The Lake to River Economic Development board of directors has named Dani Robbins as the organization’s new CEO, effective Dec. 1.

Robbins becomes the first permanent CEO in Lake to River’s history and brings more than two decades of nonprofit and civic executive experience to the role.

A New York native, Robbins started her leadership career in Ashtabula County, recently returning after serving in senior leadership positions in Washington, D.C., and across Ohio. Most recently, she led the educational strategy at BoardSource, a national nonprofit focused on board governance.

Prior to that, she was the director of the Nonprofit Administration graduate programs at John Carroll University and a small business owner. Robbins also has served as chief executive of domestic violence shelters / rape crisis centers and Boys and Girls Clubs.

Lake to River Board Chair Charles “Chuck” George said Robbins was the unanimous choice of the Search Committee and Lake to River executive board.

“Dani brings a track record of leading through complexity and driving performance in mission-driven environments,” George said. “She understands the economic and social dynamics of our region and brings fresh perspective and seasoned leadership to our work.”

Robbins assumes the role from Alexa Sweeney Blackann, who led the organization through its startup phase as interim CEO. Her tenure saw the formal launch of Lake to River as a standalone JobsOhio region, the completion of its initial staffing and more than $1.1 billion in new capital investment announced within the first 18 months.

Sweeney Blackann plans to stay in a temporary, part-time capacity to aid in the transition.

“Lake to River has accomplished in less than two years what takes many organizations a decade — building trust, securing investment and defining a clear regional identity,” Robbins said. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Lake to River team, board and partners to build on that record of success and further develop an integrated, intentional and strategic organization that drives economic transformation in Eastern Ohio.”

Lake to River has quickly become a trusted voice in economic development, serving as a connector for site development, business attraction and workforce readiness throughout Eastern Ohio. The organization has led or supported projects ranging from the attraction of Kimberly-Clark’s large manufacturing facility, a Youngstown Airport workforce training center, downtown revitalization initiatives and infrastructure strategies along state Route 11.

“Dani’s experience with board governance, capital campaigns and community strategy will serve this region well,” Sweeney Blackann said. “She has spent her career helping organizations thrive and is well-equipped to take Lake to River to the next level.”

Robbins has previously served as CEO of multiple nonprofit organizations, led fundraising and capital projects, and taught nonprofit leadership at both Ohio State and John Carroll universites. Her leadership approach has centered on equity, community partnerships and measurable impact.

Robbins holds a master’s degree in public administration from Cleveland State University and bachelor’s degree from Kent State University.