Staff & Board

Vern Richberg Director of Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Initiatives

Vern is Director, Economic Opportunity and Inclusion Initiatives at Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber providing leadership to the DEI Council works closely with senior management, the Board of Directors, chamber members, and community partners to champion economic opportunity and inclusion initiatives and provide technical assistance, resources, to build strong relationships, and continuously improve the Regional Chamber’s approaches to creating a more equitable and inclusive business environment. Vern holds a B.A. in Government and Politic from the University of Maryland, College Park and an A.A. from the AIr Force College in Law Enforcement. He has earned the Certified Business Advisor (CBA) Graduate Certificate from Kent State University. The certification provides assurance to clients that CBA® graduates have the business skills, competency and knowledge to effectively counsel, guide and inform entrepreneurs. Prior to assuming his role at Regional Chamber, Vern served as the Regional Director, Youngstown Minority Business Assistance Center at Youngstown Business Incubator. Vern provided startup assistance and owner support that helped numerous entrepreneurs turn their ideas into thriving ventures. From guiding through business plans to offering strategic advice, Vern is a skilled and trusted partner in the journey toward success. As Regional Director, Vern was credited with the flow of nearly $4.3 million in capital infusion for client businesses over a 2-year period. Vern’s extensive experience includes being the Economic Opportunity and Workforce Development Manager at The Community Builders, Inc., Boston, Massachusetts. Makes innovative use of community partnerships and conducts network organizing activities. Assist with property management operations as assigned. Increase the visibility of TCB’s economic development program in the local Akron community. While there he was responsible for creating and implementing the economic development work plan and Community Success Plan objectives for a mixed –income affordable housing development and for ensuring high quality financial and workforce development programs that incorporate best practices, targeted at developing financial capabilities for a lifetime of economic security that includes supplemental income and entrepreneurial development. Vern formerly practiced as a Series 7, Financial Advisor at Smith Barney (Morgan Stanley), having over 10 years experience in wealth management, specializing in income and and tax planning strategies. Currently, Vern serves as Founder and CEO of Micro Solo Digital, a digital technology and internet-based business consulting and managed services firm. The minority and veteran-owned company operates Entrenetwork.co, an e-learning platform built for startups and small business founders and stakeholders who support their economic opportunity pursuits. In 2022, Vern was awarded the Salute to Business, 2022 Business Advocate of the Year by the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber.