What is it: The Regional Chamber annually hosts the Mahoning Valley Local Government Leadership Academy, giving people interested in more efficient local government the tools to be effective government leaders.
Who's eligible: Classes are open to local public officials and employees, newly elected government officials, those planning to run for office, community organizers and Regional Chamber members interested in learning more about local government. Academy presenters are local, state and federal government experts. Nearly 100 area residents have graduated from the academy in its first four years. Presenters include Ken Carano, former regional director for Gov. Ted. Strickland; Howland Township Administrator Darlene St. George; Attorney Edwin Romero from Manchester, Bennett, Powers & Ullman; Guy Coviello, Managing Editor of the Tribune-Chronicle; and Dr. Tom Pascarella, Director of Administration for Tallmadge, Ohio.
Academy Class of 2012: The following 25 members of the Academy Class of 2012 received certificates during a graduation dinner/reception April 17.
Patrick Calvey, City of Warren Service Supervisor
Mark Cole, American National Insurance Co./Mark Cole Agency
John Darko, Mayor of Hubbard
Gary Davenport, Youngstown
Annemarie DeAscentis, Mahoning County Commissioners’ staff
Tom Garbarz, Executive Director, NEOMIN
Natalie Gifford, Bazetta Police Department Records Administrator
John Gillespie, Lordstown Village Board of Public Affairs Trustee
Dale Grimm, Streets Commissioner & Parks, Buildings & Grounds Superintendent, Lordstown Village
Dave Harrison, Planning & Zoning Administrator, Director of Economic Development, Lordstown Village
Jason Hays, Vice President, Hays Enterprises
David Hughes, President/Owner, Specialty Fab, Inc.
Stephanie Landers, Administrative Assistant, Boardman Township
John Mansell, Lordstown Village Council
Susan Montgomery, Co-Owner, Montgomery Dairy Farms; Fiscal Officer, Newton Township
Jill Murphy, Vice President-Government Banking Manager, Huntington National Bank
Kristen Olmi, Consultant/Grant Writer
Joe Paloski, Canfield Township Committeeman, 5th District
Patricia Paridon, Ohio 63rd House District Candidate, Niles
Ron Radtka, Lordstown Village Council
Don Reider, Lordstown Village Council
Shawn Rentz, Bazetta Police Department
Monica Robb, North East Ohio Regional Representative, Lt. Gov. Mary Taylor
Justin Rogers, Planning Manager & Landscape Architect, Mill Creek MetroParks
Randy Smith, Trumbull County Engineer
Erik Tabor, President, Tabor's Landscaping & Garden Center, Inc.
Another class is being planned for early 2013. For more information, contact Amanda Shina at 330.744.2131, ext. 32.
Some comments from graduates:
“Very, very informative and eye opening.”
“The classes were very good; good presentations & speakers in general… Overall the chamber is to be commended for this forum.”
“The sessions were very interesting and beneficial. Meeting and networking with other participants is very valuable overall. The academy is an excellent initiative by the Chamber.”
“My sincere thanks. I thought that all of the speakers were outstanding.”
Course Curriculum and Speakers
Jan. 31: The Ins and Outs, Ups and Downs of Running for Public Office
Ken Carano, former Mahoning Valley Regional Director for Governor Strickland, former state representative and township trustee
Feb. 7: Public Service/Conducting Effective Meetings
David Civittolo, Extension Educator, Ohio State University Extension Community Development
Feb. 14: Communicating & Working with Citizens
Darlene St. George, Howland Township Administrator
Feb. 21: Leadership Skills, Styles & Effective Decision Making
To be announced
Feb. 28: Ethics in Local Government
Atty. Edwin Romero, Manchester, Bennett, Powers & Ullman
Mar. 6: Communicating and Working with the Media
Guy Coviello, Managing Editor, Tribune-Chronicle
Mar. 13: Developing Local Government Collaboration and Efficiencies
Dr. Tom Pascarella, Director of Administration, Talmadge, Ohio
Mar. 20: Building Sustainable Communities
Myra Moss and Bill Grunkemeyer, Ohio State University Extension Community Development
Mar. 27: Promoting Economic Development for the Mahoning Valley
Regional Chamber Economic Development Division