HOWLAND — Leadership Mahoning Valley will celebrate the graduation of its Class of 2026 on Wednesday at The Grand Resort. The event will honor 41 participants who have succeassfully completed the nine-month leadership development program, which began in September.

Throughout the program, class members participated in community learning experiences designed to deepen their understanding of the Mahoning Valley, explored key community issues and connected with local leaders across sectors.

Participants also strengthened their personal and professional leadership skills while building meaningful relationships with one another — connections that will continue to benefit both the individuals and the community for years to come.

In addition to the graduation celebration, the evening will include a brief annual meeting highlighting key accomplishments from the past year, along with the introduction of Leadership Mahoning Valley’s board members. In addition to members of the Class of 2026, their family members, friends and colleagues, as well as all Leadership Mahoning Valley alumni, are invited to attend the celebration. The cost is $100 per person and sponsorship packages are also available.

The graduation celebration is an opportunity for community members, alumni and supporters to recognize the accomplishments of the class and celebrate the continued impact of Leadership Mahoning Valley.

For more information about the event or to register, contact LMV Director Joann Stock at 234-877-1520 or visit www.leadershipmahoningvalley.org.

Members of the Class of 2026 are:

• Ketuan Baldwin, solutions architect, Microsoft Corp.

• Julianna Begalla, vice president, director of marketing, Farmers National Bank of Canfield.

• Kimberly Bauchens, vice president, service lines, Bon Secours Mercy Health.

• Varada Bhide, chief operating officer, YWCA Mahoning Valley.

• Maria Bova, associate director of government affairs, Youngstown State University.

• Traci Buttar, CPA, manager, Packer Thomas.

• Amanda Cox, project engineer, Hynes Industries.

• Jessica Bochy Deane, vice president of marketing, Aim Transportation Solutions.

• Melanie DeCarmen, human resources manager, Vallourec Star LP.

• Gina DeGenova, magistrate, Mahoning County Juvenile Court.

• Rachael Dobson, director, Rich Center for Autism at Youngstown State University.

• Kevin Flinn, commissioner of Building and Grounds, city of Youngstown.

• Amanda Fluck, marketing director, Window World Youngstown.

• Adam Gargano, branch manager, First National Bank.

• Karrington Griffin, certification specialist, Youngstown Business Incubator.

• Alex Hertzer, executive director, Mahoning Valley Manufacturers Coalition.

• Tanay Hill, business resource adviser, Valley Economic Development Partners.

• Jim Houck, president, Houck Agency.

• Robert Kearns, deputy superintendent, Youngstown City Schools.

• Jeremy Kerola, owner/vice president, Uniserv LLC.

• Monica Kirkland, program service director, Mahoning County Juvenile Court.

• Courtney Lockshaw, financial resource development director, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation.

• Ryan MacLennan, director of Operations and Outreach, Trumbull County Historical Society.

• Bridget Madden, customer service manager, Berk Enterprises.

• Nicole Madison, clinical nurse manager, Akron Children’s Hospital.

• Casey Makosky, HR generalist, Metalico Youngstown.

• Heather McCowin, chief nursing officer, Mercy Health.

• Jason Neal, director of Site Strategies, Lake to River Economic Development.

• John Orsini, partner/owner, BSHM Architects.

• Nikunj Patel, chief operating officer, Cadence Care Network.

• Katie Petridis, program coordinator, Potential Development.

• Jacqueline Podolsky, senior manager, Tax, Cohen & Co.

• Luke Politsky, director of development, Youngstown Business Incubator.

• Brian Rella, treasurer, Mahoning County Career and Technical Center.

• Elizabeth Repasky, chief human resource officer, Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

• Angela Sanders, customer success manager, Philips Healthcare.

• Michelle Sawicki, business engagement and training coordinator, Jobs for Ohio’s Graduates.

• Michelle Schmader, senior communications coordinator, National Center for Defense Manufacturing and Machining/America Makes.

• David Sova, operations manager, Vallourec Star.

• Jill Stefanucci-Uberti, vice president medical affairs, Bon Secours Mercy Health.

• Zachary Teter, business project manager, MS Consultants Inc.

• Patricia Summers, founder, president and CEO, Youngstown Blue Coats.

• Danielle Yarina, property manager, Trumbull Metropolitan Housing Authority.