Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Cleveland for 2024. As one of Ohio’s most vibrant cities, Cleveland boasts a diverse and evolving economy that spans finance, education, healthcare, insurance, advanced manufacturing, and technology. Known as the City of Champions for its passionate sports culture, Cleveland is also a thriving hub of business and innovation. This year’s honorees are committed not only to advancing their organizations but also to empowering their teams, clients, and the Cleveland community they proudly serve.
First, we recognize Lara Jehi, Chief Research Information Officer for the Cleveland Clinic Health System. With more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, Jehi is a regularly invited speaker at national and international meetings, and is a reviewer for NIH study sections.
We also congratulate Lisa Stiffler, a Managing Director in KPMG’s Risk Services practice. Serving one of the world's leading professional services firms, Stiffler has led large global projects across Asia, Europe, and Latin America and has significant experience helping companies with pre-IPO readiness.
Finally, we honor Traci Stahl, Chief Operating Officer for Schwab Workplace Financial Services. In her role, Stahl provides high-level oversight of the continued modernization of the retirement recordkeeping platform and leads conversations with existing and prospective clients on current and future capabilities and experiences relating to technology.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Cleveland for 2024.
1. Lara Jehi
Chief Research Information Officer, Cleveland Clinic
Lara Jehi is the Chief Research Information Officer for the Cleveland Clinic Health System. Cleveland Clinic, located in Cleveland, Ohio, is a not-for-profit, multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education.
Jehi is also a professor of neurology at Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine with a subspecialty in epilepsy. She chairs several key commissions in the International League Against Epilepsy and the American Epilepsy Society. She has more than 100 peer-reviewed publications, has written 10 book chapters, is a regularly invited speaker at national and international meetings, and is a reviewer for NIH study sections.
Jehi started her first high-level leadership role in 2011 as the director of clinical research at the Cleveland Clinic Epilepsy Center. She graduated from the American University of Beirut with an MD and from Dartmouth College with a Master's degree in Healthcare Delivery Science.
2. Ramona Hood
President & CEO, FedEx Express
Ramona Hood brings more than three decades of FedEx experience to her role as President and CEO of FedEx Custom Critical. FedEx Express is a major American cargo airline based in Memphis, Tennessee.
Unafraid to grapple with the uncomfortable, Hood is genuinely interested in seeking how to achieve meaningful, data-driven results to improve service, quality, and the work experience for customers, independent contractors, and team members. She has developed culturally significant strategies for ongoing improvement while continuously driving the performance and strategic direction of the company.
Hood earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Walsh University and an Executive MBA from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management.
3. Julie Duda
VP, Human Capital, Deloitte Consulting
Julie Duda began her professional career 30 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Human Capital at Deloitte Consulting. Deloitte is a multinational professional services network, the largest professional services network by revenue and number of employees in the world. It is considered one of the Big Four accounting firms, along with EY, KPMG, and PwC.
Duda leads a team of highly experienced professionals who advise clients on their key talent challenges and provide research-based insights, thought leadership, and talent-related solutions by leveraging research and practitioner experience. She is focused on coaching CHROs and other HR leaders on how to impact organization success through leading practices and more than 20 years of experience in HR, learning, and talent.
Early in her career, Duda was an assistant manager at Jockey Stores. From there, she went on to O-Cedar Brands, before eventually rising to member success director at Bersin & Associates, LLC, her most recent position before joining Deloitte Consulting. Duda graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Master's degree in Art History and from Hiram College with an undergraduate degree in art history.
4. Ritu Rajan
VP, Strategy & Product Innovation, UnitedHealth Group
Ritu Rajan is the VP of Strategy and Product Innovation of UnitedHealth Group. She joined the team in 2021 as the senior director of corporate strategy. UnitedHealth Group Incorporated is an American multinational health insurance and services company based in Minnetonka, Minnesota.
Previously, Rajan was a director of strategy and consulting at Pfizer. Before that, she was VP of strategy and operations at DotLab. Earlier in her career, she worked with Reata Pharmaceuticals as a business analyst.
Rajan earned an MBA from Columbia Business School and a Master of Science in Biotechnology from Johns Hopkins University. She has an undergraduate degree in biochemistry and cell biology from Rice University.
5. Shannan Simms
Principal Director, Strategy & Consulting, Talent & Organization & Human Potential, Accenture
Shannan Simms is the Principal Director of Strategy and Consulting for Talent Organization and Human Potential at Accenture. She first joined the team in 2021. Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud, and security.
Previously, Simms was a vice president of advisory services for organizational change, design, and leadership at Avaap. Before that, she was a senior manager and senior associate in organizational change leadership, change management, and communications at Booz Allen Hamilton. Earlier in her career, she worked with Young & Associates as a market research coordinator.
Simms earned a Doctorate of Philosophy in Organizational Development and Leadership from The University of Arizona Global Campus. She also has a Master of Arts in Psychology from Marymount University and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Kent State University.
6. Hannah Burandt
Partner, Starbucks
Hannah Burandt is a Partner at Starbucks. Starbucks Corporation is an American multinational chain of coffeehouses and roastery reserves headquartered in Seattle, Washington.
Burandt has over a decade of experience in coaching, leading, teaching, fundraising, and managing community and public relations. She is committed to lifelong learning and strength-based leadership. Her mission is to share her passion for connecting with people and developing teams to achieve their goals while prioritizing personal growth and wellness.
Burandt graduated from the University of Louisville with a Master of Science in Sports Administration, and from Eastern Michigan University with an undergraduate degree in secondary education and teaching.
7. Jody Tyrpak
Global Assurance, Talent Director, EY
Jody Tyrpak is the Global Assurance Talent Director of EY. She first joined the team in 1998 as an eChannel portfolio manager. Ernst & Young Global Limited, trade name EY, is a multinational professional services partnership and is considered one of the Big Four accounting firms.
Before starting her current role in 2022, Tyrpak served EY as the director of strategic initiatives. As a partner and advisor, she worked with the global leadership team to bridge the gap between vision and execution. She provided leadership and oversight of the global portfolio of strategic and operational programs, ensuring they were aligned with business priorities and delivered according to plans and objectives. Before joining EY, Tyrpak was a finance manager at Procter & Gamble.
Tyrpak earned an MBA in Finance from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and an undergraduate degree in Math, and History from Kenyon College.
8. Katie Hagen
VP, Technology, Acquisitions & Portfolio Management, Brookfield Asset Management
Katie Hagen is the VP of Technology, Acquisitions, and Portfolio Management of Brookfield Asset Management. Brookfield is a leading global investment firm with approximately $1 trillion of assets under management.
Hagen is a personable, passionate, and versatile IT leader proficient in delivering both strategic and tactical initiatives. With a strong focus on team collaboration and results, she possesses exceptional communication and leadership skills, earning respect from both superiors and subordinates. Hagen has a proven track record of driving enterprise strategies, including achieving a 45% reduction in overall IT costs and a 52% reduction in staff size, while improving customer satisfaction. She is an expert at implementing new departments and processes or enhancing existing ones to enable business growth.
Hagen started her career in 2003 as a customer service representative II at AmTrust Bank. From there, she went on to Sogeti USA, before eventually rising to VP and head of information technology at Brookfield Properties, her most recent position before joining Brookfield Asset Management. Hagen graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with an undergraduate degree in mathematics.
9. Hailey Cassidy
Global Marketing Director, Life Sciences, Oracle
Hailey Cassidy is the Global Marketing Director of Life Sciences at Oracle. She first joined the team in 2022 as the digital marketing manager of life sciences. Oracle Corporation is an American multinational computer technology company headquartered in Austin, Texas.
Through years of strategic international marketing experience, Cassidy has developed extensive expertise in managing global marketing strategies. Her work in building business development through digital marketing campaigns has resulted in a proven track record of implementing successful marketing initiatives. Collaborating closely with sales teams and technical departments, she has cultivated mutually profitable relationships with customers through effective marketing partnerships.
Previously, Cassidy was a global digital marketing manager at Americhem Inc. Earlier in her career, she was a senior account manager and VP at Cassidy Advertising & Consulting LLC. She earned an MBA and an undergraduate degree in marketing/marketing management from Youngstown State University.
10. Christina Klenotic
Head of Building Products & Hardlines Campaign Planning & Strategy, Lowe's One Roof Media Network
Christina Klenotic is the Head of Building Products and Hardlines Campaign Planning and Strategy for Lowe's One Roof Media Network. Lowe's Companies, Inc. is a home improvement company serving approximately 19 million customer transactions a week in the United States and Canada.
Klenotic has over two decades of professional experience. Before joining Lowe's, she was a senior vice president and head of brand and partnerships at Laurel Road. Before that, she was a senior vice president and head of consumer marketing at KeyBank. Earlier in her career, she worked with Marcus Thomas LLC.
Klenotic graduated from Kent State University with an undergraduate degree in public relations and business administration.
11. Melissa Ross
VP, Global Engineering, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
Melissa Ross is Vice President of Global Engineering at The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company. In this role, she leads the development and deployment of new or improved manufacturing equipment and processes, manages a capital portfolio exceeding $1B, and drives reliability excellence to increase capability and competitiveness globally.
With more than 20 years at Goodyear, Ross has focused on setting and driving corporate and operational strategies, building and leading high-performing multinational teams and managing programs from conception to completion. She combines business and technical leadership skills with operational expertise to drive growth through key initiatives.
Ross began her career as a co-op and progressed through manager and director roles with increasing responsibility in Global Manufacturing, Global Engineering, Research & Development, and Goodyear’s Americas business. She has completed two international assignments: as an engineering and maintenance manager in Somerton, Australia, and more recently as a manufacturing director in Lima, Peru. Her strong background in project management, operations, and engineering enables her to leverage cross-functional collaboration to deliver results.
Ross holds a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Ohio University and a master’s degree in engineering management from Case Western Reserve University. She is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP). In 2017, Ross was recognized by the Manufacturing Institute as a STEP Ahead Awards Honoree (now the Women MAKE Awards). Additionally, she is a member of the 100+ Women Who Care Medina County, which has contributed more than $474K to local non-profits.
12. Jessica Iciek
Director of TCU Frozen & Chilled Food, Nestlé
Jessica Iciek is the Director of TCU Frozen and Chilled Food of Nestlé. Nestlé is a Swiss multinational food and drink processing conglomerate corporation headquartered in Vevey, Switzerland. It has been the largest publicly held food company in the world, measured by revenue and other metrics, since 2014.
Iciek has been with Nestlé for over 15 years. She started at the company as an operations management trainee and worked her way up to her current leadership role. Through the years, she has served as a quality systems engineer, a sourcing specialist, a project manager, a continuous improvement manager, and the director of operations strategy.
Iciek graduated from Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University with an MBA and from Michigan State University with an undergraduate degree in applied engineering sciences.
13. Brianne Rush
VP, Operations, Kuno Creative
Passionate about propelling growth for healthcare and B2B clients through innovative marketing strategies and on-point messaging, Brianne Rush thrives at the dynamic crossroads of creativity and strategy. With nearly two decades of experience, she has played a pivotal role in sculpting the trajectory of Kuno Creative, a leading digital marketing agency. In her current role as Vice President of Operations, Rush wears multiple hats, orchestrating sales and marketing alignment, pioneering product development endeavors, and fostering talent through strategic recruitment and developmental initiatives.
Acknowledged as a thought leader in the field, Rush has been honored to be featured as one of the "25 Journalists in Content Marketing" and included in prestigious lists like "20 Content Marketing Twitter Accounts to Follow" and "140 Super Awesome Content Marketing Twitter Accounts Every Marketer Should Follow." Her staunch belief in the power of storytelling can be seen in her favorite eBook collaboration, Storytelling: How to Acquire Customers in Three Acts.
With a diverse portfolio boasting illustrious brands, such as Aramark, BASF, and RapidAI, Rush considers it an honor to serve as an informal mentor to emerging professionals, sharing invaluable insights and ideas that transcend the realm of marketing. Her journey from editorial roots in New York City to current leadership roles underscores her unyielding dedication to communication and career development guidance. Continuously driving impact and igniting change in both professional and personal realms, it is her goal to remain committed to shaping a brighter future for those around her.
14. Tamara Prentiss
Senior Director, Global Enterprise Accounts, Honeywell
Tamara Prentiss is the Senior Director of Global Enterprise Accounts at Honeywell. She first joined the team in 2024. Honeywell invents and manufactures technologies to address tough challenges linked to global macrotrends, such as safety, security, and energy.
Prentiss is an accomplished global account manager with over 20 years of experience executing large enterprise sales strategies dedicated to electrical engineering, technology, distribution, and manufacturing industries. She spearheads global sales opportunities by cultivating critical client relationships, where they matter most. Prentiss delivers deep acumen in global markets, technology, complex sales cycles, product applications, and design opportunities to create tailored client solutions. Prentiss leverages industry acumen to secure competitive advantages that yield significant revenue growth and outperform the competition. She leads complex negotiations to translate value propositions that forge long-standing customer partnerships with a relentless focus on growth and innovation, she’s a steadfast advocate and dedicated mentor for women professionals pursuing careers in global strategy and engineering industries worldwide.
Previously, Prentiss was a director and Rockwell automation global account manager at TE Connectivity. Before that, she was the business development manager at TTI Inc. Earlier in her career, she worked with Sager Electronics as a field sales representative. Prentiss earned an undergraduate degree in French and international business from Ohio State University.
15. Madeleine Ellis
VP, Blueprint Interactive
Madeleine Ellis is Vice President at Blueprint Interactive and has led digital programs for senators, presidential campaigns, nonprofits, and digital agencies for almost 20 years. As VP, she oversees campaigns for a variety of organizations and political campaigns, running large-scale ad or advocacy campaigns, social media programs, and multi-million dollar Independent Expenditure efforts.
Most recently, Ellis was chief operating officer at Courier Newsroom, a civic media company seeking to combat disinformation. At Courier, she managed day-to-day company operations, overseeing more than 60 employees across eight states. Together with the Executive Leadership Team, she helped set and reach ambitious goals for audience growth and engagement, growing audiences across those eight states by over 350% in just seven months.
Ellis also led state and national digital advocacy campaigns at Planned Parenthood for six years as director of digital campaigns. In 2017, she was a member of the leadership team that launched Planned Parenthood's first-ever digital organizing program to combat defunding by the Trump administration. That program and campaign received over 40 million engagements, 500,000 new supporters, and one million petition signatures across the country in fewer than eight months. The program also received a Shorty Award. Ellis currently lives in Solon, Ohio, with her husband and two children.
16. Stephanie Dorsey
CEO, Siemens Real Estate Services, North America, Siemens
Stephanie Dorsey is the Chief Executive Officer for Siemens Real Estate Services in North America for Siemens. Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a leading technology company focused on industry, infrastructure, transport, and healthcare.
Before joining Siemens, Dorsey was a vice president of global real estate at Eaton. Before that, she was an executive vice president of strategic initiatives and corporate operations at Forest City Realty Trust. Earlier in her career, she worked with National City Bank in the Retail Management Development program.
Dorsey graduated from Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University with an MBA in Organizational Behavior and Development and from Miami University with an undergraduate degree in general business and human resources.
17. Angela McDonald-Fisher
VP, Chief Counsel, Supply Chain Management, Global Contracts & Government Compliance, Eaton
Angela McDonald-Fisher is the VP and Chief Counsel in Supply Chain Management, Global Contracts, and Government Compliance of Eaton, an intelligent power management company dedicated to improving the quality of life and protecting the environment.
McDonald-Fisher started her career in 2006 as a legal counsel and director of commercial supply management and operations at Rolls-Royce. From there, she eventually rose to assistant general counsel for the global supply chain and manufacturing at Cummins, Inc., her most recent position before joining Eaton.
McDonald-Fisher graduated from Indiana University Maurer’s School of Law with a JD in Law and from Saint Mary's College with an undergraduate degree.
18. Carrie Adkins
Executive Director, GE Healthcare
Carrie Adkins, a successful Executive business leader for GE Healthcare. For over 2 decades, she has cultivated overachieving; cross-functional teams that serve multi-billion-dollar healthcare organizations. She has roots in the pharmaceutical industry with Eli Lilly where she was a market leader in sales and developed the skills to turn around underperforming markets. She took those skills and further developed her leadership skills at GE Healthcare.
Carrie currently leads a team of 40+ professionals, accountable to over a $50M+ P&L focused on delivering value for her clients. She has developed and led the strategy for transformational growth, for both her clients and her organization. She is a leader who serves her clients and her team, underpinning her successes with a poised, contemplative confidence and an unwavering reputation for personal and professional ethics.
Carrie graduated with honors from Kent State University and resides in Northeast Ohio. She is a loving wife, mother of two children, and a dog mom. She was voted “Leader Among Leaders” as a proud graduate of Leadership Ohio Class of 2016. She actively serves on the Board of Trustees, and Executive Committee of Leadership Ohio. She is an inspiring mentor to young women. She also volunteers her time in her church community and leads volunteer events in NE Ohio with her colleagues to serve those in the greatest need with adopting family events, pantry drives, and fundraisers.
19. Melanie McAllister
Senior VP, US Bank
Melanie McAllister is the Senior Vice President of US Bank. At US Bank, they help millions of clients achieve their goals with a balance of best-in-class technology and human expertise tailored to individual needs. As the fifth-largest commercial bank in the United States, they’ve built a reputation for strength and stability across a diversified mix of businesses.
McAllister has over 20 years of experience in all facets of asset-based lending, including new business, underwriting, portfolio management, and field examination. She excels at cultivating a referral network of other lenders, CFOs, and Treasurers.
In 2018, McAllister participated in the Advancing Women Leaders in Specialty Finance program, a seminar focused on equality and advancement, particularly at higher levels of an organization. The program emphasized networking, and building relationships, and included a 360 Linkage Leadership assessment. In 2016, she graduated from the Specialized Finance Leadership Program, designed for high-potential and top-performing employees. McAllister graduated from Miami University with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
20. Judi Mondello
Senior VP, Research & Development, Campbell Soup Co.
Judi Mondello joined Campbell’s as Vice President of Research & Development (R&D) for the Meals & Beverages (M&B) division in February 2021. Judi leads the M&B R&D function, which includes functional leadership of the M&B Retail, Distinctive Brands, North America Foodservice, and Canadian R&D teams. She oversees the development and commercialization of product innovation, renovation, packaging sustainability, and profit improvement to drive growth for the M&B portfolio. In 2023, Judi was promoted to SVP, R&D, and M&B.
Previously, she spent 16 years in various R&D roles at the J.M. Smucker Company, most recently as VP of R&D, Consumer Foods. Throughout her tenure at Smucker’s, Judi led cross-disciplinary technical teams to deliver innovation, renovation, profit improvement, business continuity, sustainability, and open innovation for brands such as Smuckers, Uncrustables, Jif, Crisco, Folgers, and Pillsbury.
Earlier in Judi’s career she led product development on brands such as Hostess Snack Cakes, Wonder Bread, Little Debbie, Sara Lee Desserts, and Fresh Bread, launching hundreds of new items throughout her 25+ years in the CPG industry.
Judi is an active member of NextUP, Innovation Leaders Network, Akron Canton Foodbank and The Peter Maurin Center. Judi received her B.S. degree in Dietetics from Southeast Missouri State University, her M.S. degree in Food Science from University of Missouri-Columbia and her M.B.A. from Walsh University in Canton, Ohio.
21. Kimberly Walrod
Senior VP & Senior Relationship Strategist, PNC
Kimberly Walrod started her career 30 years ago. Today, she is the Senior Vice President and Senior Relationship Strategist of PNC. The PNC Financial Services Group is one of the largest diversified financial services institutions in the United States, organized around its customers and communities for strong relationships and local delivery of retail and business banking.
Walrod started her career in 1994 as a securities trader at FirstMerit Bank. From there, she eventually rose to vice president and relationship manager at National City Bank, her most recent position before joining PNC.
Walrod graduated from John Carroll University with an MBA and from Miami University with an undergraduate degree in finance.
22. Jennifer Fellin
VP, Operations, Sysco
Jennifer Fellin is the Vice President of Operations of Sysco, the global leader in selling, marketing, and distributing food products to restaurants, healthcare and educational facilities, lodging establishments, and other customers who prepare meals away from home.
Fellin is highly focused and results-oriented, adept at supporting complex, deadline-driven operations. She has a proven track record of accurately achieving and surpassing departmental goals. Her ability to identify goals, set priorities, and resolve issues in their initial stages ensures smooth and efficient operations. Fellin has 19 years of experience. Before joining Sysco, she was a site leader at Grainger. Before that, she was a general manager at True Value Company. Earlier in her career, she worked with Macy’s as a human resources recruiter.
Fellin graduated from The Ohio State University with an MBA in Logistics, Materials, and Supply Chain Management. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Materials and Supply Chain Management and a Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design.
23. Anna Curtis
Partner, McKinsey
Anna Curtis is a Partner at McKinsey, a global management consulting firm. They are the trusted advisor to the world's leading businesses, governments, and institutions. They work with leading organizations across the private, public, and social sectors.
Curtis has 15 years of professional experience. Before joining McKinsey, she was a business manager at Ohio State University’s Comprehensive Cancer Center-James Cancer Hospital & Solove Research Institute. Earlier in her career, she worked with the Wexner Medical Center as a revenue cycle specialist.
Curtis graduated from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business with an MBA in Marketing, from Kent State University with an MLIS, and from the University of Notre Dame with an undergraduate degree in a program of liberal studies.
24. Traci Stahl
Chief Operating Officer, Workplace Financial Services, Charles Schwab
Traci Stahl is the Chief Operating Officer for Schwab Workplace Financial Services, a leading provider of financial services. In this role, Stahl manages the recordkeeping transformation strategy and operations office, providing high-level oversight of the continued modernization of the retirement recordkeeping platform and supporting technology to further maximize value to sponsors, participants, and consultants. Stahl also leads conversations with existing and prospective clients regarding current and future capabilities and experiences relating to technology.
In prior roles at Schwab, Stahl gained extensive knowledge in addressing retirement plan administrative and recordkeeping matters, interpreting plan documents, assisting others in understanding the Internal Revenue Code and ERISA regulations, and reviewing and consulting on plan design and compliance. These roles included improving the participant and plan sponsor experience, supporting projects to improve business processes, and mentoring and managing colleagues. Before joining Schwab in 1996, Stahl worked at Key Bank, managing client relationships in the complex retirement plan market.
Stahl graduated with honors from Ohio University, earning a Bachelor of Business in Human Resources. She received a Master of Business from Baldwin Wallace University.
25. Jana Bazzoli
Chief Operating Officer, Women's & Children's Services, University Hospitals
Jana Bazzoli is the Chief Operating Officer of Women's and Children's Services at University Hospitals. As a renowned academic medical center and community hospital network, University Hospitals has expanded across Northeast Ohio to deliver personalized, compassionate care; medical discovery and breakthroughs; and high-quality, affordable care close to home.
Bazzoli started her career in 2005 as an associate practice administrator at Nemours. From there, she eventually rose to vice president of finance and administration at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, her most recent position before joining University Hospitals.
Bazzoli graduated from Augusta State University with an MBA in Management, from Central Michigan University with an MSA in Health and Healthcare Administration and Management, and from Wesleyan College with an undergraduate degree in business administration.
26. Amy Brady
Chief Information Officer, KeyBank
Amy Brady is Key’s Chief Information Officer, leading the company’s Technology, Operations, and Services (KTOS) organization. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, KeyCorp is one of the nation's largest financial services companies, providing investment management, retail and commercial banking, consumer finance, and investment banking products to individuals and companies.
Before joining Key in 2012, Brady was chief information officer, at Bank of America. She was responsible for technology and operations delivery for critical enterprise functions, including finance, risk, human resources, marketing, legal, and audit. She began her career with Bank of America in 1987 as a banking center manager and held various leadership roles in consumer-commercial before moving into global technology and operations and being named CIO. Brady was appointed by Lt. Governor Jon Husted to the InnovateOhio Advisory Board and is an Executive Committee member of the Bank Policy Institute’s Technology Division (BITS). She is a member of the board of directors of DuPont, where she serves on the Audit and Environment, Health, Safety, and Sustainability Committees.
Brady is active in the community, serving as chair of the Nominating and Governance Committee at Playhouse Square, the largest performing arts center in the US outside of New York City. She also co-chairs the Case Western Reserve University Corporate Visiting Committee and is the executive chair for the American Cancer Society’s 2024 Discovery Ball. Brady graduated from Rollins College with an undergraduate degree in music and psychology.
27. Lisa Ward
Chief Scientific Officer, STERIS
Lisa Ward is the Chief Scientific Officer of STERIS, a leading provider of infection prevention and other procedural products and services, focused primarily on healthcare, pharmaceutical, and medical device customers. STERIS is an Ohio-based manufacturer and supplier of infection prevention, microbial reduction, and other procedural surgical products for the healthcare sector.
Ward started her career in 1996 in the Edison Engineering Development Program at GE. From there, she eventually rose to senior director of global new product introduction and executive-level direction of 45 program managers at GE Lighting, her most recent position before joining STERIS.
Ward graduated from Case Western Reserve University with a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering and with an undergraduate degree in chemical engineering.
28. Aimee Slone
Head of Ecosystems, East US Epilepsy, UCB
Aimee Slone is the Head of Ecosystems for East US Epilepsy at UCB. She first joined the team in 2022 as ecosystem lead of Neurology Great Lakes. UCB transforms patients’ lives by pushing the boundaries of what is possible, unlocking innovation, and setting new standards for patients.
Slone is an award-winning district manager and account leader with a history of significant achievements. In 2022, she successfully transitioned from a rotational position to a permanent role in global training, showcasing her adaptability and expertise. In 2021, she was recognized as a pioneer in franchise business strategy. In 2020, she led the company-wide virtual lunch and learn process, spearheading the rollout as the team lead for operations and training.
Previously, Slone served in multiple leadership roles at Novartis. Earlier in her career, she was a senior sales consultant for Pfizer. Slone earned an MBA in Applied Management from Indiana Wesleyan University and an undergraduate degree in biology and chemistry from Spalding University.
29. Jess Walpole
Chief Technology Officer, Fortress SRM
Jess Walpole serves as the Chief Technology Officer, responsible for the global cyber security program and technical services at Fortress SRM. She has over 28 years of security, IT, and governance experience with Fortune 1000 companies.
Throughout her career, Walpole has established and executed strategies to enable digital business transformation to support revenue generation, operational efficiency, and risk management. She earned an undergraduate degree in finance and business administration from Malone University and is an FBI Citizens Academy Alumni holding multiple professional certifications, including CISM, CISA, and CGEIT.
Walpole is an Ohio native committed to the community and serves on the NEOCC Board and NEO InfraGard. She also actively participates in professional forums and serves as a mentor with CollegeNow.
30. Sue Wadden
Director of Color Marketing, The Sherwin-Williams Company
With over 25 years of experience, Sue Wadden is an industry-leading authority on color. As Director of Color Marketing, Wadden serves as the resident color expert at Sherwin-Williams where she spearheads the brand's evolution of color strategies and shapes the landscape of color trends for homeowners, designers, and painting professionals alike.
Leveraging the latest innovations, combined with deep-industry expertise and an imagination that has no bounds, Wadden has been instrumental in developing groundbreaking initiatives such as the annual Colormix®: The Sherwin-Williams Color Forecast, and the selection of the highly anticipated annual Color of the Year. Additionally, Wadden is the head of color forecasting for Sherwin-Williams, the host of the Colormixology™ podcast by Sherwin-Williams, and the creative advisor for pioneering new color moments such as 'The Loneliest Color™, an industry-first initiative to celebrate the uniqueness and value of every hue.
As head of color for the Sherwin-Williams Global Architecture Group, Wadden strategically directs the development and execution of global color initiatives, aligning product offerings with emerging market trends and consumer preferences. Wadden not only responds to industry dynamics but actively influences them, ensuring Sherwin-Williams remains at the forefront of color innovation.
31. Samantha Poole
Senior Director of CX Strategy, Foundever
Samantha Poole is the Senior Director of CX Strategy of Foundever. She first joined the team in 2020. Foundever is a global leader in the customer experience (CX) industry. With 170,000 associates across the globe, they're the team behind the best experiences for over 750 of the world's leading and digital-first brands.
Previously, Poole was a client solutions director at InfoCision Management Corporation. Before that, she was an assistant manager at FedEx Kinko's. Earlier in her career, she worked with Kent City Schools as a print center coordinator.
Poole earned an undergraduate degree in business management and marketing from Kent State University.
32. Karin Kollar
President, Home Instead Senior Care
Karin Kollar is the President of Home Instead Senior Care. She first joined the team in 2008. The Home Instead network is the world's leading provider of personalized in-home care services.
Kollar provides education about senior issues and makes sure that local professionals are always aware of the full scope of care and services available. In addition, she is a board member for LIFE A Dementia Friendly Foundation, the first Memory Cafe in Ohio.
Kollar holds a Bachelor's degree in Nursing from California State University, Sacramento, and has spent nearly 15 years in intensive care units. In addition, she is a Certified Dementia Practitioner.
33. Jennifer Grubich
Managing Director, Enterprise Learning & Development, Evernorth
Jennifer Grubich started her career more than two decades ago. Today, she is the Managing Director of Enterprise Learning and Development at Evernorth. Evernorth Health, Inc. is a full-service pharmacy benefit management and specialty managed care company serving clients throughout North America.
Early in her career, Grubich was a recruiter at National City Bank. From there, she went on to PNC, before eventually rising to managing director of enterprise learning and development at Cigna, her most recent position before joining Evernorth.
Grubich graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with an MBA and from Ashland University with an undergraduate degree in communications, English, and journalism.
34. Sarah Brown
Director of Client Services, Optum Care Network Midwest
Sarah Brown is the Director of Client Services for Optum Care Network Midwest, where she is responsible for overseeing, developing, maintaining, and servicing a high-quality, satisfied contracted provider network. She is accountable for the quality and risk adjustment performance through Optum Care Midwest's Ohio contracted provider network, working in collaboration with clinical, operational, and quality teams. Additionally, she supports and advises account managers on managing their contracted providers.
Brown’s specialties include project management, customer service, data management, budgeting, presentation development, knowledge of healthcare policy, and event planning. Previously, Brown was the director of client success at Sound Physicians, where she was responsible for client retention and growth within the Tele-Hospitalist service line. Before that, she was the business development manager for telemedicine services at Sound Physicians, where she led development efforts for the acute telemedicine service line. Earlier in her career, she worked as a network development partner at The MetroHealth System, where she identified new targets for clinical site expansion and managed site expansion projects from business planning to opening.
Brown attended Cleveland State University, where she received an MBA in Healthcare Administration. She also earned a BA in Communication from Cleveland State University and a BA in Business Administration from the University of Mount Union.
35. Megan Nichols
Senior Partner, Head of Pension Settlement Solutions, Aon
Megan Nichols is a Senior Partner within Aon’s Wealth Solutions practice. She is also the Head of Pension Settlement Solutions, leading a team of consultants who specialize in all types of settlement strategies. She works with some of their largest clients in the development of custom strategies and the implementation of pension settlements across the firm.
Nichols is also responsible for leading the development of Aon’s thought leadership in the Pension Risk Transfer (PRT) space. She works closely with insurers in the PRT industry, overseeing Aon’s relationships with carriers across the market. Nichols has worked as a retirement consultant since 2006, managing large client relationships in Ohio and Western Pennsylvania. She has worked as the strategic advisor and as the advisor to independent fiduciary committees on settlement projects of all sizes, including several jumbo transactions over $1 billion.
Nichols holds a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics and a minor in Business, graduating from Tulane University. She is a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries and an Enrolled Actuary with the Joint Board under ERISA.
36. Summer Ives
Executive Director, Global Head of Strategy & Operational Excellence/Chief of Staff to the CISO, The Estee Lauder Companies
Summer Ives started her career 30 years ago. Today, she is the Executive Director, Global Head of Strategy and Operational Excellence, and Chief of Staff to the CISO for The Estee Lauder Companies, one of the world's leading manufacturers, marketers, and sellers of quality skincare, makeup, fragrance, and hair care products, and is a steward of outstanding luxury and prestige brands globally.
Ives started her career in 1994 in various accounting and accounting management at Schaedle Worthington Hyde Properties. From there, she went on to SEI Accounting Services, before eventually rising to vice president of IT operational excellence and product management at Girl Scouts of the USA, her most recent position before joining The Este Lauder Companies.
Ives graduated from Georgia State University with an MBA in Accounting an MBA in Management and a Master of Science In Organizational Behavior and from Oglethorpe University with an undergraduate degree in marketing, and psychology.
37. Elizabeth Karl
VP, Employee Benefits, CBIZ
Today, Elizabeth Karl is the Vice President of Employee Benefits at CBIZ. With more than 120 offices and nearly 7,000 team members, CBIZ delivers top-tier financial benefits and insurance services to organizations of all sizes and individual clients. Karl brings over 30 years of employee benefits and strategic account management expertise to this role, providing clients, including HR practitioners and C-suite level executives, with guidance, strategic consultation, compliance and regulatory direction, and the development of competitive benefit portfolios.
Karl regularly conducts open enrollment and client meetings. She works closely with underwriters to illustrate annual renewals and market medical and ancillary options that are in the best interest of her clients and strategizes with medical and ancillary carriers to negotiate rates on behalf of her clients. Providing training to employer groups regarding carrier-specific utilization and communications, Karl also assists HR leadership on countless issues and serves as a supervisor and mentor to a regional team of account managers.
Karl started her career in 2002 as a principal at Quality Benefits Agency, Inc. From there, she went on to Dawson Companies, before eventually rising to principal at QBA Benefits LLC, her most recent role before joining CBIZ. Karl graduated from Cleveland State University with an undergraduate degree in business administration and management.
38. Diane Nowak
Senior Director, Head of Midwest Benefits, Advisory & Compliance, Willis Towers Watson
Diane Nowak is the Senior Director and head of Midwest Benefits, Advisory, and Compliance of Willis Towers Watson (WTW). Founded in 1828, WTW designs and delivers solutions that manage risk, optimize benefits, cultivate talent, and expand the power of capital to protect and strengthen institutions and individuals.
Nowak has 24 years of experience. She is a seasoned compensation and benefits consultant specializing in retirement plan design, compliance, and strategy; executive compensation design, compliance, and strategy; health and welfare strategy and compliance; as well as payroll and fringe benefit compliance.
Before joining Willis Towers Watson, Nowak was a partner at Deloitte Tax LLP. She graduated from The University of Akron with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
39. Kristine Muranko
Senior VP, Client Advisor, Marsh
Kristine Muranko is the Senior Vice President and Client Advisor of Marsh. A business of Marsh McLennan, Marsh is the world’s top insurance broker and risk advisor.
Muranko is an experienced insurance and product implementation professional specializing in healthcare for the past 15 years. She works extensively with captives and other alternative risk finance mechanisms for clients and manages their physician-channeled programs. Her background in the medical professional liability insurance industry paired with an in-depth knowledge of policy administration/underwriting technology allows her to develop and deliver solutions for her client's complex needs.
Before joining Marsh, Muranko worked with Dawson Insurance as a client service representative. She graduated from Kent State University with an undergraduate degree in finance.
40. Karen Goff
VP & Dean of Students, Oberlin College & Conservatory
Karen C. Goff assumed the role of Vice President and Dean of Students at Oberlin College and Conservatory on September 20, 2021. Throughout her tenure at Oberlin, Dean Goff has spearheaded the recruitment and cultivation of a dynamic team, restructured the Division of Student Affairs to better cater to student needs, and collaborated on reimagining the student experience. Her efforts have been particularly focused on enriching co-curricular programs, implementing a student success coaching model, and revitalizing services through the Center for Intercultural Engagement, encompassing the Multicultural Resource Commons, Student Disability and Access, International Students and Scholar Services, Religious and Spiritual Life, Student Involvement and Leadership, and Career Exploration and Development. She has also bolstered crucial student support resources, prioritizing safety, health, and wellbeing, informed by data-driven decision-making.
With two decades of experience in higher education, predominantly in student affairs roles, Karen previously served as Vice President for Student Affairs and Dean of Students at Agnes Scott College for five years and spent twelve years at Georgian Court University in Lakewood, NJ, where she significantly influenced the student experience as Dean of Students and Associate Provost for Student Life. Karen has also shared her expertise as an adjunct professor at various institutions of higher learning.
Dean Goff holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and History from Georgian Court University, a Master of Divinity with a concentration in Counseling from Nyack College, and has completed her doctoral coursework in Higher Education Administration at Northeastern University. Additionally, she holds a certificate in Leadership Development from the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, NC. Karen is married to Sgt. First Class Roger Goff, U.S. Army (Retired).
41. Michelle Goad
VP, Talent Development & Performance, Delaware North
Michelle Goad is the Vice President of Talent Development and Performance at Delaware North, a global leader in the hospitality and entertainment industry.
Goad started her career in 1990 at the OHEP Center For Medical Education, where she served as the coordinator of education services, a program specialist, and an assistant program specialist. From there, she went on to Detroit Medical Center, before eventually rising to senior director of global talent management at The Lubrizol Corporation, her most recent position before joining Delaware North.
Goad graduated from Wayne State University with a Master's of Education in Instructional Technology and from Oakland University with an undergraduate degree in communications.
42. Annette Hazapis
Head of Global Client Service Center, Alexander Mann Solutions
Annette Hazapis is the Head of the Global Client Service Center of Alexander Mann Solutions. AMS is a leading global provider of talent acquisition services, providing unrivaled experience, driven by technology and underpinned by innovation.
Hazapis has 30 years of experience. She is an accomplished executive leader with a successful track record of building and leading high-performance teams. Adept at strategic planning and execution, she excels at building consensus and driving organizational commitment to profitable growth strategies. She brings energy and enthusiasm to her work, coupled with a disciplined approach to business. As a persuasive communicator with strong relationship-building skills, she has a proven ability to deliver results.
Before joining Alexander Mann Solutions, Hazapis worked with KeyBank as a VP of deposit operations and item processing in the Client Services division. She graduated from Baldwin Wallace University with an MBA and an undergraduate degree in economics.
43. Jennifer Grove
VP, Strategy & Analytics, PARQA
Jennifer Grove is the VP of Strategy and Analytics of PARQA, joining the team in 2024. PARQA is a highly skilled technology solutions consulting company that specializes in helping staffing firms drive scalable business results through consulting and executing across technology, AI, automation, data, marketing, and experience design.
Previously, Grove was a senior director of lifecycle marketing at Robert Half. Before that, she was senior director of data-driven customer experience, including marketing operations and relationship marketing, at Sherwin-Williams Paints. Earlier in her career, she worked with ST&P Marketing Communications, Inc. as a traffic coordinator.
Grove earned an executive MBA in Business Administration and Management from Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University and an undergraduate degree in journalism from Ohio University.
44. April Yost
Field Development Director, Gastroenterology, Sanofi
April Yost is the Field Development Director of Gastroenterology at Sanofi. She first joined the team in 2022 as regional business director. Sanofi engages in the research and development, manufacturing, and marketing of pharmacological products.
Previously, Yost was a district sales manager at Salix Pharmaceuticals. Before that, she was a territory manager and field sales trainer at Forest Laboratories (now Allergan). Earlier in her career, she worked with Cintas as a facility services sales representative.
Yost earned an undergraduate degree in international business and marketing from Millersville University of Pennsylvania.
45. Mary Stoffiere
VP, Therapy Services for Specialty Hospitals, Select Medical
Mary Stoffiere is the Vice President of Therapy Services for Specialty Hospitals of Select Medical. She first joined the team in 2018. Select Medical committed more than 20 years ago to delivering an exceptional patient care experience that promotes healing and recovery in a compassionate environment. They have honored that promise by helping define the nation's standard of excellence in specialized hospital and rehabilitative care.
Stoffiere is a speech-language pathologist who obtained her bachelor's degree and master’s degree from The Ohio State University. She has worked in a variety of settings, including skilled nursing, acute care, outpatient, home healthcare, and long-term acute care hospitals. After working for 16 years at Grace Hospital, Stoffiere became the director of rehab at the Cleveland Clinic Rehabilitation Hospital in Avon, where she managed speech, occupational, physical, and recreational therapy.
In 2018, Stoffiere accepted the position of regional director of rehabilitation for Select Medical. Her primary area of interest is the treatment of medically complex patients. She recently completed ASHA’s Leadership Development Program.
46. Melanie Black Amato
Executive Director, Main Street Barberton
Melanie Black Amato is the Executive Director of Main Street Barberton, an organization focused on rehabilitating and revitalizing downtown Barberton through economic development and growth activities.
Amato is an outcome-driven professional with over 20 years of experience in both government and nonprofit sectors, as well as a business partner in the service industry. She is a dynamic leader with strong interpersonal skills in business management, fostering confidence, trust, and commitment from colleagues and stakeholders alike. Known for her dedication and diligence, she approaches leadership ambitiously, with an effective and proactive approach to coordinating tasks, deadlines, and resources.
Amato is also a managing partner of Goldies Restaurant and previously served as a special projects manager for Healthy Start Coalition, an association executive director for Healthy Start Coalition of Southwest Florida, and as the executive director for Drug-Free Collier. Amato has a BA in Criminal Justice from Kent State University.
47. Brandy Race
VP, Human Resources Global Supply Chain, Stanley Black & Decker
Brandy Race is the Vice President of Human Resources and Global Supply Chain of Stanley Black & Decker. For the builders and protectors, for the makers and explorers, for those shaping and reshaping their world through hard work and inspiration, Stanley Black & Decker provides the tools and innovative solutions that can be trusted to get the job done.
Race first joined the team at Stanley Black & Decker in 2020 as vice president of human resources global operations for global tools and storage. Previously, she was a human resources director at STANLEY Engineered Fastening. Before that, she was a business partner in supply chain, technology, and product management at GE Lighting. Earlier in her career, she worked with Dana Holding Corporation as an HR coordinator.
Race earned an MBA in Leadership from The University of Findlay and a degree in business and human resources from The University of Toledo.
48. Lauren White
VP, Colliers International
Lauren White is a Vice President at Colliers with over 11 years of experience seamlessly quarterbacking business development opportunities. Colliers International is an industry-leading global real estate company operating from more than 554 offices across 66 countries.
White spearheads client engagement initiatives across deal construction and stakeholder relations to build long-term, sustainable growth, and ongoing revenue generation. She leverages deep experience in commercial real estate to successfully develop pipelines and maintain a competitive market presence. White drives process improvement and operational excellence to create internal synergies and strengthen performance outcomes. She acts as an organizational ambassador across public relations, marketing, community outreach, and client engagement. White masters a collaborative leadership approach to build consensus and create momentum that achieves business goals and outperforms expectations.
Before joining Colliers International, White was a marketing, events, and community relations manager at Cumberland Development, LLC. She graduated from Miami University with an undergraduate degree in English and creative writing.
49. Liz Curry
VP, Manager & Underwriter, Fidelity National Title
Liz Curry is the Vice President, Manager, and Underwriter at Fidelity National Title. Fidelity National Title's National Commercial Services division has more than 165 years of underwriting experience. Their centralized team of industry experts provides commercial and industrial developers, builders, lenders, attorneys, and other real estate professionals with reliable, integrated, high-liability services nationwide.
Curry has 34 years of experience as a commercial title insurance underwriter with extensive multi-state and multi-site transaction experience. She also has 31 years of commercial escrow experience and 30 years of branch managerial experience. Her specialties include multi-site and multi-state transactions, underwriting commercial transactions, resolving complicated survey issues, handling energy transactions, and managing commercial government transactions.
Early in her career, Curry was a manager at Whitman Title Security, Inc. From there, she went on to Assured Title Agency, Inc., before eventually rising to assistant vice president at LandAmerica, her most recent position before joining Fidelity National Title.
50. Sara Sadaghiani
Regional VP, Sales, American Greetings
Sara Sadaghiani began her professional career 21 years ago. Today, she is the Regional Vice President of Sales of American Greetings. American Greetings is a global leader in the large and enduring Celebrations marketplace.
At American Greetings, Sadaghiani leads a team of sales professionals across the globe, overseeing strategic planning and execution within her account base. With over 20 years of experience in sales and account management, she has a proven track record of delivering results, exceeding expectations, and building long-term relationships with key customers and partners.
Sadaghiani landed her first leadership role in 2003 as a manager at Chipotle Mexican Grill. She eventually rose to district sales manager of Philadelphia Central at Papyrus-Recycled Paper Greetings, Inc., her last role before joining American Greetings. Sadaghiani graduated from The University of Akron with an undergraduate degree in business administration.