Submitted photo’ Jim Kinnick, executive director of Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, presents a $25,000 donation to Leadership Mahoning Valley during the nonprofit’s graduation ceremony June 3 at The Grand Resort in Howland. From left are Kinnick; JoAnn Stock, Leadership Mahoning Valley president; and Scott Schulick, vice chairman, Leadership Mahoning Valley board.

Leadership Mahoning Valley has developed more than 1,400 leaders through its annual program spanning 41 years.

During a ceremony June 3 at The Grand Resort in Howland, 41 participants were recognized for completing the nonprofit’s latest leadership development curriculum.

“Although this is the end of the program year, this is just the beginning of the leadership journey upon which these 41 outstanding individuals will continue,” said JoAnn Stock, Leadership Mahoning Valley president. “At the beginning of the program year, these individuals made a commitment to continue to serve our community upon graduation.

“The relationships which they have formed and the knowledge that they have gained will lead to future collaborations and community service including future leadership roles within their organizations as well as within our community.”

Starting in September, participants met monthly to develop their personal leadership skills and to learn more about the Mahoning Valley community.

Graduates of the latest class are:

• Ketuan Baldwin, solutions architect, Microsoft Corp.;

• Kim Bauchens, vice president, Service Lines (Youngstown and Lorain), Bon Secours Mercy Health;

• Julianna Begalla, vice president, director of marketing, Farmers Bank;

• Varada Bhide, chief operating officer, YWCA of the Mahoning Valley;

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

• Traci Buttar, manager, Packer Thomas;

• Courtney Campesi, financial resource development director, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation;

• Amanda Cox, project engineer, Hynes Industries;

• Jessica Dean, vice president of marketing, AIM Transportation Solutions;

• Melanie DeCarmen, human resources manager, Vallourec;

• Gina DeGenova, juvenile court administrator, Mahoning County Juvenile Justice Center;

• Rachael Dobson, director, Rich Center for Autism;

• Kevin Flinn, Realtor, Brokers Realty Group;

• Karrington Griffin, certification specialist, YBI;

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

• Tanay Hill, business resource adviser, Mahoning Valley Economic Development Partners;

• Jim Houck, president, Houck Agency;

• Robert Kearns, deputy superintendent, Youngstown City Schools;

• Jeremy Kerola, owner/vice president, Uniserv;

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

• 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 Mahoning Valley;

• Casey Makosky, HR generalist, Metallico Youngstown;

• Heather McCowin, chief nursing officer, Mercy Health Youngstown;

• Mandi Moran, marketing director, Window World;

• Jason Neal, industrial base integration manager, YBI;

• John Orsini, partner/owner, BSHM Architects;

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

• Katie Petridis, program coordinator, Potential Development;

• Jackie Podolsky, senior manager, Tax, Cohen & Company;

• Luke Politsky, director of development, YBI;

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

• Liz Repasky, chief human resource officer, Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County;

• Angela Sanders, customer success manager, Phillips Healthcare;

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

• Michelle Schmader, senior communications coordinator, National Center for Defense Manufacturing/America Makes;

• Jill Stefanucci-Uberti, VP medical affairs, Bon Secours Mercy Health;

• Patty Summers, founder, president and CEO, Youngstown Blue Coats;

• Zachery Teter, business project manager, MS Consultants;

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

During the event, Jim Kinnick, executive director of Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, presented a $25,000 donation, which will be used to expand the Leadership Mahoning Valley programming.

“The organization’s comm itment to developing informed, engaged and collaborative leaders under the guidance of JoAnn Stock strengthens our region today and helps prepare the next generation of leaders for tomorrow,” Kinnick said.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to invest in a program that continues to build capacity and momentum across the Mahoning Valley by fostering connections among the bright, energized minds who are shaping our region’s future.”

Stock also announced that plans for the coming year are to continue the expansion of the organization’s leadership development educational initiatives to include Youth and Young Professional programming, On Board! Board Training, a Women’s Leadership Institute and a Lessons in Leadership speaker series in addition to the 42nd year of the signature Leadership Mahoning Valley nine-month program.

Applications for the Class of 2027, which will begin in September 2026, are available at Applications can be found at leadershipmahoningvalley.org. The deadline to apply is July 1.