Business briefs

NEW TO BOARD: The Autism Society of Mahoning Valley recently named four new members to its board of directors.

The new board members bring diverse professional experience in human resources, healthcare, workforce and economic development, and real estate, strengthening the Autism Society's leadership as it expands programs, partnerships, community engagement, and resources for individuals and families across the Mahoning Valley.

Named were:

• Katie Brown is a human resources executive with more than 18 years of leadership experience in organizational development, culture transformation, talent strategy and executive leadership.

• Kate Davis-Starner is a licensed practical nurse, healthcare executive and founder of Athene Health Services and RISE + Co.

• Alex Hertzer is the executive director of the Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition, an industry-led partnership strengthening the manufacturing workforce across Eastern Ohio and Western Pennsylvania.

• Tracy Marciano is a Realtor with Burgan Real Estate. She also has more than 20 years of healthcare experience with expertise in organization, confidentiality and relationship building.

"We are excited to welcome four exceptionally talented individuals to our board of directors," said Jodi Glass, executive director of the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley. "Each brings unique professional experience, expertise, and community connections that will help guide our continued growth and strengthen the Autism Society of Mahoning Valley as we move forward."

HONORED FOR WORK: Akron Children's ranked nationally in three pediatric specialties in U.S. News & World Report's annual ranking of the Best Children's Hospitals for 2026-2027.

Akron Children's, which operates a hospital in Boardman, ranked in the following specialties: pediatric and adolescent behavioral health, top 50; pediatric orthopedics, No. 20; and pediatric urology, No. 42.

"Our team is united by a simple purpose: giving every child the expert care and support they need to get back to doing what they love," said Shefali Mahesh, pediatrician in chief at Akron Children's. "Being recognized by U.S. News & World Report is a meaningful reflection of the trust our families place in us, and the expertise, dedication, and the continuous pursuit of excellence our caregivers bring to children and families every day."

MORETON SELECTED: Dylan's House, which provides housing and support for adolescents, young adults and their families impacted by autism, recently announced the appointment of Kelsey Moreton as its first-ever executive director.

The action marks an milestone in the organization's continued growth and commitment to serving individuals and families throughout the Mahoning Valley. As Dylan's House continues to expand its programs, strengthen community partnerships, and increase its impact, Moreton's leadership will help guide the organization into its next chapter while advancing its mission of providing hope, resources and compassionate care.

"As Dylan's House continues to grow, we knew we needed a leader with vision, integrity and a deep commitment to our community," said Kevin Shope, chair of the board of directors. "Kelsey's proven ability to build partnerships, inspire generosity, and lead mission-driven organizations makes her the ideal person to guide Dylan's House into its next era of growth and impact."

Moreton brings more than a decade of experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, strategic partnerships, marketing, and organizational development. A graduate of Youngstown State University's Williamson College of Business, she also earned a Master of Organizational Leadership from Trevecca Nazarene University. Her career has been defined by building meaningful community relationships and developing innovative strategies that drive organizational growth.

She spent seven years with Akron Children's Hospital, specializing in Children's Miracle Network fundraising, corporate philanthropy, and major donor engagement. Most recently, she served as senior vice president of the Youngstown Phantoms, overseeing corporate partnerships, marketing, community engagement, and business development.

For more information and to learn about Dylan's House, visit DylansHouse.org.

FOR THE TROOPS: This summer, Greenwood Chevrolet employees participated in R.E.D. Fridays -- Remember Everyone Deployed -- wearing red each week and making weekly donations to recognize and support military members. On Tuesday, Greenwood Chevrolet presented the donation to Youngstown Air Reserve Station Airmen and their families.

Wanting the money raised to stay local, Greenwood Chevrolet reached out to the 910th Airlift Wing at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station to find a program that could directly benefit local Airmen and their families. That connection led to Senior Master Sgt. Bob Barko Jr., president of the YARS Airmen's Fund Committee and Superintendent and Community/Legislative/Media Engagement Section Chief for the 910th Airlift Wing Public Affairs Office.

"This really came from our employees," said Samantha Bianco, Greenwood Chevrolet. "They chose to participate each week throughout the summer, wear red and donate their own money to show their appreciation for those serving our country. It also means a lot that we're able to keep the funds local and directly support members of the 910th Airlift Wing community."

The campaign ran June 1 through August 31, with employees donating $5 a week or $20 a month. Because of scheduling, Greenwood shifted their red day to Thursday ensuring the full staff had the opportunity to participate. Employees raised $5,580 through the campaign. A matching donor contributed an additional $2,790, bringing the total donation to $8,370 for the Airmen.

The YARS Airmen's Fund Committee works directly with the 910th's Military and Family Readiness office and Sustainment Service teams to support morale, welfare, fellowship activities, events and other needs for members of the 910th Airlift Wing community and their families, including Airmen currently deployed overseas.

FOCUS ON EXCELLENCE: The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber's Center for Nonprofit Excellence brought nearly 60 people together last month for its first Nonprofit Readiness Workshop, a daylong program focused on helping nonprofit organizations strengthen their operations and prepare for future opportunities.

Held Aug. 11 at The Raymond John Wean Foundation in Warren in partnership with Valley Economic Development Partners, the workshop featured sessions on governance and organizational excellence, writing competitive grant proposals, financial readiness and measuring impact and sustainability.

The workshop also featured a Nonprofit Pitch Lab, giving participants an opportunity to share their organizations' stories and receive feedback from local professionals and nonprofit leaders.

Speakers, panelists and coaches throughout the day included Dani Robbins, chief executive officer of Lake to River Economic Development; Kelsey Fischer, senior consultant in the Non-Profit Development Division at KO Consulting LLC; Kathleen Clayton, principal at HBK; Leah Sakacs of Community Spark Consulting; Mae Medore, community impact coordinator at the Community Foundation of the Mahoning Valley; Lynnette Forde, president of The Youngstown Foundation; Stuart Gibbs, business research librarian at the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County; and Marie Banks, grant specialist and grant writer at Grant Impact.

"We knew there was a need for this programming, and the response to our first workshop reinforced that," said Cameron Sobnosky, project manager for the Center for Nonprofit Excellence. "Our nonprofits do important work, and the Center can help by connecting them with people who have the knowledge and experience.

CARRAMUSA NAMED: Gov. Mike DeWine recently reappointed Cara A. Carramusa of Poland to the Ohio Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, and Athletic Trainers Board for a term beginning Sept. 4, 2026, and ending Aug. 27, 2029.

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