Cleveland 500 - 2024

CLEVE LAND FIVE HUND RED

LEADERS, DOERS, VISIONARIES & IDEA

GENERATORS WHO HELP SHAPE THE CITY

MURAL: THOM SHERIDAN

4

25 55 93 TABLE OF CONTENTS LETTER INDEX ACCOUNTING & CONSULTING ARTS & MUSEUMS BANKING & FINANCE BUSINESS COMMUNITY LEADERS EDUCATION 2 11 19 25 31 37 47 51 55 65 69 73 75 81 85 93 ENTERTAINMENT, HOSPITALITY & LEISURE GOVERNMENT HEALTH CARE INSURANCE LAW MANUFACTURING & LOGISTICS REAL ESTATE, HOUSING, ARCHITECTS, BUILDING & CONSTRUCTION TECHNOLOGY

INSPIRATION POINT

Welcome to The Cleveland 500 — a list of the most powerful and influential people in our community.

These are leaders who have what it takes to keep moving our city forward. It’s also worth noting that our prior success has been built on the backs of leaders just like these. But the landscape is continuing to change. New people are grabbing the reins, and we are anxious to see if their bright ideas will turn into big impact for the region. And people who have long been our idea-generators and standard bearers are acting as mentors while continuing to leave their indelible mark on our city.

We began the process of building this list by asking ourselves — as well as trusted advisors — who we would call to help get something done in a host of categories. We thought about people who inspire others, are a force for change and offer some of the brightest ideas. Plus, they need to have local impact. That is key,

because leadership often starts at home and radiates outward.

Many of them have provided snapshot pro files that offer their insight on what it means to achieve success and lead others. These also lend a peek into who they are as people. After all, we know that character is at the core of what it takes to be a good leader.

Compiling such a list is difficult and subjective. We expect and welcome your feedback, both positive and constructive. Our goal is to give recognition to those who strive to make a posi tive impact on Cleveland. In truth, we know that list doesn’t stop at 500.

We hope these insights inspire you as much as they inspired us.

DISCOVER WHAT IT MEANS TO BE A LEADER AND WHAT ISSUES THEY FACE IN CLEVELAND IN 2024.

LEADER SHIP IN ACTION

Superman can lift cars over his head, bounce bullets off his chest and crush coal into diamonds with his hands. He’s capable of freezing people with his breath and melting objects with heat beams from his eyes. If the occasion warrants it, the superhero can even alter the orbit of the planets.

In addition to his limitless strength and power, Cleveland’s favorite caped crusader also showcases the qualities of an excellent role model. He’s compassionate, trustworthy, humble and fair. He uses his intelligence to successfully execute strategic plans

and, much like our city’s leaders, strives for “truth, justice and a better tomorrow.”

Not all heroes wear capes, but there’s one thing they all have in common — they carry the weight of the world on their shoulders. We expect so much from our leaders in government, education, business, arts, entertainment, sports, health care, and community and nonprofit groups. We ask them to take on challenges that may call for superpowers to solve. And we still demand more.

Our leaders require the skills and attributes of Superman —

at least symbolically. According to a NeuroLeadership Institute poll of executives, “50% of the skills leaders need today are skills they don’t have yet.” The other 50% are skills that were always needed, but not to the present and future levels necessary. The major challenges are many, from global unrest and domestic political uncertainty to economic instability and possible recession.

Ten years ago, we couldn’t have even dreamed about the technology challenges leaders are facing today, not to mention a plethora of poverty, health and education concerns. We also look to leaders to solve workforce obstacles, such as employee

attraction and retention, and labor and supply shortages; interpret and implement diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB) efforts; and prevent and react to environmental crises. And all the while, we expect our leaders in the private and public sectors to be beyond reproach and of admirable character.

Cleveland’s real crusaders — whether they’ve shown an impressive presence in the city for decades or have brand-new nameplates on their office doors — have their work cut out for them. Luckily, they each have unique superpowers of their own to keep the region moving forward.

CITIES AND THE PUBLIC SECTOR NEED HELP

Stretch Armstrong, the iconic action figure toy whose arms could be pulled from about 15 inches to 4 feet, may not have had all the qualities of a full-fledged superhero. But Stretch illustrates what Mark Cassell, professor of political science at Kent State University, thinks about a challenge our cities and their leaders have been facing and will continue to wrestle.

“Competitive federalism is seeing communities and school districts constantly compete for what seems like a pot of zero-sum money,” Cassell says, adding that conflict can lead to deficiencies and questionable allocations of resources. “It’s a crazy situation. Some exurbs and outlying suburbs have a low crime rate but end up paying their law enforcement officers more than cities that have high crime rates.”

Cassell, an expert on public sector transformation, also sees cities, including Cleveland and Akron, struggling with the effects of hybrid workers. While that work arrangement may be fine for businesses and organizations, Cassell says downtown areas that rely on restaurants and retail are taking a hit when employees stay home. Also, office buildings that are converted to residences can be problematic if a city’s tax base relies at least partly on retail.

Another problem Cassell identifies is our negative perception of the public sector. He says he believes leaders and managers must have the ability to hire “the best and brightest teachers, police, social workers and others.” That can be accomplished, he says, with competitive wages and offering work/life flexibility.

“We’ve had 40 years of erosion of public sector workforce,” says Cassell, who teaches in KSU’s Public Administration program. “It has cost us. Leaders have to figure out how to attract and keep the best. The public sector is important and adds value. It’s essential to making cities function.”

What kinds of political leaders and others at the top do we need to carry out those goals?

“We need less charisma and more competency,” says Cassell. “We need people who not only care, but have a set of skills that allows them to implement the tasks they are given. We don’t think enough about training leaders. And just thinking that someone is a really good leader and that they’ll show us the way is not the right approach, either.”

TECH ACCELERATION AND ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI)

“Over the next five to seven years, AI will get increasingly lifelike. It’s come a long way in a really short time,” says Bryan Buck, a partner with ON Partners, a national retained executive search firm with headquarters in Hudson. “If what they say is true, we aren’t decades off from a peer-like relationship with some of this technology.”

ChatGPT, an AI-powered language model, is credited with starting the AI explosion. At its most simple form, think of having an online

conversation with the non-human “Nicole” or “Chad” who wants to help you return a pair of shoes that doesn’t fit. At its current highest level of sophistication, ChatGPT can also deliver data from space. ChatGPT’s competition is already fierce, and some soothsayers say most AI may be free to everyone someday.

Buck is in an insightful position. ON is transforming its AI data approach to further its own refinement of executive recruiting services that spans many industries, including technology, retail, automotive, industrial, restaurant/food and more. But the firm’s mission also is to connect its clients with the world’s best VP, C-suite and Board-level leaders. And those leaders are facing a deluge of AI and all of its ramifications.

“It’s like self-driving cars. In certain applications they are really good. But there will be niche situations where they are not perfect and they will still need human intervention,” says Buck. “That’s the challenge leaders are going to face today, tomorrow and over the next several years. When is it OK to take your hands off the wheel and when do you need to engage?”

Buck says he believes chief people officers (human resource officers) are trying to create a better, more diverse workforce. AI, he says, is invaluable in accomplishing that goal with more accuracy and efficiency in a shorter period of time. But the gap between human reality and AI reality is called disappointment, he says. A good leader’s vital discernment skills include trusting but verifying, but also deciphering reality.

So, say there is a fire in one of your manufacturing plants, and the AI data gives you an idea of what that means to your business (i.e., supply chain implications). But, Buck says, “context still matters.” A strong leader is one who understands the strengths and limits of AI and “will pick up the phone or have a cup of coffee with someone” to get the total, unbiased picture of that disaster.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION AND BELONGING (DEIB )

OVER THE NEXT FIVE TO SEVEN YEARS, AI WILL GET INCREASINGLY LIFELIKE. IT’S COME A LONG WAY IN A REALLY SHORT TIME.

- bryan buck Partner with ON Partners

You can’t fake it. Employers just can’t one day announce they are hiring minorities and under-represented individuals in their fields and expect qualified candidates to come knocking on their door, according to Jared Daly, president of Cleveland Society for Human Resource Management (Cleveland SHRM). Cleveland SHRM is a chapter of the International Society for Human Resource Management, with more than 300,000 members in 165 countries. Cleveland SHRM’s 600 members represent human resource professionals from the greater Cleveland area.

Daly says leaders of nonprofits and company heads, particularly those experiencing labor shortages, need to know the groups of people who have high rates of unemployment and determine how to find “the untapped workforce.” Then they can build trust and sincere relationships.

Otherwise, you can boast all you want about being an organization that embraces DEIB, but not everyone is going to buy your story. It’s a real challenge for many leaders, Daly says.

“Why does the United States send ambassadors to foreign places? It wants to build trust. Your organization needs to send ambassadors to groups that are important to you, and that can include African Americans, Latinos, the LGBTQ community, people with disabilities and in some instances, women, for example, who are underrepresented in the construction industry,” says Daly. But you can’t just go out one day and expect people to trust you. It can take weeks, months, years. Forming partnerships is important.”

Daly understands leaders don’t always have the time (or skills) to form those bonds.

“And that’s when leaders should assign people to represent them. They should say, ‘This is a commitment of mine. And I’d like you to carry it out for me.’ It’s not authentic if it’s not a long-term commitment,” says Daly.

In his role as coordinator of employer engagement services for the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities, Daly works with a team that educates others about hiring people with disabilities. The team is currently focused on working with the entertainment and hospitality industries to expand their hiring practices. Hiring expansion is any circumstance that makes for better leaders, better organizations and a better city, he says.

How important is DEIB? According to a recent report from Stanton Chase, companies that embrace diversity are 70% more likely to add new markets. Want to attract young workers? The same report showed that 75% of GenZ would think twice about working for a company if they believed it didn’t practice a fair amount of DEIB.

SUSTAINABILITY AND VIABILITY

Sustainability and viability have different definitions for leaders based on their affiliation, needs and goals. To a leader in the development and construction industries, they might mean determining how to build green without cutting into profits. To a manufacturer, they may mean making environmentally safe products that more and more consumers are demanding without taking a financial hit. To an accounting firm, they might mean how to continue a respected 100-year-old presence in a community without sacrificing its ability to stay in the black.

Most conscientious leaders are also now concerned about environmental, social and governance (ESG) investing. The practice is taking on more importance as potential funders and investors want answers to a variety of questions. What energy saving practices have you implemented in your firm? What are the working conditions for people in the factories that produce your product? Is the company a good corporate neighbor? And is the leader of a particular organization respected in the community?

A plan or a program that doesn’t match an investor’s beliefs will not likely get support from that individual or foundation with deep pockets.

Perhaps nowhere are sustainability and viability more personal — and touch more people directly — than the medical and health/wellness world.

LEADERSHIP TRANSITIONS

Several recent major changes in leadership have shaken up Northeast Ohio — some expected, some not. Other transitions have been quieter, but they still will produce significant ripples.

ArtsinStark, which enhances arts and culture in Stark County through community programs and grants, will see Maureen “Mo” Ater become the organization’s CEO June 1.

The Center for Community Solutions (CCS) tagged Emily Campbell as its new president and CEO. The organization focuses on health, social and economic issues. Campbell was formerly CCS’s chief operating officer.

Cleveland Ballet named Timour Bourtasenkov, co-founder of the Carolina Ballet, as its new artistic director. Cleveland Ballet board member Larry Goodman is serving as the company’s interim CEO.

Cleveland Guardians said “play ball!” to its new manager, Stephen Vogt, who replaced Terry “Tito” Francona after 11 seasons. Vogt, whose nickname is “Everything Bagel,” was part of the 2021 World Championship Atlanta Braves.

Cleveland Leadership Center will see President and CEO Marianne Crosley transition out of those roles this year. Crosley has held the position since 2010.

Climate Mayors, a bipartisan network representing 48 states that works to promote climate action, has named Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb as chair of the organization.

CNB’s ERIEBANK has promoted Wesley Gillespie to bank president. He follows David Zimmer, who accepted a new role as executive regional director.

Downtown Akron Partnership named Kimberly Beckett to vice president, and she also will serve as interim president.

The Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s president and CEO, Loretta Mester, will retire June 30, after holding the position since 2014.

JumpStart , a nonprofit that supports startup companies, named Julie Jacono as its new CEO. Jacono steps in for JumpStart’s founding CEO Ray Leach, who is working on a venture capital fund.

Preformed Line Products Co. (PLP) board of directors approved Dennis McKenna as CEO of the global energy and communications solutions provider. McKenna replaces Robert Ruhlman who becomes executive chairman of the company.

Premier Bank named Jack Schneider as the company’s new Cleveland market president.

Goodyear tapped Mark Stewart, former Stellantis (Chrysler) COO of North America, to be its president and CEO. Stewart took over for Rich Kramer Jan. 29 after his 24 years with the company.

Sherwin-Williams announced Heidi Petz as its new CEO. She had served as the company’s president (a title she will retain) and COO. Petz is the 10th CEO for the company, which marks its 158th year in 2024.

“We have to be very sensitive about the impact on patients and providers. But we also have to create and sustain a delivery model that is viable and sustainable,” says David Sylvan, chief strategy and innovation officer, University Hospitals (UH) and president, UH Ventures. “We can’t prioritize profitability over patient outcomes and patient experience. We must continue to make adjustments while we offer vital services to the populations we serve.”

To be both successful and responsible, medical leaders must embrace several imperative skills and traits, according to Sylvan.

The first is digital literacy. Remote doctors’ appointments are not new, of course, but an increase in this modality may help with efficiency and perhaps allow the consolidation of physical spaces used for health care delivery. Systems and medical professionals who excel at this type of offering will be greatly needed, and we can further differentiate ourselves.

“Do we always have to have these close encounters? How can we safely and intelligently transfer some of these offerings to remote or in-home care?” asks Sylvan, who lists less resistance to non-traditional delivery care models as the second skill health care leaders need. “We have a generation of providers that perhaps is a little more resistant to the pace of change, and a next generation that is more technologically fluent. But we always want to make sure that proficiency isn’t at the expense of in-person care and the humanity that underpins care delivery.”

Leading medical professionals also must possess “relentless inquisitiveness,” says Sylvan. Some individuals are born forever curious. But the ability to always question, and a thirst for more knowledge, is also something that can be taught, he says. Innovative health care systems, including UH, have “mechanisms in place” (with both formal programs and informal opportunities) to expose leaders and emerging leaders to situations where wondering why and how is encouraged.

“Nothing is guaranteed. But in a decade, I do believe health care delivery is not going to look like what it does today,” predicts Sylvan.

ARTS AND CULTURE

Cleveland’s arts and culture scene historically has been the envy of many other cities. In addition to the priceless contributions to education,

WE CAN’T PRIORITIZE PROFITABILITY OVER PATIENT OUTCOMES AND PATIENT EXPERIENCE. WE MUST CONTINUE TO MAKE ADJUSTMENTS WHILE WE OFFER VITAL SERVICES TO THE POPULATIONS WE SERVE.

david sylvan

creativity and the nourishment of our souls, the economic boost the region receives from museums, concerts, theater, etc., is impressive. According to the City of Cleveland Planning Commission, “the arts contribute more than $1.3 billion annually to the regional economy.”

“Cleveland also has one of the most publicly and privately supported arts communities in the country,” says Jeremy Johnson, who has been president and CEO of Assembly for the Arts, a regional arts council, since 2021.

Last fall, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture (CAC) awarded more than $10.75 million in grants to 300 nonprofit organizations for 2024. However, there has been some grumbling about who got what and how much. Johnson says he believes people’s concerns about how our sector is being supported should be put to rest with this year’s announcements that a half million dollars through the Assembly of Arts “will be put on the streets for individual artists.” Another $3 million will support the City of Cleveland’s “transformative public art project led by artists across the county.”

In addition, an expansion levy to extend the so-called “cigarette tax to support the arts” will be on the ballot this November. The current levy expires in 2027.

“We are full-steam ahead, and I am very optimistic,” says Johnson. “But the most important trait our leaders need now is to be unifiers.”

LEADERSHIP EXPECTATIONS

Leaders who surround themselves with the best IT people, financial officers and senior managers will generally look good if they don’t do something really unfortunate to expose any incompetencies. Honest, fair leaders often recognize that idea and frequently give credit to their staffs.

We have entered a stage, however, when we really expect more from our leaders and we want them to be All Things to Us All the Time. And that includes personal attributes such as being empathetic.

“We did a poll last December and found that 71% of human resource leaders now report directly to the CEO, president or executive director. That’s up 10% from the year before,” says Kelly Keefe, president of ERC, a provider of HR solutions. “I believe that leadership is realizing the importance of HR policies and procedures and, at least in Northeast Ohio, we are headed in the right direction.”

Keefe says with employees expecting flexible hours, hybrid work arrangements, competitive benefit packages, etc., “leaders realize they can’t just keep doing what they were doing.”

“It’s going to be hard (for leaders) to meet people where they are if you don’t know what they are looking for. A tool we use is an engagement survey that helps us understand what drives your employees, what makes them stay at your organization and what would make them leave,” says Keefe.

She says she believes the importance of a leader’s empathy level “depends on what the employees are looking for,” how important it is to them and if other qualities matter more. Different companies and organizations want different things in their leaders, she claims.

Perception helps. A leader may not be the kind (or have the time or opportunity) to give daily inspirational messages to a staff member, or personally talk with an employee who is a new mother juggling her job and parental duties, but there are ways for a leader and/or a company, organization or institution, to be more empathetic.

“A company may make nuts and bolts, and that’s not necessarily glamorous. But if you say that a portion of the company’s profits making those nuts and bolts goes to creating a well in a third-world country, that gives purpose,” says Keefe.

Also, the word “trust” keeps surfacing in many discussions about what leaders, companies and organizations need to work on in 2024. But it’s not just having your clients, customers or patients trust you. Leaders are nervous about turning their backs on those closest to them.

According to PwC’s most recent Global Leadership Forecast, less than half of leaders trust their managers “to do what’s right,” and less than a third trust their senior leaders. The stat begs the question, how can others trust you if you don’t trust your right-hand people? One suggestion from PwC as to how to build trust is for leaders to always share “the why” behind everything they do.

Hybrid and remote work have exposed a weakness among some leaders that wasn’t always apparent in the past. Employers and directors have just about given up on insisting all employees come into the office five days a week. (C-Suite Outlook 2024, compiled by The Conference Board, showed that just 4% of CEOs in America said “they would prioritize a full-time return to the office.”

That decision generally necessitates more leadership communication via digital environments. Whether it is a video call for a team meeting or a one-on-one between an employer and employee, effective communication skills are paramount.

It doesn’t always come naturally. Some leaders have traditionally enrolled in public speaking courses. Today, others find they need training to be their best on screen for conference calls, as well as knowing how to properly email, text and message without embarrassment or facing lawsuits.

LEADERSHIP EDUCATION

From formal, advanced degree-producing programs to casual but effective opportunities to learn, Cleveland offers a variety of leadership education options.

100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland sees leadership as one of its core values and works to instill that skill among young people in Cleveland and East Cleveland.

Black Women’s Leadership Project focuses on Black female professionals and entrepreneurs to help accelerate their rise to senior and executive level positions.

Cleveland Consulting Group is owned by executive and organization development expert Herb Stevenson and is geared to “unleashing personal and professional potential.”

Cleveland Leadership Center’s wide range of programs, events and customized offerings inspires leaders of all ages to drive positive community change.

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s 10-month Leadership Academy provides leadership and professional development for anyone with a minimum of three years legal experience.

Cleveland State University’s Center for Educational Leadership has created educational pathways for teacher leaders, principals and superintendents. Admission is by recruitment, invitation and nomination, with fully online cohorts that start in fall and spring each year.

Cuyahoga Community College’s Corporate College offers professional development courses that include business and leadership classes.

CWRU School of Law’s Academy for Inclusive Leadership Development prepares participants to take on leadership roles to create change.

CWRU Weatherhead School of Management Leadership

Deep Dive program is designed for senior executives who seek new and innovative ways to advance their organizations.

Hispanic Alliance Leadership Development and Initiative (HALDI) is a redesigned leadership development program to attract a wider net of participants.

The Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation invests in development of leaders in educational, nonprofit and private sector institutions.

The Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences at CWRU offers a master’s degree in social work and nonprofit organizations. The Mandel Institute for Nonprofit Leadership is a 16-month program designed to strengthen the capacities of leaders and potential leaders.

The Neighborhood Development Leadership Development Program cultivates diverse leadership abilities of Cleveland residents.

John Carroll University’s Educational Leadership program prepares teachers and other educational professionals for career opportunities in leadership roles in schools, districts and educational agencies.

Neighborhood Leadership Institute partners with agencies and institutions to work and train public and emerging leaders to bring about change. Neighborhood Leadership Cleveland is its flagship program for grassroots leadership development.

Women for Economic Leadership Training (WELD), Cleveland Chapter, develops and advances women’s leadership to strengthen economic prosperity of the community it serves.

Senior

County

David

Elizabeth

Martin

Ira

Ethan

Douglas

Shari

Michael Ode

John

Rick

Scott

Ted Otero ...................................... 89

President/Owner, Otero Signature Homes

Dominic Ozanne ............................. 92

President & CEO, Ozanne Construction Co.

Richard Pace 92

CEO, Cumberland Development LLC

Andrew J. Paine 35

President, Key Institutional Bank

Gilbert Palmer 70

President, Mercy Health, Lorain Hospital

Gary Panteck ................................. 46

Owner, Brunswick Auto Mart

John Panza.................................... 59

President, Panza Foundation

Tony Panzica 92

President & CEO, Panzica Construction

Joan Papp 72

Founder, Project Dawn

Patrick Pastore 35

Regional President, Cleveland, PNC Bank

Tom Patridge ................................. 35

Regional

Jeffery

Don

Eddie

Jason

Felton

Adrian

Catherine

Gabriel

Michael

Carmen

Patricia

Partner

Douglas

Shareholder

Taras

EVP &

Matthew

Office

Adrian

Co-Partner

Thomas

Managing

Margaret

Kyle 83

President & CEO, The Timken Co.

Steve Laserson 83

President & CEO, Vitamix

Todd Leebow.................................. 83

President & CEO, Majestic Steel USA

Rebecca Liebert ............................. 82

President & CEO, Lubrizol

Thomas Lozik 83 CEO, Swagelok

Robert McBride 83 CEO, Scott Fetzer Co.

Daryll McNair 83

President & CEO, MVP Plastics Corp.

Sundaram Nagarajan ....................... 83

President & CEO, Nordson Corp.

Gary Oatey..................................... 83

Chairman, Oatey

Jonathan Pertchik .......................... 83

President

Heidi

Karen

William

Bistro 83

Doug Hensel .................................. 92

Vice President of Operations, Ryan Homes

Gary Hribar 92

CEO, Osborn Engineering

Brian Hurtuk 87

Retired Managing Director, Colliers International

Alan Jaffa 92

CEO, Safeguard Properties

Matt Janiak ................................... 87

Senior Principal, Northeast Region Leader, DLR Group

Jason Jones .................................. 87

Senior Vice President, Turner Construction Co.

Chris Kamis ................................... 87

President, Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc.

Nathan Kelly .................................. 87

President & Managing Director, Cushman & Wakefield | CRESCO

Rustom Khouri ............................... 88

President & CEO, Carnegie Management and Development Corp.

Bo Knez ........................................ 92

President & CEO, BR Knez Construction Inc.

Mitch Lapin 92

President, Fortney & Weygandt Inc.

Ronald Ledin 92

Chairman & CEO, Middough Inc.

Sandra Madison 88

CEO & Chairperson, Robert P. Madison International Inc.

Ari Maron ..................................... 92

Partner, MRN Ltd.

Adelbert “Chip” Marous ................... 88

CEO/President, Marous Brothers Construction

Ken Marous ................................... 88

Vice President, Marous Brothers Construction

Kyle Merrill 89

Senior Vice President - Senior Business

Leader, Gilbane Building Co.

Douglas Miller 92

President & CEO, Richard Jacobs Group

Gary Naim 92

Owner, Petros Homes Inc.

Alex Nemet .................................... 92

Owner, Northeast Factory Direct

Kevin Nowak .................................. 89

President & CEO, CHN Housing Partners

James Orr ..................................... 92

President & Owner, Dover Home Remodelers

Rick Osborne 92

Managing Director, The Osborne Group

Ted Otero 89

President/Owner, Otero Signature Homes

Dominic Ozanne 92

President & CEO, Ozanne Construction Co.

Richard Pace ................................. 92

CEO, Cumberland Development LLC

Tony Panzica ................................. 92

President & CEO, Panzica Construction

Mike Payne 92

Vice President of Operations, Payne & Payne Builders

Gayle Pinchot 92

President, Frank Novak & Sons

Doug E. Price III 92

CEO, K&D Group

Group, Green Quest

J. David Heller ............................... 92

President, CEO and Co-Founder, The NRP Group

Mitchell C. Schneider ...................... 89

Founder & Executive Chairman, First Interstate Properties Ltd.

James Ruhlin Jr. 92

President & CEO, The Ruhlin Co.

Neil Sackett ................................... 92

President & CEO, Carter Lumber

Marketing Managing Partner

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, University of Maryland; bachelor’s degree in accounting and international business, Penn State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Do the right thing.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Dwight D. Eisenhower, Nick Saban, David Novak and Doug Conant

Whom I Would Call for Advice: If I could, my grandfather, who was successful and had his own business but never went to college. I wish I was able to know him as an adult, because I am sure he would have had some great business advice.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Perseverance

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Focus on what you can learn and not how much you work.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Focus on relationships. In the end, they are what matter. And that thing called a computer — learn as much as you can about that and how to leverage it to make your life easier — it’s going to be everywhere in the future.

Kuno Bell Managing Partner

Pease Bell CPAs

Education: Case Western Reserve University School of Law; Cleveland State University

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Judith Love Cohen. In 1969 while in labor, she finished the schematics for the Apollo electric system, and when she finished, she gave birth to her son, the comedian Jack Black.

Favorite Quote: “But despite the fact that the doctors treated him, bled him and gave him medicine to drink — he recovered.” — Leo Tolstoy. (As a professional, we need to help our team and our clients move forward and not backward.)

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Bartender. I was a bartender at the Roxy Bar and Grille while I was in college in the late 80s. I love people.

Proudest Moment: Passing the Mensa test and being accepted

Hobby/Passion: Skiing and running

If I Could Relive One Moment: The last time I hugged my mother and said “goodbye”

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Daniel Craig

Jim Carulas

CEO

Meaden & Moore LLP

Education: Miami University

What Guides My Decision-Making: The best interest of my employees, clients and partners

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Abraham Lincoln

Favorite Quote: “The best way to predict your future is to create it.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Listening

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Never stop asking questions and never stop learning.

Proudest Moment: Watching my daughters graduate, thrive and succeed, one in law and the other in business.

My Biography Would Be Called: A Work in Progress

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: This doesn’t matter.

If I Could Relive One Moment: Spending another day with my dad!

Richard Fedorovich

Executive Chairman

Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Akron

What Guides My Decision-Making: Do the right thing, especially when no one is looking.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: John F. Kennedy, Fr. Theodore Hesburgh (Notre Dame), Muhamad Ali and Jim Tressel

Favorite Quote: “If it was easy, anyone could do it.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Integrity If I Could Have Any Other Job: It would be Roger Penske’s, in all respects!

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Think before hitting send; listen twice as much as you speak. My Biography Would Be Called: The Good, the Bad and the Difficult

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: It is OK to fall; the important thing is getting back up.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Matt Damon

Jerry Grisko

President & CEO CBIZ

Education: Doctoral degree, Case Western Reserve University School of Law; bachelor’s degree in business administration/finance, Kent State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: A strong sense of ethics and a commitment to integrity. The first thought that comes to mind when faced with an important decision is to do the right thing, even if it is not the easiest or most popular path.

Favorite Quote: “Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.” — Henry Ford

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My father. He was an amazing man whom I looked up to and always sought out for thoughtful guidance and direction.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: A youth football coach to help positively shape young people and teach important lessons of self-confidence, leadership, teamwork and resiliency

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Become the member of the team who makes the team stronger.

Brian Marita

Managing Partner

Ciuni & Panichi Inc.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, John Carroll University

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: George Washington

Favorite Quote: “If you could kick the person in the pants responsible for most of your trouble, you wouldn’t sit for a month.” — Theodore Roosevelt Whom I Would Call for Advice: My dad, knowing he would carefully listen, be thoughtful, keep it simple and give me his honest opinion

Most Important Leadership Quality: Be your genuine and true self so others trust your character and are willing to tackle challenges with you.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Musician (if I only had any musical talent)!

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Don’t let yesterday take up too much of today.

Hobby/Passion: Traveling, trying various ethnic foods and gardening

Education: John Carroll University

What Guides My Decision-Making: A strategic plan we put in place in 2020 that covers a 10-year period. It provides overall long-term vision and short-term goals and objectives to make decisions that are timely and focused.

Favorite Quote: “The secret of change is to focus all your energy not on fighting the old but on building the new.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Emotional intelligence

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Be a sponge. Learn and absorb everything you can — it will take you farther than you ever imagined.

Hobby/Passion: My two daughters and my position as CEO (in that order)

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Ed Norton maybe, because I think he is a great actor!

Randy Myeroff

Non-Executive Chairman

Cohen & Co.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Ithaca College

What Guides My Decision-Making: Stay grounded in integrity and principles. Avoid making short-term decisions for short-term gains. Always focus on improving and enhancing the customer experience.

Favorite Quote: “A strong, lasting marriage is nothing more than two imperfect people who choose to never give up on each other.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My wife, Christine. She gets to the bottom of issues very quickly, always has my best interests at heart and is not shy about helping me see my blind spots.

Most Important Leadership Quality: The best leaders seem to recognize there are no “right” answers, seek out the perspectives of others and celebrate the mistakes and experimentation.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Start your day early so you can be organized, focused and in full stride before most everyone else has even gotten their morning coffee.

Barnes Wendling CPAs

Education: Doctoral degree, Cleveland-Marshall (Cleveland State University) College of Law

What Guides My Decision-Making: Your values should remain constant, but you must be nimble in executing your business strategy.

Favorite Quote: “People don’t care what you know until they know that you care.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: Warren Buffett

Most Important Leadership Quality: Trustworthiness and the ability to make a decision

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Manager of the Cleveland Guardians

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Surround yourself with people who challenge you.

My Biography Would Be Called: Ready, Shoot, Aim

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: No risk, no reward

Hobby/Passion: Ohio State football

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Brad Pitt, of course

Jonathon Ruple

Managing Shareholder Maloney + Novotny LLC

Education: University of Dayton

What Guides My Decision-Making: Is the decision what is best for the firm? How does it impact the team? Do the economics make sense?

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My father

Most Important Leadership Quality: Communication

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Listen, observe and do not be afraid to ask questions.

Proudest Moment: The birth of my two children

Hobby/Passion: Watching my 16-year-old and 14-year-old sons play baseball

Brian Seidner

Managing Director, Lake Erie Markets

The Siegfried Group

Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting and business, Muskingum University

Favorite Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

— Maya Angelo

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My grandfather. He passed away when I was 14, but I learned so much from him about respect, equality and integrity.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Being of service to others while empowering passion and inspiration in a positive and motivating way

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Communicate, be proactive and ambitious, follow through, be receptive to feedback and open-minded, have courage, build strong relationships, be genuine, be kind and courteous to everyone you work with, take accountability and responsibility, learn from your failures, share credit and be grateful.

Paul Wellener Principal Deloitte LLC

Education: Master’s degree, Carnegie Mellon University; bachelor’s degree, University of Pennsylvania

Favorite Quote: “If it feels good, don’t do it or say it.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My wife

Most Important Leadership Quality: Trust

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Owning a professional sports team

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Do all the hard things, even when no one is watching.

Hobby/Passion: Pickleball, spectator sports and cycling, among other things

Rick Lash

Regional President Rea & Associates

Robert Littman

Northeast Ohio Managing Partner BDO USA

Gregg Muresan Cleveland Office

Managing Partner

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

James Mylen Global Lead Partner KPMG

Joseph Pease Jr. Chairman

Pease Bell CPAs

Monte Repasky Managing Partner

Ernst & Young

Gregory Skoda Senior Partner Marcum LLP

Education: Bachelor’s degree in art history, Oberlin College

What Guides My Decision-Making: Curiosity and a desire to innovate

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Marcel Duchamp

Favorite Quote: “Art is the highest form of hope.” — Gerhard Richter

Whom I Would Call for Advice: ChatGPT

Most Important Leadership Quality: A vision for the future

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Stop making plans, and start looking for opportunities.

My Biography Would Be Called: Life of a Salesman (with apologies to Arthur Miller)

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: It gets better.

Hobby/Passion: Collecting art

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Leslie Howard

Rhonda Brown

Senior Strategist Arts Culture & Creative Economy City of Cleveland

Education: Master’s degree in art history, University of Wisconsin-Madison; bachelor’s degree in painting & drawing and art history, The Ohio State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Understanding the vision and goal

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Alma Thomas, artist

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My son, Avery Most Important Leadership Quality: Relationship building

Proudest Moment: Being the mother of two amazing student athletes from two outstanding schools

Avery (25), graduate of Amherst College, and Isaac (18), rising freshman at Georgetown University

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Care for yourself first so you can be your best for others.

Biggest Regret: Not applying to Spelman College

If I Could Relive One Moment: The last conversations I had with my parents before they got Alzheimer’s and dementia

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Regina King

Kirsten Ellenbogen

Great Lakes Science Center

Education: Doctoral degree in science education

What Guides My Decision-Making: Always balancing a mix of data that drives decision-making with an understanding of how it impacts people

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: I feel lucky to have so many thoughtful people around me that I can look to day-to-day life to be inspired.

Whom I Would Call for Advice: One of the many benefits of being in a community with many museums is the many peers I have here.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Being a great listener

If I Could Have Any Other Job: I’d still choose the dream job I have now.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Cleveland is full of leaders who are willing to share history, make introductions and talk through challenges. Don’t hesitate to ask.

Hobby/Passion: Hiking, reading and listening to whatever music my teenagers are excited about.

Bill Garvey

President

The Greater Cleveland Film Commission

Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing and communications, University of Notre Dame

What Guides My Decision-Making: I trust my gut but back it up with data.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Abraham Lincoln

Favorite Quote: “You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated.” — Maya Angelou

If I Could Have Any Other Job: History teacher

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Seek mentors who do what you want to do at a high level, and sponge up every bit of knowledge you can from them.

My Biography Would Be Called: The Traveler: A Motion Picture Location Scout’s Journey Through the United States

Biggest Regret: Inadvertently turning down a job offer to work on a Steven Spielberg movie

If I Could Relive One Moment: My four years working on the TV show The Sopranos

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Liam Neeson

Lucinda Einhouse

President & CEO

Beck Center for the Arts

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, Cleveland State University; bachelor’s degree in music, Kent State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Strategic intent, fairness and consensus

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Hedy Lamarr, actor and technology inventor

Favorite Quote: “All creative people want to do the unexpected.” — Hedy Lamarr

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My husband, Tom Einhouse, has been my go-to person for over 40 years.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Humility

If I Could Have Any Other Job: I’d play the electric bass in a blues band.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Always keep learning and building authentic relationships.

Proudest Moment: Finishing our Creating Our Future capital campaign was a highlight.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: What other people think of me is none of my business.

Greg Harris

President & CEO

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Education: Master’s degree, Cooperstown Graduate Program for History and Museum Studies; bachelor’s degree in history, Temple University

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Joe Strummer, lead singer of The Clash. He is also the source of one of my favorite quotes: “The way you get a better world is, you don’t put up with substandard anything.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: The ability to lead through uncertainty and change while ensuring your entire team remains connected to each other and focused on the mission

Proudest Moment: One of my proudest moments at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame was when our team delivered the first post-pandemic induction ceremony in 2021 with a sold-out Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse and every hotel room in Cleveland.

Hobby/Passion: One of my deepest passions is supporting live music and frequently attending shows at our local venues.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in economics, Sydney University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Instinct and experience

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Christopher Isherwood

Favorite Quote: “Do you know what happens if you don’t take any risks? Nothing.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: Art Falco

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Don’t ever underestimate your ability to succeed.

My Biography Would Be Called: Behind the Fourth Wall

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: You won’t believe what is in store for you.

Biggest Regret: Not taking that trip to India all those years ago

If I Could Relive One Moment: Presenting Swan Lake in Paris

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Tom Hanks

Megan Lykins Reich

Kohl Executive Director

Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa) Cleveland

Education: Master’s degree in art history and museum studies, Case Western Reserve University; bachelor’s degree in studio art and art history, Penn State University

Favorite Quote: “Everything will be OK in the end. If it is not OK, it’s not the end.” — John Lennon

Whom I Would Call for Advice: Anyone I know whose experience and perspective would provide relevant insights to the issue at hand. That can range from my husband and kids to my colleagues, board and peers.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Writer on a sketch comedy show

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Listen, read, ask lots of questions, take great notes and be present.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Spend as much time with your older family members as you can, listening to their stories and learning about your past.

Hobby/Passion: I am passionate about laughing, spending time with family and dear friends, roller coasters, being near water, art, college football, seasonal decorating, wine tastings, a great night’s sleep and potato chips.

Paul Hogle

President

& CEO

Cleveland Institute of Music

Education: Bachelor’s degree in music management (business), University of Evansville

What Guides My Decision-Making: A relentless pursuit of Cleveland Institute of Music’s mission through the career lens of our current and future students

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Beethoven

Favorite Quote: “Hope is not a strategy; hope is a function of struggle.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Integrity. Whoever walks in integrity walks securely, but whoever takes crooked paths will be found out.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: The person who rakes golf course sand traps each morning

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: We can do anything, but we can’t do everything.

Hobby/Passion: Golfing (poorly), gardening, fishing, reading and doing home repairs

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Jim Gaffigan (the comedian, not the conductor!)

Mallory Martin

Artistic Director

Cleveland International Film Festival

Education: Ohio University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Balance

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Favorite Quote: “Fight for the things that you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.” — Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Most Important Leadership Quality: Listening

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Detective

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Slow down.

Hobby/Passion: Escape rooms

If I Could Relive One Moment: My son saying “mama” for the first time

Nicolé Ledinek

Interim Executive Director SPACES

Education: Master’s degree, leadership, in museum education, Bankstreet College of Education

What Guides My Decision-Making: Caring for people — aim to elevate the group and support their growth as leaders.

Favorite Quote: “One can choose to go back toward safety or forward toward growth. Growth must be chosen again and again; fear must be overcome again and again.” — Abraham Maslow

Most Important Leadership Quality: Curiosity

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Get to know the mission of an organization, then understand how your role can live the mission.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Mindset is everything.

Nathan Motta

Artistic Director Dobama Theatre

Education: Master’s degree in music, Eastman School; bachelor’s degree, Carnegie Mellon University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Trust, care, inspiration and logic

Favorite Quote: “Whatever you do won’t be enough ... Try anyway.” — Barack Obama

Whom I Would Call for Advice: Tony Sias

Most Important Leadership Quality: Empathy

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Small forward for the Cleveland Cavaliers

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Take care of yourself. Apply your oxygen mask first so you can take care of others.

Hobby/Passion: Basketball, great movies, hiking, working out and playing with our dogs

If I Could Relive One Moment: Sunset gondola ride in Venice on my honeymoon or playing checkers with my grandfather

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Bobby Cannavale

Edward Moydell

Holden Forests & Gardens

Education: Master’s degree in public garden management, University of Delaware

What Guides My Decision-Making: Organizational mission, employee needs, intuition, logic, context and shared ownership/shared definition of success

Most Important Leadership Quality: Authenticity, integrity and courage to do the right thing

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Listen and learn. Once you’ve done that, listen and learn more.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Commit to your passion. Understand that the universe has larger plotlines that may only make sense years later. Everything ultimately falls into place.

Hobby/Passion: Gardening and riding my scooter

Effie Nunes

Executive Director

Cleveland Arts Prize

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, Kent State University; bachelor’s degree, Cleveland State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: I prioritize integrity, transparency and collaboration in all aspects of work.

Favorite Quote: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” — Plato

Most Important Leadership Quality: The trio of vision, integrity and empathy

Proudest Moment: Professionally, the time I survived a weeklong visit by Tony Award-winning performer Ben Vereen at Kent State University. Personally, whenever any of our four children achieves something they are proud of and share with us.

Hobby/Passion: I’m very devoted to my Greek Orthodox heritage.

If I Could Relive One Moment: Enjoying a meal with my dad, Angelo Sikoutris

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Sandra Bullock

CONGRATULATIONS

Stamy Paul

President & Founder

Graffiti HeArt Corp.

Education: Master’s degree in business, Baldwin Wallace University; bachelor’s degree in psychology, Kent State University

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Princess Diana Whom I Would Call for Advice: My dad. He’s gone now, but he’s still giving me advice.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Work hard; take initiative; nothing is owed to you.

Proudest Moment: Achieving the 10-year milestone for Graffiti HeArt nonprofit in 2024 — commissioning over 60 public murals, funding 59 scholarships, engaging 100-plus artists, opening the Graffiti HeArt Gallery & Museum in Cleveland, launching StreetHeArt Tours and bringing some of the biggest legends of street art from around the world to Cleveland, Ohio

My Biography Would Be Called: From Street Smarts to Street HeArts

Hobby/Passion: Collecting art, traveling and making friends at the neighborhood hangouts

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Charlize Theron, of course!

Education: Master’s degree in acting, Ohio University; bachelor’s degree in dramatic art, Jackson State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: My intuitive sense of what is right under the given circumstance and not being rushed into making a decision

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Grace Bumbry

Favorite Quote: “Emotional falls always are the worst and there are no crutches to swing back on.” — Nikki Giovanni

Most Important Leadership Quality: My ability to listen and to be fully present in the conversation

My Biography Would Be Called: Y Not As Is (my first name backward and my last name inverted)

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Don’t be in a hurry to be an adult.

Biggest Regret: Not valuing time as a young person

Hobby/Passion: Landscaping and gardening

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Blair Underwood

Catherine Timko

Executive Director

Lake Erie Nature & Science Center

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Hiram College

What Guides My Decision-Making: Adhere to the nonprofit organization’s mission; provide value to people benefiting from its programs; involve key employees and use philanthropic contributions wisely.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Elberta Wagner Fleming, who gave life to a compelling vision to teach children about nature and science when founding our organization in 1945

Whom I Would Call for Advice: I have worked with a leadership coach certified by the International Coaching Federation.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Empowering others

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Create and build an engaging and trusting culture among employees.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: You are on the right track.

Hobby/Passion: Bird-watching and enjoying the outdoors

Stephanie White

General Manager

Greater Cleveland Aquarium

Education: Ohio University

What Guides My Decision-Making: I make sure to consider the whole picture while thinking through all the logistical details.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Be willing to listen, accept feedback and pivot.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: I think back to one when I was starting my career — living on an island conducting sea turtle nesting research. That experience blended science, nature and conservation, and it still inspires me today.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Surround yourself with great teammates, and be willing to do the hard work.

Proudest Moment: I overcame a journey with breast cancer, believing in hope and inner strength.

Congratulations...

to Dr. Kirsten M. Ellenbogen and all of the Cleveland 500 influencers. Dr. Ellenbogen remains committed to creating opportunities for the next generation of Greater Clevelanders to see themselves as tomorrow’s science leaders.

Sonia Winner

President & CEO

Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Education: Strategic Perspectives in Nonprofit Management program, Harvard Business School; Cleveland State University College of Law; Bowling Green State University

Greatest Inspiration: My grandmother, who always welcomed everyone to her dining table. The daughter of Italian immigrants, she lost her mother during the Spanish flu epidemic. She had a hearty laugh, a great smile, and she knew how to have a great time. She taught me the importance of generosity.

Best Advice: The best advice I can give is to not be afraid to dream big. There is nothing that cannot be achieved; you just have to believe that it can be done through planning, hard work and intention.

Proudest Moment: When I was asked for directions in Paris

Important Lessons Learned: The most important lesson I have learned in life is to never stop learning.

Hobby/Passion: Reading and travel

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Catherine Deneuve or Anita Ekberg

Raymond Bobgan

Executive Artistic Director

Cleveland Public Theatre

Kelly Falcone

President & CEO

Western Reserve Historical Society

André Gremillet

President & CEO Cleveland Orchestra

William Griswold

Director & President Cleveland Museum of Art

Kathryn Heidemann

President

Cleveland Institute of Art

Jeremy Johnson

President & CEO Assembly for the Arts

James (Jim) Porter

President Pro Football Hall of Fame

BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS CONGRATULATES LUCINDA “CINDY” EINHOUSE, OUR PRESIDENT & CEO!

Thank you for over 16 years of your leadership. As our “Arts Enabler,” Cindy equips others to create their art and do their best work. Find out more about this arts organization in the West End of Lakewood at BeckCenter.org.

Education: Bedford High School

Proudest Moment: I am most proud of the partners at Union Home Mortgage who grow in their career and their commitment to our culture.

Biggest Regret: Not having confidence when I began my career — I could have been a bit more ambitious from the start.

Hobby/Passion: Spending time with my family and friends with whom I grew up.

Todd Federman Managing Director

North Coast Ventures

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, Duke University; bachelor’s degree in finance, Kent State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Great ideas and great startup teams

Favorite Quote: “We are our choices.” — Jeff Bezos

Most Important Leadership Quality: Resilience

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Watch and listen

Jim

Geuther

Head of Middle Market, Midwest Truist Financial

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, Weatherhead School of Management, Case Western Reserve University; bachelor’s degree, Miami University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Character and logic

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Jesus Christ

Favorite Quote: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” — Philippians 4:13

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My dad

Most Important Leadership Quality: Servant leadership

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Always be willing and open to learn. Practice being professionally persistent, as good things may come to those who wait, but only the things left by those who hustle.

Proudest Moment: Becoming a parent and a grandparent

Gillespie

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Youngstown State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: How the outcome impacts people and aligns with core values

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Martin Luther King Jr.

Favorite Quote: “To whom much is given, much is required.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My wife, Desiree, and twin brother, Presley

Most Important Leadership Quality: Trustworthiness

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Always think about the future and pick your friends wisely.

Proudest Moment: When my daughter became an adult and told me she admired me

My Biography Would Be Called: The Road Wasn’t Paved, but I Still Got Here

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Pick friends carefully and enjoy the journey.

Hobby/Passion: Watch-collecting

Chris Gorman Chairman & CEO KeyCorp

Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, Miami University

What Guides My Decision-Making: I believe surrounding yourself with strong, talented and engaged leaders with diverse experiences and backgrounds is critical to making sound decisions. Hearing and considering a variety of perspectives leads to outcomes that are more fulsome, productive and, ultimately, better for the company.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Resilience

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Be a team player and build strong relationships within and outside your immediate network.

Proudest Moment: Being named chairman and CEO of KeyCorp has been the proudest moment of my career. I consider it a great privilege to lead this talented team — 17,000 strong — and a company with a nearly 200-year-old legacy as a responsible bank and corporate citizen.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: It’s never too early to discover your passion, so find something that you truly love to do and find ways to make an impact.

Kara Lewis

Senior Managing Director/ SVP

Bernstein Private Wealth Management

Education: Denison University

Favorite Quote: “Leadership is not about being in charge. It’s about taking care of those in your charge.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Without empathy, it is challenging to build connections.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: When I was in sixth grade, I wrote a report on why I wanted to become the first woman president of the United States … However, I’m not sure politics is for me at this point.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: You don’t need to be the smartest person in the room, but you do need to ask good questions.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Don’t worry about what others think. The truth is, they aren’t even thinking about you.

Biggest Regret: I always wish I had gone abroad for [a] semester.

Hobby/Passion: Spending time with family and friends at our lake house

Stewart Kohl Co-CEO

The Riverside Co.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Oberlin College

What Guides My Decision-Making: Measuring risk versus return using history as a guide

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Winston Churchill

Favorite Quote: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Ability to communicate with nearly everyone

Hobby/Passion: Cycling and, in particular, the cancer research fundraiser VeloSano

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Brad Pitt. Just kidding — George Clooney

Jeneen Marziani

Cleveland Market President and Ohio State President Bank of America

Education: Miami University

What Guides My Decision-Making: I weigh the pros and cons. I’ll seek advice if needed, trust my instincts and make choices that resonate with my values.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Amelia Earhart

Favorite Quote: “Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” — Mahatma Gandhi

Most Important Leadership Quality: Effective communication. It fosters understanding, collaboration and vision.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Be proactive, seek advice, don’t be afraid to make a mistake and contribute.

My Biography Would Be Called: Don’t Stop — Pick Yourself Up and Keep Going

Biggest Regret: Not taking time off right after graduating from college

If I Could Relive One Moment: My early parenting years. It felt like a blur, and I did not appreciate how quickly the time goes.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Michele Pfeiffer

Loretta J. Mester

President & CEO Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland

Education: Doctoral degree in economics and master’s degree in economics, Princeton University; bachelor’s degree in mathematics and economics, Barnard College of Columbia University

Favorite Quote: Here are two I like: “It is a very great art to talk eloquently and well, but an equally great one is to know the right moment to stop.” — Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in a letter quoting his great grandfather; “The oxen are slow but the earth is patient.” — 1983 Tom Selleck movie, High Road to China

Most Important Leadership Quality: Listening and not being afraid to act and course-correct

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Opera singer (if only I had the talent!)

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Realize that not making a decision is actually making a decision. Biggest Regret: Life is too short for regrets.

Hobby/Passion: Opera and classical music

Education: Ithaca College

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My wife, Lois — the smartest person I know

Most Important Leadership Quality: Ability to hire good people and get out of their way

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Seaplane pilot in Alaska

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Refuse to become a victim of the circumstances.

Biggest Regret: Pushing so hard to move forward, when I should have spent more time in the moment

Hobby/Passion: Flying — I have had my pilot’s license for 35 years.

Maria Prevesk

Regional Banking Executive First National Bank

Education: Cleveland State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: I am proud to work for a company where we make decisions based on strong values. We never lose sight of our commitment to do what is right, whether we are providing innovative solutions for clients, an engaging workplace for our team, support for our communities or value for shareholders.

Favorite Quote: “Success is not final; failure is not fatal. It is the courage to continue that counts.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Empathy. Without it, it’s hard to relate or motivate.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Motivational speaker

Proudest Moment: The birth of my three children

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Life is short. Love, forgive, work hard, have fun and respect others, and great things will happen.

Hobby/Passion: My family is my passion. My hobbies are all sports related, as a fan, parent and coach’s wife!

Robert Smith

Partner, Ohio Market Leader Cerity Partners

Education: Master’s degree in finance, Duquesne University; bachelor’s degree in business administration (accounting), Ohio Northern University

What Guides My Decision-Making: To spend 80% of my time defining the problem and 20% thinking about solutions

Favorite Quote: “There is nothing better than to be on a shared mission with extraordinary people who can be radically truthful and radically transparent with each other.” — Ray Dalio

Most Important Leadership Quality: To demonstrate the courage of your convictions

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: If you know your values, decision-making is easy. Beware, however — your values can be expensive.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: To be a bullfighter, you first must learn to think like a bull.

Biggest Regret: Not running for elected office

Education: Case Western Reserve University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Decision-making is about understanding the problem at hand and considering the possible alternatives based on your perspectives and experiences. Then evaluate your decision based on others’ perspectives and potential unintended consequences of your decision.

Favorite Quote: “There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called yesterday and the other is called tomorrow.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Empathy

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Cleveland Browns running back (yes, not likely)

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: My father used to always say, “The business of business is people, and if you want to succeed in business, you must understand how to read and motivate people.”

Grant Beard

Operating Partner

Blue Point Capital

Rudy Bentlage

Executive DirectorMarket Executive

JP Morgan Chase Bank

Michael E. Brosky

President First Federal Savings of Lorain Bank

Fred Cummings

Founder & President

Elizabeth Park Capital Management

Ralph Della Ratta

Partner

Kirtland Capital Partners

Fred DiSanto

Chairman & CEO

Ancora

William Elliott Jr.

Senior Vice President Dollar Bank

Heather Ettinger Chairwoman

Luma Wealth Advisors

Brian Gevry CEO, Co-CIO

Boyd Watterson Asset Management

Michael Gibbons

Founder & Senior Managing Director

Brown Gibbons Lang & Co.

David Goldberg

Principal

Edgerton Investments

James R. Heslop II

CEO

The Middlefield Banking Co.

Frank Linsalata

Founder & Chairman

Linsalata Capital Partners

James Malz

Midwest Regional Executive & Ohio President

Citizens

Andrew J. Paine

President

Key Institutional Bank

Patrick Pastore

Regional President, Cleveland PNC Bank

Tom Patridge

Regional PresidentNorthern Ohio Fifth Third Bank

Jim Petras

Managing Director

Early Stage Partners

Timothy Phillips

President & CEO

First Federal Lakewood

Sean Richardson

Northeast Ohio Region

President

Huntington National Bank

Marc Stefanski

Chairman & CEO

Third Federal

Stephen Strnisha

CEO

Cleveland International Fund

Michael Toth

Chairman, President & CEO Westfield Bank

James Wert

Chairman, Managing Board & Senior Client Adviser

CM Wealth Advisors

Alan Zang

Regional President, Northeast & Central Ohio Markets U.S. Bank

Congratulations

to KeyBank’s Chairman and CEO Chris Gorman for being named one of the 500 most influential people in Cleveland!

On behalf of the entire team, we are grateful for your leadership, passion, dedication, and enduring commitment to excellence to support our clients, our teammates, and our communities.

Your example inspires us to bring – and give – our best every day, and we look forward to all that we will accomplish together in the future.

Cleveland Jewish Publication Co.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, The Ohio State University

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein. Their persistence, courage and integrity as journalists is awe-inspiring.

Favorite Quote: “Control the controllable.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Do not treat others the way you want to be treated, but treat them the way they want to be treated.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: A Hollywood actor or restaurateur — or both simultaneously

Proudest Moment: I have yet to find a prouder moment in my life than the day that I became a father and the day my wife and I brought a second child into the world.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Edward Norton

Jeffrey Ahola

CEO & Board Chairman

The Ahola Corp.

Education: Executive master’s degree in business administration, family business focus, Kennesaw State University; master’s degree in business administration, Pepperdine University; bachelor’s degree in business administration, computer science and marketing, The Ohio State University; associate degree in arts, Lorain County Community College

What Guides My Decision-Making: Living by the golden rule

Favorite Quote: “Cherish your visions and your dreams, as they are the children of your soul, the blueprints of your ultimate achievements.” — Napolean Hill

Most Important Leadership Quality: “Sisu,” a Finnish word loosely translated as “stoic determination, tenacity of purpose, grit, bravery, resilience and hardiness”

My Biography Would Be Called: Peace, Love and Sisu

Biggest Regret: Missing the last spot on The Ohio State University golf team as a transferring junior and not pressing on with collegiate golf!

If I Could Relive One Moment: It would be to view my first hole-in-one, which, at 217 yards, was the longest hole-in-one in the United States for 10 months.

Ralph Dise President

Dise & Co.

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, Bowling Green State University; bachelor’s degree in English, Westminster College

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Ulysses S. Grant. He failed time and time again. Yet, he successfully left an important mark on the world.

Most Important Leadership Quality: I’m a careful listener. I’ve disciplined myself to keep my mouth shut even when doing so feels unbearable. I used to give everyone advice. Then I realized most people desperately need to be heard.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: First chair trumpet player of The Cleveland Orchestra

Proudest Moment: The first time Dise & Co. received the Weatherhead 100 Award

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Focus all your energy on chemistry class and advanced algebra.

Hobby/Passion: Learning, practicing and playing guitar

If I Could Relive One Moment: The birthday concert I performed for my 60th birthday

Gina Drosos

Signet Jewelers

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania; bachelor’s degree in business administration, the Terry School, University of Georgia

What Guides My Decision-Making: Building a diverse team around me has been one of the key drivers of my career successes.

Favorite Quote: I’m a fan of Mamie Earl Sells’ philosophy to “lift as we climb,” and I think those of us in leadership positions, particularly women, can do a better job of really tapping into that mindset.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Tap into the power of change.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Be a continual learner. Don’t be overly focused on how fast you can move up. Learn to see the value in acquiring new experiences and new ways of approaching issues and opportunities.

Hobby/Passion: Being immersed in an activity like wake surfing, hiking or playing golf helps me relax.

Micki Byrnes

President & General Manager

WKYC Studios

Education: Bachelor’s degree in broadcasting and communication, University of Maine

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Barbara Walters — she led the way for so many women in television. But I’d try not to make people cry!

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My mom, and I’ve so missed that sage wisdom for the past 20 years.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Local media is still relevant, and we still have the opportunity, and the obligation, to serve this community in a way that moves us all forward.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Ixnay the forest ranger dream; it’s not your future, and flannel is not your best look.

Biggest Regret: Not traveling more

Chairman & CEO Falls & Co.

Education: Master’s degree, Michigan State University; bachelor’s degree, Western Michigan University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Experience, mistakes, successes and doing the right thing

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Winston Churchill

Favorite Quote: “We make a living by what we get. We make a life by what we give.” — Winston Churchill

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My leadership team

Most Important Leadership Quality: Integrity

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Never give casual advice.

Lorain County Chamber of Commerce

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, Bowling Green State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: My gut has never proven me wrong.

Favorite Quote: “Good leaders have vision and inspire others to help them turn vision into reality. Great leaders have vision and inspire others to create their own.” — Roy T. Bennett

Most Important Leadership Quality: Being willing to stand up for your ideals and your beliefs, while others think or say you are wrong

If I Could Have Any Other Job: I love taking people to see sights in different areas that excite me. Sign me up to be a tour guide!

My Biography Would Be Called: Just a Boy from Lorain What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: There is nothing more important or greater than family.

Hobby/Passion: Spending time at Kelleys Island with family and friends

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Michael Imperioli

Corey Head President Sky Quest

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Kent State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Common sense and the best interests of the company

Favorite Quote: “Treat people the way you want to be treated.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: I am fortunate to have 20-plus-year business relationships that have turned into friends. Most are happy to lend a hand.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Lead by example

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Hard work pays off.

Proudest Moment: Watching my children grow and succeed

Biggest Regret: No Regrets. We can’t live in the past.

Hobby/Passion: Boating, golfing and flying

Bradley M. Harmon

President & Publisher

The Plain Dealer/Cleveland.com

Education: Bachelor’s degree in marketing, Lake Erie College

What Guides My Decision-Making: Just do the right thing. If you do, you will sleep well at night.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Winston Churchill. He was the strongest and most misunderstood figure in history.

Favorite Quote: “I have no special talents. I am only passionately curious.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Being able to lead while being led

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Race car driver. I love cars and the thrill of speed.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Do what you love!

Proudest Moment: Delivering the 2022 Lake Erie College commencement speech

My Biography Would Be Called: It’s All About People

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Chase your dreams and they will come true.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: George Clooney

Bruce Hennes

Hennes Communication

Favorite Quote: “Your greatest uninsured asset is your reputation.”

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: My great-uncle, a white, Jewish furrier in Newark, New Jersey, who passed away at 95. I inherited a wallet containing his NAACP membership card from 1959. The card lists five critical objectives: legal rights, injustice, education, voting rights and cultural awareness. The sixth objective still hits me like a ton of bricks: “to stop lynching.”

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Scrape together every dime you can and buy $1,000 of Berkshire Hathaway (worth $4.6 million today), $1,000 of Amazon ($1.6 million) and $1,000 of Microsoft ($3.5 million).

If I Could Have Any Other Job: To own and manage Birdland in New York City, one of the great jazz clubs in the world

If I Could Relive One Moment: In 2012, I had the thrill of a lifetime when I went to the top of Terminal Tower to hoist the American flag.

Lute Harmon Jr. President

Great Lakes Publishing

Education: Ohio University

What Guides My Decision-Making: My dad has a saying, “Good decisions get better; bad decisions get worse.” You will know pretty quickly which way it is going, and you need to be honest with yourself and change course if necessary.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Why bother, the 16-yearold me wouldn’t listen anyway. I would tell my 22-yearold self to swing for the fences and not be afraid to strike out. It is hard to have that confidence starting out, but it is a lot easier to take chances before you have a family or significant business responsibilities.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Empathy. How can you get people to where you want them to go if you don’t know where they are now?

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Head coach of the Super Bowl champion Cleveland Browns

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Don’t be afraid to show your excitement for what you are doing. It makes it more fun for everyone involved. If you are not excited, do something else.

Biggest Regret: Selling my Apple stock to pay for my first honeymoon 25 years ago

Cindy Holzheimer

President & CEO

Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce (NOACC)

Education: CAE-ASAE Certified Association

Executive; IOM-US Chamber of Commerce Institute for Organization Management; associate degree in business

What Guides My Decision-Making: What will be the best possible outcome for the organization and the members I represent

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Amelia Earhart

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My friend, Megan Vogias. She gives me the advice I need — not what I need to hear.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Sommelier

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: It’s OK to ask for help.

My Biography Would Be Called: A Day in the Life of Chamber of Commerce Leaders, which highlights the unusual requests and phone calls that chambers receive Hobby/Passion: Hiking with my pomsky, Maddie

Keith Hotchkiss

Market President

iHeartMedia

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Ohio University

What Guides My Decision-Making: I follow the Four Disciplines of Execution, focusing on the wildly important, acting on the leading indicators, creating a cadence of accountability and keeping a compelling scoreboard.

Favorite Quote: “There’s no limit to how much you can achieve, as long as you don’t care who gets the credit.” — Ronald Reagan

If I Could Have Any Other Job: National park ranger or meteorologist

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Be curious. If you’re curious about the world, the people, the business climate and your social responsibility, you will find answers from learning about others.

My Biography Would Be Called: Thriving in Chaos

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Don’t drive so fast through the neighborhood.

If I Could Relive One Moment: My entire four-year college experience was a blast.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Seth Meyers

Joey Huang

President

Great Lakes Auto Network

Education: The Ohio State University College of Dentistry

What Guides My Decision-Making: What would my father do?

Favorite Quote: “It’s a marathon, not a sprint.” Whom I Would Call for Advice: My dad, always, even in heaven.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Leadership by example

If I Could Have Any Other Job: I love what I do; there’s nothing else I would rather do.

Hobby/Passion: Golf and pickleball

David Hughes

Vice President/General Manager WOIO/WUAB

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Campbell University

What Guides My Decision-Making: I work to find people who have skills and experience that I don’t have, and then I use them as a resource when making decisions.

Favorite Quote: “Don’t give up. Don’t ever give up.” — Jim Valvano

Most Important Leadership Quality: First you have to believe in your team and from there, you have to do everything in your power to help them grow.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Don’t be afraid of failure. It is impossible to be your best if you are not willing to push yourself outside of your comfort zone. What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Remember that the ride is more important than the finish line.

Executive Chairman/ Founder & Board Member Kaulig Cos./Leaf Home

Education: University of Akron

Proudest Moment: In 2018, we started Kaulig Giving, which is one of my proudest moments. Kaulig Giving supports the well-being of children and families through direct giving, community involvement and partnerships with like-minded organizations.

Favorite Quote: “The more we make, the more we give.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Leaders who are open to learning, adapting and growing tend to excel in their roles.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: High school physical education teacher. My coaches and teachers growing up made such a huge impact on me.

Hobby/Passion: Giving back to the community and making a positive impact in people’s lives is not just a professional endeavor, but also a personal calling. Additionally, I have a strong passion for entrepreneurship and innovation. Beyond that, I love all things sports!

Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Dayton

What Guides My Decision-Making: Always having the end result in mind

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My husband, the smartest and funniest person I know

Most Important Leadership Quality: Being consistent and authentic

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Be more confident in yourself.

Hobby/Passion: Spending quality time with family or friends on long walks

If I Could Relive One Moment: In 2016 when the Cleveland Cavaliers won the NBA Finals, I was with my family and close friends and we all jumped in a freezing cold pool. My kids loved it!

What Guides My Decision-Making: Studying an issue from multiple perspectives and being willing to evolve my thinking.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Theodore Roosevelt

Favorite Quote: “Be yourself; everyone else is already taken.” — Oscar Wilde

Whom I Would Call for Advice: Chris Connor

Most Important Leadership Quality: Innovative thinking and resilience

Proudest Moment: Watching my family put themselves out there by trying new things and challenging themselves, witnessing them work to be better and becoming better people

Hobby/Passion: I love skiing. It’s crazy flying down the hill on a couple of high-tech sticks. It nurtures the adventurous side of me. I love fly fishing. It forces me to get in sync with nature and when I do, it’s highly rewarding. I love golfing. It challenges the body and mind more than most nongolfers probably realize, and it’s such a great way to spend time with others.

Michael Kubinski

Cleveland Clothing Co.

Education: Ohio Wesleyan University

What Guides My Decision-Making: I like to trust my gut and my heart, but I also surround myself with great people.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Coach Mike Krzyzewski

Favorite Quote: “Character matters. Being a good person matters.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My father

Most Important Leadership Quality: The ability to learn from your mistakes, because you’re going to make them

My Biography Would Be Called: It All Starts with an Idea

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Just learn from them.

Hobby/Passion: Coaching my sons in youth sports

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Paul Rudd

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, marketing specialization

What Guides My Decision-Making: Doing what is in the best interest of our team, our clients and the candidates we place

Favorite Quote: “If your actions create a legacy that inspires others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, then you are an excellent leader.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Resiliency. It’s more than just the ability to bounce back from an obstacle; it’s the ability to respond adaptively to challenges. In business, we face challenges every day.

Proudest Moment: When I bought Staffing Solutions from our founder in October 2019 after having worked for the company for 27 years

Hobby/Passion: I am passionate about giving back and supporting the community in which I live and work.

Sam Pines

Senior Vice President

Good Karma Brands and ESPN Cleveland

Education: Lehigh University

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Peter Drucker

Favorite Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My parents have always been on my advice speed dial list and still get a large percentage of the calls.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Listening

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Not to be upset at me that I rooted for Cleveland against the Cubs in the 2016 World Series (I’m from Chicago)

Hobby/Passion: Golf

If I Could Relive One Moment: I had an albatross once in golf. I wouldn’t mind reliving that.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: I would choose my daughter, Ellie. She would refuse to play me (too boring) but she would still be my first pick for any part!

Signal Ohio

Education: The Ohio State University College of Law; bachelor’s degree, Howard University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Achieving results

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Colin Powell

Favorite Quote: “Nothing beats a failure but a try!”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My longtime mentor, Larry James

Most Important Leadership Quality: Integrity

Proudest Moment: Being sworn in as a judge on the domestic and juvenile court in Columbus, Ohio

My Biography Would Be Called: A Straight Look at a Crooked Line

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Enjoy your youth. Don’t hurry to grow up. You will be grown soon enough and for a lot longer.

Hobby/Passion: I love shopping for me or anyone.

If I Could Relive One Moment: College — stomping on the yard at Howard University

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Taraji P. Henson

Denise Polverine

Publisher; Vice President, Cleveland Division Cleveland Magazine; Great Lakes Publishing

Education: Bachelor’s degree in communication studies, Cleveland State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: While always being mindful of the goal, I believe more than ever in getting smart input from key stakeholders and really listening. Your decisions will be better informed and, almost always, the right ones.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Ida B. Wells

Favorite Quote: Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. — Oscar Wilde

Most Important Leadership Quality: Being inspirational, which encompasses so many good things

My Biography Would Be Called: The Rocket (the nickname given to me by my grandfather)

Hobby/Passion: Hanging out with friends and family probably isn’t a hobby, but I’m really good at it. If I Could Relive One Moment: I wish I could go back and attend one more high school baseball game when my son was on the mound and one more of my daughter’s dance performances.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Jessica Capshaw (I wish!)

Michelle Primm

Managing Partner

Cascade Auto Group

Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance and economics, Kent State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Faith and values

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Ronald Reagan

Favorite Quote: “Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people.” — Eleanor Roosevelt

Most Important Leadership Quality: Ability to say “no” tactfully

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Greeter at a beach restaurant

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: “Life’s hard; it’s even harder when you are stupid.” — John Wayne

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Be patient.

Kenn Ricci

Principal Directional Capital

Education: Cleveland State University College of Law; University of Notre Dame

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Nelson Mandela

Favorite Quote: “The happiest people I know are the people I don’t know well.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: Mike Rossi, my partner for 42 years

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Motivational speaker

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Don’t miss the five best days of your life!

Paul Roetzer

Founder & CEO

Marketing AI Institute

Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Ohio University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Happiness. For me, it’s a mix of time with my family, freedom and flexibility in my schedule, financial stability, sense of purpose, inspiration and the ability to see my team grow, succeed and find happiness of their own.

Favorite Quote: “Those who can imagine anything can create the impossible.” — Alan Turing, mathematician and AI pioneer

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Astrophysicist

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: You get to define what success looks like to you. Don’t ever get discouraged if your definition doesn’t align with people’s opinions who are on the outside looking in.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Embrace failure. Never hesitate to head in a direction that others seem to fear.

Hobby/Passion: Basketball and astronomy

If I Could Relive One Moment: My wedding day

CONGRATULATIONS

For 30 years, Ralph’s admired and spirited leadership has put our team at the forefront of executive search, corporate outplacement, and coaching.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in apparel merchandising, business and fashion design, Indiana University

What Guides My Decision-Making: My values and gut instinct, along with business history and analytics

Favorite Quote: “People are hard to hate up close. Move in.” — Brene Brown

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My mom and my best friend

Most Important Leadership Quality: Empathy

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Everything is temporary, so be grateful in the moment and enjoy the ride.

Proudest Moment: Working with the Cleveland Cavaliers on two collections for the Cavs Team Shop

My Biography Would Be Called: I’ll Find a Way

Hobby/Passion: Anything to do with my dogs

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Natalie Portman

Michael A. Rossi

Principal Directional Capital

Education: Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in accounting, John Carroll University

Favorite Quote: “Don’t put off until tomorrow what you can do today.” — Benjamin Franklin

Whom I Would Call for Advice: Kenn Ricci, my friend and partner for 42 years

Most Important Leadership Quality: To lead, you need to be a good listener.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Problem-solving is an art, and it requires patience.

My Biography Would Be Called: The Lucky One

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: “Work hard, play hard, but stop to smell the roses because life goes by fast.”

Silvestro

Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Notre Dame

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Abraham Lincoln

Favorite Quote: “Aim at heaven and you will get Earth thrown in; aim at Earth and you get neither.” — C.S. Lewis

Most Important Leadership Quality: Empathy

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Football coach

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Work hard, have fun and tell the truth.

Education: Master’s degree student in business administration, Case Western Reserve University; bachelor’s degree in accounting, Baldwin Wallace University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Mistakes I’ve made. I always try to learn from them and not repeat.

Favorite Quote: “Do all the good you can in all the ways you can in all the places you can at all the times you can to all the people you can as long as you ever can.” — John Wesley

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My late father, John A. Spitzer

Most Important Leadership Quality: Being consistent in your treatment of all associates

If I Could Have Any Other Job: College history professor

Hobby/Passion: My hobby is my business. My passion is my family.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Clark Gable

Tameka Taylor

President

Consulting Services LLC

Education: Doctoral degree, Kent State University; master’s degree, Bowling Green State University; bachelor’s degree, Baldwin Wallace University

What Guides My Decision-Making: I pray on the decisions that I make and for the Lord to give me guidance. I also try to use facts and logic to guide me, along with being both ethical and legal. There are also some decisions for which I allow my heart to guide me.

Whom I Would Call for Advice: There is a group of entrepreneurs who I call on for business advice. I have a group of girlfriends who I call on for relationship advice. And when it comes to technology, I call on my son and grandchildren, including the 5-year-old.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Integrity encompasses so many aspects of leadership, including honesty, trust, communication and being ethical.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: I would travel all over the world to experience different cultures, places and traditions.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Denison University

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Mahatma Gandhi

Favorite Quote: “Fight for the things that you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

— Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Most Important Leadership Quality: Integrity. Nothing is more important than being honest with yourself, your employees and your clients.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Manager of the Rolling Stones

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Never stop learning, and do today what you are putting off until tomorrow.

My Biography Would Be Called: How to Live, Work & Play in The Land

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Be true to yourself. It is OK to follow a different path from everyone else. Find a mentor who gives good advice.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: John Cusack

CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP TEAM

Education: Bachelor’s degree in broadcasting, University of Florida

What Guides My Decision-Making: Doing the right thing Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Cal Ripken Jr.

Favorite Quote: “To truly become No. 1, you must constantly strive to surpass yourself, not the competition.”

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Baseball relief pitcher

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Treat everyone with respect.

Proudest Moment: Watching my wife become a certified personal trainer over the age of 50

Biggest Regret: Not so much a regret, but my father passed away so young and didn’t get to see the life I built.

Hobby/Passion: Attending alternative rock concerts

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Tom Hanks

Chas Withers

Chairman & CEO

Dix & Eaton

Education: Bachelor’s degree in journalism, Kent State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Gather facts, know as much as possible, listen and then drive quickly to the right outcome.

Favorite Quote: “Past the beggar and the suffering walks he who asks, ‘Why, oh God, do you not do something for these people?’ To which God replied, ‘I did do something — I made you.’”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Paint a clear picture of what success looks like, and then surround yourself with great people who will partner to make it come to life.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: National park ranger

My Biography Would Be Called: Give to Get

Hobby/Passion: Music

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: The Rock

Joe Arcuri

President & CEO

American Greetings

Ken Babby

Owner & CEO

Akron RubberDucks/ Fast Forward Sports Group

Jim Bass

President

Mike Bass Ford

Don Boodjeh

CEO

Discount Drug Mart Inc.

Kent Castelluccio

President

Area Temps Inc.

Anthony Ciepiel

CEO

Step2 Discovery

Amanda Cole

Executive Director

Plexus LGBT + Allied Chamber of Commerce

Congratulations!

Micki Byrnes, our President and General Manager, on joining The Cleveland 500. She is truly a leader who knows that serving the community is truly what matters most.

Jenice Contreras

Executive Director

Northeast Ohio Hispanic Center for Economic Development

Tony Di Fiore

Owner

Car Parts Warehouse

Christopher Ferranti

CEO Flourish

Ken Ganley

President & CEO Ganley Automotive Group

Chas Geiger

Co-Owner Geiger’s

Gordon Geiger Co-Owner Geiger’s

Albert Green

Founder & CEO AMG Consulting Group

Nancy Hill

CEO

Marcus Thomas

Michael Kahoe

CEO

Group Management Services Inc.

Fred Koury

Owner, President & CEO Smart Business

Ron Leonhardt

Founder & CEO CrossCountry Mortgage

Jay Lucarelli

CEO Minute Men Human Resource System

Scott Maloney Co-Owner

Century Cycles

Peter Mapp Vice President Metro Lexus

Octavio Marquez President & CEO Diebold Nixdorf

Kevin Martin President & CEO Ideastream

Ronald Martinez Jr. President

Janitorial Services Inc.

John McMicken

CEO

Evergreen Cooperatives

Scott Mueller

CEO

Dealer Tire

Christine Murdoch

Founder/Owner

Banyan Tree

Gary Panteck Owner Brunswick Auto Mart

Paul Perozeni Vice President & General Manager WJW-TV

Terry Rafih Chairman & CEO

Rafih Auto Group

Radhika Reddy Partner

Ariel Ventures

Jeff Schell

Publisher

The Morning Journal, News-Herald

Renee Singleton

President & CEO

Singleton & Partners

Mark Smucker

President & CEO

The J.M. Smucker Co.

Neil Stallard

CEO

The Reserves Network

Ron Trzcinski

Founder The Original Mattress Factory

George Vlosich III

Co-Owner

GV Art + Design

Jackie Wachter

Owner

Fount

Daniel Weekley

President & General ManagerOhio Distribution

Dominion Energy

Kate Borders President University Circle Inc.

Education: Master’s degree in arts management

What Guides My Decision-Making: What is best for those around me, even if they don’t see it yet

Favorite Quote: “If the wind will not serve, take to the oars.” — Ancient proverb

Most Important Leadership Quality: Empathy

If I Could Have Any Other Job: I would love to be a landscape designer, but I would also want to be doing some of the planting myself. I love gardens and playing in the dirt.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Take responsibility for everything and credit for nothing.

Proudest Moment: When my daughters do something kind for someone else, I know my work is paying off.

My Biography Would Be Called: So Many Good Mistakes

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Go to Europe before you have a career and children.

Biggest Regret: Moments when I have observed a person being rude, unkind or hateful, and I didn’t speak up.

Hobby/Passion: Growing succulents

Lute Harmon Sr.

Chairman

Great Lakes Publishing

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Stetson University

First Job: Cleveland Press

Greatest Inspiration: My wife

How I Motivate Others: I find good people and let them do their own thing.

Most Inspiring Person: The investors in Cleveland Magazine

Best Advice: “Don’t give up the ship.” — Oliver Hazzard Perry

Proudest Moment: The time I spend with my family

What Keeps Me Up at Night: Tomorrow

Important Lesson Learned: Peter Drucker said, “It’s the task that matters, not yourself. You are the servant of the task.”

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: When I was 16 years old, I believed one thing — that whatever I wanted, I could accomplish.

Bucket List: My next project

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: P.T. Barnum

A. Ray Dalton

Founder & Executive Chairman

reLink Medical, the Dalton Foundation, relink.org

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Chapman University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Clarity around mission and purpose

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Abraham Lincoln

Favorite Quote: “In Him all things are possible.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Honesty

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Orthopedic surgeon

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Passion and purpose drive success.

My Biography Would Be Called: He Proceeded with Confidence

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: You have to show up to play.

Hobby/Passion: Horseback riding and spending time with my wife and 19 grandchildren

Michael Deemer

President & CEO

Downtown Cleveland

Education: Doctoral degree, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law; master’s degree in international peace studies, University of Notre Dame; bachelor’s degree in political science and Spanish, Ohio University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Strategy and empathy

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Ulysses S. Grant

Favorite Quote: “The past is never dead. It isn’t even past.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Emotional intelligence

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Guardians starting pitcher

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Trust your instincts; don’t be afraid to make mistakes; lead with strength, honesty and kindness.

My Biography Would Be Called: Better Days Are Shining Through

If I Could Relive One Moment: Taking my daughter to see Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse for her first rock concert

Lillian Kuri

President & CEO Cleveland Foundation

Education: Master’s degree in architecture and urban design, Harvard University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Always doing what is right for the community first

Favorite Quote: “Hay Otra Forma.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Leading by example

If I Could Have Any Other Job: My own start-up

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Persistence and resilience are critical.

If I Could Relive One Moment: I would like one more conversation with my mother.

Marsha Mockabee

President & CEO Urban League of Greater Cleveland Inc.

Education: Master’s degree in business management; bachelor’s degree in youth development; certificate in nonprofit management

What Guides My Decision-Making: Servant leadership principles

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Harriet Tubman

Favorite Quote: “When stepping out on faith, you don’t need to see the whole staircase.”

Whom I Would You Call for Advice: Pastor, Kitchen Cabinet of Women Leaders

Most Important Leadership Quality: Accountability

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Be self-reflective and willing to be accountable for your actions.

Proudest Moment: Seeing my daughters grow into wonderful women of faith

My Biography Would Be Called: How I Made It Over

The City Club of Cleveland

Education: Bachelor’s degree and master’s degree in journalism, University of California - Berkeley

Favorite Quote: “No one pretends that democracy is perfect or all-wise. Indeed, it has been said that democracy is the worst form of government except for all those other forms that have been tried from time to time.” — Winston Churchill

If I Could Have Any Other Job: I’d write — maybe books or screenplays

Proudest Moment: I’d have to say that opening The City Club’s new home at Playhouse Square is my proudest professional moment. Together with the community, we’ve really put this institution on a new, stronger foundation.

If I Could Relive One Moment: The night I proposed to my wife

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: The dude from Reacher

Stephen O’Bryan

Of Counsel

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Education: Case Western Reserve University School of Law; bachelor’s degree, Bowling Green State University

Greatest Inspiration: Walter C. Kelley. He was the lead partner at Kelley and McCann, a small law firm where I was first employed as a lawyer in 1969. He was an iconic public law lawyer and outstanding person.

Proudest Moment: When I led the successful merger discussions in 2000 that led to the merger of our firm Kelley McCann and Livingstone with Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP in January 2001 and being named partner-in-charge of Taft’s Cleveland office and a member of the firm’s executive committee

Fun Fact: My initials, which are SOB, have created, on occasion, disparaging comments. However, once I received a coffee cup at the office containing those initials and the words, “Super Outstanding Boss.”

Richard Pogue

Senior Adviser

Jones Day

Education: Doctoral degree, University of Michigan; bachelor’s degree, Cornell University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Accuracy and precision

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Dwight D. Eisenhower

Favorite Quote: “With malice toward none, with charity for all.” — Abraham Lincoln

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My daughter, Tracy

Most Important Leadership Quality: Hard work

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Sportswriter, The New York Times

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Work hard. Hobby/Passion: Reading

Erika Rudin-Luria

President

Jewish Federation of Cleveland

Education: Master’s degrees, Columbia School of Social Work and Jewish Theological Seminary of America; bachelor’s degree in politics, Brandeis University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Balancing immediate individual needs with longer-range strategic community issues

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: David Ben Gurion

Favorite Quote: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? But if I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” — Rabbi Hillel

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Iron Chef judge on Food Network

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Be curious and flexible.

Proudest Moment: Walking from the Kennedy Center to the Washington Mall with over 2,000 Clevelanders for the March to Stand with Israel in November 2023

My Biography Would Be Called: All About Community Biggest Regret: Not being able to do more to rid our community and world of hate

Education: Master’s degree in education, Cleveland State University; bachelor’s degree, Baldwin Wallace University

What Guides My Decision-Making: I strive to be fair and equitable in my decision-making.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Frederick Douglass

Most Important Leadership Quality: Building authentic relationships

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Do not be afraid to speak up, especially in hard times.

Hobby/Passion: Pickleball

Baiju Shah CEO

Greater Cleveland Partnership

Education: Doctoral degree, Harvard Law School; bachelor’s degree, Yale University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Our “All In” values Favorite Quote: “If you want to go fast, go alone; but if you want to go far, go together.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: Our board members (Cleveland’s leading CEOs) are my first call, especially Paul Dolan, our board chair.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Optimism, confidence and innovation

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Seek out and surround yourself with great colleagues, mentors and friends. Be one, too.

Hobby/Passion: Traveling

If I Could Relive One Moment: Beyond many wonderful personal moments, the greatest community day was the 2016 championship parade — just an unbelievable celebration of success and community togetherness.

The Diversity Center of Northeast Ohio

Education: The Ohio State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: My moral compass. My parents taught me the importance of treating others, including those with whom we may disagree, with respect and understanding.

Favorite Quote: “Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My husband, Lee Fisher

Most Important Leadership Quality: Empathy, courage, integrity, vision, resilience, flexibility and honesty

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Talk show host

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Follow your passion. Never stop learning. Treat others how you want to be treated. Focus on what you can control, and take care of yourself.

Proudest Moment: Witnessing my son become a father

My Biography Would Be Called: Opening Minds, Changing Lives

Monte Ahuja Founder

Transtar Industries

Marc Byrnes Chairman Emeritus

Oswald Cos.

Terri Cain President & CEO Lake Business Products

Jawanza Colvin Pastor

Olivet Baptist Church

Toby Cosgrove

Executive Adviser

Cleveland Clinic

Art Falco

Senior Adviser for Special Projects

Playhouse Square

Chuck Fowler Treasurer

Char and Chuck Fowler Family Foundation

Constance Hill-Johnson Chairperson

Cleveland Foundation

Board of Directors

Sharon Sobol Jordan

President & CEO

United Way of Greater Cleveland

Education: Doctoral degree and master’s degree, The Ohio State University; bachelor’s degree in public administration and management, Indiana University

What Guides My Decision-Making: What would you attempt if you knew you could not fail?

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Trailblazing women like Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Michelle Obama, Oprah Winfrey and my late mother, Marilyn Tobocman

Favorite Quote: “Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary.” — Martin Luther King Jr.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: I would be a portrait photographer telling stories through images to inspire action for places like Flashes of Hope and pet rescue/ adoption services.

Proudest Moment: Being sworn in as Cleveland law director when I was eight months pregnant with our daughter. It felt like we were breaking down a longstanding barrier for women.

Stephen Hoffman Chairman Mandel Foundation

Bill Koehler CEO Team NEO

Robert Madison Architect/Civic Leader

Robert P. Madison International

Edward Malesic Bishop Diocese of Cleveland

Randell McShepard

Vice President of Public Affairs & Chief Talent Officer RPM International

Beth Mooney Retired Chairman & CEO KeyCorp

Dan Moore III Founder

Dan T. Moore Co.

Marcia Moreno President & CEO AmMore Consulting

Fred Nance

Global Managing Partner

Squire Patton Boggs (US) LLP

Pat Perry

Author, Keynote Speaker & Leader

Albert Ratner

President, Board of Trustees

The Albert B. & Audrey G. Ratner Family Foundation

Anthony Richardson

President

The George Gund Foundation

Jane and Lee Seidman

Philanthropists, Founders

The Motorcars Group

William Summers

Director, Director in Class III

RPM International Board of Directors

Marcia Ballinger President

Lorain County Community College

Education: Doctoral degree

What Guides My Decision-Making: Staying true to our mission, vision and values in all aspects of decision-making

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Favorite Quote: “Fight for the things you care about. But do it in a way that will lead others to join you.”

Bader Ginsburg

Most Important Leadership Quality: Integrity

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Never think of your job as a job. If it doesn’t excite you and fill you with passion, then you should rethink the “why.”

Proudest Moment: Conferring degrees for our graduates

My Biography Would Be Called: Wearing My Own Hat Hobby/Passion: Wine collector

If I Could Relive One Moment: November 2022 election night when Lorain County Community College’s levy received the highest level of community support in its history

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Emily Blunt

Todd Diacon

President

Kent State University

Education: Doctoral degree

What Guides My Decision-Making: Transparency and empathy

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Marechal Candido Mariano da Silva Rondon, the Brazilian military officer who founded the Brazilian Indian Protection Service and led a 20-year campaign to construct telegraph lines across the Brazilian hinterlands. I wrote a biography of him entitled Stringing Together a Nation

Favorite Quote: “Considering my age and condition, I’m doing just fine.” — My grandmother on her 103rd birthday

If I Could Have Any Other Job: A professional writer

My Biography Would Be Called: Leave Things Better Than You Found Them

Biggest Regret: Not talking to my father more about his experiences as a sailor in World War II. He joined at the age of 17 one week after Pearl Harbor.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: That would be one boring biopic.

Michael Baston President

Cuyahoga Community College

Education: Doctoral degrees, St. John Fisher University and Brooklyn Law School; bachelor’s degree, Iona University

What Guides My Decision-Making: The best interests of our students, our employees and our community

Favorite Quote: “Live each day like it’s your last, ‘cause one day you gonna be right.” — Ray Charles

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My wife

Most Important Leadership Quality: Listening

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Life coach for athletes and entertainers

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Understand your community before you seek to be understood by it.

My Biography Would Be Called: Sunshine on a Cloudy Day

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Courage is not the absence of fear; it is the full commitment to be who you are, wherever you are.

Biggest Regret: Not buying stock in Moderna

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Dwayne Johnson

Senior Vice President, Student Development & Education Pipeline

Cuyahoga Community College

Education: Master’s degree in educational administration and supervision

What Guides My Decision-Making: I learned early in my career that you can’t please everyone, and that it’s not your job to do so. It is your job to make the decision you truly believe is right, even if it’s not popular.

Favorite Quote: “For the master’s tool will never dismantle the master’s house. They may allow us temporarily to beat him at his own game, but they will never enable us to bring about genuine change. And this fact is only threatening to those women who still define the master’s house as their only source of support.” — Audre Lorde

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Meteorologist, definitely

My Biography Would Be Called: You Can’t Make this Stuff Up! (Hey, I was a school district CEO for 12 years!)

Hobby/Passion: I love to get in the kitchen and cook with the freshest ingredients I can find.

Laura Bloomberg President

Cleveland State University

Education: Doctoral degree in educational policy and leadership

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Madeleine Albright

Favorite Quote: “Appreciation is a wonderful thing: it makes what is excellent in others belong to us, too.” — Voltaire

Most Important Leadership Quality: Empathy for the needs and concerns of the people we serve

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: You can be courageous and scared at the same time.

My Biography Would Be Called: Leading Together

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Take your time. Adulthood is a long journey with opportunities to choose many paths.

Biggest Regret: Pushing myself too fast and hard as a young adult

Hobby/Passion: Reading

Robert Helmer

President

Baldwin Wallace University

Education: Doctoral degrees, Marquette University and University of Toledo

Favorite Quote: “Reaching goals isn’t for pessimistic people.” — France Cordova, astrophysicist and former director of the National Science Foundation

Most Important Leadership Quality: Be authentic.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Life will be an adventure. Enjoy!

Case Western Reserve University

Education: Doctoral degree in chemical engineering, University of Minnesota; bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, Caltech

What Guides My Decision-Making: Facts and a desire to treat people in a fair and equitable way

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Winston Churchill

Favorite Quote: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Own a major league baseball team

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Choose the problems you work on very carefully. They need to be important enough to matter, and easy enough to solve.

Proudest Moment: My marriage day

My Biography Would Be Called: He Did What?!

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Relax — it really will work out OK.

Biggest Regret: Not buying Microsoft stock in 1985

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Harrison Ford (a younger version)

Shari Obrenski

Cleveland Teachers Union

Education: Master’s degree in education administration, Cleveland State University; bachelor’s degree in education, Miami University of Ohio

What Guides My Decision-Making: Ensuring the “greatest good for the greatest number”

Historic Figures Who Inspires Me: Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Alice Paul

Favorite Quote: “Well-behaved women seldom make history.” — Laurel Thatcher Ulrich

Most Important Leadership Quality: The ability to listen

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Broadway performer

Proudest Moment: Working with CEO Eric Gordon to get Cleveland Metropolitan School District students and staff through the darkest moments of the pandemic with minimal physical risk to our community

Biggest Regret: Not eating that fish eye on my trip to Australia. You have to try everything at least once.

Hobby/Passion: Reading and attending Broadway plays and musicals

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Melissa McCarthy

Gary Miller

President

University of Akron

Education: Doctoral degree, Mississippi State University; bachelor’s and master’s degrees, College of William and Mary

What Guides My Decision-Making: Student success, the generation of new knowledge and community engagement

Favorite Quote: “When we no longer know what to do, we have come to our real work, and when we no longer know which way to go, we have begun our real journey.” — Wendell Berry

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My wife

Most Important Leadership Quality: Courage, honesty and curiosity

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Writer

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Be yourself. Be honest. Listen actively.

Proudest Moment: Birth of my children

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Dude, you need to get it together.

Hobby/Passion: Reading and playing guitar

Frank O’Linn

Superintendent of Schools Catholic Diocese of Cleveland

Education: Doctoral degree, Vanderbilt University; master’s and bachelor’s degrees, University of Notre Dame

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: St. Thomas More, who, despite political pressure, was unwavering in what he knew to be right, though it cost him his life

Favorite Quote: “I watch what I do to see what I really believe.” — Sr. Helen Prejean

Whom I Would Call for Advice: The “Council of Trusted Advisers” is the ostentatious nickname for my five college buddies and me, who started weekly Zooms for connection during the COVID-19 lockdown and still gather virtually across four states and two continents two nights a month. Lots of good advice, among other things, is shared by the council!

Most Important Leadership Quality: Integrity

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: The essence of leadership is service, and the essence of service is sacrifice.

Hobby/Passion: Spending time outdoors, especially on the trails or waterways of the Cleveland Metroparks

Warren Morgan CEO

Cleveland Metropolitan School District

Education: Doctoral degree, University of IllinoisChicago; master’s degree in education, University of Missouri-St. Louis; bachelor’s degree, Butler University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Before making decisions, I get centered and pray. I also measure the impact the decision will have on results and the community.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Charles H. Wesley; Thurgood Marshall; Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Favorite Quote: “Change will not come if we wait for some other person, or if we wait for some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.” — Barack Obama

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Seek other perspectives and viewpoints. You will be surprised by what you learn and how helpful this process can be.

Proudest Moment: Being named CEO/servant leader of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District

My Biography Would Be Called: The Faith Walk Biggest Regret: Not formally playing my music instrument in college. I was offered a scholarship to Howard to continue to play my tuba.

Who’d Play Me in a Bio-Pic: Daniel Kaluuya

Education: Master’s degree in library science, State University of New York-Albany

Favorite Quote: “Do the most important thing in the most efficient way.” This little mantra keeps me from feeling overwhelmed when the to-do list stresses me out.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: I always encourage new staff to use their “fresh eyes” to find inefficiencies in our procedures or suggest new and better ways to serve our customers. It is a great way to identify opportunities for improvement.

Proudest Moment: Passing a levy to secure the library’s financial future in the challenging 2020 election

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Hard work and perseverance are more important than academic achievement. You can be an average student and still achieve professional success.

Hobby/Passion: I’m a lifelong equestrian. I ride nearly every day and continue to compete in the Olympic sport of eventing.

Education: Master’s degree in library science

Toughest Challenge: Steering the library through the pandemic

Greatest Inspiration: My family

How I Motivate Others: Being authentic

Whom I Would Call For Advice: Paul Clark

Favorite Quote: “Life is free puppies, not free beer.” If I Could Have Any Other Job: Sports psychologist

Best Advice: The key to success is resiliency.

Proudest Moment: The birth of my daughters

What Keeps Me Up at Night: How to best enrich the lives of the Cleveland community

Important Lesson Learned: You only live once.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Denzel Washington

Morris Beverage

President

Lakeland Community College

Diane Downing

Executive Director

Say Yes Cleveland

Ted Ginn

Coach, Leader and Educator

Glenville High School

John Langell

President

Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED)

BW proudly salutes President Bob Helmer and all our alumni leading NEO to a better tomorrow. bw.edu

Alan Miciak President

John Carroll University

Michael Robinson Jr. Superintendent

Akron Public Schools

Carmen Twillie Ambar President Oberlin College

On behalf of the LCCC District and LCCC Foundation Boards along with the faculty, staff and students of Lorain County Community College, thank you, Dr. Ballinger, for your extraordinary leadership.

Lora in County Communi ty College

Bret Adams Founder Monven Group

Favorite Quote: “Go to bed blessed and wake up nervous.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Integrity and passion

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Never be the smartest person in the room. Be curious and pay attention.

Proudest Moment: Is yet to come; becoming a grandparent

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: The journey is more important than the destination.

Hobby/Passion: Cooking

Koby Altman

President of Basketball Operations

Cleveland Cavaliers

Favorite Quote: “Nothing worse in life than wasted talent.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Availability Whom I Would Call for Advice: Sean Ford (USA Basketball)

Hobby/Passion: Real estate

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Enjoy the moment.

Proudest Moment: My proudest moment is the birth of my daughter and son.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Always take care of the details.

Warren Anderson

President & CEO

The Anderson DuBose Co.

Education: Master’s degree in speech and bachelor’s degree in general studies, University of Michigan

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Abraham Lincoln

If I Could Have Any Other Job: A journalist

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Dream big, but have the energy to actually execute.

Proudest Moment: When I bought my first business

My Biography Would Be Called: Scandalous!

Rock Entertainment Group — Cavaliers

Education: Bachelor’s degree in psychology, Saint John’s University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Our culture and people

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Julius Caesar, George Washington and Martin Luther King Jr.

Favorite Quote: “Look at situations, circumstances and adversity for the opportunity it creates, not the challenge it presents.

Whom I Would Call for Advice: Dan Gilbert, Adam Silver and Steve Demetriou

Most Important Leadership Quality: Work ethic, passion, postivity and permeable to new ideas

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Real estate developer or entrepreneur

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: If you do the little things well, you will do the big things better.

Proudest Moment: Personal: Birth of our two daughters; Professional: Reopening of the transformed Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse

Hobby/Passion: Golf

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Gabriel Macht

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, Case Western Reserve University; bachelor’s degree, Georgetown University

What Guides My Decision-Making: I always try to receive opinions from those I work with and use those to help me make decisions.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Sun Tzu. His concept of “observe and adapt” is great in business.

Favorite Quote: “The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.” — Walt Disney

Most Important Leadership Quality: Being around and seeing how the company operates shows others that you are making decisions for the betterment of the company and them.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Always be present. Don’t just be around the people you work with physically, but put the phone away and be there mentally as well.

Hobby/Passion: I love to spend time with my wife and three kids.

John Bibbo

President & CEO Event Source

What Guides My Decision-Making: Every decision I make reflects a careful balance between my experience, the collective wisdom of the team and a data-driven assessment of the current landscape.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Walt Disney’s relentless dream pursuit, innovative spirit, optimistic stories and deep connection with people make him an enduring source of inspiration for me.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Vision and strategy, relationship building and team management, financial knowledge and operational excellence, adaptability and resilience, innovation and creativity

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Always give 110% and overcommunicate.

Proudest Moment: In 2019, I became the president of the American Rental Association, the 57th president to represent our industry. It was the greatest honor of my career to be able to give back to the industry that gave me so much and taught me so much as I was earning my wings in the industry.

Hobby/Passion: Travel and Cleveland baseball

Covelli Enterprises

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business, University of Miami

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My family

Most Important Leadership Quality: Respect and trust. Never ask anyone to do anything you wouldn’t do yourself.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Head Coach of an NFL/NCAA football team

Proudest Moment: Seeing my kids involved in my business

If I Could Relive One Moment: Ohio State winning the NCAA Football National Championship. Go Bucks!

Matt Cole

Brewmaster & Co-Founder

Fat Heads Brewery

Education: Siebel Institute of Brewing Science, University of Sunderland, U.K., BrewLab; bachelor’s degree, University of Pittsburgh

Favorite Quote: “Every great dream begins with a dreamer.” — Harriet Tubman

Most Important Leadership Quality: Passion. Passionate leadership fosters a culture of engagement and empowerment.

Proudest Moment: Our brewery team capturing five medals at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: There is no such thing as a stupid question — only the ones you don’t ask.

Hobby/Passion: Working on pizza-making skills using natural leavened (sourdough) dough

Cleveland Zoological Society

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Ohio University Scripps School of Journalism

What Guides My Decision-Making: Data, data, data — and some gut instinct

Whom I Would Call for Advice: I call my board members for advice all the time. Their commitment to our organization and the success of my team, along with their professional skill sets and experience in the Cleveland community, makes it easy for me to pick up the phone and have a good conversation.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Transparency

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Take time to listen and learn about the organization — its values, its workflows, its strategy. It’s great to come in with new ideas and big plans, but understanding and respecting the company first will make your efforts stronger.

Mike Gansey General Manager Cleveland Cavaliers

Favorite Quote: “Be a star in your role.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Communication Whom I Would Call for Advice: My stepfather, Tony Mazzella

Hobby/Passion: I only have one passion, and that’s basketball.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Work hard, and everything happens for a reason.

Proudest Moment: Personally, it was starting a family, and professionally, it was winning an NBA Championship with my hometown team in 2016.

What I’d Tell Someone New: Stay in your lane, and control what you can control.

Bobby George

Founder & CEO

Ethos Capital Partners

Education: Experience and great mentors, plus college

What Guides My Decision-Making: I look at three things: financial capital (analyze data); people capital (do I have the right people to lead the project?); and how it makes me feel (does it energize me or drain me?).

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Jesus Christ

Favorite Quote: “There is extraordinary cumulative/ compounding value to investing consistent amounts of anything in certain activities over long periods.”

— Andy Stanley

Most Important Leadership Quality: Loyalty, grit and love

If I Could Have Any Other Job: NFL quarterback or president of the United States

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Be obsessed. Do the work your competitor is not willing to do.

My Biography Would Be Called: The Benevolent Dictator

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Take bigger risks. Think bigger. Treat people better.

Hobby/Passion: Working out and working on personal growth

Douglas Katz

Chef Partner

Zhug, Amba, Provenance and Kiln (Opening 2024)

Education: University of Denver; Culinary Institute of America

What Guides My Decision-Making: Experience and my gut

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: My grandmother

Favorite Quote: “Find your passion; do what you love and love what you do.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Be open, approachable and kind.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Take your time and be patient.

My Biography Would Be Called: My Battle with Food: How My Journey Gave Me Inspiration, Strength and Joy

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Experience all that life throws your way and allow yourself to experience the difficulties and the joy with optimism and gratefulness.

Hobby/Passion: Food, friends, exercise, nature, travel and pottery

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Alton Brown

Sam McNulty

Co-Founder & Chief Beer Taster Market Garden Brewery & Ohio City Restaurant Group

Education: Bachelor’s degree in urban studies: planning, design and development, Cleveland State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: I strive for a balance of thoughtful logic and creative thinking.

Favorite Quote: “Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one’s lifetime.” — Mark Twain

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My business partner and dear friend, Mark Priemer

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Real estate developer overseeing a planned urban neighborhood

My Biography Would Be Called: My Career in Beer

Hobby/Passion: Bicycling, hiking and, of course, food, beer and travel

If I Could Relive One Moment: The night I first met my wife, Ciara Ahern

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Lenny Kravitz or the actor who played Napoleon Dynamite

Dan Gilbert

Founder, Chairman & Owner Rocket Mortgage, Rock Ventures, Cleveland Cavaliers

Education: Law degree, Wayne State University; bachelor’s degree, Michigan State University

Hobby/Passion: Philanthropy

Nick Monti General Manager MGM Northfield Park

Education: University of Nevada, Las Vegas

Favorite Quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” — Wayne Gretzky

Most Important Leadership Quality: Empathy. Being able to lead with compassion while understanding one’s experiences helps establish trust and builds strong relationships.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Absorb all you can about your new environment, job and company culture. Then, over time, look for ways to enhance it. What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Enjoy these high school years a bit more and the relationships you have; you don’t have to sweat the grades as much, which you have a propensity to do. Also, don’t take your Isuzu Rodeo out mudding in the desert with your buddies — the SUV will never be the same.

John Panza President

Panza Foundation

Education: Master’s degree in creative writing, University of Hull; master’s degree in English language and literature, John Carroll University; bachelor’s degree in English language and literature, John Carroll University

What Guides My Decision-Making: My philanthropic mission is to assist others to achieve their musical goals.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: William Blake

Favorite Quote: “All writing writes you as you write it.” — J.M. Coetzee

Most Important Leadership Quality: Humility

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Full-time recording engineer

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Ask questions — lots of questions.

If I Could Relive One Moment: The minutes before my father passed away. I got to say goodbye the first time, but I have more I’d like to say to him now.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Edward Norton or Travis Kelce

Education: Bowling Green State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: In business, balancing the mutual benefit of staff, customer and company

Favorite Quote: “You learn more about yourself from your failures than your successes.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: Kay Ameen, my lifelong best friend and business partner

Most Important Leadership Quality: Compassion

Proudest Moment: The births of my beautiful children and grandchildren

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Every day is a gift.

Hobby/Passion: The greatest game of all — golf

Ashtabula County Visitors Bureau

Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, John Carroll University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Good decision makers balance a strong moral compass with foresight, consideration and creativity.

Most Important Leadership Quality: The ability to empower and inspire the people around you.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: I have my eye on a church in town — would like to convert it to an ice cream shop and call it Holy Cow.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Don’t try to please everyone; have confidence and do what you think is right.

Proudest Moment: I’m always proud to win awards and receive recognition from peers, but I’m most proud when it happens to my kids.

Hobby/Passion: When I’m not out hunting beach glass, I’m happiest in the kitchen trying new recipes. We foster dogs for a local rescue and are fueled by their resilience and unconditional love.

Fabio Salerno

Chef, CEO Salerno Group

What Guides My Decision-Making: The most important business decisions are always brought to my management team, which consists of my wife, Nicole, and executive managers I’ve worked with for the better part of a decade. Their perspectives are very important to me.

Favorite Quote: “Everything we hear is an opinion, not a fact. Everything we see is a perspective, not the truth.” — Marcus Aurelius

If I Could Have Any Other Job: NFL football player or a college or professional head football coach

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Don’t let good get in the way of greatness. Don’t let perfection get in the way, either.

My Biography Would Be Called: Savoring Success: My Culinary Journey

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Start a Roth IRA or a compound interest account, and put in the max amount every year!

Hobby/Passion: Skiing and cooking

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: I’d let Leonardo Di Caprio read for it.

Chief Marketing Officer

Jack Entertainment

Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Westminster College

Greatest Inspiration: Is there ever just one? I feel like inspiration can be constructed from many random events that you simply have to be open to the opportunity.

How I Motivate Others: Provide the platform for accountability; never miss the opportunity to teach; and care as much about their personal development as their professional development

Best Advice: I’ve found it to be fundamentally true about life: enjoy the journey.

Proudest Moment: Besides fatherhood? Watching team members grow in their careers.

Important Lesson Learned: It’s what you think you know that gets you into trouble.

Most Important Skill: The passion to learn

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Take more computer science courses! Oh, and she is not your one and only — get over it.

Catawba Island Club

Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance, Miami University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Mutual respect and empathy for the customer and teammates

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: President Dwight D. Eisenhower

Favorite Quote: “The days are long; the years are short.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Persistence and determination

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Micro-observe — not micro-manage. Observe first, manage second.

Proudest Moment: Marrying the love of my life and the birth of my five children

My Biography Would Be Called: Always Begin with Kindness

Biggest Regret: Not having time with parents and family. They passed away too soon in my life.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Tom Hanks — kind and fun-loving

Sean Watterson

President & Co-Owner Happy Dog

Education: Doctoral degree, Case Western Reserve University School of Law; bachelor’s degree, Williams College

What Guides My Decision-Making: Who benefits, and how can more people benefit?

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: My father, Tom Watterson

Most Important Leadership Quality: Listening to the folks working with you and encouraging them to succeed

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: There are no secrets or shortcuts — do the hard work and enjoy it.

Proudest Moment: “Ensemble HD Live at the Happy Dog” and The Cleveland Orchestra residency in Gordon Square

My Biography Would Be Called: Sounds Like Fun (This was my reply to Sean Kilbane when he said, “Let’s buy the Happy Dog.”)

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Say yes more than you say no.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: I’d leave the casting and directing up to my filmmaker brother, Bill Watterson.

Rocco Whalen

Chef

Fahrenheit

Education: Associate degree, culinary school

What Guides My Decision-Making: My wife and partner, Alexis, our team members and guests

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Michelangelo

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My brother-in-law, Jim James “Itsy” Small

Most Important Leadership Quality: Vision and resilience

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Winemaker in Italy

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Be patient.

My Biography Would Be Called: Extra Flavor

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: If you’re not in the arena getting your ass kicked, then I’m not interested in your feedback.

Hobby/Passion: Old trucks and cars

If I Could Relive One Moment: Still looking for that moment — my life has so many blessings, details and unfinished work

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: John Candy

Cleveland Metroparks

Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Wisconsin-Madison

What Guides My Decision-Making: Common sense

Favorite Quote: “T.N.T.” (Today, not tomorrow)

Most Important Leadership Quality: Executing, moving the needle and getting things done

If I Could Have Any Other Job: I’m right where I want be.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Work hard, never quit and always focus.

Chris Antonetti

President of Baseball Operations

Cleveland Guardians

Michael Belkin

President, Great Lakes Region

Live Nation

Andrew Berry

General Manager, Executive Vice President of Football Operations

Cleveland Browns

Dante Boccuzzi

Owner & Chef

Dante Dining Group

John Bonner

CEO, Co-Founder & Head Grower

Great Lakes Growers

Tom Christopher Owner

TCE Tall Oaks

Brandon Chrostowski

Founder, CEO & Owner EDWIN’s Leadership & Restaurant Institute/ EDWINS Too

Dan Conway Co-Owner

Great Lakes Brewing Co.

Patrick Conway Co-Owner

Great Lakes Brewing Co.

Michael Crawford

Board Chairman, President & CEO Hall of Fame Resort & Entertainment Co.

Bob DiBiasio

Senior Vice President, Public Affairs Cleveland Guardians

Paul Dolan Part-Owner, Chairman & CEO

Cleveland Guardians

Mary Jo Ferrante Manager/Owner

Ferrante Winery

Barry Gabel

SVP Marketing & Sponsorship Sales

Live Nation

David Gilbert

President & CEO

Destination Cleveland and Greater Cleveland Sports Commission

Marc Glassman

Chairman & CEO

Marc’s

Dee Haslam

Owner

Cleveland Browns

Jim Haslam Owner

Cleveland Browns

Jeff Heinen

Co-Owner

Heinen’s Grocery Store

Tom Heinen

Co-Owner Heinen’s Grocery Store

Sean Hice

President & General Manager

Heidelberg Distributing Co.

Will Hollingsworth

Founder & CEO

Buildings and Food

Martin Kanan

President & CEO

King Nut

Ron King General Manager

Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland

John Lane

Founder & Owner

Winking Lizard

Tom Leneghan

President & Founder Barrio Restaurant Corp.

Fred LoSchiavo

Owner

Antonio's Pizza

Mike Malley

Chairman & CEO Malley’s Chocolates

Congratulations

to Dan Moulthrop and all the Cleveland 500 honorees!

Gregg Mervis

President & CEO

Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau

Mike Mitchell

President

Mitchell’s Homemade Ice Cream

Rosemary Mudry

Executive Director West Side Market

John Anthony Orlando

President & CEO

Orlando Baking Co.

Gregory Peckham

Executive Director LAND studio

Lisa Petit

Superintendent

Cuyahoga Valley National Park

Doug Petkovic

Partner

Michael Symon Restaurants

Steve Presley

Executive Vice President & CEO

Nestlé USA

Matt Radicelli

Founder & Partner

Rock the House

Daniel Saltzman

President

Dave’s Supermarkets

Mark Sandridge

Chairman & CEO Sandridge Food Corp.

Michael Schwartz

CEO & Lead Design

Forward Hospitality Group

Kelsey Shepard Owner

Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes

Kathy Shimer

Office Manager

Destination Geauga

Malisse Sinito

Secretary & Treasurer

Millennia Hospitality Group

Tom Sirna

Owner & President Sirna & Sons Produce

Thanks for being a true Guardian of Free Speech. Over the past decade as the City Club's CEO, you’ve been dedicated to creating conversations of consequence that help democracy and our community thrive. From leading a historic campaign to building a welcoming new home at Playhouse Square, your vision has led us to new levels of success. We can’t wait to see what’s next.

Karen Small

Owner & Executive Chef

Juneberry Table

Neil Stein

President & CEO

Remarkable Lake County

Ted Swaldo

Owner

Gervasi Vineyard

Jill Vedaa

Chef & Owner

Salt+

Richard Zimmerman

President & CEO

Cedar Fair Entertainment Co.

Justin Bibb

Mayor

City of Cleveland

Favorite Quote: “Well done is better than well said.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Compassion Whom I Would Call for Advice: My mom

Hobby/Passion: Curating amazing Spotify playlists

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Never be afraid to fail.

Proudest Moment: Being elected the 58th mayor of the great city of Cleveland

The Advice I’d Tell Someone New: Trust your gut.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Carl B. Stokes

Bradford Davy

Chief of Staff

City of Cleveland

Education: Master’s degree in urban studies, Cleveland State University; bachelor’s degree in political science, University of Toledo

Favorite Quote: “Eagerness to begin is useless without the willingness to endure.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Emotional intelligence. Leadership requires bringing together diverse people and perspectives to solve complex, often intractable, problems.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: An architect — especially designing big civic structures and skyscrapers. Of course, this is only if I couldn’t make it as a professional soccer player.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Trust yourself and be patient. Live in the moment and stay present. Give yourself more grace. It all works out.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Is Trevor Noah doing movies yet?

Timothy DeGeeter

Mayor

City of Parma

Education: Doctoral degree, Cleveland State University College of Law; bachelor’s degree, John Carroll University

What Guides My Decision-Making: More times than not, you can’t go wrong with your gut. The approach we take at city hall is a collaborative approach. It’s good to have people around you to help guide you in that final decision.

Whom I Would Call for Advice: If I could, I would call Dr. Marty Harnisch, who passed away in fall of 2022. Marty was my college roommate, best man at my wedding and best friend.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Professional golfer on the PGA Circuit

Proudest Moment: Besides marrying my wife, Pam, in 1999, being dad to my son, Jack, and daughter, Molly

Hobby/Passion: Tailgating at Notre Dame football home game weekends

If I Could Relive One Moment: 1988/1989 sophomore year of college at Holy Cross Jr. College

Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District

Education: Master’s degrees in public affairs and environmental science, Indiana University’s School of Public and Environmental Affairs; bachelor’s degree, The Ohio State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: A sense of urgency and the importance of delivering high-quality public services to all

Favorite Quote: “A title may give you authority, but it’s behavior that earns you respect.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Clarity, collaboration and timely decision-making so others can do their work

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Show up and be a problem-solver.

Hobby/Passion: Riding, showing and trying not to fall off my horse

Blaine A. Griffin

City Council President City of Cleveland

Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications, Malone College

What Guides My Decision-Making: The well-being and the betterment of Clevelanders guide my decision-making and motivate me daily.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Abraham Lincoln. One of my favorite books is Team of Rivals. That book highlights the alliances Lincoln had to build, many times with people who distrusted or outright disliked each other. Despite so many egos and beliefs in his cabinet, President Lincoln was able to work through and around them to keep this country united.

Favorite Quote: “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.”

— Theodore Roosevelt

Most Important Leadership Quality: Communicating and listening

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Be willing to fail and learn from your failures.

John Hamercheck

Lake County Commissioner Board of Lake County Commissioners

Education: Associate degree in applied science, electrical/electronic engineering

What Guides My Decision-Making: Principles and morality, followed by achievable versus aspirational evaluation

Favorite Quote: “Don’t pay attention to authorities; think for yourself.” — Dr. Richard Feynman

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Missionary/pastor

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Trust is earned, not given.

Proudest Moment: Becoming a father

My Biography Would Be Called: You Are Not Going to Believe This, But ...

Biggest Regret: Unintentionally/unwittingly enabling political monsters

Hobby/Passion: Serving the needs of those in distress

If I Could Relive One Moment: The day I married my wife, Susan

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Benedict Cumberbatch

County Council President; Funeral Director & Community Relations Director

Cuyahoga County Council; Pernel Jones & Sons Funeral Home

Education: Bachelor’s degree, University of Maryland

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Favorite Quote: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” — Galatians 5: 22-23

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My aunt, Lynda Logan. She is full of wisdom. I know I can call her, and she will give me sound advice.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Having a servant’s heart. Even in leading, you are serving.

Proudest Moment: Marrying my wife, Terry, 25 years ago

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Keep persevering, and never give up.

Michael O’Malley

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor

Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office

Education: Doctoral degree, Cleveland State University College of Law; bachelor’s degree, Kent State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Multiple viewpoints and instinct

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Barack Obama

Favorite Quote: “Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game.” — Babe Ruth

Most Important Leadership Quality: Integrity

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Doing what is right is not always popular.

Hobby/Passion: Riding my bike in the Metroparks or Cuyahoga Valley

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Tim Misny

Scott Osiecki

CEO

Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services (ADAMHS) Board of Cuyahoga County

Education: Bachelor’s degree

What Guides My Decision-Making: Making decisions that make positive changes in people’s lives through creative use of available resources, including utilizing talent in staff, developing partnerships with other public systems and the community, and paying attention to timelines and budgets of a program and/or project

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Walt Disney

Most Important Leadership Quality: Going beyond strategic planning and thinking about the big picture and how to achieve lasting results that can make a beneficial change for the organization and the community

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Dentist

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Life in public service is rewarding but can be difficult. You have to keep a good sense of humor, as well as a group of trusted colleagues you can use as a sounding board to bounce ideas off of and share common experiences.

Jeffery Patterson CEO

Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, Baldwin Wallace University, bachelor’s degree, University of Mount Union

What Guides My Decision-Making: Taking in as much information as possible from a variety of sources and balancing that information with your own, personal intuition

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Martin Luther King Jr.

Favorite Quote: “Keep your feet on the ground and keep reaching for the stars.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My father

Most Important Leadership Quality: Patience, ability to listen, clear expectations and decisiveness

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Sports agent

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Don’t let others define who you are or what you can be.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Stay focused on your major objectives.

Hobby/Passion: Sports, reading, travel and good music

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Forest Whitaker

Chris Ronayne

Cuyahoga County Executive Cuyahoga County

Education: Master’s degree in urban planning, Cleveland State University; bachelor’s degree in business administration, Miami University

What Guides My Decision-Making: What would Norm do? (Norm Krumholz, former city of Cleveland planning director)

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Tom L. Johnson, elected mayor of Cleveland in 1901

Favorite Quote: “Make no little plans.” — Architect Daniel Burnham

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Cleveland tour guide

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Make your avocation (your hobby) your job.

Proudest Moment: Hockey championships, coaching each of my kids (Audrey and Joe) to a championship

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Travel and see the world.

Biggest Regret: Not marrying my wife earlier

If I Could Relive One Moment: Skating with my dad

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Harrison Ford

Ilene Shapiro

County Executive

County of Summit

Education: Cleveland Heights High School

What Guides My Decision-Making: We always keep the needs of our residents at the core of our decisions, big and small.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Golda Meir, Israel’s first and only female head of government.

Whom I Would Call for Advice: I am lucky to be surrounded by many female leaders from both the public and private sector in Summit County. I look to several of them for wise counsel.

Most Important Leadership Quality: The ability to convene stakeholders and craft collaborative solutions. As county executive, I work with 31 communities, and each has its own priorities. I work hard to help us all find common ground to solve common issues.

Republican Party of Cuyahoga County

Education: Cleveland State University College of Law; John Carroll University

Favorite Quote: “The future doesn’t belong to the fainthearted; it belongs to the brave.” — Ronald Reagan

Most Important Leadership Quality: Listening to those around you, and being thoughtful in your decisions

If I Could Have Any Other Job: As an attorney, I would enjoy a return to the court, maybe in civil practice.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Listen to your gut but also listen to those around you.

Proudest Moment: Being the first woman to be elected Republican Party of Cuyahoga County chairman

My Biography Would Be Called: Standing My Ground for a Better Tomorrow

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Do not be afraid to take risks.

Hobby/Passion: Politics and art

If I Could Relive One Moment: Fun at the Republican National Committee Convention in 2016! Cleveland really delivered an excellent event.

David Brock Chair

Democratic Party of Cuyahoga County

Sherrod Brown

U.S. Senator

U.S. Senate

Shontel Brown

U.S. Representative (11th District)

U.S. House of Representatives

Mike DeWine

Governor

State of Ohio

Bryant L. Francis

Director of Port Control

Cleveland Airport System

William Friedman

President & CEO

Port of Cleveland

Jonathan Hickey

Ninth District Commander

Ninth Coast Guard District

Jon Husted Lieutenant Governor State of Ohio

David Joyce

U.S. Representative (14th District)

U.S. House of Representatives

Shammas Malik

Mayor

City of Akron

Jeff Riddell

President

Lorain County Board of Commissioners

Colleen Swedyk

President

Medina County Board of Commissioners

India Birdsong Terry

General Manager & CEO

Greater Cleveland RTA

J.D. Vance

U.S. Senator

U.S. Senate

Joshua G. Frederick President & CEO NOMS Healthcare

Education: Master’s degree in taxation, University of Akron; bachelor’s degree in accounting, Kent State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Is it positive/ neutral for our patients? Is it positive/neutral for our organization and team? Is it positive/neutral for the health care industry?

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Jesus

Favorite Quote: “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: Dad, wife, prior business mentors

Most Important Leadership Quality: Approachability and empathy

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Listen, absorb and surround yourself with people smarter than you.

Hobby/Passion: Being outdoors, relaxing and unplugging

If I Could Relive One Moment: High school state wrestling tournament

Education: University of Michigan Medical School; residency, University Hospitals of Cleveland and CWRU; research and clinical fellowship, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts Eye and Ear Infirmary Favorite quote: “I skate to where the puck is going to be, not where it has been.” — Wayne Gretzky

Most Important Leadership Quality: Being humble. It cultivates a collaborative and empowering work environment and fosters open communication that enables leaders to actively listen to diverse perspectives and acknowledge the contributions of your team.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Winston Churchill’s leadership style, as depicted in the book Hero of the Empire, mirrors many of the qualities I aspire to embody in corporate leadership.

Advice I’d Give Someone New: Make a personal commitment for continued self-education. Not only is it your duty to those you serve in your profession, but it will also help you differentiate yourself from others.

Gilbert Palmer President

Mercy Health, Lorain Hospital

Education: Medical degree, Northeast Ohio Medical University; master’s degree, Baldwin Wallace University

What Guides My Decision-Making: I ask myself, “Is this decision the right thing for our patients, and is this the right decision for those taking care of our patients?” If that answer is a “yes” to both things, then I can move forward.

Favorite Quote: “If not us, then who? If not now, then when?”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Honesty and integrity

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Work hard, be honest, stay honorable and be true.

Proudest Moment: The births of each of my three children

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Hug your parents a little longer, exercise more, forgive easily, save and invest with each paycheck and keep priorities clear.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Robert De Niro

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, University of Phoenix; bachelor’s degree in business administration, University of Akron; certificate in gerontology, University of Akron

What Guides My Decision-Making: Root cause analysis

Most Important Leadership Quality: Loyalty. For me to be a successful leader, I needed to prove my ability to do what I said I would do and stand by my staff.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Farmer or hunter

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Never be afraid to ask questions.

Proudest Moment: Watching my children and grandchildren grow up

My Biography Would Be Called: The Winding Journey If I Could Relive One Moment: Giving my mom one more hug

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Jodie Foster

Airica Steed

President & CEO

The MetroHealth System

Education: Doctoral degree in ethical leadership, with distinction; master’s degree in business administration; bachelor’s degree in nursing

What Guides My Decision-Making: The values of integrity, accountability and respect

Favorite Quote: “If they don’t give you a seat at the table, bring in a folding chair.”

If I Could Have Any Other Job: President of the United States

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Embrace the power of being comfortable being uncomfortable and facing adversity head on — it will become your biggest superpower.

My Biography Would Be Called: Adversity Is Your Superpower

Hobby/Passion: Eradicating health inequities

If I Could Relive One Moment: To hear my mother’s voice, see her smile and feel her touch

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Sanaa Lathan

Kendra Urdzik

President

& CEO

Judson Services Inc.

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, health care management, Baldwin Wallace University; bachelor’s degree in health, Ohio University

Favorite Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

— Maya Angelou

Most Important Leadership Quality: Positivity — the ability to motivate and lead a team during the most challenging times

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Ask questions. Never be afraid to ask a question, as it will only assist you in your growth. Better understanding leads to better decision-making.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Slow down, be present and enjoy every stage of life.

be seen be heard be well

We’re building a new kind of hospital system—one intentionally structured to serve every person.

And to serve every person, we make sure you’re seen: for who you are, for what you’re feeling, and for your unique needs. We don’t just listen. We make sure you’re heard by taking action both within our hospital walls and in our community to help every person be well. Be seen. Be heard. Be well.

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, University of Toledo; bachelor’s degree in business administration, Ohio Northern University

Favorite Quote: “Employees want to believe their company has a meaningful purpose. They want to know that their own job is worthwhile. They want to make a difference. If all three of these conditions are accomplished, bottom line results will follow.”

— Quint Studer

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My father. Even when he reaffirmed what I knew or told me what I did not want to hear, he was always there to listen and knew the right things to say to help me.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Building trusting relationships by getting to know your people, listening, seeking input and sharing information across the organization

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Be a servant leader. If you put your people first, your success will be the direct result of their good work.

Richard Boyson Jr.

President & CEO

Eliza Jennings

Dan Carestio

CEO

Steris

Cliff Deveny

President & CEO Summa Health

Jill Dietrich Mellon

Executive Director & CEO

VA Northeast Ohio Healthcare System

Christopher A. Gessner

CEO

Akron Children’s Hospital

William Koeblitz

Chairman of the Board MobilityWorks

Mark Kohoot

Founder & CEO Aeroscena

William Lehmann

President & COO Athersys Inc.

Tomislav Mihaljevic President & CEO

Cleveland Clinic

Joan Papp

Founder

Project Dawn

Jim Pshock

Chairman, CEO & Founder Bravo Wellness

Geoffrey Purtill

President & CEO Invacare Corp.

Robyn Strosaker

President & COO

University Hospitals Lake Health Medical Centers

Adnan Tahir

President & CEO

St. Vincent Charity Medical Center

Umberto Fedeli

Education: John Carroll University

What Guides My Decision-Making: I try to rely on past experiences, faith and guidance from knowledgeable family and friends whom I trust.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Saint Popo John Paul II, Mother Teresa and Ronald Reagan

Favorite Quote: “In life, the secret to happiness is to live. The essence of love is to serve.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Compassion, commitment and communication

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Full-time investor

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Find your passion and what you’re good at, and pursue it.

My Biography Would Be Called: It’s All About Relationships

Biggest Regret: My biggest regret is spending too much time with people who did not share the same win-win values and goals as I did.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: A cross between Robert De Niro and my friend, Jim Caviezel

Education: Padua Franciscan High School

Toughest Challenge: Growing up without a father. He died when I was 10 years old.

Greatest Inspiration: My mother. She sacrificed her life to keep me and my four sisters together as a family when relatives wanted to split us up. My mother had no job, no formal training and no driver’s license when my father died, and while it was a struggle, she found a way to keep us all together under one roof.

Favorite Quote: “On your best days, be great; on your worst days, be good; every other day, get better.”

How I Motivate Others: I try to help people realize that they can accomplish far more than they ever thought they were capable of. Talent is a gift, elite is a choice, and by constantly striving for excellence, they learn that anything is possible.

Best Advice: My father told me when I was young, “Never get outhustled.”

Proudest Moment: Watching my children succeed What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Don’t waste a minute of your life — it goes by fast.

Steve Glass

President & CEO Medical Mutual

Education: Bachelor’s degree

What Guides My Decision-Making: How it might impact others

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Abraham Lincoln

Favorite Quote: “Today I will do what others won’t, so tomorrow I can do what others can’t.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My friends

Most Important Leadership Quality: Integrity

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Architect

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Get comfortable being uncomfortable.

Proudest Moment: Becoming a dad

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Focus more on your fitness, health and wellness.

Hobby/Passion: Time with my family

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: No need to make a movie of this

Tricia Griffith

Education: Advanced Management Program, Wharton School of Business; bachelor’s degree, Illinois State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Our five core values: integrity, the Golden Rule, excellency, objectives and profit. They all work hand-in-glove together for success and winning in the right way.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Eleanor Roosevelt

Favorite Quote: “Comparison is the thief of joy.” — Theodore Roosevelt

Most Important Leadership Quality: Authenticity

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Talk show host

Education: The Ohio State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: I make decisions based on what I believe to be important and what I value. I reflect on what has worked, what could be and what I feel and think at that moment.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Always deliver. Deliver on who you are, what you say and what is expected.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: In business and in life, people will always try to bring you down or belittle you and your ideas. Let them keep underestimating you. Use their ignorance about you as a great motivator and let it become one of your greatest strengths.

Proudest Moment: The births of my children

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: All the stupid things you did, didn’t quite work out as planned, but keep going, the ride is spectacular...oh, and spend more time with dad.

Hobby/Passion: My sons are my number one passion. Golf and travel could be considered a hobby

If I Could Relive One Moment: I always wish I could relive spending time with my daughter.

Andrew "Bubba" Berenzweig CEO Hylant

Greg A. Brunn President & CEO Western Reserve Group

Jim Dustin Managing Director NFP

David Kempton Ohio President

Arthur J. Gallagher and Co.

Ed Largent President, CEO & Board Chair Westfield

Steven Martenet Ohio President

Anthem

Scott Mawaka President & CEO Fleet Response

Nancy Pokorny Vice President & Partner

Findley

Eddie Taylor Jr. President & CEO

Taylor Oswald

Michael Cohan

Shareholder

Cavitch, Familo & Durkin

Education: Loyola University School of Law; Boston College

What Guides My Decision-Making: Figuring out the best way to achieve a goal, keeping an eye on the desired outcome that is fair and reasonable

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: John F. Kennedy

Favorite Quote: “Improvise, adapt, overcome.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Fairness and consistency

If I Could Have Any Other Job: International medical courier

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Pick some goals, write them down and review them regularly.

Proudest Moment: Rising to be managing partner of our law firm, which I did for 16 years.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Don’t believe the people who tell you that you won’t be accepted at any law school or be successful as a partner in the law firm.

Hobby/Passion: Participating in and watching sports

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Denzel Washington, LOL

Lee Fisher

Dean

Cleveland State University College of Law

Education: Case Western Reserve University Law School; bachelor’s degree, Oberlin College

What Guides My Decision-Making: Seek first to understand, then to be understood.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Jackie Robinson

Favorite Quote: “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” — Maya Angelou

Most Important Leadership Quality: Ability to adapt to changing circumstances in a volatile, uncertain, complex, ambiguous world

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Quarterback, Cleveland Browns (for more than one season)

Proudest Moment: Authoring Ohio’s Hate Crime Law as a state senator and defending its constitutionality before the Ohio Supreme Court years later as attorney general

Hobby/Passion: Pilates, swimming, boating and jet skiing

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Tom Hanks (but only if Clooney isn’t available)

Colleen Cotter

Executive Director

The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland

Education: Doctoral degree, Indiana University; bachelor’s degree, University of Notre Dame

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Rep. John Lewis

Favorite Quote: “The only way to get a thing done is to start to do it, then keep on doing it, and finally you’ll finish it.” — Langston Hughes

Most Important Leadership Quality: Trustworthiness

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: The key is to achieve the balance between patience and impatience. Be impatient enough to keep moving forward and patient enough to know that any place worth getting to immediately is merely a stop along the way.

Gregg Eisenberg Managing Partner Benesch

Education: Doctoral degree, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law; bachelor’s degree, University of Rochester

What Guides My Decision-Making: My philosophy is to do what’s right, go with your gut instinct and be kind.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Winston Churchill Whom I Would Call for Advice: My wife

Most Important Leadership Quality: Trust

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Cleveland Browns head coach

Proudest Moment: The birth of my two kids, Max and Sophia

Ian Friedman

Founding Partner

Friedman, Nemecek & Long LLC

Education: Cleveland State University College of Law

What Guides My Decision-Making: The simple recognition of right being right and wrong being wrong

Favorite Quote: “The secret of life is enjoying the passage of time.” — James Taylor

Most Important Leadership Quality: Recognizing those who work with you

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: I would tell a new lawyer that their reputation means everything and will stay with them their entire career; relationships are critical; and begin to save for retirement right away.

Proudest Moment: Building a wonderful family and creating a law firm that has saved so many lives

My Biography Would Be Called: From the Roadside Hobby/Passion: Hiking and anything creative

If I Could Relive One Moment: The moment before the accident that left me on the roadside. I would have gotten off the highway.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Robert Downey Jr.

Terry Gilbert

Senior Partner

Friedman, Gilbert & Gerhardstein

Education: Cleveland State University College of Law; Miami University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Passion for justice and a better world

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Clarence Darrow

Favorite Quote: “Do not get lost in a sea of despair. Be hopeful, be optimistic. Our struggle is not the struggle of a day, a week, a month or a year — it is the struggle of a lifetime. Never, ever be afraid to make some noise and get in good trouble, necessary trouble.” — John Lewis

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My longtime law partner, Gordon Friedman

Most Important Leadership Quality: Listening to those you serve

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Follow your passion, and don’t worry about the paycheck.

Proudest Moment: Publishing my memoir, Trying Times

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Leonardo DiCaprio

Ira Kaplan

Benesch Law

Education: Doctoral degree, George Washington University; bachelor’s degree, University of Rochester

What Guides My Decision-Making: In business, the best interest of my clients; in my civic involvement, the best interest of the community served

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My wife, Amy; my children, in whom I have seen wisdom; and my friend and rabbi

Most Important Leadership Quality: High expectations, collaboration and teamwork, teaching and empathy

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Head of the Gates Foundation

My Biography Would Be Called: A Work in Progress Hobby/Passion: Spending time with family, bicycling and golfing

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Some unknown actor looking for a break because who else would be interested?

Larry Oscar

Partner and Business Practice Area Co-Chair Hahn Loeser & Parks LLP

Education: NYU School of Law; bachelor’s degree, University of Pennsylvania (Wharton)

What Guides My Decision-Making: Deep understanding of the issues and challenges

Favorite Quote: “It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena …” — Theodore Roosevelt

Most Important Leadership Quality: Listening

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Cultural critic

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Promptly return all phone calls.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Don’t swing so hard.

Biggest Regret: Not ordering enough appetizers

Hobby/Passion: Civic leadership

If I Could Relive One Moment: The 1972 Rolling Stones concert I attended

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Bill Murray

Chris Keim

Managing Partner

Frantz Ward

Education: Doctoral degree, Case Western Reserve University; bachelor’s degree, The Ohio State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: A commitment to do the right thing, even when it’s hard

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Winston Churchill. Besides helping to win World War II and being a Nobel Prize winner in literature, he rallied an entire country with his speeches.

Favorite Quote: “A genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus, but a molder of consensus.”

— Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Most Important Leadership Quality: A combination of empathy, integrity and communication

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Coaching sports

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Your family and friends will carry you to a great life — enjoy it!

Joe Morford

Managing Partner

Tucker Ellis

Education: Doctoral degree, Loyola University of Chicago School of Law; bachelor’s degree, University of Notre Dame

What Guides My Decision-Making: People, people and people. How will the decisions made impact our people, our clients and our communities? Sure, money matters, but money is the result of getting the people part right all day, every day.

Favorite Quote: “Comparison is the thief of joy.”

My Biography Would Be Called: This is Going to be Great (I say that so much around the firm and at home that people tease me for it. But I say it because I actually think it — and I think it both in good times and in bad. There are life lessons and meaning in all sorts of things, good and more challenging.)

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Be honest, be nice and do your best.

Jon Pinney

Managing Partner

KJK

Education: Doctoral degree, Cleveland State University College of Law; bachelor’s degree, John Carroll University

What Guides My Decision-Making: A combination of values, data and goals

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: John F. Kennedy

Favorite Quote: “Let’s roll.” — Todd Beamer

Most Important Leadership Quality: Adaptability. A good leader should be able to adapt and navigate through challenges.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Developer

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Make yourself indispensable by striving to be the hardest worker in the room.

Proudest Moment: The birth of my sons

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Read more about history. Understanding the past is the most important way to shape the future.

If I Could Relive One Moment: My wedding day

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Bret Baier

Shawn Riley

Chariman

McDonald Hopkins

Education: Case Western Reserve University School of Law; bachelor’s degree, Kent State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: I try to do what is best for the group for which I am deciding, be it my family, my firm or my clients.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Winston Churchill, who was willing to be ostracized for his firmly held (and ultimately correct) views

Favorite Quote: “Recognition should not be the goal of your efforts, but the result.”

If I Could Have Any Other Job: A chef in my own restaurant or bed and breakfast

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: I would want it to be George Clooney, but it likely would be Steve Buscemi.

Ruppert

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and Bar Foundation

Education: Doctoral degree, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law; bachelor’s degree, Smith College

Favorite Quote: “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: It’s a tie between active listening and the ability to make decisions.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Screenwriter of Academy Award-winning films

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Your greatest personal and professional growth will happen when you stretch outside of your comfort zone to master the art of taking calculated risks.

Proudest Moment: Celebrating the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association’s 150th anniversary throughout 2023

My Biography Would Be Called: Keeping One Eye on the Horizon

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: When you know better, you’ll do better. Till then, have some fun. And buy stock in Apple!

Taras “Terry” Szmagala

EVP & Chief Legal Officer

Eaton

Education: Doctoral degree and bachelor’s degree, University of Virginia

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: St. Ignatius Loyola, co-founder of the Jesuits

Favorite Quote: “If you want to make God laugh, tell him your plans.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Servant leadership. My job is to help my team do theirs more effectively.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Teacher — my parents were both teachers and made a difference in the lives of others.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Focus on adding value more than getting credit. If you add value, the credit will come.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Avoid drama and people who like it. Don’t take yourself so seriously, and maintain perspective.

Patricia Shlonsky

Partner in Charge/Cleveland Ulmer & Berne LLP

Education: Doctoral degree, The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law; bachelor’s degrees in English and political science, Miami University

What Guides My Decision-Making: The best interests of the institution

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Ruth Bader Ginsburg — she did it all and made it easier for the rest of us.

Favorite Quote: “When people show you who they are, believe them the first time.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My mother

Most Important Leadership Quality: Listening and anticipating impact

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Novelist

Douglas Spiker

Shareholder in Charge, Cleveland Office

Roetzel & Andress

Education: Doctoral degree, Ohio Northern University College of Law; bachelor’s degree, Mount Union College

What Guides My Decision-Making: The long-term implications, not just the here and now

Favorite Quote: “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My wife, Stephenie

Most Important Leadership Quality: Willingness to change course when necessary

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Compromise is not a dirty word.

Proudest Moment: Seeing my son become a father

Hobby/Passion: Golf

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Ed O’Neill

Adrian Thompson

Co-Partner-in-Charge; Chief Diversity Officer Taft Law

Education: The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law

What Guides My Decision-Making: Information, respect and a plan of action

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Muhammad Ali

Favorite Quote: “Just know how to get stuff done.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My father

Most Important Leadership Quality: Flexibility

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Tournament fisherman

Proudest Moment: My parents’ smiles when I graduated from law school

My Biography Would Be Called: Up from Willard

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Read, read, read.

Hobby/Passion: The great outdoors

If I Could Relive One Moment: Speaking with my father

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Laurence Fishburne

Thomas Welsh

Managing Partner

Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP

Education: Doctoral degree, Case Western Reserve University School of Law; bachelor’s degree, Miami University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Trusting my gut feeling and also our great management team

Most Important Leadership Quality: Being trusted by those in your organization. You may not always make the right decision, but be sure that the decision is what you think is best for everyone.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Be sure to listen to those around you. Many of them have a lot of experience and, for that matter, different experiences, all of which will help you.

Biggest Regret: Quitting the piano when I was a kid (I should have listened to my parents).

Hobby/Passion: Cleveland sports, golfing and enjoying the Cleveland Metroparks with my wife and dogs

Education: Doctoral degree, State University of New York, Buffalo School of Law; bachelor’s degree in chemistry/biology, Western Illinois University

What Guides My Decision-Making: My gut. I study and discuss and get my colleagues’ input, but in the end I’ve found my instinctual decision proves the best.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: My father was a Hong Kong newspaper publisher, and my mother was an accomplished journalist, one of the finest woman reporters in China in the 1930s.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Decisive. Don’t be afraid to take risk and fail.

Proudest Moment: When both of my children became partners in my law firm, and then parents

My Biography Would Be Called: The Immigrant’s Way (I handwrote it.)

If I Could Relive One Moment: My time with mother and dad, listening to their stories about our Chinese history of war and peace and two Chinas.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: I love Arden Cho in Netflix’s Partner Track

Jessica Berg

Dean

Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Michele Connell

Global Managing Partner, US LLP

Squire Patton Boggs

Steven A. Dimengo

Managing Partner

Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs LLC

Daniel Glessner

Managing Partner

Brouse McDowell LPA

Alana Jochum

Executive Director

Equality Ohio

Elizabeth Juliano

Founder & CEO

Litigation Management Inc.

Deborah Read

Firmwide Managing Partner

Thompson Hine

David Rowan

Chief Legal Officer

Cleveland Clinic

John Saada

Partner-in-Charge

Jones Day

Michael Scharf

Dean

Case Western Reserve University School of Law

Matthew Tenerowicz

Office Managing Partner

BakerHostetler

Education: Doctoral degree in chemical engineering, Carnegie Mellon University; master’s degree in business administration, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University; bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering, University of Kentucky

What Guides My Decision-Making: Measure the inputs that drive the outputs (results). If the outputs aren’t what you want them to be, you need to assess and improve the inputs.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Marie Curie

Whom I Would Call for Advice: I gained a lot from my dad’s steady advice through the years. He was always of the mindset that his daughters could do anything his son could do, which gave me great early practical education on the family farm.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Decisiveness, empathy and transparency

Hobby/Passion: Supporting the next generation, whether that means mentoring young professionals, speaking to students passionate about science or giving back to our communities

Education: Master’s degree in business administration/executive management, BaldwinWallace University; bachelor’s degree in accounting, Cleveland State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: The desire to do what is best for the greater good

Favorite Quote: “Look at a day when you are supremely satisfied at the end. It’s not a day when you lounge around doing nothing; it’s a day you’ve had everything to do … and you’ve done it.” — Margaret Thatcher

Most Important Leadership Quality: Always showing respect for those with whom I interact, and being willing to roll up my shirt sleeves and dig in to assist

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Never feel that you’re too young to do anything. Don’t wait for “your time.” Your time is now. Do it!

My Biography Would Be Called: 24/7: Relentless in Pursuit of Having a Positive Influence

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Appreciate good health. Hobby/Passion: I am a total pickleball addict!

The Austin Co.

Education: Bachelor’s degree in engineering

What Guides My Decision-Making: If you keep on doing the right things, the right things will happen.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Pope John Paul II

Favorite Quote: “If you’re the leader and you’re the smartest person in the room, you’re in a lot of trouble.” — Jack Welch

Most Important Leadership Quality: The ability to listen, communicate and take action

If I Could Have Any Other Job: A master distiller

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Always be thinking three to five years ahead and make sure that is a place that would be fulfilling for you.

Proudest Moment: Early in my career, realizing that the work I had sold was keeping an entire office busy — that I was responsible for their employment

Hobby/Passion: Cooking

If I Could Relive One Moment: I’d be there with my father once more before he died.

Jack Schron Jr. President

Jergens Inc.

Education: Doctoral degree; bachelor’s degree in business administration

Favorite Quote: “The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, who errs, who comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds.” — Theodore Roosevelt

Most Important Leadership Quality: Honesty

Proudest Moment: Handing each of our sons their high school diplomas as Chagrin Falls school board president or board member

Biggest Regret: I did not write down the pearls and stories told by my father, mother, father-in law and mother-in-law.

Hobby/Passion: Hobby: working with my hands, building things and my model railroad. Passion: Trying to be a force for positive change.

If I Could Relive One Moment: Having a Manhattan with my father and just talking about stuff

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Paul Newman

Dan Arment

President & CEO

Riddell

Craig Arnold

Chairman & CEO

Eaton

Cheri Dunmore-Phyfer

President Fortune Brands Global Plumbing Group (Moen)

Andrew Eich

CEO Covia Corp.

Timothy Flanagan

Interim President & CEO GrafTech International Ltd.

Lourenco Goncalves

Chairman, President & CEO Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

Steven Hedlund

Chairman, President & CEO Lincoln Electric

Ramona Hood

President & CEO FedEx Custom Critical

Ansir Junaid

Founder, Chairman & CEO

Supplyside Group

Ethan Karp

President & CEO

MAGNET

Ashish Khandpur

Chairman, President & CEO Avient Corp.

Richard Kramer

Chairman, President & CEO Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co.

Richard Kyle

President & CEO

The Timken Co.

Steve Laserson

President & CEO

Vitamix

Todd Leebow

President & CEO

Majestic Steel USA

Thomas Lozik

CEO Swagelok

Robert McBride

CEO

Scott Fetzer Co.

Daryll McNair

President & CEO

MVP Plastics Corp.

Sundaram Nagarajan President & CEO Nordson Corp.

Gary Oatey Chairman

Oatey

Jonathan Pertchik President & CEO TravelCenters America

Heidi G. Petz President & COO

The Sherwin-Williams Co.

Michelle Reiner

CEO

Joshen Paper & Packaging

Doug Schattinger President & CEO Pioneer Athletics

Michael Siegal

Executive Chairman of the Board

Olympic Steel

Kevin Stein

President & CEO

TransDigm

Frank Sullivan

Chairman & CEO

RPM International Inc.

Roger Sustar

Founder & CEO

Fredon Corp.

Nizar Trigui

CEO, Bridgestone Mobility Solutions

Bridgestone Americas Inc.

Thomas Williams

Chairman & CEO

Parker Hannifin Corp.

Bialosky Cleveland-Architects, Engineers, Planners

Education: Master’s degree, Yale University; bachelor’s degree, University of Pennsylvania

Favorite Quote: “I didn’t get much done today, but I’m going to give it hell tomorrow.” — Travis Gower Walsh Jr.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Humility

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: In order to lead, you must first learn how to follow.

Proudest Moment: There have been many: watching people enjoy buildings and environments I have been responsible for designing; watching my sons win NCAA and European Lacrosse championships; receiving Gold Medal peer recognition from my AIA colleagues; watching my staff and mentees excel and succeed; and receiving praise from my wife and parents

My Biography Would Be Called: No, This Time I Really Mean It

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Motorcycles and radial arm saws are dangerous.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: My son, Alec

Education: Bachelor’s degree in industrial engineering, University of Akron; associate degree in marketing and sales, University of Akron

Most Inspiring Person: My father is the most positive and optimistic person in my life.

Best Advice: The best advice I have ever received was that your reputation is your best asset — never compromise it.

Proudest Moment: My proudest moment is having and watching my kids grow. I am so very proud of them.

Most Important Skill: An important skill is being a good listener. Always listen before you speak. Compassion is also another crucial life skill.

Bucket List: One item on my bucket list is to visit and go hunting in Alaska.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Kevin Costner would be a good candidate.

Brenda Callaghan

Executive Director

Home Builders Association of Greater Cleveland

Education: Bachelor’s degree in communications/ marketing, John Carroll University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Personal ethics, good information and instincts based on years of experience

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Margaret Thatcher

Favorite Quote: “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try.” — John F. Kennedy

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Public servant

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: You can have more than one career — look at careers in decades. You have more than one talent.

Proudest Moment: When my children were born and my college graduation. I had paid for [college] myself while living on my own.

My Biography Would Be Called: Keep Moving Forward

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Start a business!

Biggest Regret: Not going to law school yet — but there’s still time.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Julia Roberts

Bradley C. Disandis

President & CEO

Bradley Stone

Favorite Quote: “Never give up.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Integrity

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My best friend, Mike. He’s a retired Air Force colonel/F16 pilot.

Hobby/Passion: Basketball and volleyball

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Always be open and willing to change and to take more risks.

Proudest Moment: When my kids were born, followed by the continued growth of Bradley Stone over the last 30-plus years

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Focus on the positive things in life.

George E. Davis III

Founder/Owner ProBuilt Homes

Education: Bachelor’s degree in management science, Case Western Reserve University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Probability analysis

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Soichiro Honda

Favorite Quote: “The Man in the Arena” — Theodore Roosevelt’s The Man in the Arena speech

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My current or previous mentors and/or business peers

Most Important Leadership Quality: Self-motivation

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Fishing/hunting outfitter

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Never take no for an answer.

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Bowling Green State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: My value system, along with my desire to curate a culture for our people founded in trust and respect

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Ronald Reagan

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My husband, Mac Donley

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Fashion designer

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Enjoy each day. The challenges along the way inform your character! God has a plan.

Proudest Moment: Becoming a mom

My Biography Would Be Called: Grateful, Gritty and Faithful People Change the World

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Don’t peak in high school!

Biggest Regret: Not living in another city outside of Cleveland in my younger years

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Reese Witherspoon

Adam Fishman

Principal

Fairmount Properties

Education: Bachelor’s degree in finance and business economics, Miami University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Trying to leave a community better than we found it while achieving risk-adjusted returns for our investors

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Franklin D. Roosevelt

Favorite Quote: “Once in while, you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: Tom Adler

Most Important Leadership Quality: Kind, direct honesty

If I Could Have Any Other Job: PGA Tour golfer

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Learn before you earn! Get involved in your community.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Be kind to everyone.

If I Could Relive One Moment: Our wedding day; it was awesome.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Oliver Platt

Jason Jones

Senior Vice President

Turner Construction Co.

Education: Master’s degree, Cleveland State University; bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, University of Akron

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Steve Jobs

Favorite Quote: “Well done is better than well said.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Integrity. Never ask someone to do something that you wouldn’t do yourself.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: U.S. ambassador to a European country

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Never stop learning. You never know everything, and you can grow every day.

Biggest Regret: None. I wouldn’t change the journey. Every challenge leads to new opportunities.

Hobby/Passion: Watching baseball

Brian Hurtuk

Retired Managing Director Colliers International

Education: Bachelor’s degree in accounting, Case Western Reserve University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Is it the best decision for the individuals involved or the overall company?

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Winston Churchill

Favorite Quote: “Cleveland Rocks!”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My wife, Anne

Most Important Leadership Quality: Set the best example of how to be a consummate professional.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Basketball coach

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Enjoy each day — tomorrow will be here soon enough.

Proudest Moment: When the Colliers office was recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in Northeast Ohio in the Weatherhead 100

My Biography Would Be Called: I Did It My Way!

Hobby/Passion: Bike riding and shooting sporting clays

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: John Slattery

Chris Kamis

President

Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc.

What Guides My Decision-Making: My heart, research and gut

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Nikola Tesla

Favorite Quote: “It is what it is.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My father

Most Important Leadership Quality: Integrity

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Drummer in a rock band

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Never give up and you will never truly fail.

Proudest Moment: The births of my children and grandchild

My Biography Would Be Called: How to Fail Upward

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Listen to your parents.

Hobby/Passion: Music

If I Could Relive One Moment: My marriage Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Armand Assante

Matt Janiak

Senior Principal, Northeast Region Leader

DLR Group

Education: Bachelor’s degree in architecture

What Guides My Decision-Making: Values

Favorite Quote: “Don’t seek permission, rather ask for forgiveness later.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Empathy has consistently been a crucial quality for me. Rather than being seen as a gentle approach, it actually fuels substantial outcomes. Having always recognized that showcasing empathy benefits people, leadership demands a balance of various abilities to set the stage for engagement, joy and performance.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Enjoy every moment you spend with your loved ones, as time flies by. Find your purpose and seize more opportunities, for failure is a valuable teacher that paves the path to success and wisdom.

Hobby/Passion: Creating and building are my greatest passions.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: I’m torn between two incredible actors — Tom Hanks and Michael Keaton.

Nathan Kelly

President & Managing Director

Cushman & Wakefield | CRESCO

Education: Bachelor’s degree, DePaul University

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Never eat lunch alone. Your network is your best asset. Build and invest in that asset.

Proudest Moment: I joined the city of Lakewood as the planning and development director at a time when many thought the suburb was going in the wrong direction. I am so proud of the work we did, and those who followed me, to turn that around and make my hometown among the most desired places to live in Greater Cleveland.

My Biography Would Be Called: Things I Learned in the Public Sector and Other Atrocities

Biggest Regret: Dry January

If I Could Relive One Moment: I wish I could watch The Wire again for the first time.

Rustom Khouri

President & CEO Carnegie Management and Development Corp.

Education: Medical degree; doctor of podiatric medicine

What Guides My Decision-Making: Long-term value creation

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Danny Thomas, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton

Favorite Quote: “You’re never wrong for doing the right thing.” — Mark Twain

Most Important Leadership Quality: Empathy, integrity, transparency and a team-oriented approach to problem-solving.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Golf tour professional My Biography Would Be Called: Realizing the Possible What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Study hard, work hard, stay away from bad habits and make sure your friends are good people. Also, never give up on your dreams.

If I Could Relive One Moment: The time I spent in Australia when I first met my wife

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Eddie Mekka

What Guides My Decision-Making: My gut guides me, and I follow up with the finances to finalize my decision.

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My older brother, Scott Marous, or my wife, Jill Marous

Most Important Leadership Quality: Leading by example; I don’t ask anyone to do anything I wouldn’t do myself.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Captain on a private yacht

Proudest Moment: When I moved back to Cleveland from Arizona to join my two brothers in business and start Marous Brothers Site Group

My Biography Would Be Called: Hurricane Kenny

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Have more patience, and don’t assume you know everything.

Biggest Regret: We’ve talked about opening offices in other regions/cities but didn’t, and I wish we had.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: George Clooney — people think I look like him!

Sandra Madison

Chairperson & CEO Robert P. Madison International Inc.

Education: University of Maryland, College Park - School of Architecture

What Guides My Decision-Making: My decisionmaking is guided by my conscience. I equate my conscience to my soul, and my soul to my God. There is a song written and sung by the musical artist Sting called Let Your Soul Be Your Pilot. The words remind me of the many conversations I would have with my grandmother.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: James Baldwin. He spoke so eloquently and poetically about difficult topics. His words spoke truth in a way that made you pay attention and listen.

Favorite Quote: “The nice thing about hope is that you can give it to someone else, someone who needs it even more than you do, and you will find you have not given yours away at all.” — Maya Angelou

Most Important Leadership Quality: Humility

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Angela Bassett

Adelbert “Chip”

Marous

President & CEO

Marous Brothers Construction

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: My father, Del Marous

Favorite Quote: “Do it right or don’t do it at all.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: Tony Ranallo, my lifelong mentor

Most Important Leadership Quality: Communication, vision, being a good listener and honesty

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Find a career you are passionate about and love what you do. Life is too short not to be genuinely happy with what you do.

Proudest Moment: The births of my six children

My Biography Would Be Called: How to Beat the Odds

Hobby/Passion: Woodworking, scuba diving and skiing

Kyle Merrill

Senior Vice PresidentSenior Business Leader Gilbane

Building Co.

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, Loyola University Chicago; bachelor’s degree in engineering, University of Wisconsin Platteville

What Guides My Decision-Making: A phrase my mom and dad instilled in me: “Make it better than when you found it.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My parents, my wife and my brother

Most Important Leadership Quality: Servant leadership

Proudest Moment: Becoming a father

Hobby/Passion: Outdoor activities, especially fishing

Kevin Nowak

President & CEO

CHN Housing Partners

Education: Doctoral degree, University of Michigan Law School; bachelor’s degree, University of Michigan

What Guides My Decision-Making: The big picture, data, my experience and my faith

Favorite Quote: “The harder you work, the luckier you get.”

Proudest Moment: Seeing the growth of my sons.

Hobby/Passion: Working out with my friends at F3 Westshore

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Mark Wahlberg

Ted Otero

President/Owner

Otero Signature Homes

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, Cleveland State University; bachelor’s degree in civil engineering, Case Western Reserve University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Faith, God and a growth mindset

Favorite Quote: “Believe in the possibilities of the impossible.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My wife and business partner, Kelly Otero

Most Important Leadership Quality: Persistence, determination and a clear vision

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Military jet pilot

Proudest Moment: Every time we turn over a beautiful new house to a client — seeing their faces and appreciation for a job well done

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Learn more accounting!

Hobby/Passion: Fitness and teaching myself piano in 2024

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Ryan Reynolds. Why not, right?!

First Interstate Properties Ltd.

Education: The Ohio State University College of Law; bachelor’s degree, The Ohio State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: First, I look to risk management and try to evaluate any risks, risk probabilities and consequences. Second, I try to make decisions that will result in the greatest amount of good for the individuals, organizations and stakeholders involved.

Favorite Quote: “If I am not for myself, who will be for me? If I am only for myself, what am I? And if not now, when?” — Hillel

Most Important Leadership Quality: Walk in the world with gratitude and a genuine willingness to serve in the broadest sense possible.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: In another universe, I wouldn’t mind having been an accomplished artist.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Don’t worry about what you are getting, but instead concentrate on what you are learning and what you are able to give to a situation. The reward will follow.

Peter Snavely President Snavely Group

Education: Fort Lewis College

What Guides My Decision-Making: Data, principle and my gut

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Yvon Chouinard, Patagonia founder

Favorite Quote: “Let’s do something, even if it’s wrong.” — Danny Burgett, my cousin

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Nature photographer

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Live life to its fullest extent, work in a profession you love and treat all people with respect.

My Biography Would Be Called: Do The Right Thing, Always

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Slow down, open your eyes, think big and laugh at yourself.

Biggest Regret: I should have spent more time in college. I wish I would have climbed Mt. Sneffels.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Kevin Costner (at least that’s what my daughter thinks)

Paul

Spenthoff

Division President PulteGroup CLE PulteGroup

Education: Bowling Green State University

Favorite Quote: “The lion doesn’t turn around when the small dog barks.” — African Proverb

Most Important Leadership Quality: Transparency and integrity

If I Could Have Any Other Job: FBI

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: There isn’t a substitute for discipline. Work hard, treat people with respect and earn your way to your desired destination.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Persistence pays off. Be willing to dust yourself off and get back up and try again.

Hobby/Passion: Upland hunting with my dad, brother and my bird dog, Oakley; watching my two daughters in all of their after-school activities (horseback, tennis, cheerleading and dance).

Education: Master’s degree in real estate finance, New York University; Brandeis University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Will I be able to look at myself in the mirror after making that decision?

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My father, Bob Stark

Proudest Moment: Anytime I witness my children accomplish their goals and see the look of pride on their faces

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Be more compassionate to myself

Hobby/Passion: Learning about mental health and holistic healing

Charles Vannoy

Region President K Hovnanian Homes

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, University of Alabama; bachelor’s degree in chemistry, minor in physics, Winthrop University

What Guides My Decision-Making: Work hard every day, consistently, with discipline. Get 1% better every day mentally, physically and spiritually.

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Elon Musk

Favorite Quote: Psalm 23

Most Important Leadership Quality: Tenacity

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Listen twice as much as you speak.

Proudest Moment: The birth of my first child

My Biography Would Be Called: The Search for Meaning

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Be patient. Things will turn out better than they look right now.

Hobby/Passion: CrossFit, Harley Davidsons and my relationship with my wife

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: Vin Diesel

Gareth Vaughan

President & CEO

The Albert M. Higley Co. LLC

Education: Master’s degree in civil engineering, University of Cincinnati

What Guides My Decision-Making: Our company core values

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Nelson Mandela

Whom I Would Call for Advice: Bruce Higley

Most Important Leadership Quality: Humility

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Fishing charter captain

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Define what success means for you and go for it.

If I Could Relive One Moment: My daughter being born

Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, John Carroll University

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: George V. Voinovich, as he did not make decisions based on party but for the people

Favorite Quote: “You can only control what you say or do no matter how hard you try.”

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My wife, Jeannine, or sister, Deb Donley

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Real estate developer

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Tell the truth, no matter what the consequences.

Proudest Moment: Raising five children and providing a solid foundation in order for them to be successful in any of their life pursuits

Biggest Regret: Not telling my father enough how much I truly appreciated everything he sacrificed for me to make me the man I am today before his sudden passing at 59.

Hobby/Passion: Mountain biking, skiing, golfing and watching my two youngest boys play sports

Jennifer Zabkar

Division President Drees Homes

Education: Master’s degree in business administration, Cleveland State University; bachelor’s degree, The Ohio State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: A mix of reflection, analysis, strategy and communication

Most Important Leadership Quality: Authenticity

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Latin teacher or national park ranger

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Change can be difficult. Be positive, and be yourself.

Proudest Moment: The moment I held my son for the first time

My Biography Would Be Called: Even If You Already Knew

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Stop worrying about what other people think and do what your heart and head tell you is right.

If I Could Relive One Moment: Hiking the Highline Trail with my family

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: For sure, Tina Fey

Sherri Brandon

CEO

Front Steps Housing and Services

John Carney

Co-Founder & Managing Partner

Landmark Cos. LLC

Peter Corogin

President & CEO

Lake Erie Electric

Patrick Covey

Chairman, President & CEO

The Davey Tree Expert Co.

William Cromling III

President

Ross Environmental Services Inc.

Scott Dimit

Managing Principal

Dimit Architects

Mac Donley

CEO

Donley’s Inc.

Fran Doris

CEO

Mars Electric

Karen M. Fanger

President & COO

K&D Group

John Ferchill

Chairman & CEO

Ferchill Group

Melissa Ferchill-Swingos

Owner & President MCM Co. Inc.

Greg Geis

Owner & CEO GEIS Cos.

Brandon Guzman

President MFS Supply

William “Bud” Hagy Owner

Green Quest Group, Green Quest Homes, Bistro 83

J. David Heller

President, CEO and Co-Founder

The NRP Group

Doug Hensel

Vice President of Operations

Ryan Homes

Gary Hribar

CEO

Osborn Engineering

Alan Jaffa

CEO

Safeguard Properties

Bo Knez

President & CEO

BR Knez Construction Inc.

Mitch Lapin

President

Fortney & Weygandt Inc.

Ronald Ledin

Chairman & CEO

Middough Inc.

Ari Maron Partner

MRN Ltd.

Douglas Miller

President & CEO

Richard Jacobs Group

Gary Naim Owner

Petros Homes Inc.

Alex Nemet

Owner

Northeast Factory Direct

James Orr

President & Owner

Dover Home Remodelers

Rick Osborne

Managing Director

The Osborne Group

Dominic Ozanne

President & CEO

Ozanne Construction Co.

Richard Pace

CEO

Cumberland Development LLC

Tony Panzica

President & CEO

Panzica Construction

Mike Payne

Vice President of Operations

Payne & Payne Builders

Gayle Pinchot

President

Frank Novak & Sons

Douglas E. Price III

CEO

K&D Group

James Ruhlin Jr.

President & CEO

The Ruhlin Co.

Neil Sackett

President & CEO

Carter Lumber

Frank Sinito

Founder & CEO

Millennia Cos.

Brian Strauss

President & CEO

Associated Materials

Don Taylor

President & CEO

Welty Building Co.

Daniel Walsh

Founder & CEO

Citymark Capital

Matt Wilson

Area Manager

Kokosing Industrial

Congratulations!

Kendra Urdzik, President and CEO, and your fellow Cleveland 500 honorees.

We thank you for your leadership on behalf of our residents, their families and friends, our Board of Directors, and our valued associates. Judson has been serving older adults in Northeast Ohio since 1906. Together, we embody our not-for-profit mission of Bringing Community to Life

JumpStart Inc.

What Guides My Decision-Making: Decisions should be made in 10 seconds, 10 minutes, 10 hours or 10 days. You must understand which scenario you are dealing with, and then appropriately bind your consideration.

Most Important Leadership Quality: To me, the most important quality is the ability to develop and build a high-functioning team and then inspire them with the belief that can be achieved.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: This, too, shall pass, good or bad; that moment, which seems life or death, will be fleeting, so the focus should be on how you handle those peaks and troughs.

Favorite Quote: “If I had an hour to solve a problem, I’d spend 55 minutes thinking about the problem and five minutes thinking about solutions.”

Proudest Moment: While it is wonderful to achieve, I have found that self-achievement pales compared to watching your kids succeed.

Kevin Johnson

Managing Partner

NexGen Interactive LLC

Education: MAM; bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering; CSA

What Guides My Decision-Making: Strategy

Historic Figure Who Inspires Me: Fredrick Douglas

Favorite Quote: “I would unite with anybody to do right, and with nobody to do wrong.” — Fredrick Douglas

Whom I Would Call for Advice: My parents

Most Important Leadership Quality: Remaining focused through the noise

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Engage in work that feeds your passion.

Proudest Moment: Taking care of my elderly parents

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Wisdom is developed through experience, and experience takes time.

Jimmy Kenyon

Center Director

NASA Glenn Research Center

Education: Doctoral degree in mechanical engineering

What Guides My Decision-Making: I try to see all sides, ask for advice from experts and insight from people who know the history, get as much data as possible and think through the unintended consequences.

Favorite Quote: “In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing, the next best thing is the wrong thing, and the worst thing you can do is nothing.” — Theodore Roosevelt

Most Important Leadership Quality: Integrity. I work hard every day to live by my word and deliver on my commitments.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Don’t be afraid to say “yes.” All big opportunities come with some cost or some risk. Take the opportunity. The cost or risk will work itself out.

Hobby/Passion: I volunteer as an umpire for Little League baseball and softball.

CONGRATULATIONS

CMSD is dedicated to achieving excellence and promoting success for all scholars, staff and the CMSD Community. We believe that by embracing excellence and achievement, we can drive our pursuit of innovation and inspire all to continually improve.

The Urban League of Greater Cleveland’s Staff and Board wholeheartedly congratulate our fearless leader for being named as one of the Cleveland 500. As she often says, her “role is a divine assignment,”

and it shows each and every day!

As a team, we all have the “servant mentality,” but it starts at the top!

Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Baldwin Wallace University

What Guides My Decision-Making: It’s important to understand all of the material facts. To do that you need to surround yourself with people who will provide you with those facts so that you can provide direction in the best interest of all, and to be transparent to those who may be disappointed in those decisions.

Most Important Leadership Quality: The ability and willingness to listen to others and to hear their message

If I Could Have Any Other Job: I’ve always thought doing color commentary for NFL games would be a great career.

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Don’t succumb to inaction for fear of making a mistake or bad decision.

What I’d Tell 16-Year-Old Me: Save 10% of every dollar you earn and forget about it until you retire.

Who’d Play Me in a Biopic: I’d love to say Tom Cruise or Brad Pitt, but I think Jimmy Donovan from Channel 3 would probably be a better choice. (I say that with respect, Jimmy!)

Steve Potash

Founder & CEO OverDrive

Education: Doctoral degree, Cleveland State University College of Law; bachelor’s degree in journalism, The Ohio State University

Favorite Quote: “The harder I work, the luckier I get.” — Benny Gelb, founder of Ohio Farmers

Whom I Would Call for Advice: Felton Thomas, executive director and CEO of Cleveland Public Library, and Tracy Strobel, executive director of Cuyahoga County Public Library

Jason Therrien CEO

thunder::tech

Education: Bachelor’s degree, John Carroll University

What Guides My Decision-Making: The values that my parents instilled in me combined with the formation of those values through the Jesuit approach at John Carroll University

Favorite Quote: “Get busy living or get busy dying.”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Understanding how much I don’t know and rethinking everything I think I do know

Proudest Moment: The opening of the Potash Women and Newborn Center as part of University Hospitals’ Ahuja Medical Center expansion

My Biography Would Be Called: There Are No Bad Days in Ebooks

Hobby/Passion: During the pandemic shutdown, I became an accordion student and performed for friends and family. Having been born and raised in Cleveland, playing and singing polkas became a priority.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Having a strong character followed by living with integrity. Life is (hopefully) a long journey, and leaders are much more successful when you can consistently count on them to do the right thing.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Build a hot sauce empire

The Advice I’d Give Someone New: Show up and raise your hand, every day.

My Biography Would Be Called: thunder::struck — From the Dorm Room to the Board Room and the Stories in Between

Hobby/Passion: Road trips to anywhere off the beaten path

Congratulations JULIE JACONO, JumpStart CEO

and all the Cleveland 500 honorees.

Julie's leadership builds on JumpStart's 20-year track record and will guide the organization towards a future where entrepreneurship transforms our communities.

Education: EMBA, Cleveland State University; bachelor’s degree in economics, Arizona State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: The “front page test.” I never want to make a decision that I would regret if it were to get published in the media.

Favorite Quote: “The true test of a man’s character is what he does when no one is watching.”

John Wooden

Whom I Would Call for Advice: I would call Micki Tubbs (my mom and FIT’s co-founder). She always shoots it to me straight, challenges the “why” in my decision-making and opens me up to other ways of thinking.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Accountability. It serves as a building block for trust in a relationship, and those two qualities together can lead to success.

Hobby/Passion: Learning about wine, collecting wine and drinking wine.

Chris Adams

President & CEO

Park Place Technologies

Patrick Brown

CEO

OEConnection

Ken Fitzpatrick

President & CEO

Everstream & Snip

Hiroyuki Fujita

Founder & CEO

Quality Electrodynamics

Patrick Ghilani

CEO

MRI Software

Satish Jindal

CEO

BioMotiv

Daryl Laisure

President & CEO

ZIN Technologies Inc.

Charlie Lougheed

Founder & CEO

Axuall Inc.

Michael Ode

President & CEO

Foundation Software

Dan Popkin

Sector Vice President

Trimble Transportation

Bill Priemer President & CEO Hyland

Kevin Shaw Chairman Fathom

Gabriel Torok CEO

PreEmptive Solutions

Mike Trebilcock Chairman & CEO MCPc

Mark Woodka CEO OnShift