Business briefs
MERIDIAN APPOINTMENT: Lewis Spirtos, M.D., has been appointed chief medical officer of Meridian HealthCare, effective July 14.
A board-certified psychiatrist and addictionologist, Spirtos joins Meridian with more than a decade of clinical leadership and patient-centered care. Most recently serving as medical director at Mercy Health — Youngstown, he developed and implemented multiple programs, including “Traditional Mental Health Intensive Outpatient” and “Dual Diagnosis Intensive Outpatient” programs, which have expanded access to treatment and improved outcomes for individuals struggling with co-occurring mental health and substance-use disorders.
While also introducing treatments such as Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation and Spravato therapy, his leadership in outpatient services has led to the successful treatment of thousands of individuals throughout the Mahoning Valley and beyond.
“His reputation for compassionate care and clinical innovation aligns perfectly with our mission of providing integrated, whole-person health care,” said Larry Moliterno, president and CEO of Meridian HealthCare. “Dr. Spirtos’ expertise will further strengthen our commitment to offering the highest quality care to our community.”
JOB FAIR: The Eastwood Mall and OhioMeansJobs Trumbull County will present a job fair 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 1 in the mall’s main concourse.
Featured industries will be health care, manufacturing, transportation, warehousing, hospitality and retail. For more information or company registration, call 330-675-2179.
CFO TO KNOW: Michelle Crawford, chief financial officer for Mercy Health — Lorain and Youngstown, has once again been named to Becker’s Hospital Review’s annual list of “Hospital and Health System CFOs to Know.” This marks her second consecutive year receiving this honor. She also was recognized on Becker’s “Women Hospital and Health System CFOs to Know” list in 2023 and 2024, highlighting her continued excellence and leadership in financial strategy and health care operations.
“Michelle Crawford is an extraordinary leader whose financial expertise and strategic insight continue to guide our ministry forward,” said Dr. John Luellen, state president, Ohio. “Her stewardship ensures that we can focus on delivering high-quality, compassionate care while remaining financially strong. This recognition is a testament to the vision and discipline she brings to our leadership team.”
Crawford has served as CFO of Mercy Health — Youngstown since 2020 and expanded her role in 2022 to also include oversight of Mercy Health — Lorain. Overseeing an annual budget of $7 billion, she leads financial operations, strategic planning, budgeting, revenue cycle management and financial reporting across both markets. Crawford also manages financial oversight for Youngstown’s community benefit programs, which totaled more than $100 million in 2023.
Crawford began her career with Mercy Health in 1997 as a senior accountant.
FAST TRACK: Weichert, Realtors — Welcome Agency in Youngstown has announced that Benjamin Greenawalt has completed the Weichert Real Estate Affiliates Inc. Fast Track training program. The training helps bring new and existing Weichert-affiliated agents up to speed on the latest information, resources and technology available to real estate professionals to help them effectively list, promote and sell properties and offer exceptional service to their clients.
Program participants learn best practices to get started in the real estate industry, find sellers, capture a buyer’s attention and list properties to sell quickly. Agents who complete the Weichert Fast Track training also gain the confidence and competitive edge to succeed in real estate.
Weichert, Realtors — Welcome Agency is an independently owned and operated Weichert affiliate.
NEW U-HAUL AFFILIATE: Summit Storage Center, 1711 N. State St., Girard, has become a U-Haul neighborhood dealer, the North American do-it-yourself moving company said.
Owned by David Hale, Summit Storage Center offers services such as U-Haul trucks, trailers, towing equipment and moving supplies.
Business hours are 9 a.m to 4 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
For more information, call (234) 421-7707.
CONTRIBUTION MADE: Earlier this month, Youngstown-based MS Consultants made a $10,000 contribution to Lake to River Economic Development.
The firm said the investment highlights the role of private sector leadership in shaping a stronger future for the region.
Lake to River serves as the lead economic development organization for Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties and operates as a network partner of JobsOhio, the state’s private nonprofit economic development corporation.
“We’ve always believed that the health of our business is tied to the health of our community,” said Mark Buchenic, vice president, Eastern Ohio, MS Consultants. “Lake to River is making strategic investments in the people, sites and opportunities that will attract new companies and help existing ones grow. Supporting their efforts is a meaningful way for us to help create long-term economic success in the region.”
Lake to River’s work includes business attraction, site development and workforce initiatives designed to maximize the region’s competitive advantages.
“Collaboration is the engine behind economic growth, and the private sector plays a critical role,” said Alexa Sweeney Blackann, Interim CEO of Lake to River. “With partners like MS Consultants stepping up, we can continue building the foundation for job creation, business expansion and sustainable growth across our four counties.”
GRADUATING CLASS: Twelve local entrepreneurs graduated June 26 from the second cohort of Opportunity Ready, a small business accelerator program supported by the Youngstown / Warren Regional Chamber and its community partners.
The event, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Youngstown Downtown, recognized the graduates and brought together business and community leaders and supporters for a celebration and networking mixer.
Opportunity Ready helps equip late-stage startups and early-stage growth companies with the tools, coaching and resources needed to expand. The program is part of the Chamber’s broader commitment to building a strong, inclusive regional economy.
The second cohort includes entrepreneurs from a range of industries. They are:
Maureen Lauer-Gatta, mindful leadership and wellness strategist, Maureen Lauer-Gatta LLC; Bryant Youngblood, executive director, Evolve Innovation; Akeera Kelley, president, Key Relaxation Therapeutic Massage LLC; Paul Guzman, president, Smart Solutions Unlimited Inc.; Lashara Kornegay, founder and director, Shining Stars Care System;
Julie Swauger, co-owner, Wayfinder Business Solutions; the Rev. Shane K. Floyd, founder, Warren Food Cooperative; Monica Vega, founder and artist, Gallery 18; John-Michael Oliver, executive director, African American Male Wellness Agency; Matthew Longmire, business resource manager, Valley Economic Development Partners;
Brittany Overton, owner and CEO, BrittNe & Co. LLC; and Dionne Dowdy-Lacey, co-founder and executive director, United Returning Citizens.
HELPING OUT: Braydich Dental announced its annual Smiles for Charity campaign raised $10,500 to benefit The Rich Center for Autism, a Youngstown-based nonprofit dedicated to providing specialized education, therapy and support to children and young adults with autism.
The campaign, which ran March 1 to June 30, offered custom teeth whitening kits and tubes of whitening gel for purchase, with 100% of the proceeds going to The Rich Center for Autism. This initiative empowers individuals to whiten their smile and brighten the lives of others in the process.
“Smiles for Charity is more than a fundraiser. It’s a way for our patients and community to support local organizations doing life-changing work,” said Dr. Rudy Braydich, co-owner of Braydich Dental. “We’re honored to support The Rich Center for Autism in its mission to teach and care for children and young adults with autism.”
The Rich Center is an externally funded unit of Youngstown State University. Children are enrolled in programs that include academic instruction, speech and occupational therapy, behavioral analysis and family support services, regardless of the ability to pay.
“We are so grateful to Braydich Dental and everyone who participated in this year’s campaign,” said Jake Ellis, community engagement and event operations coordinator at The Rich Center for Autism.
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Business briefs
SAENGER AT HELM: The Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University has announced the appointment of Christina Saenger as its interim dean, effective July 1.
A native of Northeast Ohio, Saenger joined the college in 2014 soon after completing her Ph.D. in marketing from Kent State University. She has served as the college’s associate dean since 2022.
In that capacity, she helped maintain continuity during periods of change, provided strategic direction, generated momentum on major initiatives, served as a liaison with institutional leadership and ensured clarity and focus across the college.
During the past three years, she has led efforts in collaboration with faculty and staff to revitalize and sharpen the focus of WCBA’s mission, develop the 2024-2029 Strategic Plan through an inclusive, collegewide process, modernize the undergraduate business curriculum, expand access to online degree programs and provide critical leadership in the college’s successful AACSB reaccreditation.
At the university level, Saenger has served for the past two years as director of faculty relations, where she leads efforts related to faculty support, professional concerns and facilitates solutions in support of a collaborative and collegial academic environment.
In 2022, she was awarded the rank of Distinguished Professor, which recognizes her excellence in teaching, research and service.
COMMODORES INDUCTEE: Jeff Ryznar, owner and team leader of 898 Marketing in Canfield, has been inducted into the Association of Ohio Commodores.
Ryznar joins 25 Ohioans this year recognized by Gov. Mike DeWine with the Executive Order of the Ohio Commodore, the state’s most distinguished honor. Citizens are recognized yearly for their hard work, leadership and business accomplishments.
Linda Kuzior, a fellow Commodore who nominated Ryznar, said she has long admired his leadership and the positive impact he’s had in the region.
“Jeff brings an unmatched energy and dedication to everything he does,” said Kuzior, of Redex Industries. “It’s a combination of genuine enthusiasm and the ability to inspire and energize the people around him. That kind of leadership makes a real difference in our community.”
Formed in 1966, the association assists the state in advancement in all areas contributing to the growth and development of the state, with the goal of greater prosperity for its citizens. The organization has grown its diverse membership to more than 500 men and women throughout its history.
Ryznar began his career in marketing after graduating from Miami University in 2002. He held roles at top advertising agencies in Detroit, New York and Chicago before returning to Ohio as the Cleveland Cavaliers’ first director of strategic marketing. After five seasons with the team, he became vice president of marketing and co-owner of San Francisco-based AI company, Phizzle, which was named one of Forbes’ Most Promising Companies in America. In 2014, he launched 898 Marketing, fulfilling a vision sparked decades earlier by his grandfather.
PROMOTION AT YBI: The Youngstown Business Incubator has promoted Rory Kale to program manager of the EVOLVE Technology Program.
Kale has been instrumental in supporting the growth of EVOLVE’s portfolio companies, contributing to programming, startup coaching and community engagement. In his new role, he will oversee the day-to-day operations of the program, assist with outreach and recruitment efforts and deepen relationships with startup founders, mentors and regional partners.
“EVOLVE has always been about meeting founders where they are and helping them scale without compromise,” Kale said. “I’m excited to expand our impact and support the next generation of tech-driven companies coming out of Ohio.”
EVOLVE assists early-stage technology startups in navigating various aspects, including market validation, product development, investor readiness and sales strategy. The program provides its portfolio companies with access to nondilutive grant funding, SBIR / STTR assistance and YBI’s 65,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, which is designed specifi cally for advanced manufacturing companies. Last year, EVOLVE portfolio companies generated $70 million in revenue, created or maintained 450 jobs, and raised $210 million in third-party capital.
MERCY HONORED: Bon Secours Mercy Health has been named one of 53 employers honored with the Business Group on Health’s Best Employers Award: Excellence in Health & Well-being. This national recognition celebrates organizations that go above and beyond to create innovative, comprehensive programs that support the whole person.
“At Bon Secours Mercy Health, caring for our associates is just as important as caring for our patients,” said Dr. John Luellen, president, Mercy Health – Lorain and Youngstown. “This recognition is a testament to the compassion and dedication of our teams here in the Mahoning Valley. We’re proud to be part of a ministry that truly prioritizes the well-being of its people and is being honored nationally for that commitment.”
Now in its 20th year, the award was announced at the Business Group on Health’s 2025 Annual Conference in Nashville. The health system was recognized for its comprehensive and holistic approach to associate well-being — including mental health support, flexibility, family care, financial wellness and career development.
SHEELY’S RECOGNIZED: For the second time, Sheely’s Furniture and Appliance, which has showrooms in North Lima and Aurora, has been named to Furniture Today’s Top 100 U.S. Furniture stores.
Because the rankings are based in significant part on sales volume, family-owned Sheely’s ranking is impressive as it is the only retailer on the list with just two stores. Many retailers that qualified for the rankings are not family owned and have dozens or hundreds of locations.
“It’s humbling to know our showrooms have become such shopping destinations that we rank nationally in sales,” Sheely’s principal owner Jessica Smith said.
CARDINAL AWARDED: Cardinal Credit Union has been awarded a Top Workplaces 2025 award by Northeast Ohio Top Workplaces. This award recognizes companies that cultivate a people-first culture and prioritize employee engagement, growth, and well-being.
Cardinal was among 114 Northeast Ohio companies with 150 or fewer employees awarded this distinction.
The Top Workplaces list is based on employee feedback gathered through a third-party survey administered by employee engagement technology partner Energage LLC. The confidential and anonymous survey measures the employee experience and includes workplace themes, such as whether employees feel respected, supported and empowered to execute.
“We are thrilled to be a Top Workplace again this year,” said Christine Blake, CEO, Cardinal Credit Union. “We recognize that our greatest asset is our people and that’s why we put such a tremendous focus on ensuring our employees are highly fulfilled and provided with the right tools and support to do their jobs and to do it well.”
Cardinal also earned Top Workplace designations for 2021, 2022 and 2023.
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NSTRUCTOR RECOGNIZED: Jason Moore, a Mahoning County Career and Technical Center engineering instructor, has earned FANUC iRVision Certification. The recognition makes the center an official site for students to earn this industry-recognized credential in robotics and automation.
After submitting a recorded lesson demonstrating the use of FANUC’s IR Vision system, Moore received confirmation from FANUC that the certification requirements were met with excellence. As a result, he is now authorized to offer FANUC iRVision certifications to students enrolled in his program.
“The ability to certify them in IR Vision gives them a competitive edge in the field of robotics and automation,” Moore said. “It’s a huge step forward for our program.”
The partnership with FANUC ensures that MCCTC students are gaining hands-on experience with the same tools and technologies used by automation professionals worldwide. The credential adds value to their career readiness and job prospects after graduation.
BEEGHLY FELLOWS SELECTED: Kodi Kinsey, Jan Harter, Nathan Heinly and Aidan Gray, business students from Youngstown State University’s Williamson College of Business Administration, were selected as John D. Beeghly Fellows for the 2025 summer semester.
The program provides students with a paid fellowship working with the Ohio Small Business Development Center, Export Assistance Network and the APEX Accelerator at YSU. Through the program, students gain work experience to position themselves in the job market upon graduation.
Kinsey is a senior business administration student at YSU, originally from Wellsville. As a Beeghly Fellow, Kinsey works closely with the Export Assistance Network. She has learned about international markets and the basics of global trade from her time as a student in the Ohio Export Internship Program.
Heinly is a finance (management track) major from Jefferson. He graduated with his BSBA in May and will become a graduate assistant this fall semester. He earned the opportunity to be a Beeghly Fellow through his participation in the Ohio Procurement Internship Program at YSU. Heinly also works in government contracting at MARQUEE Creatives in downtown Youngstown.
Harter is pursuing a degree in business analytics and economics, with graduation expected in spring 2026. Originally from Ulm, Germany, his long-term goal is to collaborate with global companies, assisting them in adapting to shifting market conditions and seizing emerging opportunities.
Gray is a supply chain management major from Pittsburgh, who is set to graduate in spring 2026. After taking the 16-week government contracting and procurement course, he plans on commissioning in the Army as an officer to apply these concepts to logistics to improve systems and reduce waste.
NEW OFFICERS: The Mahoning County Mental Health and Recovery Board elected new officers at its June meeting to continue its mission of meeting the community’s mental health and recovery needs.
New officers include board Chair Dr. Chelsey Zoldan-Calhoun, board Vice Chair Rachel Chmielewski, board Treasurer Patricia Sciaretta and board Secretary Anne Cobbin.
Zoldan-Calhoun is a practicing clinical counselor at Insight Clinical Counseling and Wellness and holds degrees in psychology and clinical mental health counseling from Youngstown State University and a doctorate in counselor education and supervision from the University of Akron.
“Working with clients opened my eyes to the barriers individuals face and deepened my commitment to listening, learning and collaborative action,” Zoldan-Calhoun said. “It’s this experience that will serve me well in this new role and is the foundation for my commitment to advocacy and creating spaces where everyone feels seen, heard and represented.”
Prior to her new role, she served as a board member for four years as secretary and on the Programs and Policy Committee.
In addition to the new officers, members at-large were appointed which included former board chair Eric Ungaro, Linda Warino and J. Brent Kelley.
The June meeting also concluded the terms of two of the founding board members, Robert Gavalier and Apostle Jenkins.
EXCELLENCE REWARDED: Phil Lammers, senior investment executive of Farmers National Investments, earned the Platinum Qualifier award at Cetera Financial Group’s annual awards conference, Circle of Excellence.
Since 2008, Phil has been affiliated with Cetera. Each year, Circle of Excellence recognizes the accomplishments and leadership of Cetera’s top financial professionals.
“It’s an extreme honor to be part of the Circle of Excellence,” Lammers said. “I’m hoping to be able to be part of this high performing group for years to come.”
Lammers has been serving the financial needs of individuals and businesses in the Mahoning Valley since 2001.
NEWEST TO JOIN BURGAN: Tracy Marciano has joined Burgan Real Estate, the brokerage firm announced.
The Campbell resident’s background includes being a paralegal, certified provider credentialing specialist and certified professional in medical services management, as well as being a real estate agent. Marciano and her husband, Mark, have been together for more than 30 years and have a 16-year-old son, Matthew.
Marciano supports and advocates for the autism community as Matthew is autistic. She serves on the Parent Advisory Board for the Rich Center for Autism as well as the Friends of the Rich Center Fundraising Board.
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