Akron Ohio - Thirty for the Future Award Program

Recognizing Tomorrow’s

Leaders Today

Young Professionals Impacting the Greater Akron Region

2007 Edition

Recognizing Tomorrow’s

Leaders Today

Young Professionals Impacting the Greater Akron Region

2007 Edition

Special Recognition Section

Supplement to Northern Ohio Live Magazine

330for the Future2007 3

Goal-oriented, hard-working, cre-ative, committed, focused, effective,persistent...The young professionalsfeatured on the following pages

demonstrate all of these winning leader-ship characteristics. Above all, the inau-gural class of 30 for the Future awardrecipients has made stellar contributionsthat are making a positive impact intheir organizations and the GreaterAkron Region.

In 2004, the Greater Akron Chamberbegan a grassroots talent attraction andretention effort for the Greater AkronRegion. A critical role that the Chamberplayed was to encourage young, talentedleaders to become involved in theGreater Akron Chamber as well as inYoung Professional Organizations(YPOs).

This year, the Greater Akron Chamberand LPC Publishing developed the 30 forthe Future program to recognize youngprofessionals (YPs), ages 25-39, who aretrendsetters both in their industries andin the community. This is one way thatwe show the community the valuable

contributions that YPs who live and/orwork in Greater Akron make to our region.

On June 11, 2007, the 30 for theFuture award recipients were honored ata gala celebration at the Carousel DinnerTheatre. An independent Advisory Councilof community leaders selected theawardees from a large talent pool repre-senting 15 categories, ranging from Artsand Culture, to Entrepreneurship, toHealthcare, to Social Service. The recipi-ents were chosen based on the finalists’Leadership Documents, which show-cased professional and communityaccomplishments, team-building, leader-

ship, and creativity in overcoming obstacles.

On the pages that follow, you’ll learna little more about these talented leaderswho are changing the landscape of ourregion. I congratulate each of them onhis/her successes, and I look forward totheir continued impact on and service tothe Greater Akron Region. They set thebar for 30 for the Future classes to come.

Daniel C. ColantonePresident & CEOGreater Akron Chamber

Handcrafted, fused glass award created by Skip Streeterand Kathleen Manhattan of Streets of Manhattan Studio.

Visit www.streetsofmanhattan.net

Founding Sponsor Presenting Sponsors Media Sponsor

Presented by

Silver SponsorsGold Sponsors Award/Invitation Sponsor

FirstMerit Bank

Bober, Markey, Fedorovich &Company

30for the Future20074

Margaret D. Lazzerini, 30Born: AkronLives: Fairlawn HeightsTitle/Company: Vice President,Miracle Resources, LLC/Co-Founder & ImmediatePast President, ArtCeteraHigher Ed: The University ofAkron

Category: Arts What separates you from the pack? My diverse educational, professional, and leadership experience.Business pet peeve? Using email to avoid dis-cussing and working through disagreements or challenges.Best business advice? Don’t try to hide your mis-takes; it’s better to own them than to avoidthem.How will you shape Greater Akron’s future? By servingas an ambassador and telling “Akron’s Story,” I can help encourage others to feel great aboutour hometown, which in turn will help attractand retain talent. Most people don’t know…In college I was in a rockband called “Full Throttle,” and I am a formallytrained opera singer.

Meghan MacDonald, 31Born: AkronLives: CopleyTitle/Company: Owner, StateFarm Insurance – MeghanMacDonald AgencyHigher Ed: The University ofAkronCategory: Business Services

What separates you from the pack? I go above andbeyond the typical client expectation. Everytime a client has contact with my office, theyshould feel like they are the only client we have. What makes you tick? I love helping clients plan fortheir future! I enjoy analyzing their current situ-ations, their goals for their families and forretirement, and their dreams. I then help themestablish a plan to turn those dreams into reality.Most people don’t know…I am a triplet. I have awonderful sister Erin and brother John. It isgreat sharing my birthday with these two amaz-ing people!

Tia Ramlow, 37Born: Grosse Ile, MILives: Sagamore HillsTitle/Company: President,Great Work! EmploymentServiceHigher Ed: Miami UniversityCategory: Business Services Business pet peeve? Lack of

accountability — people becoming defensive vs.appreciating that maybe something could havebeen done better.When you get home from work, you…Wait for my kidsto tackle me and give me kisses — it completelywipes out any frustrations from the day.Best business advice? Make a decision. Good orbad — at least you’re taking action.Favorite way to chill? I like to run and I like beer —depends how the day is going which one I pick.Dream job? US Senator or Congressman — if I didn’t have to do all that campaigning!What makes you tick? Figuring other people out.

Nikki Farrell, 26Born: St. Charles, ILLives: Broadview HeightsTitle/Company: HumanResource Representative,FirstEnergyHigher Ed: MuskingumCollege & Kent StateUniversity

Category: CorporateWhat separates you from the pack? My unique combination of dedication, assertiveness, competitiveness, eagerness, and motivation. Role model? My mom has been my most influentialrole model. In addition to being the hardestworking woman I know, she is incredibly selfless.Best business advice? Always be honest — you candefend it and you will be able to sleep at night. Most people don’t know…My goal is to eradicate all wrinkles in clothes — this aversion is sorooted that I have even been known to iron myworkout clothes before going to the gym!

Marquita Mitchell, 29Born: AkronLives: West AkronTitle/Company: ProgramDirector, Project Learn ofSummit CountyHigher Ed: The University ofAkron & Kent StateUniversity

Category: Education What makes you tick? Seeing the delight when myadult students learn something for the firsttime! It is special and rewarding to be a part oftheir success.How will you shape Greater Akron’s future? By beingactively involved and engaged. Staying focusedand educated. Continuing to be a leader and arole model. Continuing to help others be suc-cessful through my profession. Most people don’t know…I keep a basketball, foot-ball, and tennis rackets in my trunk at all timesbecause I never know when I will have theopportunity to show my playful side and skillson the court.

Stephen Sokany, 38Born: ParmaLives: Fairlawn Heights/WestAkronTitle/Company: Associate VicePresident for UniversityDevelopment, Kent StateUniversityHigher Ed: University of

Detroit Mercy & Kent State University Category: EducationRole Model? Carol Cartwright — She had greatpassion and her commitment to the universitywas immeasurable.How will you shape Greater Akron’s future? I believethat higher education is the key to a vibrantfuture. Raising awareness and support for KentState will have a long-reaching impact onGreater Akron’s future.Best business advice? Don’t ask someone to dosomething that you haven’t done or wouldn’t bewilling to do yourself.Most people don’t know…I cry like a baby duringsad movies and sappy editions of ExtremeMakeover Home Edition.

DeAnna Akers, 31Born: AkronLives: Highland SquareTitle/Company: Co-Owner,CRAVEHigher Ed: American School of CosmetologyCategory: EntrepreneurshipWhat separates you from the

pack? A deep passion and love for providing astimulating (on all levels) platform (Crave) forpeople to enjoy. Walking the walk. Best business advice? If you want something, go getit, no matter how many tries it takes. Learn tochange and adapt when necessary. How will you shape Akron’s future? By providing an attractive destination in Downtown Akron,drawing customers from the suburbs and evenCleveland, and by continuing to apply my energy into making Akron a GREAT place tolive.Most people don’t know…I am an artist in manydifferent mediums. Dream job? Race car driver!

Aaron Hervey, 35 Born: AkronLives: Highland SquareTitle/Company: Co-Owner &Chef, CRAVEHigher Ed: The University ofAkron Category: EntrepreneurshipWhat separates you from the

pack? I am hands-on in daily operations, work-ing alongside employees and leading them byexample. Business pet peeve? People who dissect our cre-ative menu, which has options for everyone, tocreate their own dish.Role model? My father. If I have a hard decisionto make or an uncomfortable situation to dealwith, I think, ‘How would Dad handle this?’ Hewould always do the right thing.Six adjectives that describe you? Loyal, creative,driven, passionate, cultured, hard-workingWhen you get home from work, you…visit with mywife and son, change into shorts and a rockband T-shirt, then walk the dog.

Keeven White, 39Born: ShelbyLives: Lake Cable in CantonTitle/Company:President/Creative Director,WhiteSpace CreativeHigher Ed: Kent StateUniversityCategory: Entrepreneurship

How will you shape Greater Akron’s future? By creat-ing an organization that is focused on creatingjobs that give developing talent a place to bloomwithout having to leave the area.Best business advice? People forget a blown budgetlong before they forget a missed objective.Role model? My parents. I’ve learned a lot abouthow parents shape their children’s personalitiesfor life. The balance of the things they did rightand the things they did wrong has shaped me towho I am today.What makes you tick? Using my talents and inter-ests to positively impact the people and commu-nity around me.

Photography by Bruce S. Ford Photos taken at Musica, Akron’s Historic District

Introducing the Inaugural 30 for the Future(in order of business category alphabetically)


DeAnna AkersCo-Owner, Crave

Dan FlowersPresident and CEO /

Akron-CantonRegional Foodbank

Andrew HollandPresident, EYEMG.com, LLC

Mary Beth BeckPartner, Ernst &

Young LLP

Aaron HerveyCo-Owner &Chef, Crave

Charles F. MullenShareholder &

Principal, Brott Mardis

& Co. CPAs

We couldn’t be more proud of you.

ey.com

Ernst & Young is proud to congratulateMary Beth Beck and David Groves

as 30 For the Future Award Recipients.


Mary Beth Beck, 39Born: AkronLives: TwinsburgTitle/Company: Partner, Ernst& Young LLPHigher Ed: The Ohio StateUniversityCategory: FinanceWhat separates you from the

pack? I am able to take the best of working for agreat firm while fully embracing my family life,and I strive to be a role model for others whoare trying to find their way.Best business advice? Treat other people as youwould like to be treated.What makes you tick? Working with my clients on ashared goal, helping them with a business prob-lem while utilizing my range of my expertise.Role model? My parents. They instilled in us froma very early age that we could achieve whateverwe wanted as long as we worked hard enoughat it.

Alane Boffa, 34Born: YoungstownLives: CopleyTitle/Company: Tax Principal,Cohen & Company, CPAsHigher Ed: The University ofAkronCategory: FinanceWhat separates you from the

pack? My ability to form relationships with andearn trust from people of all ages and with verydiverse backgrounds.How will you shape Greater Akron’s future? By work-

ing on projects that will ensure Akron’s youthare given the opportunities to excel.Role model? My Mom. I was raised by a singlemother who worked two jobs so that I couldplay sports rather than work in high school. Herstrength and courage allowed me to fulfill mydreams and live a life that she was never able to.Most people don’t know…I have been watchingGeneral Hospital every day for over 20 years.

Raymond H. Dunkle, 39Born: AkronLives: CopleyTitle/Company: SeniorManager; Brockman, Coats,Gedelian & Co.Higher Ed: The University ofAkronCategory: Finance

What separates you from the pack? I am a sought-after speaker and published author on forensicaccounting, recognized by the Ohio SupremeCourt as an expert in my field.What makes you tick? Watching my two childrengrow into the kind, hardworking, creative, com-ical, loving people that they are. Six adjectives that describe you? Kind, respectful,conscientious, intelligent, creative, imperfectMost people don’t know…I am pursuing a Master’sof Ministry, a degree geared towards volun-teerism, not towards those who have careeraspirations related to the Church. My employeris here…they shouldn’t worry. I love my job!

David Groves, 36Born: CantonLives: LouisvilleTitle/Company: Tax SeniorManager, Ernst & Young LLPHigher Ed: Miami UniversityCategory: FinanceBusiness pet peeve? Peoplechecking their Blackberrys

during meetings/lunch/dinner.What makes you tick? Helping others develop asprofessionals and seeing them succeed.Role model? Don Misheff — he is able to be aleader and create a team atmosphere, whilekeeping business, community, and family inperspective.How will you shape Greater Akron’s future? By contin-uing to attract and retain high performing taxexecutives to service the growing businesses inGreater Akron.Dream job? As a partner with Ernst & Young inthe Cleveland + market.Favorite way(s) to give back? Working with kids,coaching soccer or basketball, or being a scoutleader.

Danielle J. Kimmell, 31Born: AmherstLives: West HillTitle/Company: SeniorManager, Audit Department;Bober, Markey, Fedorovich & Co.Higher Ed: The University of Akron

Category: FinanceWhat makes you tick? The thrill of finishing a project

Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank

Congratulates

Daniel R. Flowers and all 2007

Award Recipients

546 Grant StreetAkron, OH 44311-1158

p: 330.535.6900www.akroncantonfoodbank.org

A special congratulations to Eustacia Netzel,

Assistant Vice President of Business Banking. Her

leadership in the office and the community is an

inspiration to all of us. FirstMerit Bank is proud to

have her as an employee.

A Lifetime ofAchievements.An Evening of Celebration.

Congratulations to all of the 30 for the Future award recipients.


Andrea WlaszynSummit County

Engineer’s Office

Stacy Maria SmithSocial Worker,

Akron Urban League

Raymond H. DunkleSenior Manager;

Brockman, Coats,Gedelian & Co.

Kevin McGeeSenior Director of

Marketing, PR andSpecialty Business,

County of SummitBoard of MR/DD

Alane BoffaTax Principal, Cohen &

Company, CPAs

that results in anything helpful to those aroundme — clients, the firm, my family, etc.How will you shape Greater Akron’s future? By men-toring and providing opportunities to the city’syouth, so that they may pursue paths that willhelp them expand their own potential, resultingin positive growth for them and their community.Best business advice? Accept the things I cannotchange, have courage to change the things I can,and have the wisdom to know the difference.Six adjectives that describe you? Diligent, determined,devoted, dedicated, dependable, deliberate

Charles F. Mullen, 33Born: MillersburgLives: Wayne CountyTitle/Company: Shareholder &Principal, Brott Mardis & Co.CPAsHigher Ed: The University ofAkronCategory: Finance

What separates you from the pack? I am alwaysstriving to give the client more than expected. Inaddition to providing traditional tax and accountingservices, I provide guidance regarding businessoperations, lifetime financial goals, etc. What makes you tick? I love distilling complicatedinformation into something that is simple andusable. Role model? My Dad. He exemplified everythingimportant with regard to work, faith and family.He passed away recently but left behind anexample and legacy which will carry methrough the rest of my life.Favorite way to chill? Get up at sunrise, crank upthe ipod, and then run a six-miler.

Eustacia Netzel, 32Born: ClevelandLives: West AkronTitle/Company: AVP, BusinessBanking, FirstMerit BankHigher Ed: The University ofAkronCategory: FinanceWhat separates you from the

pack? I have established a strong network ofcontacts. Many of my clients have asked me tohelp them with more than just their bankingneeds. Through my network, I’m able to con-nect my clients with the right people to helpthem. Role model? My boss, Wendy Bolas. She is wellrespected in our company and always handlesherself very professionally. Best business advice? Tackle the things you don’twant to do first thing in the morning. Favorite way(s) to give back? I enjoy working withyouth through the Akron Reads program andDestination College.

Leah Anglin-Walsh, 32Born: AkronLives: West AkronTitle/Company: EconomicDevelopment Specialist, Cityof AkronHigher Ed: John CarrollUniversity & Kent StateUniversity

Category: GovernmentWhat separates you from the pack? I’m a huge nerd!I get into the nitty gritty details of my work ineconomic development and local government.I’m passionate about public service, working

for the greater good.What makes you tick? Giving my best to something— whether it’s a person, project or goal. Best business advice? It came inscribed on a gift:“Well-behaved women seldom make history.” — Laurel Thatcher UlrichMost people don’t know…I coached girls’ highschool soccer for Tallmadge High School for twoyears. It was the most rewarding and exhaust-ing experience in my adult life.

Andrea Wlaszyn, 27Born: LorainLives: Brimfield TownshipTitle/Company: Summit CountyEngineer’s OfficeHigher Ed: The University ofAkronCategory: GovernmentWhat makes you tick? I really

enjoy working on projects that enable orempower others to realize their own talents.When you get home from work, you…Take off thecompletely unreasonable but stylish heels that Ihave been wearing since 7:30 a.m.Best business advice? Act like a sponge; absorbeverything that is happening around you.Most people don’t know…I love going to sportingevents! I attend more Tribe games than I reallyhave time to, and I never pass up a stadium dog.Dream job? I would really enjoy creating a non-profit community organization that teams up at-risk youth in grades K-8 with college studentsfor educational and extracurricular after-schoolprogramming.


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Great Work! is proud to be a part of 30 for the Future

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Great Work! is proud to be a part of 30 for the Future

We know where to find reliable, hard-working,

enthusiastic individuals that will be an asset to your business or agency. Let the County of Summit Board of Mental Retardation and

Developmental Disabilities match

the right employee to your business needs.

GOOD PEOPLEARE EASY TO FIND

Dorenzo Duckworth, Geauga Lake

Learn the benefits of employing people with developmental disabilities.

www.PuttingPeopleToWork.com

www.summacare.com

Congratulations!Anne Armao

from SummaCare, Inc.and all of this year’s

30 for the Future Award recipients.


Anne Bujorian ArmaoVice President,

Marketing & ProductDevelopment,

SummaCare, Inc.

Mark SchefflerExecutive Director,Leadership Akron

Kirt ConradDirector of Planning

and Development,METRO RTA

Tia RamlowPresident, Great Work!

Employment Service David FirestineAttorney/Partner,

Witschey Witschey &Firestine Co. LPA

Anne Bujorian Armao, 37Born: AkronLives: StowTitle/Company: Vice President,Marketing & ProductDevelopment, SummaCare,Inc.Higher Ed: The University ofAkron

Category: HealthcareHow will you shape Greater Akron’s future? By gettingthis inaugural “class” of 30 for the Future youngprofessionals together to determine how we canmake a difference in Akron collectively!Six adjectives that describe you? Enthusiastic,Passionate, Caring, Committed, Fun loving andMusicalBusiness pet peeve? Too many meetings! What makes you tick? Making a difference for oth-ers and conceiving ideas and following themthrough to success.Role model? My parents. They taught me theimportance and value of an education, and theyencouraged my positive outlook on life, strongwork ethic and desire to care about others justas they have and do.

David Firestine, 32Born: VermilionLives: West AkronTitle/Company:Attorney/Partner, WitscheyWitschey & Firestine Co. LPAHigher Ed: Baldwin-WallaceCollege & The University ofAkron

Category: LawWhat separates you from the pack? I tell my clientswhat they need to know, not what they want to

hear. My advice is straightforward and practical. Best business advice? From my Mom, when I was alittle boy: Always give a firm handshake. How will you shape Greater Akron’s future? By stayinginvolved and helping other young professionalsget plugged into the community.Favorite way(s) to give back? Serving meals to thehomeless at the Haven of Rest in downtownAkron keeps me grounded and makes me countmy blessings.Most people don’t know…My wife and I both rideHarley-Davidson motorcycles with a gang of col-lege friends called the Spiders.

Terrence H. Link II (Terry), 34Born: AkronLives: CopleyTitle/Company: Attorney,Roetzel & Andress, LPAHigher Ed: Miami University &Case Western ReserveUniversity School of LawCategory: Law

What separates you from the pack? My ability to lis-ten genuinely and to be responsive. I trulyunderstand the needs of my clients, and I serveas their trusted advisor.How will you shape Greater Akron’s future? By learn-ing about the various issues facing our commu-nity and addressing such issues throughcommunity service.Most people don’t know…I ran with the Bulls inPamplona, Spain and played rugby in college.What makes you tick? I find it rewarding to assistclients in solving challenging problems in orderto accomplish their goals. Six adjectives that describe you? Hard-working,friendly, dependable, adventurous, optimistic,easy-going.

Michele Tomer, 39Born: CantonLives: West AkronTitle/Company: AssistantProsecuting Attorney,Summit County Prosecutor’sOfficeHigher Ed: Miami University &The University of Akron

School of LawCategory: LawWhat separates you from the pack? Everything I do isvery service oriented — from my profession tomy extensive community involvement.Business pet peeve? People who rattle off theirphone number and other information so fastthat I have to listen to their voicemail messageseveral times.How will you shape Greater Akron’s future? Byteaching those around me that their communityextends far beyond their own front yards andencouraging them to be involved in what goeson around them.Dream job? I would love to be a correspondentfor the Travel Channel!

Brian N. Fortney, 28Born: AkronLives: StowTitle/Company: InteractiveAdvertising Director,Cleveland MagazineHigher Ed: Mount UnionCollegeCategory: Marketing/

AdvertisingHow will you shape Greater Akron’s future? By workingon community fatherhood initiatives! I believe


www.cohencpa.com1 800-229-1099

Congratulations to ourfriend and co-worker

Alane Bo�aon being named to the 30 for the Future.

ClevelandAkronCantonYoungstownMentorWestlakeTampa

AKRON CINCINNATI CLEVELAND COLUMBUS FORT MYERSNAPLES ORLANDO TALLAHASSEE TOLEDO WASHINGTON, D.C.

222 South Main Street l Akron, OH 44308 l 330.376.2700

200 attorneys.

40 areas of practice.

10 offices.

One address: www.ralaw.com.

PA R T N E R I N G F O R S U C C E S S

We are proud

to congratulate

Terry Link, one of the “30 For The Future”

award recipients!

Congratulations

Congratulations, UA alumni,and all other winners of the 2007“30 for the Future” award.

Meet another regional rising star,the Medina County University Center,

at www.mcuc.uakron.edu

The University of Akron is an Equal Education and Employment Institution


Elizabeth GalambosMarketing Coordinator,Brott Mardis & Co. and

Founder, EYEdentityMarketing Solutions

Michele TomerAssistant Prosecuting

Attorney, SummitCounty Prosecutor’s

Office

David GrovesTax Senior Manager,

Ernst & Young LLP

Nikki FarrellHuman ResourceRepresentative,

FirstEnergy

that the strength of community’s future starts athome, and a strong family is key to a strongfuture. I’d also love to build the Renee R. andBrian N. Fortney HippoDome at the Akron Zoo.Business pet peeve? People who avoid tacklingchallenges and complain instead of changingthe situation. Role model? Jack Welch. Someone who sawwhere he wanted to go at GE, reached all thegoals, and most of all, had fun doing it. How do you chill? Wining and dining my wife atMelting Pot, Ken Stewarts, or Bricco.

Elizabeth Galambos, 25Born: AkronLives: WadsworthTitle/Company: MarketingCoordinator, Brott Mardis &Co. and Founder, EYEdentityMarketing Solutions Higher Ed: The University ofAkron

Category: Marketing/ AdvertisingBest business advice? Learn to say “No.” Don’t takeon more responsibility than you can handle,trust others enough to delegate tasks, and behonest with yourself about your abilities, yourtime, and your priorities.When you get home from work, you…Kick off myshoes, put on some jeans and a T-shirt, pull myhair back in a pony tail, and go play outsidewith my puppy Sophie.How will you shape Greater Akron’s future? By takingpride in Akron and spreading the word!Changing perceptions about Akron will not hap-pen overnight, but when our community is“buzzing” with excitement and residents areproud of it, we’ll guarantee a bright future.

Mark Scheffler, 30Born: DaytonLives: Randolph TownshipTitle/Company: ExecutiveDirector, Leadership AkronHigher Ed: Grove City College& The Ohio State UniversityCategory: Non-ProfitWhat separates you from the

pack? I can see the “big picture” and also exe-cute the details.Business pet peeve? When people “reply to all”with information that is not valuable to thegroup, e.g., their lunch preference for anupcoming meeting.Best business advice? When you need support fromothers, make it as easy as possible for them tohelp you.What makes you tick? Exploring possibilities —generating new ideas that can strengthen anorganization or effort.Favorite way(s) to give back? Getting others involvedin community — whether it’s recruitingmarathon runners, golf tournament volunteers,or mentors.When you get home from work, you…Kiss my won-derful wife Bethany and my daughter Jordan.

Stacy Maria Smith, 32Born: AkronLives: Highland SquareTitle/Company: Social Worker,Akron Urban LeagueHigher Ed: The University ofAkronCategory: Non-ProfitWhat separates you from the

pack? Thoroughly completing a task regardlessof any stress or challenges related to that partic-ular task.Business pet peeve? Not filling in the subject line ofan e-mail.Best business advice? Your desires may be strong,yet it is your actions, day in and day out, whichwill bring those desires into reality.Most people don’t know…I’m very single! Six adjectives that describe you? Social butterfly,Flexible, Giving, Hardworking, Strong,Charismatic

Dan Flowers, 36Born: Flint, MILives: RootstownTitle/Company: President andCEO / Akron-CantonRegional FoodbankHigher Ed: University ofMichigan-Flint & CentralMichigan University

Category: Social ServiceWhat separates you from the pack? I don’t acceptthat not-for-profit requires less expertise or pro-fessional refinement and leadership than anyother business in our community. I run theFoodbank like a business because the bottomline difference is made on the plates of the mostvulnerable people in our community.Best business advice? Whereever you work, makefriends with the janitors first. When you get home from work, you…Tiptoe throughthe toys scattered in the garage, greet the kids,kiss my wife (who’s a stone cold fox), ditch thetie, and hit the treadmill.


30 for the Future Recipient

We are proud of the work you do tobenefit our clients, our staff and the community.

Thank you for exemplifyingvalue, quality and integrity.

The partners and staff of Bober, Markey, Fedorovich & Company would like to congratulate

Danielle KimmellCongratulations to all of the “30 for the Future”

recipients, including our very own David Firestine.

Wisdom doesn’t automatically come with old age. Nothing does - except wrinkles. It’s true, some wines improve with age. But only if the grapes were good in the �rst place.”

- Abigail Van Buren (Dear Abby)

Witschey Witschey &

Firestine Co., LPACommitted w Candid w Innovative Counsel

www.witscheylaw.com


Brian N. FortneyInteractive

Advertising Director,Cleveland Magazine

Margaret D. LazzeriniVice President,

Miracle Resources,LLC/Co-Founder &Immediate Past

President, ArtCetera

Eustacia NetzelAVP, Business Banking,

FirstMerit Bank

Meghan MacDonaldOwner, State Farm

Insurance - MeghanMacDonald Agency

Kevin McGee, 35Born: Bridgeport, CTLives: Highland SquareTitle/Company: Senior Directorof Marketing, PR andSpecialty Business, Countyof Summit Board of MR/DDHigher Ed: Ohio University &Kent State University

Category: Social ServiceWhat makes you tick? Applying basic principles ofmarketing and advertising to the non-profit/social service field. Nothing pleases memore than when time tested marketing tech-niques from the private sector add to the suc-cess of a cause-driven organization.Six adjectives that describe you? Unpredictable, cre-ative, unconventional, eclectic, random, driven.Business pet peeve? Business leaders who are soparochial in their approach to business thatthey squelch young, creative professionals.Favorite way(s) to give back? Coaching soccer andbaseball and volunteering with the AkronRotary, Rotary Camp for Children with SpecialNeeds, Red Cross, and Boy Scouts.

Andrew Holland, 39Born: AkronLives: Wallhaven AreaTitle/Company: President,EYEMG.com, LLCHigher Ed: The College ofWoosterCategory: TechnologyWhat separates you from the

pack? Our firm has “stuck to our knitting” andhas not tried to be all things to all people.Instead, we partner with other firms that have

specific skill sets that may be required for por-tions of our projects.How will you shape Greater Akron’s future? By keep-ing my business here. EYEMG has proven that“tech” companies can be started and flourish inour own home town. The “brain drain” is notnecessary — opportunity exists in our ownbackyard if you look for it.Favorite way(s) to give back? I have taught“Workplace Ethics” and “Global Marketing” asvolunteer teacher for Junior Achievement forthe past six years.

Kirt Conrad, 34Born: DoverLives: Firestone ParkTitle/Company: Director ofPlanning and Development,METRO RTAHigher Ed: Kent StateUniversity & The Universityof Akron

Category: TransportationHow will you shape Greater Akron’s future? By work-ing to ensure everyone in our community hasequal access to jobs, education, and quality of life.Best business advice? Keep asking questions.Six adjectives that describe you? Imaginative, driven,caring, helpful, thoughtful, and creativeBusiness pet peeve? People trying to talk to mewhen I am on the phone.Role model? My Grandfather. He always workedhard to provide for his family and sacrificed alot of his time for the care of my grandmother inlater life. He also served his community as a citycouncilman and served in World War II.

Kristie VanAuken, 39Born: Lansing, MILives: GreenTitle/Company: Director,Marketing &Communications Akron-Canton AirportHigher Ed: Austin College &Western Michigan University

Category: TransportationWhat makes you tick? Thoughtful leadership, crazyideas, and flawless execution.Role model? Fred Krum because he taught meeverything I know about this business, but moreimportantly, he taught me to trust my instincts,listen to people who are smarter than I, and gofor it!How will you shape Greater Akron’s future? By raisingchildren who understand that we are all con-nected through family, school, town, communi-ty, and world and that we all depend on oneanother.Your dream job 5 years from now? I am living thedream! I couldn’t dream of a better job than theone I’ve got now.


Look at the New Akron Art Museum...And See Why Akron is a Great Home for YoungProfessionals:

Akron: Inventive. Industrious. Inspired.

Donald L. Plusquellic, Mayor

Innovation. In a world of big boxes and look-alikes, this space is unique in the world.

Technology. Local craftsmen used GPS to position the museum’s 300’ cantilevered roof.

Generosity. The $40 million we raised reveals the Akron community’s “social capital”.

Embracing Our Past. Saving our 1899 Post Office preserves Akron’s built legacy.

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ONTHE ORDINARY

TWIST

Stop in sometime for anupscale experience withoutthe pretentious prices.

If you're on the prowl for an

eclectic menu with more

imaginative riffs than Robin

Williams on a caffeine jag,

you simply must find your

way to Crave.

-Christine Howey,

Northern Ohio Live




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EXCELLENCE in Action

Kent State congratulates Steve Sokany for being recognized as a 30 for the Future trendsetter!

www.kent.edu

A Leader in Innovation and Discovery


Keeven WhitePresident/CreativeDirector, WhiteSpaceCreativeLeah Anglin-Walsh

Economic DevelopmentSpecialist, City of

Akron

Terrence H. Link II Attorney, Roetzel &

Andress, LPA

Marquita MitchellProgram Director,

Project Learn ofSummit County

Akron Ohio - Thirty for the Future Award Program

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Transcript of Akron Ohio - Thirty for the Future Award Program