

MavenHill Capital Chagrin Falls

$10 million–$150 million Consumer, business services and industrial 02House of Cheatham, Groff Tractor & Equipment, Hollywood Beauty, Real Truck

JayStuddard; RhodesMcKee, Managing Partners Max-VenturesLLC

, CEO, Senior Managing Director MCM Capital Partners

million

and defense, medical device, diversified industrial

MPE Partners Cleveland $40 million–$150 million High-value manufacturing, commercial and industrial services

Processing, Tech NH, EB Industries, Andover Corp. RobertKingsbury, Managing Partner; MarkMansour, Senior Managing Partner

,

;

CRAIN’S LIST LARGEST PRIVATE EQUITY AND

VENTURE CAPITAL FIRMS

LARGEST PRIVATE EQUITY AND VENTURE CAPITAL FIRMS

Research by David Nusbaum (david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Information is from the companies unless otherwise noted. Deal numbers exclude follow-on investments

Originally published: April 29, 2024.

CRAIN’S LIST LARGEST WEALTH MANAGEMENT FIRMS

Real Estate

LARGEST ARCHITECTURE FIRMS IN NORTHEAST OHIO

DebbieDonley, Founder,

Experience Officer; Paul Voinovich, CEO

MatthewJaniak, Senior Principal; JasonMajerus, Principal; ShawnCarr, Principal

MichaelLipowski; Salvatore Rini, Managing Principals

,

,

Corp. Campus Refresh, 149 Newbury by L3

Greenville County Administration Building, Bloomie's

Reserve Historical Society Library

Reserve University

County New Main Library and Operations

DonaldRerko, VP

BobbySchmidt, Business Development Leader

DanaMitchell, Senior VP, Architecture and Engineering

BethKalapos, VP, Program Manager

PeterBolek, President, Director of Design; JamesShook, Principal; KevinKennedy, Principal

AlexPesta; JohnWagner, Principals

MichaelLiezert; JeffreyValus; ScottWeaver, Principals

LARGEST COMMERCIAL REAL ESTATE BROKERAGES

LARGEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES IN NORTHEAST OHIO

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Informationisfromthecompaniesunlessfootnotesindicateotherwise.TurnerConstructionCo.andKokosingConstructionCo.mayhave qualified for this list, but declined to provide local revenue figures. Originally published: July 29, 2024.

LARGEST CONSTRUCTION COMPANIES IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Informationisfromthecompaniesunlessfootnotesindicateotherwise.TurnerConstructionCo.andKokosingConstructionCo.mayhave qualified for this list, but declined to provide local revenue figures.

Originally published: July 29, 2024.

LARGEST ENGINEERING FIRMS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

LARGEST COMMERCIAL PROPERTY SALES OF 2023 CRAIN’S LIST

Sleggs, Danzinger & Gill

Reducing Real Property Tax Assessments Across The United States

We formed SDG in 2005. Since that time, we have assisted our clients in navigating the 2008 Financial Crisis, the Covid-19 Pandemic, and constant market fluctuations. We love what we do. We have been there for you in the past and we will be here in the years ahead. We provide property tax counsel throughout Ohio and across the United States.

Whether the valuation relates to large industrial buildings, apartments, shopping centers, office buildings, health care facilities, hotels or any other type of commercial property, the attorneys at Sleggs, Danzinger & Gill will ensure that you receive the best counsel, legal advice and litigation expertise.

That’s

Because

CRAIN’S LIST HIGHEST-PAID HOSPITAL EXECUTIVES

HIGHEST-PAID HOSPITAL EXECUTIVES IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

LARGEST HOSPITALS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Source:Informationisfromthehospitalsunlessfootnoted.Revenueandemploymentfiguresoftenincludeoutpatientclinicsandotheroff-site locationsaffiliatedwiththehospital.EmploymentfiguresareasofJune30,2024.Somehospitalssubmitcombineddataformultiplefacilitiesbecausethat'showtheyreportdatatothefederalgovernment. Originally published: Aug. 19, 2024.

CRAIN’S LIST LARGEST PHYSICIAN GROUPS

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LARGEST FOUNDATIONS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

LARGEST NONPROFITS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Thislistincludes501(c)3nonprofits.Colleges,foundationsandhospitalswereexcluded.Informationissuppliedbytheorganizationsunless otherwise noted. Numbers that appear tied have been rounded. 1. Secretariat of Catholic Charities.

Originally published: Nov. 4, 2024.

Three critical considerations for your wealth management plan: lifestyle, legacy and philanthropy

What should an individual’s top priorities be when creating an effective wealth management plan?

Your wealth plan should be comprehensive and encompass your goals. It should also be achievable and actively monitored. One of your top priorities when creating an effective plan should be determining your unique wealth goals, whether that’s maintaining your current lifestyle or supporting a cause you believe in. Your objectives should determine an optimal financial path aligned with your needs.

We have developed a multistep GoalsBased Wealth Management process designed to deliver a personalized wealth plan that aligns your unique goals with an investment strategy focused on long-term success. Our process guides clients as they consider how they want to spend their money today and in the future, prioritizing their needs, passions, values and charitable interests. Our process helps clients develop their goals into three key areas:

• Lifestyle: Having enough money to support short-term goals as well as long-term lifestyle needs.

• Legacy: Transferring assets and values to subsequent generations.

• Philanthropy: Determining the best approach to funding philanthropic interests.

Ask your financial advisor to assess the probability of meeting your goals by testing your personal balance sheet and goals in various market environments. This will help determine your risk tolerance and probability of success and may prompt you to refine your original plan. The next step in our approach considers the whole picture, analyzing your personal balance sheet and goals in various market environments to determine the probability for long-term success.

Wealth plans are not one-and-done. As your life evolves, so should your wealth plan. Periodically reviewing your personal wealth goals and financial details will help you remain positioned for long-term success.

How should individuals decide between a significant philanthropic gift while they are alive versus a planned gift after they’ve died?

Whatever the size of your gift, it should fit into your overall wealth plan. Don’t discount the power of many small gifts over several years. Larger gifts, either during your lifetime or after you pass

With over 30 years of leadership in the financial, trust, wealth planning and philanthropic planning areas, Bethany Bryant joined The Glenmede Trust Company as the firm’s Regional Managing Director of the Ohio market in 2024. She brings a proven track record of leading wealth management firms into growth, focusing on the client experience and retaining employees with an engaging culture. Glenmede focuses on serving high-net-worth families and ensuring that wealth is passed down to generations with family values and intention. She counsels families on various trust vehicles, tax planning, charitable entities, and ensures their estate plans are executed.

away, can often support big initiatives or building projects. Most clients would rather see the impact of their gifts while they are alive, if their wealth plan supports it. Clients can also take great pride in leaving a legacy that will impact future generations.

Where should families start if they are uncomfortable discussing their wealth plan with children or grandchildren?

Start with conversations about your family’s history and shared values. Talk about what matters most to help define your family’s core values. Allow each generation to bring their unique perspective, blending the wisdom and experience with a fresh focus. They then become co-creators of your family for multiple generations.

Often families align their values with their philanthropy. This is an opportunity to involve younger generations and help

them develop a genuine interest in giving back, providing them with hands-on experiences, educational resources and a chance to lead their own charitable initiatives.

Creating a culture of philanthropy within your family is an effective way to build and preserve your shared legacy. Here are a few conversation starters:

• How did you accumulate your wealth?

• Who came before you, and what did you learn from them?

• What do you want your children and grandchildren to inherit, beyond financially?

• What lessons will help them continue to live the legacy you wish for them?

feels another has been favored in the past or one sibling has more children than another.

We believe education is key, particularly for younger family members or those not familiar with the impact of wealth in everyday life. Leverage age-appropriate educational materials. Take advantage of opportunities to help shape the next generation’s view of money. Informal opportunities are everywhere, from planning a vacation to purchasing a car. There are also more formal opportunities, such as family retreats.

Another way to position your family for a smooth transition is selecting the right trustee for any trust you may establish.

“Wealth plans are not one-and-done. As your life evolves, so should your wealth plan. Periodically reviewing your personal wealth goals and financial details will help you remain positioned for long-term success.”

– Bethany Bryant, Regional Managing Director, Glenmede

The interpersonal dynamics surrounding decisions about inheritance can be difficult on family relationships. How can families navigate that challenge as they create their wealth management strategies?

Understanding family dynamics can help protect assets by constructing an estate plan that promotes certainty that your heirs and beneficiaries receive assets in the amount and manner you desire, and in a way that minimizes taxes.

An estate plan built to overcome family dynamics may include asset distribution strategies such as creating separate trusts for each beneficiary, providing each the flexibility to use the funds as they choose or give each beneficiary a specific percentage of grants they can control.

It may seem that the simplest option may be to divide assets equally among the children or grandchildren, giving each sibling the same amount. But equal isn’t always fair. Equitable inheritance takes unique circumstances into account, such as a child’s financial status or career. Equal distribution may avoid conflict over fairness or favoritism but may not be equitable, especially when one sibling

An independent trustee can be an individual or an entity that is bound by fiduciary duty and must administer the trust according to its terms and conditions. While your first instinct may be to entrust a family member, partnering with a corporate trustee offers impartiality and can potentially eliminate family discord.

This article is provided solely for informational purposes and is not intended to provide financial, investment, tax, legal or other advice. It contains information and opinions which may change after the date of publication. The author takes sole responsibility for the views expressed herein and these views do not necessarily reflect the views of the author’s employer or any other organization, group or individual. Information obtained from thirdparty sources is assumed to be reliable but may not be independently verified, and the accuracy thereof is not guaranteed. No outcome, including performance or tax consequences, is guaranteed, due to various risks and uncertainties. Readers should consult with their own financial, tax, legal or other advisors to seek advice on their individual circumstances.

LARGEST PHILANTHROPIC GIFTS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

HIGHEST PAID NONPROFIT EXECUTIVES IN NORTHEAST OHIO

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Source:990taxreturnforms.Thelistincludes501(c)(3)organizationsheadquarteredinNortheastOhio.Itexcludesuniversities,hospitals, primary care providers and foundations. Data from 2022 is the most recent available for many organizations. Originally published: Aug. 5, 2024.

2025 Meeting & EventsSpotlight

Planning an event in Northeast Ohio in 2025? From stunning cultural landmarks and serene retreats to expert event design services, the select venues and resources featured in this Spotlight offer everything you need to create a memorable experience. Whether you’re hosting a corporate retreat, a special celebration, or a unique gathering, this resource is your starting point for planning the perfect event.

CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO

3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland, OH 44109

216-635-3304

events@clevelandmetroparks.com

clevelandmetroparks.com/rentals

Capacity: 300 seated, 500 standing

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo offers professional event venues with unique backdrops for retreats, gatherings, conferences and picnics. In addition to event planning services, our venues offer on-site upscale catering, exceptional year-round views and exclusive after-hours experiences.

EVENT VENUES SERVICES

JOE MINEO CREATIVE 592 Industrial Road, Youngstown, OH 44509 234-719-5005 events@joemineocreative.com joemineocreative.com

THE MORRIS ESTATE

2007 Morris Drive, Niles, MI 49120

269-684-4443

discover@themorrisestate.com

themorrisestate.com

Capacity: 200 seated, 200 standing

Trade the sterile of ce or hotel setting for a welcoming ambiance that inspires fresh perspectives and promotes connection. The peaceful atmosphere of The Morris Estate offers a respite from the ordinary for corporate retreats or offsite board meetings. Known for extraordinary culinary experiences, luxurious accommodations and picturesque scenery, the 600acre estate sits along the St. Joseph River in Southwest Michigan, conveniently located 15 miles from the South Bend airport or within driving distance of Cleveland.

Joe Mineo Creative is an award-winning luxury event design company that creates unparalleled experiences and lasting memories for life’s most important moments. We offer luxury event design expertise for weddings, corporate events, mitzvahs and special occasions—as well as holiday decor and interior design services. Our signature events are VIP affairs that get rave reviews from clients and guests.

CREATING MEMORABLE EXPERIENCES

Crafting a standout event is all about attention to the little things that leave a big impact. Choose a theme that aligns with your audience and goals, and carry it through every element, from invitations to decor. Incorporate thoughtful, personalized touches such as branded giveaways or tailored experiences that resonate with attendees.

SEVERANCE MUSIC CENTER

11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, OH 44106 216-231-7511

rentals@clevelandorchestra.com

clevelandorchestra.com/engage/venue-event-rentals

Capacity: 350 seated, 750 standing

Home of the Cleveland Orchestra since 1931 and regarded as one of the world’s most magni cent concert halls, our venue is dressed to impress. Whether you are interested in the 2,000-seat Mandel Concert Hall, our 400-seat Reinberger Chamber Hall, or our glittering Bogomolny-Kozerefski Grand Foyer, our experienced team would love to speak with you about hosting your special event at Severance Music Center.

clevelandmetroparks.com/rentals or call 216-635-3304.

Professional Services

LARGEST ACCOUNTING FIRMS IN NORTHEAST OHIO

CRAIN’S LIST

LARGEST ACCOUNTING FIRMS IN NORTHEAST OHIO

ResearchbyDavidNusbaum(david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Informationisfromthecompaniesunlessfootnoted.CPAandemployeeheadcountsareasofSept.1,2024. 1.

excludes revenue from separately owned firms that share the same brand name. Originally published: Oct. 14, 2024.

LARGEST EMPLOYEE BENEFIT SERVICES FIRMS CRAIN’S LIST

LARGEST IT SERVICES FIRMS IN NORTHEAST OHIO

LARGEST LAW FIRMS IN NORTHEAST OHIO

JillHelfman, Cleveland Co-Partner-in-Charge; AdrianThompson, Cleveland Co-Partner-in-Charge, Chief Diversity

, Partner-in-Charge,

, President; JackDiamond,

LARGEST LAW FIRMS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

LARGEST LAW FIRMS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

Research by David Nusbaum (david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Data as of June 30, 2024. Firms with

Originally published: Aug. 12, 2024.

BUILDING SUCCESS STORIES

LARGEST LAW FIRMS IN NORTHEAST OHIO CRAIN’S LIST

Research by David Nusbaum (david.nusbaum@crain.com).|Data as of June 30, 2024. Firms with equal numbers of

Aug. 12, 2024.

More than dental.

Delta Dental is more than a great dental benefits company. We’re excited to now offer vision benefits, exclusive to Delta Dental groups.

In

Crescendo

EXECUTIVE RECRUITER

Advertisers

Associate

golden@crain com

Jack Grieve, Audience engagement jack grieve@crain com

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Joe Scalzo, Sports business (216) 771-5256 or joe scalzo@crain com

Dan Shingler, Energy, steel, auto, Akron (216) 771-5290 or dshingler@crain com

ADVERTISING

Events manager missy Chambless (216) 771-5388 or missy chambless@crain com

Sales and marketing coordinator Shannon Smith

Business development strategist Andy Rasero

Account executives

Kaylie moran, Ed Sivillo, melissa Streicher People on the Move manager Debora Stein (917) 226-5470, dstein@crain com

Classified sales Suzanne Janik (313) 446-0455 or sjanik@crain com

Inside sales Tawni Sharp

CRAIN’S CONTENT STUDIO

Senior director of Crain’s Content Studio Kristin Bull, (313) 446-1608 or kbull@crain com

Crain’s Content Studio Manager Jennifer Keirn, jennifer keirn@crain com

PRODUCTION

Vice president, product Kevin Skaggs Product manager Tim Simpson Media services manager Nicole Spell Pre-press and digital production Craig L mackey CUSTOMER SERVICE (877) 824-9373 or customerservice@crainscleveland com Reprints Laura Picariello (732) 723-0569 or lpicariello@crain com

SHOWCASE YOUR BRAND WHERE LEADERS CONNECT

2025 EVENT SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES:

• FEBRUARY Newsmakers of the Year

• MARCH

• APRIL

Power Breakfast: Mental Health

Power Breakfast: Family Business

Power Breakfast

• JUNE Women of Influence Celebration

• AUGUST Forum

Best Places to Work Celebration

• SEPTEMBER Networking with Notable M&A Leaders

Power Breakfast: Health Care CEOs

• OCTOBER Power Breakfast

Corporate Responsibility Summit

• NOVEMBER 40 Under 40 Celebration

Contact John White at John.White@Crain.com for more information.

• MAY Networking with Notable LGBTQ+ Leaders

Amplify your brand message as a Crain’s event sponsor. Gain visibility and connection to Crain’s high-profile attendees, strengthening your business.