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The Valley’s Business Matters ISSN 1047-8582

Vol. 26 No. 9

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40 Under 40 Builds Strong Networks 2009 nominees will be recognized Nov. 19 at DeYor Performing Arts Center. By Jeremy Lydic

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eing a 40 Under 40 honoree provides those nominated with a strong network other local professionals. That network provided Chris Jaskiewicz, chief operating ofﬁcer and senior vice president of Valley Electrical Consolidated Inc., a great opportunity and he has taken advantage. Jaskiewicz met Michele Merkel, president of Junior Achievement of Mahoning Valley, at the 40 Under 40 Awards banquet last year. During the dinner, he mentioned his desire to be a teacher, and Merkel gave him information on how he could do that in behalf of JA and remain in the business world, he says. Last spring, Jaskiewicz taught Junior Achievement’s Our Nation program, which focuses on the global economy and marketing, he says. Jaskiewicz teaches the half-day seminar to ﬁfth-grade students in the Boardman Center Middle School and expects to do it again next spring.

“It all comes down to networking,” Jaskiewicz says. “I was so overwhelmed with what these young people were in, so I really started getting involved in the Youngstown area. It’s really opened up my eyes to what’s out there.” As a “40” nominee, Jaskiewicz says he has been introduced to many organizations and “young professionals that I never would have known outside of this ofﬁce.” To give others the experience, Jaskiewicz nominated one of his employees this year, Larry Mohn, who was selected as an honoree. Jaskiewicz’ technical experience with Valley Electrical made him a natural choice to teach JA’s Our Nation program, which integrates science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, Junior Achievement’s Merkel says. In addition, it exposes the students to career choices with which they are unfamiliar. Merkel had been president at Junior Achievement just a year when she was nominated. Her board’s nomination was a vote of conﬁdence in her progress in advancing the organization forward, she says. While she neither expects nor seeks gratitude for her work with other community organizations, her involvement with 40 Under 40 has helped Merkel raise awareness of Junior See 40 UNDER 40, page 8

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Congratulations

Allen Ryan For being nominated as a 40 Under 40 Awards Recipient

Sam Covelli & Covelli Enterprises

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Nominators Value Service of 40 Under 40 ‘Tribute to young people who often aren’t recognized.’ By Dan O’Brien

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t wasn’t just a single accomplishment or characteristic that led some of the Mahoning Valley’s most experienced professionals and community leaders to select the nominees for the 2009 40 Under 40 Awards. Those who nominated the young professionals for the recognition often cite the nominee’s passion for service, a willingness to do the hard work, an ability to lead and motivate others, and a dedication to making the Mahoning Valley a better place to live. “These are young people who have decided to make it here in the Mahoning Valley,” says Bob Hannon, chief performance ofﬁcer of the United Way of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley. “That’s huge, because a lot of people leave here, and you don’t ﬁnd a lot of young people willing to do this.” Hannon says the 40 Under 40 Awards are a way to convey appreciation for these younger adults who typify the next generation of movers and shakers. “These are the people that will lead this community in the future,” he says. This year, Hannon nominated Kristen Olmi, a part-time United Way staff member in her early 20s. Hannon says he was impressed with Olmi’s persis-

tence when she knocked on United Way’s door as a building a career and establishing a family. salesperson for a local printer. “She was relentless; “It would be very easy for these folks to say they she wanted our business,” he recalls. don’t have time,” Haddad says. “But for them to That was just the kind of drive he was looking make time for community service is something that for, Hannon said, when needs to be rewarded.” he hired Olmi part-time Others say the 40 Unto help raise funds and Hannon says the 40 Under 40 awards are der 40 Awards tell a story organize innovative ways a way to convey appreciation for these of a community that still to take the United Way younger adults who typify the next genera- has many young, innovacampaign to the comtive people and dispels tion of movers and shakers. munity. “She’s organized the notion that many a youth leadership comhave to leave the Mahonmunity tied to the schools and opened doors we ing Valley if they want to succeed. never thought of,” he says. “There is this erroneous impression that anyone LuAnn Haddad, vice president of institutional with talent leaves the Valley,” says Sister Kathleen advancement at Salem Community Hospital, relates Minchin, director of the Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS she’s known several of the past recipients and holds ministry. “I get upset over the notion that if you all in high regard. This year she decided she should want to make it, you have to leave.” offer a nomination. The 40 Under 40 Awards demonstrate just “It’s a really terriﬁc idea,” she says. “[Shawna the opposite, Sister Kathleen says. This year, she L’Italien] is the ﬁrst person I’ve ever nominated.” nominated Brigid Kennedy, a young woman who Haddad nominated L’Italien, an attorney at Harhas committed herself to work with HIV/AIDS parington, Hoppe & Mitchell’s Salem ofﬁce, she says, tients in the Mahoning Valley. “Even when she was because of L’Italien’s dedication to community causes in her early 20s, we felt that she had the wisdom of and her ability to tackle complex issues and get someone in her 40s,” Sister Kathleen recalls. results. Haddad served on the board of directors of The awards “are a wonderful tribute to young Salem Community Hospital with L’Italien. people who often aren’t recognized,” Sister Kathleen “I think dedicating more time and energy to says. “It’s a public way of saying thank you for all community efforts is even more challenging when their hard work and what they’ve done on behalf of you’re young,” Haddad says, noting the pressures of the community they serve.”

Congratulations We love you,

Tyler!

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Jaci, Boston, Ridley, Mom, Dad & Susan, Scott, Lauren & Steve, Elizabeth & Stephen

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�� Ian J. Beniston, AB ’05 Tyler Clark , AB ’98

Michael R. Cox, AAS ’02 James R. Cyphert, BSBA ’94 Joseph Damore, BSBA ’02 Anthony Daprile, BSBA ’01 Adam C. Earnheardt Assistant Professor Dept. of Communication Mary K. Farragher, BFA ’07 Brian Higgins, AB ’95 Frank J. Lellio Jr., BSBA ’92 Marc Mazzella, BSBA ’99 Kristen Olmi, AB ’08 Julie Rauzan, AB ’96 Daniel Reardon, BSE ’95 Allen L. Ryan, AAB ’74 Matthew G. Vansuch, AB ’02 Holly K. Weimer-Watts, BSE ’02 Miranda R. Young, BSBA ’04

www.ysu.edu

YSU Nominees

to our

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Susan Carsonie, donor-services coordinator for the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley, presents a check from the Young Philanthropist Fund to Jessica Shepherd, director of Casa Madre, and Brigid Kennedy, associate director of the Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry.

Children Beneﬁt from Young Philanthropists By Jeremy Lydic

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ast year a much-needed grant from the Young Philanthropist Fund not only kept summer programs going at the Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry, it doubled the number of children served. With the $2,500 the fund gave the ministry, it offered academic intervention, cultural enrichment, life skills and recreational activities to 63 children, up from the usual 30, says its associate director, Brigid Kennedy. Among the classes offered are robotics, art and music, how to ﬁll out job applications, keeping a budget and preparing for college. The Ursuline Sisters help low-income children affected by HIV/AIDS, whether directly or indirectly. “We really are a safety net for a lot of these kids and families,” Kennedy says. “When we’re feeling the pinch, families in crisis are feeling it that much more.” The ministry didn’t hold its annual fundraiser that year, so the donation from the fund was a big help, Kennedy says. At the time, the cost of basic needs such as gasoline and milk were high – the former brieﬂy surpassed $4 a gallon and milk was $3.50 – and income was down. The work the community foundation does with the Young Philanthro-

pist Fund “is critical,” Kennedy says, because it “really gives them, as young people and potential leaders in the Mahoning Valley, a sense of what the programs are that are out there now and what they need.” Since the inception of the fund in 2006, it has awarded about $6,000 to four nonproﬁt organizations that develop programs for children, says the coordinator of the community foundation’s donor services, Susan Carsonie. The fund and its board are one of only few nationally, “not just in the Mahoning Valley,” says Carsonie, who has sat on the board since it began, and serves as treasurer-secretary. The board is composed of members from the Community Foundation and the MVP 20/30 Club with representatives from Youngstown State University and members of youth leadership groups in the Mahoning Valley. “We’re trying to get the young people of the community involved in philanthropy and teaching younger generations about what philanthropy is,” Carsonie says. “So, it really is a young board. We have teenagers on the board.” The board advertises for applications in September and accepts them through November, Carsonie says. See PHILANTHROPISTS, page 6

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Philanthropists: Helping Children From Page 5 During what she describes as a “very intense process” that lasts until March, board members hold the applications to criteria that include the focus of their programs and ﬁnancial need as well as an on-site visit “just so we can get more of a hands-on experience of what the organization is about,” she says. In its ﬁrst year, Teen Educators Affecting Children’s Health (Teach) received funds to help pay for a tutoring program where eighth graders from Volney Rogers Junior High School taught fourth graders in Youngstown schools about the dangers of tobacco use, Carsonie says. The students who participated spoke about the program at that year’s 40 Under 40 Awards ceremony. The 40 Under 40 Awards contributes money to the fund annually – some $60,000 since it began, Carsonie says. The board reaches out to the community for support every year, but “it’s so difﬁcult because there’s so much need,” she says. Scott Schulick, vice president of investments for Farmers Trust Co., organized the fund with Patricia Brozik, president of the Community

Foundation, when they were working on ﬁnding a way to spark the idea of philanthropy in younger adults, Schulick says. As the 40 Under 40 Awards were organized in 2005, “a light bulb went on,” he says. Using the proceeds from an event honoring young people for a fund to teach the next generation about philanthropy seemed a perfect match. “We felt there was a great need for the Community Foundation to take an active role in educating people why it’s important to give back to the community,” Schulick says. “We wanted to have impact. So, we were looking for projects where $1,000 or $2,000 funded the program signiﬁcantly or had some impact.” Schulick, the president of the board of trustees at Youngstown State University, sat on the fund’s board until this year. He expects the fund to continue to grow over the next 20 years, he says, and have a greater effect on the community. “I think the fund has endless possibilities,” Schulick says. “We’ve barely scratched the surface in terms of educational impact and philanthropy that the fund can provide.”

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The Business Journal/40 Under 40

Get to Know the 2009 Honorees Brief biographical sketches of the 2009 40 Under 40 honorees begin on page 11. The honorees are: • Ian J. Beniston, Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative • Sarah A. Boyarko, Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber • H. Jared Cardillo, Boardman Local Schools • Tyler Clark, self-employed Web consultant • Michael R. Cox, Youngstown Police Department • James R. Cyphert, Innis Maggiore • Joseph M. Damore, Cohen & Co. •Anthony R. Daprile, Gem Young Insurance & Financial Services • Jason R. Delatore, Vascular Medicine & Surgical Associates • Adam C. Earnheardt, Youngstown State University • Mary K. Farragher, SMARTS (Students Motivated by the Arts) • Shanna C. Glenellen-Laraway, Champion Local Schools • Brian S. Higgins, Big Brothers and Big Sisters • Eric Kaasa, TK Credit Recovery • Brigid Kennedy, Ursuline Sisters HIV/ AIDS Ministry • Kelly J. Kiraly, Bury Financial Group • Eric J. Lanham, Seven Seventeen Credit Union • Frank J. Lellio Jr., Rossi Brothers &

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Lellio Funeral Home • Shawna L. L’Italien, Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell • Marc S. Mazzella, Cohen & Co. • Heather Marie McMahon, Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative • Mark A. Memo, N.E.O. Urology • Larr y S. Mohn III, Valley Electrical Consolidated • Michael J. Moritz Jr., Kontinuous Jams • Kristen Lynn Olmi, Pegasus Print Group • Jillian Phillips, John F. Kennedy Catholic Jr. & Sr. High School • Danielle L. Procopio, SouthernCare Hospice • Julie A. Rauzan, Clear Channel Radio • Daniel Reardon, Ursuline High School • Angel T. Ricciulli, self-employed doctor of chiropractic • Allen L. Ryan, Covelli Enterprises • Scott Seiple, State Farm • Craig M. Steinhoff, Hill, Barth & King • George S. Tsudis, Belmont Confections/Tsudis Chocolate • Matthew G. Vansuch, Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell • Holly K. Weimer-Watts, Boardman Local Schools • Charles E. Wern III, The Wern Law Firm • T. S h a r o n Wo o d b e r r y, C i t y o f Youngstown • Miranda R. Young, Hill, Barth & King • Kevin S. Youngblood, First Energy – Ohio Edison

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40 Under 40: Recognition Event Builds Strong Networks From Page 1 Achievement and its efforts and has helped involve other community leaders in its programs. “When I contact people, individuals know me because of the 40 Under 40 nomination,” Merkel says. “It gets my foot in the door.” Nominees, who come from a mix of professional backgrounds, “have demonstrated some leadership skills,” says Patricia Brozik, president of the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley. Brozik helped start the 40 Under 40 program, in its ﬁfth year, and has sat on each of its selection committees. These committees are composed of men and women from Mahoning, Columbiana and Trumbull counties whose ages range from 25 to 75, are of most ethnic backgrounds and earn their livelihoods in medicine, ﬁnancial services, education, engineering and architecture, among other ﬁelds. While members always seek nominees that show leadership in both professional and community endeavors, some might rank actual volunteer hours higher than chairing a nonproﬁt committee, or vice versa, she says. Ultimately, there is no concrete way to rank such criteria, Brozik says, and it depends entirely on the individual committee members. “That’s the beauty of having different people scoring,” Brozik says. “Generally, you’re not going to see a big swing.” The top 40 nominees are selected for recognition at the event and the ﬁve who score the highest are

The Valley’s Business

named the MVPs. When the concept for the 40 Under 40 was still in development, Brozik knew it should be an annual event, but “we really wondered how it would sustain itself,” she says. Although the population of the Mahoning Valley is aging, the network of young

Chris Jaskiewicz and Michele Merkel join students at Boardman Center Middle School for their Junior Achievement class. From left, ﬁrst row, are Kelmarra Boyd, Kennedi Gordon and Sam Mariano. Second row: Alex Duda, Dom Pastella and Brendon Lucas.

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professionals it produces “is huge, and it gets bigger every year.” “The quality of honorees this year is extremely high,” Brozik says. “There is a ton of talent in this community under the age of 40. The future here is really very good.”

Dan O’Brien Jeremy Lydic Dennis LaRue Janet O’Malley Gail S. White Fred Sipe

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Ian J. Beniston Director of Policy, Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative Nominated by: Joel Ratner Age: 26

Education: B.A., sociology, Youngstown State University; M.C.R.P., Ohio State University.

Professional Background: Beniston began his career with the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative in June 2008 as a community organizer and was promoted to his current position last November.

What led you to your career?

Growing up on the north side of Youngstown, I witnessed a community in decline on a daily basis. I was inspired by Youngstown 2010, which led to a career in urban planning/community development. I have tailored my educational and professional experiences to Youngstown. I am currently using these experiences to develop a professional high-capacity community development and community infrastructure in the Mahoning Valley.

What is your proudest professional moment? Restoring hope and a future to the people of the Idora neighborhood.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? I work in the Mahoning Valley because my family has called this place home for over 100 years. This place is my history and future. I also choose to live here because I see tremendous potential and an open canvas weighted down by 30 years of decay. There is a tremendous opportunity to innovate new community development and planning techniques.

What charitable work you do means the most? My charitable work is limited because I spend signiﬁcant time (too much at times) working towards the mission of the nonproﬁt by which I am employed. My mission is to enhance the quality of life to create healthy and thriving neighborhoods in Youngstown and Warren.

What would you like to do, if not this? If I were not doing what I do, I would like to be the manager of a mid- to large American city.

Last book you read Neighbor Power: Building Community the Seattle Way, by Jim Diers.

Sarah A. Boyarko Manager of Business Development, Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber Nominated by: Kim Gonda Age: 37

Education: B.S., criminal justice, Youngstown State University; M.S., criminal justice, YSU.

Professional Background: Boyarko began her career as a deputy sheriff in the Mahoning County sheriff’s ofﬁce. Before assuming her current position, she served as executive director of the Humane Society of Columbiana County and as a part-time instructor at YSU. Boyarko continues to teach part-time at YSU.

What led you to your career?

I have always been interested in and involved in community activities and events. Once I became employed with the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and learned about all of the chamber’s community involvement, I was inspired and encouraged by my colleagues to take a more active role in the revitalization of the Valley.

What is your proudest professional moment? I cannot name one speciﬁc moment. I feel a great sense of pride each time that I am given the opportunity to present the Mahoning Valley, and all that it has to offer, during the business attraction aspect of my employment.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? Working in the Mahoning Valley has allowed me to remain close to my family and friends. Being born and raised here has given me a strong sense of community and I simply have not entertained the notion of working elsewhere.

What charitable work you do means the most? I would have to say that volunteering at Penny Pinchers charity consignment shop means the most to me. Penny Pinchers provides low-cost clothing and household items to individuals who otherwise may not be able to afford them. Volunteering alongside 13 other individuals to provide this service leaves me with an overwhelming feeling of joy.

What would you like to do, if not this? I would teach full-time for an institution of higher education.

Last book you read? Charles Dickens: His Tragedy and Triumph, by Edgar Johnson.

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H. Jared Cardillo Assistant Principal, Boardman High School Nominated by: Timothy I. Saxton Age: 38 Education: B.S.,education, Youngstown State University; M.A., curriculum and instruction, and license in educational administration, Ashland University. Professional Background: Cardillo began his career as a basketball coach and social studies teacher. He was named assistant principal of Boardman High School in 2003, the same year he was named Teacher of the Year. Cardillo is also the founder and director of the Boardman Community Basketball League.

What led you to your career? The positive experience I had as a student and athlete at Boardman High School, and the overall inﬂuence of my family provided opportunities for today’s success.

What is your proudest professional moment? Making a difference in the lives of students and watching them graduate is most fulﬁlling.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? My family and friends live here and they are very important to me. Beyond that, my generation of professionals must continue to provide the leadership skills and positive energy necessary for our community to thrive.

What charitable work you do means the most? Working with young kids participating in sports. Sports taught me many life lessons and I want that same positive experience for others.

What would you like to do, if not this? In a perfect world, I’d be playing point guard for the Cavs or Celtics, but I’m afraid that the years have caught up to me.

Last book you read? The Shack, by William P. Young.

Tyler Clark Self-Employed Web Consultant Nominated by: Heather McMahon Age: 34

Education: B.A., music history and literature, Youngstown State University.

Professional Background: Before going into business for himself, Clark worked as a solutions consultant at Results Direct for more than eight years. He has been a partner at GreenEnergyTV.com since November 2007.

What led you to your career? I’ve worked with computers from a young age. After getting a music degree from YSU, I re-learned programming, catching up with modern computer languages. I began developing Web sites and earned additional responsibility. Now self-employed, I’ve taken national experience with leading nonproﬁts and Fortune 100 companies and brought a high level of professionalism to the Valley.

What is your proudest professional moment? Earlier this year, I was particularly proud to share with a client the results from their new Web site, which I developed. Within four months since the site’s launch, the Center for Working-Class Studies at YSU had increased its page views nearly 1,000%.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? The Mahoning Valley’s legacy of innovation is inspiring. More than that, its people are warm and welcoming, and its beautiful parks and low cost of living provide outstanding quality of life. Having lived in several other places, my wife and I chose to come back to Youngstown to raise our children.

What charitable work you do means the most? I try to contribute positive discussion about how we can create meaningful change and work together to push back against counterproductive policies. I have been writing and speaking about these topics in various forums.

What would you like to do, if not this? I’d like to be writing more. There are many worthy topics in the Valley, from the personal histories of its residents and leaders to the area’s signiﬁcance in industrial and post-industrial times.

Last book you read? James Joyce’s Ulysses.

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Michael R. Cox Patrolman, FBI Mahoning Valley Violent Crimes Task Force, Youngstown Police Department Nominated by: David P. Roncone Age: 34

Education: Associate of arts, criminal justice, Youngstown State University.

Professional Background: Cox joined the Youngstown Police Department after working as a reserve ofﬁcer in Struthers and Poland. In addition to serving on the violent crimes task force, he is on the Mahoning Valley Crisis Response Team and heads boxer Kelly Pavlik’s security team.

What led you to your career? I had an uncle who made bad choices in his life and paid the ultimate price. His lifestyle caused not only his death, but the pain and heartache my family had to endure. I then watched how illegal drugs ruined numerous friends and associates’ lives. My hatred towards illegal drugs and the crimes that come with it guided me to want to do something about it.

What is your proudest professional moment? Receiving the Excellent Police Duty Award in 2003 deﬁnitely stands out. Outside the police ﬁeld, I have worked with Kelly Pavlik. An extremely proud moment was when he won the middleweight title. It was great knowing I had a small part in helping him to the top.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? I have a passion for the Youngstown area, especially my hometown of Struthers. Moving away would make me feel like I’m giving up on the area.

What charitable work you do means the most? I really enjoy helping raise money for the YMCA. I truly believe in what YMCA stands for and what it offers to families and children.

What would you like to do, if not this? I initially went to college to be an elementary school teacher. More men need to become elementary teachers to help ﬁll the void for children who do not have a male role model.

Last book you read?

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Quiet Strength, by Tony Dungy

ongratulations Craig Steinhoﬀ & Miranda Young 2009 Nominees

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City Centre One, Suite 514 100 Federal Plaza East Youngstown, OH 44503 (330) 747-1903

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Jared Cardillo ��

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James R. Cyphert Senior Account Supervisor, Innis Maggiore

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Nominated by: Jack Wollitz Age: 38 Education: B.S. in B.A., Youngstown State University. Professional Background: Cyphert joined Innis Maggiore in 2001 as an account executive. Two years later he was named account supervisor and in 2008 was promoted to senior account supervisor.

What led you to your career? I have always been interested in marketing and communications. As an 8-year-old boy, I would record commercials on my tape recorder. Through school, I focused on writing and communications. My internship at Forum Health helped me realize communications was right for me.

What is your proudest professional moment? Winning a gold Addy Award for a campaign I supervised for Republic Engineered Products. We positioned Republic as the leader in its product category, and the campaign left no doubt that Republic was No. 1. That other peers understood the signiﬁcance, and that the campaign was so effective in the marketplace, made me proud.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? My roots and family are here, and I’m proud of being associated with the Mahoning Valley. From my education to my career, I’ve been given tremendous opportunities here. I want others to see these opportunities are here also.

What charitable work you do means the most? My work with Second Harvest Food Bank. We can see immediate impact of our communications and efforts. Knowing we can, and do, make a difference in the lives of hungry people – especially children – means a lot to me.

What would you like to do, if not this? I would like to be involved with a professional sports team in communications – maybe the Pittsburgh Steelers or Penguins. I am a big sports fan and think I would ﬁt in well with the players, management and the team atmosphere.

Last book you read? In Search of the Obvious, by Jack Trout, the father of positioning.

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Joseph M. Damore Manager of Accounting and Auditing, Cohen & Co. Ltd. Nominated by: Cohen & Co. Ltd. Age: 29

Education: B.S. in B.A., accounting, cum laude, Youngstown State University.

Professional Background: Damore began his career with Cohen & Co. in 2003 where he is responsible for overseeing staff and managing attest engagements. He is a member of the ﬁrm’s employee beneﬁt plan audit group and is involved in recruiting.

What led you to your career? I have always been good with numbers and had an interest in business so I knew I wanted to do something with numbers. I originally majored in ﬁnance at YSU and in my last semester took some elective accounting courses. I realized that accounting was a dynamic ﬁeld, and I was right. My career in public accounting has been more than I ever could have imagined.

What is your proudest professional moment? Passing the CPA exam.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? Intelligent, energetic and motivated people to work with, and a fantastic opportunity to be part of the area’s resurgence.

What charitable work you do means the most? With the 20/30 Club, I get the opportunity to show the region there is a group ready to lead this area. My work with the Youngstown Hearing and Speech Center means a lot because my sister used the center’s services to help develop her speech and hearing abilities after a childhood illness. And the Hope Foundation beneﬁts ill children, and knowing that the funds we raise can make a sick kid’s life a bit better is an amazing.

What would you like to do, if not this? I would be a rock star.

Last book you read? The Winner’s Manual, by Jim Tressel

Anthony R. Daprile Account Executive, Gem Young Insurance & Financial Services Inc. Nominated by: Leo Daprile Sr. Age: 32

Education: B.S. in B.A., Youngstown State University.

Professional Background: Before joining Gem-Young Insurance & Financial Services, Daprile worked as a law enforcement ofﬁcer for the Boardman Police Department.

What led you to your career? Gem Young Insurance & Financial Services Inc. is a family-owned business that dates to 1947 when my grandfather started his agency. He had 13 children and 12 of the 13 worked at the agency. I am the third generation in the business and I feel honored to help people with the decisions everyone faces with their insurance and ﬁnancial needs.

What is your proudest professional moment? My proudest professional moment is being compared to my father, uncle and grandfather. Clients appreciate how we have helped them with their needs. From my grandfather helping a client through a tragedy earlier in their life to today me helping that same person. Being told that my treatment of the situation is the same as my grandfather and they appreciate being treated like a family member really hits home.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? While working in the Mahoning Valley has its challenges, there are so many beneﬁts that often get overlooked. One is the high quality of education offered from elementary schools to YSU. Most of the local school districts are rated from effective to excellent and YSU offers a high standard of education with an affordable tuition.

What charitable work you do means the most? Helping our Valley’s youth. Young professionals need to be involved with the youth and help encourage independent thinking and entrepreneurship.

What would you like to do, if not this? I would like to be a pediatric intensive-care-unit doctor.

Last book you read?

Big Russ and Me: Father and Son – Lessons of Life, by Tim Russert.

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Jason R. Delatore Vascular Surgeon, Vascular Medicine and Surgical Associates Nominated by: Teresa Brumﬁeld Age: 39 Education: B.S., chemical engineering, with honors, Georgia Institute of Technology; M.D., Ohio State University College of Medicine. Professional Background: Delatore completed his postgraduate medical training at Geisinger Medical Center in Danville, Pa., and St. Luke’s Hospital in Bethlehem, Pa., before joining Vascular Medicine and Surgical Associates. He also serves as section director of vascular surgery at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown.

What led you to your career? I chose to specialize in vascular surgery because I was fascinated by the disease processes and the treatment options. I enjoy direct interaction with patients and honor the opportunity to improve their health.

What is your proudest professional moment? Celebrating our surgical team’s 100th endovascular aneurysm repair last year.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? I grew up in Steubenville so Youngstown is like home to me. The Mahoning Valley has provided me an ideal opportunity to pursue my career to its fullest potential. The Valley is a friendly community and a great place to raise my children.

What charitable work you do means the most? Medical education is the most important charitable work I do. I teach and lecture to surgical residents, medical students, nurses and nursing students and the public. I feel it is my duty to pass on knowledge to the next generation of health-care workers. It is a privilege to educate the public on medical issues and new technologies.

What would you like to do, if not this? One of my interests would be volunteering in youth physical ﬁtness programs. I feel children need more outside activities and fewer video games.

Last book you read? The Big U, by Neal Stephenson.

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40 Under 40/The Business Journal

Adam C. Earnheardt Assistant Professor, Youngstown State University Nominated by: Cary L. Horvath Age: 39 Education: B.S., communications, Clarion University; M.A., Communications, Clarion University; Ph.D., communication studies, Kent State University. Professional Background: Earnheardt began his teaching career at YSU in 2005 and became an assistant professor two years later. He also serves as executive director of the Ohio Communication Association.

What led you to your career? Teaching has always been my dream. As an administrator and webmaster at Clarion University for 10 years, I was always looking for opportunities to get into a classroom as a guest speaker or trainer. The move from an administrative position to the classroom was challenging and rewarding.

What is your proudest professional moment? I love to see my students walk across the stage at graduation. However, I am probably most proud when I see those same students make their way into the community, into the Mahoning Valley.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? I work in the Mahoning Valley because I can play here, too. We moved to the Valley for work, but also because of the community we live in [Liberty]. Our children can be immersed in diverse and vibrant cultures and the many deﬁnitions of the value of work are respected.

What charitable work you do means the most? The work I do with my students. It is one thing to make students go out into the community to perform some service, but it’s quite another thing to actually be involved in that project with them – to see them grow and to see their hard work in action.

What would you like to do, if not this? Two things: I’m fascinated by culture and would love nothing more than to travel to different countries and write about or report on those experiences. My ﬁrst love is radio and broadcast news.

Last Book you read? Middlesex, by Jeffrey Eugenides. More importantly, I read Hop on Pop (twice), by Dr. Seuss, to my daughters, Ella and Kate.

Mary K. Farragher Program Liason, Smarts – Students Motivated by the Arts, Youngstown State University Nominated by: Becky Keck Age: 32

Education: B.A., ﬁne arts, cum laude, Youngstown State University.

Professional Background: Farragher has served in a variety of positions since joining Smarts in 2005: visual arts instructor, retail manager and buyer. She also works as a special events performer at Something New Florist.

What led you to your career? I began as a visual art instructor for Smarts in 2005. After my graduation from YSU in 2007, Ms. Keck invited me to become a member of her small staff. It is my passion for the arts that is my main drive.

What is your proudest professional moment? The opening of the Smarts store in November 2007. To have the ability to support artists on a local, regional and national level on a year-round basis, and to have the proceeds from the store beneﬁt Smarts is an ideal situation for me. I am so proud to be part of the program.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? I love my hometown and believe strongly about enriching the community by exposing people to the joy that comes from inviting art into one’s life. I am also overjoyed that the local government has such a strong interest in supporting the arts as part of the city’s revival.

What charitable work you do means the most? The Healing Arts Committee at Forum Health still remains close to my heart. Although it disbanded several years ago due to lack of funding, I believe it still has a viable place in our community. The concept of healing or calming the indigent or incapacitated by creating art in front of them brings me great satisfaction and joy.

What would you like to do, if not this? I would like to enroll in graduate studies at Youngstown State University.

Last book you read? Into the Wild, by Jon Krakauer.

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Shanna C. Glenellen-Laraway Media Specialist, Champion Local Schools (Central Elementary) Nominated by: Brian M. Laraway Age: 31

Education: B.S., elementary education, Youngstown State University; master of education, YSU.

Professional Background: Glenellen began her teaching career as a second-grade teacher at Youngstown Community School in 2000. Two years later, she was hired at Champion Local Schools where she taught fourth and sixth grade classes before being appointed to her current position. Glenellen also serves as student council adviser and was a Martha Holden Jennings scholar.

What led you to your career? The excellent educators I had in elementary school, like Mrs. Tomic and Mrs. Leonard, inspired me to become a teacher. As a small girl I would spend hours playing school, imitating them and hoping someday to be like them. I loved going to school because of them.

What is your proudest professional moment? Recently, a parent I had never met wrote a letter to my principal praising the technology program at Central Elementary School. She stated that she was impressed with the variety of computer skills her ﬁrst-grade son is learning. It felt great to hear that not only was her son learning the skills I am teaching him, he is taking those skills home and teaching them to his parents.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? This is my home. This is where I want to raise a family. The beneﬁt of staying in the Mahoning Valley is that it provides the opportunities that many large cities have without the inconveniences of busy city life.

What charitable work you do means the most? The charitable food, clothing and toy drives I organize at school mean the most to me because they get my students involved in helping needy people in their own community.

What would you like to do, if not this? I’ve always loved reading, so I think I’d enjoy being a librarian.

Last Book you read? A Whole New Mind, by Daniel Pink.

Brian S. Higgins Executive Director, Big Brothers Big Sisters Nominated by: Sharon Carlson Age: 37

Education: B.A., social work, Youngstown State University.

Professional Background: Higgins was promoted to executive director of Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2002 after serving as program supervisor for six years.

What led you to your career? Through personal family experiences, I realized the impact of social services and I have always known that my talents lie in a helping profession.

What is your proudest professional moment? When I stepped into the role of executive director and succeeded at the task of taking an agency in severe ﬁnancial deﬁcit on the verge of closing its doors and turning it into a ﬁnancially stable, thriving organization.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? I have close personal ties to the Mahoning Valley. I was born and raised here, earned my bachelor’s degree at Youngstown State University and coach basketball at an area high school. I want to make a positive impact and the Mahoning Valley is where I choose to focus my efforts.

What charitable work you do means the most? Carrying out the programs of my agency. I believe in the mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters and the power of mentoring. In my profession I have the chance to witness the profound impact the program makes in the lives of local children.

What would you like to do, if not this? I would either be a guidance counselor for a local school system or teach at the collegiate level. I have also entertained the idea of working for a foundation that distributes funds to other charitable organizations.

Last book you read? A Season on the Brink, by John Feinsten.

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40 Under 40/The Business Journal

Eric Kaasa President, TK Credit Recovery Nominated by: Kristi Vagnarelli Age: 34

Education: Pinole Valley High School, Pinole, Calif.

Professional Background: Before Kaasa started his own company, he worked as a senior manager for AEA Credit Union in Sunnyvale, Calif.

What led you to your career? Luck. I dropped out of college to work two jobs to support my new family. I ended up taking a job in collections and found out I could do it better than anyone else.

What is your proudest professional moment? I raised $25,000 from investors to start my business. After one year I was able to buy them out for 500% of their initial investment. Not only did I give my investors a great return on investment, but I was now sole owner of a very successful business.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? The Mahoning Valley is a great place to run a business because of the talented work force that is available. I love the opportunity to change the mindset from despair to opportunity. We will hire at least 10 employees in both 2009 and 2010 and many of them will receive promotions for their hard work and top results.

What charitable work you do means most? Either the Autism Foundation or coaching youth sports. They both mean a lot to me because I grew up with an autistic brother and my father was not around. I had coaches who became mentor/role models and I hope to do the same for other young men.

What would you like to do, if not this? I always thought I should be coaching college football. It is an age where men still need guidance. I am a huge football fan, ex-player and know the game very well.

Last book you read? Guerilla Marketing, by Jay Conrad Levinson.

M. Brigid Kennedy Associate Director, Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry Nominated By: Sister Kathleen Minchin Age: 39 Education: B.A., humanities, John Carroll University; Master of Philosophy, Irish Studies, honors degree, National University of Ireland. Professional Background: Kennedy became associate director of the Ursuline Sisters HIV/AIDS Ministry in 1997. Before that she was a part-time faculty member and residence hall director at John Carroll University.

What led you to your career? I was at the funeral of a great-aunt who was an Ursuline sister and heard about the HIV/ AIDS ministry. I was just back from Ireland, teaching part-time at John Carroll and supposed to be working on my Ph.D. I was surprised that HIV was a problem in the area and even more surprised that the nuns were the ones doing something about it.

What is your proudest professional moment? The renovation and opening of Casa Madre, the site for our children’s program.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? I understand the history, can navigate the neighborhoods, know community leaders and have been fortunate to meet so many talented, grateful and vital colleagues and clients. I love the Valley and hope to spend my life here (with a few travels elsewhere from time to time).

What charitable work you do means the most? My work in HIV is the most important to me and is the foundation for all the other work I do related to children, poverty, the homeless, parish life and social justice. HIV work has introduced me to spiritual leaders and secular heroes, taught me how to advocate and agitate, build and beg, and open myself to new people and ideas. My oldest son came from one of the ﬁrst families I met as a volunteer, and I’ve been blessed to have the chance to be his mother for the last seven years; he’s the reason I started to foster other children.

What would you like to do, if not this? I really can’t imagine not doing this work, or something like it.

Last book you read? The Private Patient, by P.D. James

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Kelly J. Kiraly Ofﬁce Manager, Bury Financial Group Nominated by: Todd Bury Age: 27 Education: B.A., media studies, Mount Union College; Masters of Integrated Marketing Communications, West Virginia University. Professional Background: Kiraly joined Bury Financial Group in 2007. Before that she worked as a marketing and business development coordinator at GBS Corp.

What led you to your career? Initially it was my college adviser who pushed me in the direction of marketing/PR when I was on the fast track to journalism. More recently, it was the suggestion of an industry change to help organize and manage an ofﬁce with plans of rapid growth.

What is your proudest professional moment? Completing my master’s degree in May all while working full-time and participating in various organizations. The graduation ceremony was held with undergrad and grad students from the Perry Isaac Reed School of Journalism. As the keynote speaker talked to the undergrads about ﬁnding jobs, I truly realized how far I’ve come and the conﬁdence I have gained compared to ﬁve years ago.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? I believe it is important to work in the Mahoning Valley because it needs each and every one of us to make it an even better place than what it already is.

What charitable work you do means the most? My newly found opportunities with the Junior League of Youngstown. For our provisional project, we held an Easter egg hunt complete with lunch, prizes and a visit from the Easter Bunny for those children being served by the Rescue Mission, Hope House, CASA and Children’s Services Board.

What would you like to do, if not this? Have a job in travel journalism. There are so many places I want to visit.

Last book you read? Inside Inside, by James Lipton

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Eric J. Lanham Marketing Manager, Seven Seventeen Credit Union Nominated By: Molly Halliday Age: 37 Education: B.S., journalism/public relations, Ohio University; MBA, Franklin University, summa cum laude. Professional Background: Before he was hired at Seven Seventeen Credit Union, Lanham served as communications director of United Way in Trumbull County.

What led you to your career? I always enjoyed writing, so I decided to study journalism. Opportunities presented themselves such that I found I also enjoyed the creativity that came with graphic design and advertising and the strategic thinking and research that came with public relations.

What is your proudest professional moment? I am proud to be among a relatively small percentage of marketers in the ﬁnancial industry to graduate from the American Banking Association’s School of Bank Marketing and Management, and an even smaller percentage to earn the designation of Certiﬁed Financial Marketing Professional from the Institute of Certiﬁed Bankers.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? My wife and I decided to move back when we were ready to begin a family. It was important that our children grow up closer to our extended family, and equally important that they be raised in a place that provided a sense of community and strong values associated with hard-working, middle-class communities.

What charitable work you do means the most? I’m proud to have served as the communications chair of the successful Niles City Schools bond issue which is allowing state-of-the-art schools to be built in Niles. Subsequently, serving on the Board of Education provides me the opportunity to see that the vision of the volunteers and voters is carried through.

What would you like to do, if not this? While I love what I do, I’ve always wanted to write “the great American novel.”

Last book you read? Professional development: Leading for Growth, by Ray Davis. Pleasure: The Fourth Perimeter, by Tim Green.

Frank J. Lellio Jr. Owner/Funeral Director, Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home Nominated by: Lori Hynes and Flo Porter Age: 40

Education: B.S. in B.A., Youngstown State University.

Professional Background: Before joining Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home, Lellio worked as an accountant for Forum Health and before that, as a controller at Ideas in Motion in New Castle, Pa.

What led you to your career? The opportunity to continue a longtime tradition of providing genuine, compassionate service to our community led to my wife and me to purchase the family business in 1999, thereby ensuring that it would remain family-owned and not become a small part of a national funeral company.

What is your proudest professional moment? My proudest professional moment was the day I became owner of Rossi Brothers & Lellio Funeral Home with my wife and was blessed with the opportunity to assist families during the most difﬁcult times of their lives.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? To have the opportunity to work in the Mahoning Valley is a blessing because of the people who live in this community. The Valley is a place where people come together to support one another, whether it is to recognize someone’s greatest achievement or to come together and support them during a tragedy. People here support one another without a ‘what is in it for me’ attitude.

What charitable work you do means the most? Working with the United Way of Youngstown and Mahoning Valley is most rewarding because of the many programs and local nonproﬁt agencies that beneﬁt through their fundraising efforts.

What would you like to do, if not this? I would be an educator because I would have the opportunity to teach and have a positive effect on young people who will be the next business owners, community leaders and volunteers and who would hopefully make the Mahoning Valley an even better place to live, work and raise a family.

Last book you read? The Five people You Meet in Heaven, by Mitch Albom.

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Shawna L. L’Italien Member/Partner, Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell Ltd. Nominated by: Howard E. Rohleder and LuAnn Haddad Age: 39

Education: B.S., Mount Union College; Juris doctorate, The Ohio State University College of Law.

Professional Background: L’Italien began her career with Harrington, Hoppe, & Mitchell in 1996. Before that she worked as a legal intern at Henderson, Covington, Messenger, Newman & Thomas Co. L.P.A.

What led you to your career? At age 9, I decided I wanted to be an attorney because I wanted to help people. I continued that career path since that time, still believing it offers many avenues to help people in different ways.

What is your proudest professional moment? Even though my practice area involves business law, my proudest professional moment was the completion of an adoption case where I represented a family adopting two siblings with American Indian background.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? My family and friends are here. I love to be near them and work to improve the area where we all live. I enjoy the people here. I grew up here; this is home!

What charitable work you do means the most? It is all important to me or I wouldn’t do it but I guess I’d have to say the Salem Community Hospital work is the most rewarding. I’ve been on that board now for seven years and can see the importance of quality care.

What would you like to do, if not this? To be honest, I never have really thought about doing anything else. … I guess I would enjoy teaching college or law-school students.

Last book you read? The Shack, by William Paul Young.

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40 Under 40/The Business Journal

Marc S. Mazzella Tax Manager, Cohen & Co. Ltd. Nominated by: Frank Dixon Age: 32 Education: B.S. in B.A., Youngstown State University; M.B.A., YSU. Professional Background: Mazzella began his career at Cohen & Co. as a staff accountant. He was promoted to senior accountant in 2003 and to tax manager in 2007.

What led you to your career? I was probably inﬂuenced by several high school math teachers of mine. Both were fantastic instructors and made the subject challenging, but enjoyable. I thought at the time I might like doing something in business, so accounting was a logical choice.

What is your proudest professional moment? The times that CPAs shine the most are when our clients are in their most difﬁcult times. Unfortunately, we’ve had lots of opportunity to shine in the past year, but that’s when we can help a client from going into bankruptcy, help them get back on ﬁrm ﬁnancial ground, or simply help them get to the next level in their business. When you “save the day” for a client, it’s a pretty good feeling.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? In addition to my family being here, the area has a ton to offer in its own right. It has a great standard of living; there are great parks, low housing costs, easy access to big cities, and arts and entertainment venues that similar-sized cities just can’t match. (And the food here is pretty good, too!)

What charitable work you do means the most? The work that means the most to me is work that has eternal value. As a result, I’m the most satisﬁed when I’m able to do something in partnership with my church.

What would you like to do, if not this? That’s the problem – I enjoy too many things! If I weren’t doing this, I’d have to choose between a hundred other things that seem interesting, too.

Last book you read? Tonka Trucks. I have a 3-year-old nephew who loves to read.

Heather Marie McMahon Development Director, Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative Nominated by: Joel Ratner Age: 33

Education: B.A., history, University of Pennsylvania; Master’s, regional planning, University of North Carolina.

Professional Background: McMahon joined the Mahoning Valley Organizing Collaborative earlier this year after serving as associate director of Wick Neighbors Inc.

What led you to your career? The story goes that when I was 4 years old, I declared to my parents that I would never live in a suburb or on a cul-de-sac: a love for city planning was born.

What is your proudest professional moment? Strangely, it’s not anything related to any award or honor. Just last week, I happened to be sitting outside a local establishment, meeting some interesting new people, and was introduced by someone whom I admire as “a person making a difference in our Valley.” And I thought, you know what? Maybe I am.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? I’m what they call a boomeranger – I grew up in the Valley, left for a number of years, and returned to build a life where my heart is.

What charitable work you do means the most? I enjoy serving on the University of Pennsylvania’s secondary school selection committee. Each year, I get to spend time with high school students who are interested in attending Penn. Their energy, spirit and hope boost my spirits and remind me of the possibilities that lie before us.

What would you like to do, if not this? I have three big goals in my life: to run a city, to write a novel, and to play bass in a rock band. So I suppose that I’d either be gearing up for a political campaign, dusting off my laptop for some serious creative work, or learning how to play the guitar that sits unused in my closet.

Last book you read? We Make Change: Community Organizers Talk About What They Do And Why, by Kristing Layn Szakos.

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Mark A. Memo Urologist, N.E.O. Urology Nominated by: Robert R. Ricchiuti Age: 35 Education: B.S., John Carroll University; D.O. Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine Professional Background: Memo joined N.E.O. Urology in 2007 after completing his residency at Neoucom Afﬂiiated Urology Program. He specializes in urologic oncology, sexual dysfunction, voiding dysfunction, pediatric urology, laparoscopy, minimal invasive surgery, robotic surgery and kidney stone disease.

Family. My wife, Cristina, as well as myself are from the area. We wanted to raise our daughter, Gabriella, to be close to our families in our hometown.

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What charitable work you do means the most?

My father, Richard Memo M.D., is also an urologist here in Youngstown, and has been for more than 30 years.

1. Men Who Cook – It provides a large contribution to Catholic Charities. The money stays right here in Youngstown, and helps local families. 2. Prostate screening for indigent men. 3. Lectures on men’s urologic health to community groups.

What is your proudest professional moment?

What would you like to do, if not this?

Board Certiﬁcation by the American Board of Urology.

Taking a bigger role in the revitalization of downtown Youngstown

Why work in the Mahoning Valley?

Last book you read?

What led you to your career?

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Jim Tressel’s The Winners Manual.

We Congratulate all the nominees for the MVP’s 40 Under 40 Awards

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40 Under 40/The Business Journal

Larry S. Mohn III Project Engineer, Valley Electrical Consolidated Nominated by: Chris Jaskiewicz Age: 23

Education: Pursuing a B.S. in B.A., Youngstown State University.

Professional Background: Mohn joined Valley Electrical Consolidated as a warehouseman/truck driver in 2006, was promoted to a novice draftsman and assistant estimator a year later, and then to project assistant before being named project manager in 2008.

What led you to your career? When I was in high school, I decided to ﬁnd a job that would allow me to achieve a certain ﬁnancial standing while not costing a lot for schooling. I chose to join the IBEW. While traveling down this path, I began to discover my true goals in life and an entry level position came about with an electrical contractor.

What is your proudest professional moment? To me everyday is my proudest profession moment. I strongly believe you never arrive at your goals but instead work at them and achieve them everyday.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? One of my best qualities is loyalty and this includes the Mahoning Valley. I was raised here and this has given me many qualities such as loyalty, pride, passion, never-give-up attitude and hard working. Just recently the Valley ushered in optimism, which is the ﬁnal piece of the puzzle that will lead the Valley and all of its residents into a bright and successful future.

What charitable work you do means the most? Big Brothers Big Sister of the Mahoning Valley.

What would you like to do, if not this? I love my family, friends and this area as well as the people living here. I want to do whatever possible to help everyone here and support this area in a positive way.

Last book you read? The 360 Leader, by John Maxwell.

Michael J. Moritz Jr. Principal, Kontinuous Jams Media Nominator: Michael Morley Age: 27 Education: Pursuing a B.A., telecommunications, Youngstown State University. Professional Background: Moritz founded Kontinuous Jams in 1998 when he was a sophomore in high school and has also worked as music director and executive director of the Youngstown Playhouse, and as a music director/organist for the Catholic Diocese of Youngstown.

What led you to your career? I grew up watching my father develop and grow his business, Moritz Contracting. I began piano training at age 5, working as a church musician at age 10, and developed my own DJ business, Kontinuous Jams, as a sophomore in high school. Kontinuous Jams now incorporates audio and video production, desktop publishing, music and art lessons.

What is your proudest professional moment?

My proudest professional moment continues to be the ongoing expansion of Kontinuous Jams. I founded the Ohio Public Broadcasting Corp., a 501(c)3 organization, devoted to underwriting, producing and broadcasting educational content of local origin. I also founded The Mahoning Valley Musical Theatre Workshop, a program that affords young musicians the opportunity to work side by side with professionals.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? Support for business, low operating expenses, ideal location between two large markets.

What charitable work you do means the most? Kontinuous Jams seeks out gifted musicians who are invited to use the recording studio to work on a musical project of their choice. The students are then featured on the Ohio Public Broadcasting Corp.’s television program, “Jukebox.”

What would you like to do, if not this? I would deﬁnitely want to work with young musicians and entrepreneurs.

Last book you read? Steeltown USA: Work and Memory in Youngstown, by Sherry Linkon and John Russo.

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Kristin Lynn Olmi Sales and Marketing, Pegasus Printing Group Nominated by: Bob Hannon Age: 24 Education: B.A., political science, Youngstown State University. Professional Background: In addition to her work at Pagasus Printing, Olmi has worked for the Mahoning County Democratic Party organizing campaigns, raising funds and entering data.

What led you to your career? I have always been fascinated with marketing concepts and the notion that advertising can help organizations and businesses. In addition, I love working with people and helping ﬁnd solutions.

What is your proudest professional moment? I have a lot of moments that have caused me great satisfaction but my proudest moment is when I had a political client in Columbiana County who was facing a tough opponent. She and I worked together on a beautiful brochure, but she needed it turned around extremely fast. I worked very hard to get the job completed. I know it contributed to her victory.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? As a recent graduate, I feel that part of the Valley’s problem is that young people overlook what the area has to offer. I want to stay in the Mahoning Valley and be the solution.

What charitable work you do means the most? I have participated in Big Brothers Big Sisters for six years. My little brother, through the program, has been the most rewarding experience I’ve had. We practically grew up together. I spent all my college years mentoring and spending time with him. Watching him go from a completely quiet boy to this young man and seeing him grow as a person has been important to me.

What would you like to do, if not this? I love what I do, it always blossoms into a new experience or adventure – professionally and in my community involvement. If I weren’t doing this, I would be doing social work.

Last book you read? Bowling Alone: The Collapse and Revival of American Community, by Robert D. Putam.

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Jillian Phillips Advancement Director, John F. Kennedy Catholic Junior and Senior High School Nominated by: Brian Sinchak Age: 30

Education: B.A., English, Villanova University; Master’s, English literature, DePaul University.

Professional Background: Phillips came to JFK Junior and Senior High School in 2006 from Blessed Sacrament Parish where she’d served as coordinator of religious education.

What led you to your career? Those who are fortunate enough to receive a gift should take that experience and give back to others. My gift was an outstanding education from my parents and the academic opportunities I learned were nurtured during my high school experience at John F. Kennedy Catholic High School. When the opportunity presented itself to work at JFK, I had no hesitation that this was the place that I would make the return on my gift.

What is your proudest professional moment? My proudest professional moment was our 19th annual “Just For Kicks” beneﬁt auction. I have chaired this event for three years and while we always exceeded our goals, I fully expected that our results this year would be impacted by the changing economy. Our community of outstanding alumni, parents, donors, faculty and friends had a different perspective. This year, we raised funds in excess of $185,000, setting an all-time school record.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? It is my wish to raise my children in an environment where hard work, loyalty to your community and dedication to family are their foundation.

What charitable work you do means that most? I ﬁnd great happiness in helping to advise our student council.

What would you like to do, if not this? I would love to be able to teach literature at the college level.

Last book you read? When You Are Engulfed in Flames, by David Sedaris.

Danielle L. Procopio Community Relations Director, SouthernCare Hospice Nominated by: Karol Chipps Age: 28 Education: B.S., community health, University of Toledo; Master of Public Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Professional Background: In addition to serving as community relations director for SouthernCare Hospice, Procopio is a consulting associate for Health Promotion Consulting Services, Toledo.

What led you to your career? I always wanted to work in health care in some capacity. I have lost loved ones to cancer, HIV/AIDS and other devastating diseases and after those experiences, I knew I wanted to help families during that transition.

What is your proudest professional moment? SouthernCare was caring for a 31-year-old woman with skin cancer. I had worked closely with her husband and parents during the short time she was in our service. At her calling hours, her mother-in-law called me her son’s “Rock of Gibraltar.”

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? I chose to return to Youngstown to have a family and build my career. We have an exceptional community that supports its neighbors. We have a wealth of diverse culture to experience and learn from.

What charitable work you do means the most? My work with the American Cancer Society has been the most meaningful volunteer experience I have been involved with. Participating in Relay for Life has been one important way I have been able to use my talents to ﬁght back against this disease.

What would you like to do, if not this? I would spend my time working with the area health departments to increase resources for HIV/AIDS patients and increasing HIV/AIDS prevention efforts.

Last book you read? Dying Well: Peace and Possibilities at the End of Life, by Ira Byock M.D.

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Julie Anne Rauzan Senior Account Manager, Clear Channel Radio Nominated by: Jerry May Age: 38

Education: B.A., telecommunications, Youngstown State University.

Professional Background: Rauzan joined Clear Channel as an account manager in 1992 and was promoted to her current position in 1997.

What led you to your career? I started in radio as a summer job to make money for college. After I spent time in that environment, I knew radio was for me. I love music. I love to be creative and helping people grow their businesses with my guidance in advertising is a huge reward to me.

What is your proudest professional moment? I won Clear Channel’s President’s Club award for my region in 2005. It’s an award based on excellence in sales, promotions and growing business. I also won in 2006 and 2007.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? Because it’s home. I see positives in our Valley that the outside world doesn’t. The arts ﬂourish at Powers Auditorium, great family events at the Covelli Centre, the amazing local restaurants, and the passionate, hardworking people all around me. There’s no better place to grow up and then grow old.

What charitable work you do means the most? The Beatitude House. I’ve seen what a little love and support can do for some very unfortunate women and their children. Beatitude House gives them the opportunity to feel safe, to put their lives back together and raise their children in a good environment.

What would you like to do, it not this? I would love to work in the wedding industry. My annual January event, “Bridal Spectacular,” gives me huge satisfaction.

Last book you read? Angels and Demons, by Dan Brown.

Dan Reardon Teacher and Head Football Coach, Ursuline High School Age: 37

Education: B.S., education, Youngstown State University; M.S. in education, Indiana University.

Professional Background: As head football coach at Ursuline, Reardon was name National Football Foundation Paul Brown Coach of the Year in 2008, The Mahoning Valley Coaches Association Coach of the Year in 2004, and The Mahoning Valley Big-22 Coach of the Year in 2007 and 2008.

What led you to your career? Having great role models as teachers and coaches while I was a student inspired me to be a part of this profession.

What is your proudest professional moment? I have two: One is very well known – winning the 2008 football state championship. The other was taking over a struggling track program at Warren Harding and building it into a championship caliber program over the course of three seasons.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? This is my home. I moved away during my college years but knew I needed to come home after achieving my degrees.

What charitable work you do means the most? When we take out players to do services activities and see them experience how gratifying it is to help others, it makes me proud of them. Too many people concentrate on the negative things that are going on in this area. We have a great group of young people that work hard and take advantage of service opportunities to help others.

What would you like to do, if not this? I love photography and would probably be doing something in that ﬁeld.

Last book you read? Extreme Measures, by Vince Flynn.

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www.HMpartners.org

Humility of Mary Health Partners Proud supporter of the area’s young professionals

Angel T. Ricciulli Doctor of Chiropractic, Angel Chiropractic Center LLC Nominated by: Kelly Kiraly Age: 33 Education: B.S., biology, Palmer College of Chiropractic; Doctor of Chiropractic, Palmer College of Chiropractic, cum laude.

What led you to your career? As an athlete, I had received chiropractic care throughout my career. Because of the care I received, I was able to excel in the sports of gymnastics and diving. I fell in love with not just the science of chiropractic, but the art of chiropractic.

What is your proudest professional moment? My very ﬁrst chiropractic patient, who was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, was unable to walk without the aid of a large brace on her leg. After a few months under my care, she was able to attend her daughter’s wedding without the brace and wore a dress for the ﬁrst time in a year

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? After traveling to Europe, Australia, Africa and throughout the United States, I realize this Valley has its own unique character and values that you don’t ﬁnd anywhere else. My family and friends are here, therefore my heart is here.

Professional Background: Ricciulli founded her practice in 2007. She is certiﬁed in chiropractic biophysics as well as the Webster breech technique used to correct breech pregnancies.

What charitable work you do means the most? Charity begins at home. As a family member caring for a severely autistic sibling, I strive to give my sister (and my parents) as normal as a life as possible. I get to experience ﬁrsthand everyday the difference and impact I make on their life.

What would you like to do, if not this? Along with being a chiropractor, what I would like to do is continue my education and attend medical school. This will allow me to gain a greater scope of practice and to bridge the two worlds of medicine, thereby, giving my parents the best and most complete care possible.

Last book you read? Eat, Pray, Love, by Elizabeth Gilbert.

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Allen L. Ryan Director of Corporate Affairs, Covelli Enterprises Nominated by: Jim Fogarty Age: 38 Education: B.A., communications, John Carroll University, with honors; Juris Doctorate, Capital University Law School. Professional Background: Before joining Covelli Enterprises in 2005, Ryan worked as an independent contractor for the Law Ofﬁces of Ambrosy & Fredericka.

What led you to your career? After running the successful Tim Ryan for Congress Campaign in 2002, an opportunity presented itself to become in-house counsel for Covelli Enterprises. I am now director of corporate affairs, overseeing the marketing and public relations department as well as the human resources department.

What is your proudest professional moment? Running two successful campaigns for my brother – ﬁrst for state Senate and then for Congress – will always be special considering the long odds we faced starting out. With Covelli, being a part of seeing our company become the eighth-largest franchise has been extremely rewarding.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? Why not? There is no other place in the country that has more genuine and hardworking people. The community’s closeness is something that you can’t ﬁnd anywhere else.

What charitable work you do means the most? It is difﬁcult to choose just one. At Covelli we are involved with so many charitable institutions such as Make-A-Wish, United Way, Second Harvest Food Bank, American Heart Association etc. Anytime I am volunteering at an event, I realize life is about giving back to those who need it.

What would you like to do, if not this? Teaching and coaching. I was a substitute before going to law school and coached basketball for two years at John F. Kennedy High School.

Last book you read? The Law of Attraction, by Michael J. Losier.

Scott Seiple Agency Field Consultant, State Farm Nominated by: Jim Leugers Age: 38

Education: B.S., marketing, Miami University.

Professional Background: Leugers began his career with Northwestern Mutual Life as an agent/college unit director in 1994. A year later he joined State Farm as a claims representative and rose through the ranks, being named to his current position this September.

What led you to your career? I love people and knew I wanted to work the sales/service industry in some capacity. What better way than the insurance industry, which can directly affect people’s lives?

What is your proudest professional moment? Being able to show the value of State Farm through being there ﬁrsthand for one of my clients during a claim. Their entire home caught on ﬁre. It was very rewarding to be there for them when they needed me and State Farm the most.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? Having lived there all my life, it is home. Great people, family and friends live in the Valley and I love to give back as much as I can.

What charitable work you do means the most? Being involved with Rotary means the most. I get to see how my volunteer work directly impacts the community I am involved in.

What would you like to do, if not this? Probably be following in my dad’s footsteps and be an educator in some capacity. I have seen how rewarding it has been to him, even after 43 years.

Last book you read? Laws of Leadership, by John Maxwell.

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Craig M. Steinhoff Quality Control Manager, Hill, Barth & King LLC Nominated by: Craig M. Steinhoff Age: 32

Education: B.S., accounting, Capital University; Certiﬁed Public Accountant.

Professional Background: Steinhoff joined Hill, Barth & King in 2007. Before that he was an audit and assurance manager for Schneider Downs & Co. Inc.

What led you to your career? In high school, I had the opportunity to take an accounting class and absolutely fell in love with the concept. Although I am not the most organized person, I truly enjoy making sure other individuals have the tidiest and most organized books and records.

What is your proudest professional moment? Passing the CPA exam is absolutely my proudest professional moment. I have never studied so hard for anything in my life, and I doubt I could pass it again.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? I am one of the few “transplants” here in the Valley. My wife is originally from Boardman and we lived in Columbus for a couple of years. After we had children, we knew that we wanted to raise them near family.

What charitable work you do means the most? Besides the time with my family, I give most of my free time to my church. The work I do as a parishioner and as a member of the parish ﬁnance council means the most to be.

What would you like to do, if not this? I love to golf. If I were not doing the CPA thing, I would most likely be doing something related to golf. I’m deﬁnitely sure I’m not good enough to be a professional golfer, so maybe I could be a caddy for a professional golfer.

Last book you read? Curious George Goes to the Aquarium. C’mon what did you expect? I have two kids under the age of 3.

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George S. Tsudis President/Owner, Belmont Confections and Tsudis Chocolate Nominated by: Constantine and Renae Economus Age: 40

Education: B.S., business, Purdue University.

Professional Background: Tsudis began his career as an operations manager at Penhurst Candy Co. in 1994. Nine years later, he became vice president/owner of Tsudis Chocolate Co. and founded Belmont Confections in 2007.

What led you to your career? My family. My grandfather started in the chocolate business over 50 years ago. I have always been fascinated and proud to be a part of such a wonderful company. I pursued my own company in the power nutrition bar industry and brought it here to the Mahoning Valley.

What is your proudest professional moment? Having the opportunity to expand my family company and create from scratch a thriving business in the Mahoning Valley that manufactures the nation’s top-selling protein and nutritional bars.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? When I chose to locate my startup company it was only ﬁtting to bring it to the Mahoning Valley because of the need for growth, the work ethics of its people, its abundance of opportunity, and most importantly a community that embraced my company with open arms.

What charitable work you do means the most? Using my grandfather’s secret family recipe to make thousands of pounds of candy, which I donate to children less fortunate and to various organizations that raise money to help others in need. This means the most to me because I cherish the special memories of my grandfather teaching me how to make chocolate as a child, which I hold close to my heart.

What would you like to do, if not this? Spending as much time with my family, who understand my long hours and support my career goals.

Last book you read? Emperor of Chocolate: The Story of Milton Hershey and Forest Mars, by Joel Glenn Brenner.

Matthew G. Vansuch Attorney, Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell Ltd. Nominated by: Jason C. Earnhart Age: 29 Education: B.A., political science, Youngstown State University, summa cum laude; Juris Doctorate, University of Akron Law School, magna cum laude. Professional Background: Before joining Harrington, Hoppe & Mitchell, Vansuch worked as a law clerk for the Summit County prosecuting attorney, civil division.

What led you to your career? I have always been drawn to solving problems. Being a lawyer provides me the opportunity to do that. It also requires me to broaden my intellectual horizons with every new problem that comes around.

What is your proudest professional moment? When I was volunteering at Community Legal Aid’s advice and counsel clinic, I met a client who was having problems with his former landlord. The landlord’s brother went to court and got a judgment against this person but only the landlord was legally able to do so. I took this person’s case and was able to argue to the court that their judgment should never have been granted. The court rejected the judgment and my client was able to have that taken off his record.

What charitable work you do means the most? As vice chairman of the board of trustees for Northeast Ohio Adoption Services, it’s part of my job to make sure NOAS is there to help ﬁnd families for kids who are waiting to be adopted. NOAS specializes in teenagers, sibling groups and specials needs children. I know that when we work to keep NOAS up and running, we are having a direct impact on the lives of countless children who are looking for a bright future.

What would you like to do, if not this? I’m sure that I would be involved in a charitable or community organization.

Last book you read? The World is Flat, by Thomas Friedman – a must especially for the Valley.

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Holly K. Weimer-Watts 1st Grade Teacher, Boardman Local Schools Nominated by: Jan Zorman Age: 29 YSU.

Education: B.S., early childhood education, Youngstown State University; M.S., early childhood education,

Professional Background: Weimer-Watts started teaching for Boardman Local Schools in 2003. Before that, she worked as a marketing support assistant and marketing intern at Home Savings Bank.

What led you to your career? My parents, Nancy and Richard Weimer, inspired me to be a teacher. Both of my parents strongly valued the importance of education. My dad was a guidance counselor at Boardman High School and also taught math and economics at Youngstown State University. My mom worked as a security receptionist for Boardman and coached cheerleading.

What is your proudest professional moment? My proudest moments are when I see my students succeed academically and grow socially.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? I want to give back to this community that has blessed me and my family. When my mom was diagnosed with brain cancer in 2006, the community pulled together in an effort to help. She received daily chemotherapy treatments and radiation at the Cleveland Clinic. Community members volunteered to drive her back and forth to Cleveland each day, delivered meals to our home and made frequent visits. I feel immense gratitude for how our family was helped and want to pay it forward.

What charitable work you do means the most? I feel especially connected to my work with Hospice of the Valley and the Nancy L. Weimer Shoptober NYC trip that funds two $750 scholarships for graduating Boardman seniors. I started these two projects in memory of my mom, who passed in December 2007.

What would you like to do, if not this? If I was not a teacher, I would like to work for hospice.

Last book you read? Embraced by the Light, by Betty J. Eadie.

Charles E. Wern III Partner, The Wern Law Firm LLC Nominated by: Christopher L. Litton Age: 36 Education: B.A., philosophy, John Carroll University; Jurist Doctorate, Capital University Law School, magna cum laude; LL.M. in taxation, New York University School of Law. Professional Background: Wern joined The Wern Law Firm in 2004 after working as a corporate and tax associate at Reed Smith Hall Dickler LLP in New York. He is also the owner and founder of The 1031 Exchange Co. LLC in Warren.

What led you to your career? Although I initially was pre-med in college, having a father and various other relatives as attorneys made the transition to pre-law natural.

What is your proudest professional moment? Each time a complicated business transaction closes or a difﬁcult tax problem is resolved, there is a great feeling of professional accomplishment. I think often transactional attorneys live for that next deal and savor the feeling upon its accomplishment.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? The Mahoning Valley is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. Not only is the cost of living so attractive, but there are many intangibles that are often overlooked and simply not available compared to a large metropolitan area.

What charitable work you do means the most? My work with the Red Cross is extremely gratifying. It is an organization that has an obvious presence during national disasters, but maybe more importantly it has a day-to-day impact on local communities. It is an organization that one can be certain that their contributions – whether monetary or service – can have a direct, immediate, positive impact on the local community.

What would you like to do, if not this? Probably a scientist in some research ﬁeld and/or a writer.

Last book you read? Alan Greenspan’s Age of Turbulence and Bertrand Russell’s History of Western Philosophy.

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T. Sharon Woodberry Director of Economic Development, City of Youngstown Nominated by: Sarah Lown Age: 35 Education: B.S., public administration, Eastern Michigan University; pursuing an MBA at Youngstown State University. Professional Background: Woodberry was appointed interim director of economic development for the city of Youngstown in May 2007 after having served as deputy director of economic development for the city and as development ofﬁcer and program director for its Youngstown Initiative.

What led you to your career? I had an introductory public administration class that drew my interest but I didn’t know that economic development would ultimately be the discipline in the public sector I pursued. A position in that department happened to come available and I was No. 1 on the civil service list for next hire.

What is your proudest professional moment? There are many! There is a tremendous sense of accomplishment when an economic development project is complete and the ﬁnished product results in a new building or business in place that provides new jobs to the Valley.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? I was born and raised in Youngstown. My family is here. It’s a vested interest when you take into consideration my job is about making the community a better place to live.

What charitable work you do means the most? Volunteering at the Rescue Mission. It’s easy to donate items and write a check, but extremely humbling when you take time to meet the individuals who beneﬁt.

What would you like to do, if not this? I’ve always been fascinated with medicine and the complicated systems in the human body. I could see myself in medical research.

Last book you read? Face the Nation: My Favorite Stories, by Bob Schiefer.

Miranda Rae Young Supervisor, Hill, Barth & King LLC Nominated by: Kevin Chiu Age: 28

Education: B.S. in B.A., accounting, Youngstown State University, magna cum laude; MBA, YSU.

Professional Background: Young began her career with Hill, Barth & King in 2004, where, among her other duties, she serves on the ﬁrm’s Professional Women’s Advancement Team.

What led you to your career? I have always enjoyed math and problem solving. While doing an essay for a high school class, I researched accounting and thought every aspect of the career was a perfect ﬁt for me – client interaction, the potential for autonomy and career advancement.

What is your proudest professional moment? Being asked to be a part of Hill, Bath & Kind’s Professional Women’s Advancement Team, as it signiﬁed that I was viewed by the ﬁrm as an individual who could contribute to the objective of recruiting, retaining and advancing professional women in the ﬁrm.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? Many cities offer employment opportunities and other attractions for young professionals, but what the Valley has that no other place does is my family. Being close to my family and pursuing my career in Youngstown was a natural choice upon graduation from college.

What charitable work you do means the most? Put Kids First mentoring program: I have watched the little girl I mentor grow in so many ways over the past three years. All the students are so appreciative when they go to lunch at Rotary meetings, making the work of organizing the events more than worth the effort.

What would you like to do, if not this? Pastry chef: I enjoy cooking and the positive response others have when you make a special dessert to share with them. I also like the creative outlet decorating cakes and cookies provides.

Last book you read? Angels and Demons, by Dan Brown.

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Kevin S. Youngblood Generation Specialist, First Energy-Ohio Edison

What led you to your career? As a youth, I was fascinated with how things work. Also, math and science were my favorite subjects in school that I excelled in.

What is your proudest professional moment? I reached my 10-year milestone with my employer.

Why work in the Mahoning Valley? I reside in Boardman and volunteer near my home.

What charitable work you do means the most? I do what I can do for communities, not what the communities can do for us. I strive to shorten the bridge between the hearing and deaf worlds as well as deaf awareness.

Nominated by: Youngstown Hearing & Speech Center and the Community Center for the Deaf Age: 36 Education: B.S., mechanical engineering technology, Rochester Institute of Technology; Associate in Applied Science, Rochester Institute of Technology. Professional Background: In addition to working as a generation specialist at First Energy, Youngblood teaches American Sign Language at the Community Center for the Deaf at Youngstown Hearing & Speech Center in Youngstown.

What would you like to do, if not this?

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I would be studying or researching varieties of alternative medicine, naturopathic or holistic practitioner. Also be a role model for my children.

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Natural Cures: What They Don’t Want You to Know About, by Kevin Trudeau.

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63 years of sobriety. Sobriety is a daily battle. The Neil Kennedy Recovery Clinic has been helping people win that fight for more than 63 years. If you have a problem with drug or alcohol addiction, or know someone who does, call 800-228-8287 or visit www.nkrc.org.

Youngstown Austintown Dublin Howland

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