Twenty under 40! winners selected, celebrated June 10
Meet the second annual class of Twenty under 40!, Stark County’s finest young leaders, as seen through the eyes of their nominators.
Purchase your tickets to attend the eclectic gala and celebrate these 20 incredible leaders under 40. The event is being held Wednesday, June 10 from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. atop the McKinley Monument. Tickets are $50 per person, and include delicious heavy hors d’oeuvres, open bar and live entertainment.
Twenty under 40!, presented by ystark! and The Repository, is made possible by our generous sponsors: Aultman Health Foundation, Black, McCuskey, Souers & Arbaugh, LPA, Diebold, Inc., Huntington National Bank and The Timken Company.
Michael C. Abbott, 37
ABBOTT ELECTRIC INC.
Reasons he was selected: He’s the most dependable person! Mike is a dynamic leader in his organization as well as beyond the organization. He’s actively committed to Stark County, and to making a difference in our community. His leadership foresights have filled an industry void by successfully growing one company and creating two new companies in Canton, significantly adding to economic and business development in our region. Nominated by: Brent Fatzinger, Abbott Electric, Inc.
Eric Belden, 32
PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME ENSHRINEMENT FESTIVAL
Reasons he was selected: He fully embodies the criteria for this award. Born and raised in Canton, he returned to his hometown in 1999 after college and has been fully engaged in the economic and social welfare of our community ever since. He is fully invested in the effort to retain and attract young professionals as he believes that Stark County is the perfect place to live, work, and raise a family. He is a walking billboard for ystark! and its mission to improve our community through knowledge, leadership, and participation. Nominated by: Joanne K. Murray, Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival
LaShonda Card, 35
TIME WARNER CABLE
Reasons she was selected: She is committed to work, family, church and community, often not in that order. She is a strong-willed individual who has worked hard to become a very successful, intelligent young woman. If you were to meet her for the first time, the first thing you would notice is the positive energy she exudes – she has a very warm and welcoming disposition. Even when in the midst of tense conflict and adversity, she reacts with wisdom beyond her years. There were times in her life when she was a single mother, and she worked hard to make sure her four children were cared for and well-adjusted while still finishing her education and substantially impacting the community she lives in. Nominated by: Brenda D. Stevens, Malone University
Matt Ellis, 33
GRASSMASTER
Reasons he was selected: Quite simply, he believes it is better to give than to receive! Being very outgoing and friendly, Matt is very approachable which allows younger people in the business community to come up to him for support and marketing ideas.Watching him as an employer and seeing his employees look up to him for ideas, growth opportunities and personal development is simply remarkable. He has been dedicated to the Stark County Community for years, helping community and business individuals network and learn about community opportunities. He’s helped to support local business and at the same time raise four beautiful children! Nominated by: Thomas W. Schmidt, Centron Coatings, Inc. and Brent Belles, B-Squared Marketing Solutions
Joseph R. French, 40
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ALLIANCE, INC.
Reasons he was selected: Joe possesses many strengths and a solid character that has made him a dynamic, civicminded Stark Countian. Joe demonstrates a positive daily attitude, high personal and professional integrity, mature judgement, initiative, self determination and acceptance of others. Joe is passionate about the children he serves and their families, helping each of them to have the most education-enriching experiences necessary to develop personal integrity and self-acceptance. He is a great team-player as well as a strong independent person,who is up to a variety of challenges, especially if it means sharing knowledge about a worthy cause. Joe is a great listener and thoughtful person. Nominated by: Lisa Hamilton-Green, Summit County Children Services, and Toni Middleton, Mayor, City of Alliance
Daniel Griffith, 32
BLACK, MCCUSKEY, SOUERS & ARBAUGH, LPA
Reasons he was selected: He’s the definition of success for his generation! Dan is one of those rare individuals who have found a balance between work and family, he excels in the best of both worlds. Dan has accomplished a great deal so far in his career, already exhibiting strong leadership characteristics – and has shown the potential to be one of the law firm’s future leaders. He’s widely regarded for his sense of humor, and his quick wit can break up an otherwise stodgy discussion, loosening up any conversation and establishing a better perspective on any subject. Nominated by: Randolph Snow, Black, McCuskey, Souers & Arbaugh, LPA
Alan Harold, 33
HUNTINGTON BANK
Reasons he was selected: Even as a student, he was responsible and mature beyond his years. This is a young man who was born to lead. He is truly representative of the young people who will make Stark County better and better. While he has had the opportunity to leave this area, he and his wife are committed to raising their family here and making contributions to this area. Alan is a fine representative of this young, up and coming, professional group of individuals and would serve as an ideal role model for young professionals throughout our community. Nominated by: Polly Doyle, Louisville High School and Rick Hull, Huntington Bank
Lisa Capocci Hicklin, 34
CANTON CITY SCHOOLS
Reasons she was selected: Lisa Hicklin is a truly unique young woman whose enthusiasm and can-do attitude is contagious to all who meet her. She has a volunteer’s heart and a desire to work with individuals of all ages who have developmental disabilities, giving them opportunities in the performing arts and helping them gain acceptance among their peers. She donates her time and talents to develop programs and productions in the arts for students with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. As a dedicated teacher, she continuously looks for ways to bring in grant money and opportunities to expand her students’ horizons in new and creative ways. Nominated by: Pat Fehlman, Stark MRDD
Jeff Joliat, 34
THE SEAL GROUP
Reasons he was selected: He is always willing to try a new idea or go out on a limb, as well as support the tried and true. Jeff’s enthusiasm and big ideas light a fire under those who work with him and when he volunteers for a cause, he gives it his all. His accomplishments for community organizations and for downtown Canton are a direct result of his enthusiasm for hard work. In 2006, Jeff started an investment business in downtown Canton, furthering his dedication and support of the revitalization of downtown and business growth for the area. Nominated by: Jacquie Batchelder and Sia Pope, American Red Cross Stark County Chapter
Michael T. Lemon, 40
AULTCARE
Reason he was selected: This is a man with integrity! Michael is an excellent role model and is highly respected throughout the community. He has an uncanny ability to engage others and is always optimistic – smiling when he shares his vision of developing his congregation and community by stretching, reaching, serving, loving and teaching. His work with community organizations results in tackling projects that appear otherwise unattainable. His discipline, high energy and warmth impact those around him. Nominated by: Gerry Radcliffe, Malone University
Corey Minor Smith, 35
CITY OF CANTON
Reasons she was selected:With her tenacity as a go-getter and her selfless, community-minded outlook, she gives nothing less than excellence in everything she does. Corey is a dynamic community leader with high standards of social responsibility, and she is making a huge difference in our community with her strength and abilities. She works tirelessly registering voters and representing those less fortunate in many legal aspects. She is an inspiration to those she serves, and she motivates others by encouraging them to persevere, to realize that their own commitment will determine success. Nominated by: Lori Stokes, City of Canton, and Craig C. Smith, Crisis Intervention and Recovery Center
Monique Moore, 35
STARK COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS
Reasons she was nominated: Monique is truly a community visionary, one who exudes the charisma, energy and passion required for making our community a better place. Her creative thinking and deep awareness of current and prospective possibilities have helped her to foster and implement progress – ultimately improving the lives of all around her. Monique’s energy as an agent of change is helping to brighten the outlook for Stark County. She is a priceless and immeasurable community asset. Nominated by: Scott Haws, Diebold, and Fred Moore
Kendra L. Preer, 38
STARK STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY
Reasons she was selected: Her passion for her work and dedication to working toward greater college access for first generation, low-income students, inspires her colleagues everyday. She is someone who doesn’t take “no” for an answer, who is demanding of herself and others when it comes to building a program. She is committed to higher education for ALL of Stark County,working tirelessly in her role, both at work and in the community. Nominated by: Damon Young and Jasmine Johnson, on behalf of the staff at Stark State College of Technology
Todd Pugh, 37
ENVIROSCAPES
Reasons he was selected: Todd Pugh has been a lifelong resident and leading advocate for the Stark County community. He is committed to its vibrancy and recognizes the value of people coming together to improve where they work and live. Providing jobs through his business and improving community life with his extensive volunteer work, Todd exemplifies a community leader with his winning attitude. Always looking for new ideas to improve himself, his business, the industry and the community, Todd openly seeks and shares information with other people through business articles and seminars. With Todd, the energy level is always at 100% and anything is possible. Nominated by: Terry Pesek, Enviroscapes
Joseph D. Schauer, 27
SCHAUER INSURANCE
Reasons he was selected: He was very instrumental in helping the ystark! program reach the point it’s at today. Joe is a natural leader who instills confidence in others and leads through example. He never hesitates to say yes when asked to take on a project or conduct an activity. His early involvement with ystark!, followed by his chairmanship, have directly lead to the expansion of the original ystark! committee, active programming, and ultimately securing funding to enable us to hire a director. Joe never hesitates to take a leadership role, but also does the necessary work behind the scenes required to gain consensus, set direction, and execute programs. Nominated by: Steve Katz, Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce
Todd Snitchler, 38
SNITCHLER LAW FIRM, LLC – OHIO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Reasons he was selected: He has a love for others and a constant passion to be actively engaged in his community. He’s working for the revitalization of Stark County and Ohio, bringing them back to a prominent role. He has a strong desire to be part of the solution in making Stark County a greater place for others. Todd works to be an agent of change for Stark County, working to alter the perception and outlook of our future. This work makes him a priceless and immeasurable asset and a valuable resource moving forward. He is one of Stark County’s sharpest, most driven young leaders who actively impact how we live, work and play! Nominated by: Scott Haws, Diebold; Jeff Lechak, Quality Control Inspection, Inc.; Danette Lund, Early Childhood Resource Center and Melanie Snitchler, Bridgestone Americas
Lori Stokes, 36
CITY OF CANTON
Reasons she was selected: She is an exceptional, selfless and giving role model for young people and an inspiration to all of the lives she touches. Lori is an unwavering volunteer, both at home and for the community. She volunteers for and spearheads innumerable groups and organizations. She earned three degrees while working and raising five children, and though her incredible educational background could take her elsewhere, she’s dedicated to making a difference here at home in Stark County! Nominated by: Octavia and Janae Stokes, daughters and Ronald Stokes
Lydia Strauss, 38
GOODWILL INDUSTRIES AND VOCA
Reasons she was nominated: She is able to work patiently and tirelessly, lending an ear to children who sometimes feel as if they are not heard. Lydia is a very caring, loyal and dedicated volunteer and organizer within the community. She is energetic about the programs and agencies she works with, giving endlessly, fueled by the desire to reach out and give community members the opportunity to better themselves. Lydia’s work has found her supporting a wide range of individuals, from children to crisis victims, she is always available to comfort, support and assist those in need. Nominated by: Don Strauss, Praxair, Inc.
Mark Wright, 38
AULTMAN HOSPITAL
Reasons he was selected: He is not afraid to get out ahead of a project and accomplish goals through sheer will and determination. Mark has been very involved in the local community, making a positive difference for many organizations and causes. He has the drive and the character to not only lead, but to inspire others to reach their potential as well. His professionalism and commitment are unparalled – he is exactly what Stark County needs as we continue to grow and expand. Nominated by: Ed Roth, Aultman Hospital and Doug Hampton, Hampton Capital Management
Scott M. Zurakowski, 37
KRUGLIAK, WILKINS, GRIFFITHS & DOUGHERTY CO. L.P.A.
Reasons he was selected: When one thinks of community stewardship, responsibility and compassion, Scott Zurakowski leaps to mind. Scott has a genuine desire to see his fellow neighbor be as successful as possible. He has a strong conviction that no matter what walk of life a person comes from, every person should be treated with dignity and compassion. He is a dedicated father, husband and community servant, with a passion for philanthropy rivaled only by his enthusiasm for life. Scott is bright, humorous and dedicated—timeless qualities of a role model for those young and old. Nominated by: Maria Heege, United Way of Greater Stark County
Don’t forget to go online to purchase tickets at www.ystark.org. Help us celebrate the most talented young leaders in Stark County.
