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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