MALARA AT HELM: The National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining, in collaboration with America Makes, has appointed Megan Malara, Ph.D., as director of the new Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace and Defense.

A Youngstown area native, Malara will lead the Hub’s mission to transform the Northeast Ohio region into a global center for advanced manufacturing innovation, workforce development and economic growth. The initiative builds on America Makes’ decadelong legacy and more than $400M in federal additive manufacturing funding, serving as a national proving ground for next-generation technologies.

“Megan brings a powerful combination of technical expertise, policy experience and industry leadership to this role,” said Jim Fisher, NCDMM’s COO and vice president. “Her vision and track record of impact will help us accelerate innovation at scale, strengthening defense supply chains, fueling workforce development and positioning Youngstown as a national leader in advanced manufacturing.”

Previously, Malara served as director of the Medical Modeling, Materials and Manufacturing Division at The Ohio State University’s Center for Design and Manufacturing Excellence, where she led cross-disciplinary teams of engineers and clinicians to develop advanced manufacturing solutions for patient care. She also served as a Legislative Fellow in the U.S. Congress through the AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship, addressing public health, STEM education and health care financing.

CAFARO NAMED: Dr. Michael J. Cafaro, director of Occupational Health and Chiropractic at Meridian HealthCare, has been appointed to the state of Ohio’s Radiation Advisory Council by Gov. Mike DeWine.

Initially considered to be an alternate, Cafaro was selected for a full appointment in recognition of his career accomplishments and dedication to advancing chiropractic care. In this position, he will represent the chiropractic profession in discussions about radiology standards in practice across the state.

“Being appointed to the Radiation Advisory Council is both an honor and a responsibility,” Cafaro said. “I look forward to representing the chiropractic field and ensuring high standards that support safe, effective patient care. I believe this recognition also reflects the great work being done at Meridian HealthCare to integrate chiropractic into whole-person health.”

In addition to this state-level appointment, Cafaro was also unanimously elected by the Chiro Congress board to serve as District 2 Director. Chiro Congress is a national organization that unites state chiropractic associations to protect, promote and advance the profession nationwide.

These roles are in addition to Cafaro’s ongoing work at Meridian HealthCare, as they will help elevate his leadership at both state and national levels while strengthening Meridian’s commitment to advancing nonmedicated pain relief and evidence-based care.

STATE SELECTION: Gov. Mike DeWine has named 7 17 Credit Union CEO John Demmler to the Credit Union Council for a three-year term ending Sept. 22, 2028.

The council is an advisory council to the Ohio Division of Financial Institutions for Credit Unions. The division regulates all Ohio-chartered credit unions, including 7 17. The council helps shape the regulatory and policy environment for credit unions statewide, ensuring they remain safe, stable and focused on member well-being and financial inclusion across Ohio communities.

Demmler is the only member on the council from Northeast Ohio.

“I look forward to joining the other members of the council to advocate for a strong credit union system in Ohio and continuing the goal of helping members improve their lives financially,” Demmler said.

Demmler became the 7 17’s CEO on Nov. 1, 2023. An Ohio native and credit union advocate, he began his career in the financial service industry more than 25 years ago.

TOP HONORS: Trumbull County Tourism recently earned two Citation of Excellence awards at the Ohio Conference on Travel. The honors recognize the organization’s continued focus on driving incremental travel to the county.

Trumbull Tourism was listed alongside leading Ohio destinations, including Shores & Islands, Destination Cleveland, Visit Dublin and Experience Columbus, in these categories.

“In recent years, our organization has been consistently recognized, both nationally and statewide, for effective, creative marketing that continues to attract visitors to our communities,” Beth Kotwis Carmichael, CEO, said. “These new awards reinforce that momentum and underscore responsible stewardship of lodging tax dollars, paid for when visitors stay in our hotels.”

Recognition was given in the following categories:

• Blogs — Truly Trumbull Stories: Hauntings, History and Heritage

This blog series paired local stories with digital marketing. Each post was selected for its fit with seasonal messaging, then promoted through segmented email, short-form video and social media storytelling.

• Digital marketing — Trumbull, In Your Inbox

This win recognized the agency’s email-driven campaign strategy, which boosted the 60-Mile Yard Sale and guided friends and family visitors to fall and holiday activities.

BERG NAMED: DeSalvo Construction announced the appointment of John Berg as vice president of Field Operations. With more than 25 years of experience in construction management, Berg brings extensive industry knowledge, proven operational expertise and strong leadership to the company’s executive team.

In his new role, he will oversee and manage DeSalvo Construction’s field operations, leading efforts to enhance project delivery, safety, quality and scheduling. He will also focus on mentoring and developing the company’s Project Superintendents, drawing on his own career beginnings in the field.

“John’s deep understanding of both the operational and human sides of construction makes him an exceptional addition to our leadership team,” said Joe DeSalvo, president of DeSalvo Construction. “His commitment to excellence, mentorship and collaboration will help strengthen our field operations and continue our tradition of delivering high-quality projects for our clients.”

As vice president of Field Operations, Berg will play a key role in reinforcing DeSalvo Construction’s commitment to operational consistency, total quality management and client satisfaction.

He holds a bachelor’s degree in Construction Engineering from the University of Toledo and a Construction Site Supervision Certificate from Purdue University. He is an active member of the Knights of Columbus, The Builders Association and the American Society for Health Care Engineering (ASHE).