MICHAEL MCGIFFIN
In his position as Foundation President, Michael McGiffin oversees all facets of the 501(c)(3)-exempted supporting organization for the Regional Chamber. The Foundation has a long tradition of supporting many of the Valley’s most important economic development activities, including Steel to Scholars, Operation SOAR (Save Our Air Reserves), Bring it Home (to secure Chevy Cruze production in Lordstown) and others. In recent years, the Foundation has built support to launch new programming, such as the Eastern Ohio Military Affairs Commission, the JobsNow workforce development program and EMERGE, helping local businesses emerge from the COVID crisis.
McGiffin also works with restarting Leadership Mahoning Valley; continuing a series of networking events that generate business opportunities, as well as earned media, that showcase the Valley as an ideal place in which to live, learn, work and play; and oversee operations of the Warren Area Chamber of Commerce Economic Development Foundation and Warren Area Chamber of Commerce Education, Civic and Cultural Foundation.
Most recently, McGiffin was contracted by the Allegheny Intermediate Unit as project manager, guiding its OnRamp to Remote Learning initiative—the education agency’s response to the challenges and constraints that COVID placed on its 42 school districts. He led a team and education experts in navigating the swift change from in-person learning to remote learning by equipping districts with technology and teachers with best practices and resources to adapt to the remote teaching and learning environment.
McGiffin had also led projects prior and locally as the chief strategy officer at Stambaugh Auditorium and director of Events and Special Projects for the City of Youngtown. In these positions, he impacted growth in the downtown area by elevating the standard of entertainment and events, guiding the wayfinding signage planning and installation, implementing the “City of You” rebranding effort and advocating for and accepting over $6 million in property and financial donations for Stambaugh Auditorium and planning the current historic restoration project.
The Poland resident and proud father of sons Mario, Jay and Patrick with his wife Maura, has a Master’s degree in Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, both from Youngstown State University.