Advisory Council/Staff Profiles

Jim Walrods - Chair

JIM WALROD
Chair

I am Jim Walrod, Chair of EPIC Toledo for 2010. I currently enjoy being employed at The Image Group where I am an Account Manager. My position allows me to partner with other companies that brand themselves through the medium of promotional products and incentives. Being a graduate of St. Francis de Sales high school and Siena Heights University in Adrian, I know what great assets this region has to offer. I am married to my lovely wife, Erin, and we have a daughter named Charlotte Rose. We have two dogs, Sophie and Duke, and we live in West Toledo. Both of us have been in the Toledo area our entire life and feel Toledo is a great place to raise our daughter. The quality of life is what makes us proud and excited to be Toledoans.


Brian Niedzwiecki - Vice Chair & Membership Committee Chair

BRIAN NIEDZWIECKI
Chair Elect

I am the Executive Vice President of Operations at Stautzenberger College, where I am responsible for the daily operation of the school. I am a native Toledoan, graduating from St. John’s Jesuit and then pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Social Humanitarianism from BGSU and a Master of Arts in College Student Personnel focusing on Adult and Continuing Education, also from BGSU. I have been involved with EPIC since the original Kickoff Party and am thrilled to be associated with a group of people who thinks that Toledo is as great a place to live as I do!


Jeff Williams - Economic Development Chair

JEFF WILLIAMS
Vice Chair

I am a Senior Project Manager at Savage Consulting. My responsibilities at Savage include managing business consulting projects and performing investment analysis on early-stage companies, who work with CoreNetwork and Rocket Ventures. Born and raised in Fostoria, I graduated from the University of Toledo and have remained in the area. I joined EPIC to meet like minded individuals who see the value of being involved in the community and wish to make our region a better place.


Jake Cox

JAKE COX
Past Chair

It was my pleasure to serve as the 2009 Chair for EPIC Toledo! I am currently employed as Vice President in Group Benefits at Hylant Group. I took the opportunity to move back to Sylvania, where my family originates to continue my career in group benefits consulting for Hylant Group.I was raised in Bryan, Ohio and attended Bowling Green State University before starting my professional career. Several generations back my family moved to Toledo for the opportunity to be part of a growing community and the business opportunities that were not available in the South or West. I was excited to make the move to Toledo with my Wife Jill and my daughters Gabriella and Camilla. We are proud to be Toledoans and look forward to the bright future of this region.


Jeff Schaaf - Community Involvement Co-Chair

JEFF SCHAAF
Community Involvement Co-Chair

I am the classic hometown boy. Born and raised in the Toledo area, I graduated from St. Francis de Sales high school and traveled slightly farther west on Bancroft St. to the University of Toledo where I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship, Family, and Small Business. My work experience has been focused primarily in sales, marketing and project management for large corporations. Most recently, I am working for Maritz Research as a Sr. Project Director as well as selling real estate as a licensed residential Agent for The Danberry Co. I joined EPIC in 2008 because I’m proud of Toledo and all that we have to offer. Our location and people have enormous potential, and I think EPIC is a key element in helping the community recognize all that we are and all that we can be!


Julianne Lange- Community Involvement Co-Chair

JULIANNE LANGE
Community Involvement Co-Chair

Currently, I am employed as an E-Rate Specialist for Northern Buckeye Education Council (NBEC), a not-for-profit Council of Governments organized under Chapter 167 of the Ohio Revised Code. I assist schools in securing federal E-Rate funding to help off-set Internet connectivity costs. As a graduate of The University of Toledo, I actively support Rocket athletics and I look forward to UT’s annual Art on the Mall each July. I joined EPIC in April 2008 without knowing the profound impact it would have on my professional and personal life. EPIC provides a wealth of opportunities to connect with the community through volunteer efforts which members may not have otherwise sought. Some of my highlights include serving a meal at the Sparrow’s Nest and working on two build sites for Habitat for Humanity all while forming great friendships. I can’t wait to see what the year ahead brings!!


Dana Syrek - Cultural Arts Chair

DANA SYREK
Cultural Arts Co-Chair

My name is Dana Syrek and I am co-chair of the Cultural Arts Action Team. I am a native of Toledo who has returned upon graduation from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Toledo has wonderful opportunities to get involved and make a difference and I have thoroughly enjoyed returning to the area and immersing myself in the Toledo scene. My involvement with EPIC has allowed me to be more engaged in the Toledo community and aware of everything it has to offer. I am employed at the Toledo Museum of Art as the Development Officer for Corporate, Foundation and Government Funding.


Jennifer Baumeir - Cultural Arts Co-Chair

JENNIFER BAUMEIER
Cultural Arts Co-Chair

My name is Jennifer Baumeier and I am a Marketing professional for Harbor, a local non-profit in the Toledo regional area. I have been involved with EPIC since February 2007. I am originally from Uniontown, OH- a small town in Northeast Ohio. I graduated from Miami University in 2004 with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Political Science and moved up here with my husband who is native to Toledo. I am involved with EPIC because I can feel the change happening in Toledo and I want to be part of it. I serve on the Cultural Arts Action Team because I understand the economic impact the arts has on our communities. More importantly I want people to understand what we have here in Toledo is comparable to most large cities especially in regards to the offerings of our local arts community.


Danielle Briones - Economic Development Chair

DANIELLE BRIONES
Economic Development Chair

In 2007, I graduated from The University of Toledo, Cum Laude, where I double majored in Professional Sales and Marketing. As a Youth Market Director for the American Heart Association,  I partner with over 120 schools across 15 counties in Northwest Ohio. We are helping to build healthier lives free from heart disease through service learning and educating young people about controllable risk factors!  The Toledo area is a great place to live, work and entertain! I have lived in the area my entire life and my enthusiasm continues to grow. As a member of the EPIC Toledo Advisory Council, I am honored to serve with such a talented group of individuals and am excited about our plans for 2010. I encourage anyone interested in making a positive impact in our region to seek out EPIC members to hear more about our mission, goals and objectives for the coming year!


Alison Dillion - Green Initiatives Chair

ALISON DILLION
Green Initiatives Chair

I am currently a commercial and specification sales representative for Lumbermen’s Inc., a distributor of building materials.  I am a graduate of Sylvania Southview high school and obtained a degree in interior design from Davis College.  I serve on the board of directors for the Junior League of Toledo and the Lake Erie Western Alliance for Sustainability (LEWAS).   I am also serving as director of the  Toledo City Center  for the Ohio/Kentucky Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).  I'm involved with EPIC because I think Toledo has a lot of potential and I would like to be a part of Toledo 's success.


Adam Davenport - Leadership & Professional Development Chair

ADAM DAVENPORT
Leadership & Professional Development Chair

I have been working at Gorillas & Gazelles LLC, a Personality Assessment and Business Consulting firm for just over 3 years now in the Business Development and Consulting aspects. I graduated from BGSU in 2005 with a degree in Marketing and a minor in Entrepreneurship. Being born, raised, educated and still residing and working in the Toledo Area has opened many different experiences for me. EPIC Toledo has given me so many opportunities and chances to meet new people and experience different aspects of the area that I never thought possible for Northwest Ohio. EPIC Toledo has opened the eyes of many different residents of the region in a positive light and that was long overdue.


Matt Yarder - Marketing Chair

MATT YARDER
Marketing Chair

Other than my 4 years of college at Miami University, I have lived in Toledo my entire life. What makes things more interesting is the more then 100 years of impact my family has made here in Toledo with our family metal fabrication business. I am now the fourth generation Yarder working to expand our impact beyond Toledo's borders. And with the brilliant and talented folks I am surrounded by in EPIC pushing me to do more, ask more, and be more...my career and personal goals become automatic. And, it feels like I am only scratching the surface. What lies deeper is what intrigues me. That is why I am part of EPIC.


Amanda Geletka Membership Chair

AMANDA GELETKA
Membership Chair

In 2002, I graduated from the University of Toledo with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a minor in business law. Since 2004, I have worked for Brooks Insurance Agency as a client executive specializing in commercial property and casualty insurance. I am very passionate about our community and devote a considerable amount of time to various non-profit organizations. I currently sit on the boards of Mobile Meals of Toledo, Uptown Association, and now EPIC. I have been involved with EPIC since its inception and previously served as co-chair on the Membership Committee. I am also the financial advisor for Alpha Xi Delta Sorority at the University of Toledo and am a member of the UT College of Business Alumni Association, UT Alumni Association, Leadership Toledo Alumni Association, Chicks for Charity and Junior League Toledo. I also devote time to the Toledo Area Humane Society, the Diocese of Toledo Catholic Youth Organization, Northwest Ohio Track & Field Association, and the Area Office on Aging. I recently was recognized as one of Toledo’s top 20 under 40 and am very excited about my new role in EPIC. EPIC has introduced me to many dynamic individuals and provided me the opportunity to network with and learn from influential business and community leaders. I reside in Holland with my husband Ben and daughter Audrey. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, running, and traveling to anywhere that has a beach!


Rose Toth - Networking Chair

ROSE TOTH
Networking Co-Chair

Hi, my name is Rose Toth and I am the Networking/Social Chair for EPIC. I am an Interior Designer and own Rose Custom Interiors and recently joined Ridge Stone Realty as a Real Estate Consultant. I am originally from Toledo, went to college at BGSU, then moved to Columbus for my first job. I moved back to the Toledo area in 2002. I was excited to get involved with EPIC and meet other professionals in the Toledo Area. I joined EPIC for business reasons, but have found this organization to be much more- business development, personal development and great friendships!


Megan Stockburger - Networking Chair

MEGAN STOCKBURGER
Networking Co-Chair

Hello, my name is Megan Stockburger and I am the Networking/Social co-chair for EPIC. I own Events by Megan an Event planning and consultation business in the Northwest Ohio area. I am a graduate of Bowling Green State University with a degree in Interpersonal Communications. I currently live in Bowling Green with my husband Adam, and our two daughters Lia who is 1, and Gianna who is 3. I joined EPIC a year ago, and it was honestly one of the best decisions I have made. Not only has it helped to grow my business, but it has also introduced me to wonderful people and continues to build my love for Toledo!


DOUG MALLETTE
Public Affairs Chair

Originally from Cincinnati Ohio, I live in South Toledo with my lovely wife Heather, and our two pugs (Bean and Buddy). I am a proud Alum of the University of Toledo where I earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Information Systems (Go Rockets!), and the University of Findlay where I earned my MBA in Organizational Leadership (Go Oilers!). Currently I work at HCR ManorCare where I am a Business Systems Specialist. To learn more about me, look me up on LinkedIn or Facebook! I joined EPIC Toledo in 2007 to meet other professionals in Toledo, and have been involved in many areas. My first engagement with EPIC was the 2008 EPIC Race where my team came in first place! In addition, I was Chair of the 2009 EPIC Race, and served on the 2009 EPIC Summit Committee. I enjoy being a part of EPIC Toledo because it is a terrific organization that believes in a positive future for Toledo!


PAULETTE COUSINO

Director of EPIC Toledo

 

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management/Marketing  and my Masters in Business Management from the University of Phoenix . I returned to the Toledo area in 2007 after living in Chicago and St. Louis for 20 years while working for Calvin Klein Cosmetics Co. as the Marketing Director for the Midwest Region.  I currently reside in Erie , Michigan with my dog Libby.

 

 

SAMANTHA SCOTT

SAMANTHA SCOTT

EPIC Toledo  Communication Coordinator

 

I love this city! Born and raised in Toledo , I went to Bowling Green State University and earned my Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design in 2002. I have been an employee of the Chamber since 2004 and been on staff for EPIC Toledo since its inception in 2007. As a resident of South Toledo, I continue to become more involved in this great city and continue to grow professionally with the like-minded EPIC members that I have the privilege of knowing and interacting with on a daily basis.