Signature Program

The Signature Program is an in-depth, examination of Stark County’s assets and challenges, along with an introduction into effecting community change.

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Applications will be accepted until April 27, 2012. Tuition is $2,350 and includes meals, lodging, and materials. Tuition assistance is available for members of non-profit organizations, government entities, or small business owners. The Tuition Assistance Application is found here.

A preview of and more information about the Signature Program application is found here.

The Signature Program is ideal for business and community leaders who are ready to take their careers to the next level. Each year, selected participants enhance their leadership skills and gain an understanding of local issues, assets, and resources.

Your leadership experience begins with an intense two and one-half day Opening Retreat in September that will provide you with an in-depth personal leadership assessment and dynamic workshops. From there you’ll meet once per month to expand your capacity for leadership and service in our community.

Your Signature experience includes:

• Exploring the cultural, economic, and historic features of Stark County on a wide ranging
  bus tour.
• Delving into economic development with on-site tours and small-group interaction with
  CEOs.
• Taking a jail tour, meet with local judges, and investigating the justice system on a
  cruiser ride with sheriff’s deputies and police.
• Examining social and economic issues through panel discussions with political and
  civic leaders.
• Role-playing within a poverty simulation and visiting non-profits to understand their
  unique concerns.
• Experiencing local education by shadowing a school principal, frank discussions with
  superintendents, and first-hand observation.

For an overview of the topics and curriculum click on the “Curriculum” tab above. Click here to view the current and past Signature Class participants.

• Total time per month is less than two days.
• Specific dates are listed in the Signature Class Calendar in the right column.
• Additional site visits, tours, and individual opportunities are optional but highly recommended.

Programs are facilitated by numerous volunteers from all walks of life who lend their expertise to the topic at hand.

• For information on our Committees and Facilitators, click on the tab above.
• For information on our Program Speakers, click on the tab above.

Leadership Stark County strives to be representative of the professional, cultural, racial, economic, geographic and ethnic diversity of the community.

Applicants should:

• Possess high standards of personal integrity
• Show evidence of, or potential for, achievement in community service
• Be interested in seeking volunteer leadership roles in the community
• Be able to attend all programs
• Live or work in Stark County

Applications for the 2012-2013 program are now open. Please click on the orange button above to begin the application process. More information is found here

Benefits of Signature Program Participation

For the Employer

• Increased workforce leadership capacities resulting in greater organizational effectiveness.
• Networking opportunities that provide business solutions.
• Community recognition of the company’s commitment to quality-of-life issues.

For the Individual

• Enhanced awareness and knowledge of the Stark County region and local leaders.
• An informed network of colleagues with diverse backgrounds.
• Greater understanding of personal leadership qualities and capabilities.

For the Community

• A talented pool of committed community leaders.
• Community members with leadership skills that can be tapped for creative partnerships and initiatives between the public and private sectors.
• An ever-growing population of community members with an increased awareness of Stark County’s strengths, challenges and resources.

Signature Program Curriculum

Signature Program sessions focus on Assets, Challenges, and Resources

The Leadership Stark County Signature Program curriculum generally consists of the following programs:

Opening Retreat

Participants will kick-off the program with a two and one half day experience comprised of workshops that focus on Stark County history, strengths and challenges, and gain insight into personal leadership styles, team building, ethics and personal mission.

Stark County Day

A whirlwind bus tour traverses over 200 miles of the county. Similarities and differences are addressed as community leaders hop on and off the bus through out the day.

Economic Growth and Development

Participants explore the components of economic growth, and focus on local businesses and their roles in the community. Participants discuss current issues affecting the economic health of our community and learn how to play a leadership role in promoting growth and development.

Human Services

An introduction to the organizations that meet many of our community’s needs, the key people and issues involved in providing services to local residents, and how leadership and individual volunteer efforts can make a difference.

Asset Building

How a community can identify, nurture and develop potential leaders from all walks of life. The selection, development and implementation of small-group community service projects.

Quality of Life: The Arts

Participants explore the features of a positive quality of life and their availability in Stark County. The role of the arts in our community’s emotional, educational and financial well being is addressed.

Education

A look at present realities, future needs, and the leadership challenges available to positively impact local educational opportunities. Issues of accountability and collaboration are examined.

Cultural Diversity

A celebration of the diversity in the class and community. Themes include recognizing the economic value that diversity adds to our community and dealing with perceived challenges.

Justice and Safety

An overview of the civil and criminal justice systems, processes, and services to the community, with a particular emphasis on juvenile issues. Participants examine issues facing the community and leadership roles to help shape community response.

Citizenship Day and Graduation*

Increase awareness of the political process-how it works, what motivates people to get involved, and how it affects local communities; explore ways for citizens to get involved.
Graduation is an evening program for invited guests and LSC supporters, the commencement caps an intense course of building a foundation for community trusteeship.

Project Presentations and Reflection

A half day of sharing outcomes of the asset building projects and reflecting on the Leadership experience completed.

*Includes additional evening portion

Committees and Facilitators

25th Class Opening Retreat Committee

Bobbi L. Beale, Group Programs Director, Child & Adolescent Behavioral Health
Andrea M. Capuano, Director, Human Resources, ComDoc, Inc.
Domenic Ferrante, Vice President, Sōl Harris/Day Architecture
Richard Jackson, Director of Multicultural Student Affairs, University of Mount Union
Dennis Kelley, Vice President of Business Development, Hammer Financial Services LLC
Gloria J. Pope, Supervisor, Industrial Commission of Ohio
Glenda Zink, Dean, Business & Entrepreneurial Studies, Stark State College of Technology

25th Class Stark County Day

William M. Bell, Corporate Purchasing Manager, Kenan Advantage Group, Inc.
Bryan Bowman, Human Resources NCO, 1-145th AR REGT
Allyson Bussey, Tourism Marketing Manager, Canton Stark County CVB
Laura Cowles, Firm’s Executive Officer/Interiors Consultant, John Patrick Picard Architect, Inc.
M. Colby DeHoff, VP Sales and Marketing, Whitacre Greer
Christopher Harris, VP, CFO, Harris Battery Company
Dustin Hennessy, Sales Professional, inVentiv Health
Tracy Jeffries, Operations Director, 7225 CoWorking
Joni Locke, Corporate Sales, Peoples Services, Inc.
Bernice Poore, Owner, Office Helper
Dora Silvis, Chief Operating Officer, Alliance Petroleum Corporation
Sarah Stem, Vice President-Private Bank, Fifth Third Bank

24th Class Economic Development Day

S. Franklin Arner, Partner, Hall Kistler & Co., LLP
Ronald D. Becker, CEO, Hilscher-Clarke Electric Company
Alan C. Edie, Vice President of Business Development, Stark Development Board
Brent Fatzinger, Chief Financial Officer, Abbott Electric, Inc.
Aaron Geh, VP-Sales & Marketing, The Karcher Group
Susan Grabowski, President, Grabowski & Co.
Daniel R. Griffith, Vice President Sr. Trust Officer, Premier Bank and Trust
Glen Maurer, Operations Manager, Vasco Asphalt Company
Jill E. McDermott, Senior Credit Analyst, MAC Trailer
Joseph M. Ovnic, General Manager, Quickdraft, Inc.
Donald Peterson III, General Manager, WDJQ/WDPN Radio
Daniel Spring, Broker, NAI Spring Realty

25th Class Human Services Day

Bill Burgess, Marketing Specialist, Stark County Department of Job and Family Services
Patrice M. Fetzer, Manager of Service Delivery, Mental Health and Recovery Services Board of Stark County
Paulla Gates, Chief Officer, Coleman Behavorial Health-Stark
C. Christopher Hewitt, , Quest Recovery & Prevention Services
Kellijo Jeffries, Program Administrator, Stark County Department of Job and Family Services
Kim Labriola, Early Childhood Consultant, Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health
Sherri McKinney-Frantz, Director, 2-1-1 Information & Referral, United Way of Greater Stark County
Jennifer McNemar, Assistant Corporate Controller, Kenan Advantage Group, Inc.
Molly Moriarty, Program Administrator, Stark County Dept of Job and Family Services
Lori Stokes, HR Generalist/EEO Officer, METRO Regional Transit Authority
Tom Thompson, Executive Director, J R Coleman Outreach Services
Lorie Travaglino, Executive Director, Mobile Meals Inc
Donna Williams, Owner, Select 1 Insurance, LLC
David A. Wills, Executive Director, Stark County TASC

25th Class Asset Building Day

S. Franklin Arner, Partner, Hall Kistler & Co., LLP
Ronald D. Becker, CEO, Hilscher-Clarke Electric Company
Alan C. Edie, Vice President of Business Development, Stark Development Board
Brent Fatzinger, Chief Financial Officer, Abbott Electric, Inc.
Aaron Geh, VP-Sales & Marketing, The Karcher Group
Susan Grabowski, President, Grabowski & Co.
Daniel R. Griffith, Vice President Sr. Trust Officer, Premier Bank and Trust
Glen Maurer, Operations Manager, Vasco Asphalt Company
Jill E. McDermott, Senior Credit Analyst, MAC Trailer
Joseph M. Ovnic, General Manager, Quickdraft, Inc.
Donald Peterson III, General Manager, WDJQ/WDPN Radio
Daniel Spring, Broker, NAI Spring Realty

25th Class Education Day

Julie Bland, Outreach Program Coordinator, The Corporate University Kent State University at Stark
Linnea Gallagher-Olbon, Principal, Barr Elementary, Plain Local School District
Tamra Hurst, Director of Business Operations, Stark County Educational Service Center
Debra Kennedy, Assistant Superintendent, New Philadelphia Schools
Nicole Nichols, Treasurer, Stark County Area JVSD
Deb Nicodemo, Director, Elem. and MS Programs, Plain Local School District
Mark Parent, Director of Middle and High School Special Education, Plain Local School District
Michael Shreffler, Superintendent, Southeast Local Schools
Todd Tolson, Treasurer, North Canton City Schools
Nancy Varian, Director, Center for Professional Development, Malone University
Glenda Zink, Dean, Business & Entrepreneurial Studies, Stark State College of Technology

Program Speakers

Program Day Speakers, Panelists, and Guests

Many community members are needed to volunteer their expertise to make the program days thought-provoking and informative. Below is a list of guests who have enhanced the experience for the current class so far. Leadership graduates are indicated by their class number in parenthesis.

25th Class Opening Retreat Speakers and Guests

Randy E. Reed (19th), Assistant Manager & Licensed Title Agent, American Title Association Agency
Dan Rice , Executive Director, Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition
Chris Thompson , Director of Funder and Regional Engagement, Fund For Our Economic Future
John Werren , Attorney, Day Ketterer Ltd.

25th Class Stark County Day

Bill Bakan , Owner, Maize Valley Market & Winery
Dennis Biery , President, Biery Cheese Company
Jonathan Chastek , Manager of Economic Development, Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway
Mel Herncane , Director of Development, Massillon Boys and Girls Club
Aaron Hill Sr. (23rd), Family/Community/Court Liaison, Alliance City School District
John Kiste (20th), Executive Director, Canton/Stark County Convention & Visitors Bureau
Doug Lane , President, North Canton Chamber of Commerce
Gordon Maupin , Director, The Wilderness Center
Richard B. McQueen , President & CEO, Akron-Canton Airport
Steven Meeks , President, Jackson-Belden Chamber of Commerce
Nicholas Morris , Education Outreach Coordinator, Stark County Park District
Todd Pugh , Todd’s Enviroscapes, Inc.
Tim Regula (3rd), VP Compliance & Audit, Aultman Health Foundation
Margy Vogt , Owner, Margy Vogt Visions LLC
Michael Walpole (23rd), National Sales Manager, Brewster Dairy, Inc.
Vince Watts , Interim President/CEO, Greater Stark County Urban League
Celia Wilson , Historian, Clearview Golf Club
Jeff Zellers , Owner, K. W. Zellers & Sons

25th Class Economic Development Day

Rose Ann DaRe (7th), President, HydroDyne
Mark Fleiner , Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems
James Griffith (1st), President, Chief Executive Officer, The Timken Company
Geoff Karcher , President, The Karcher Group
Rodger McKain , Vice President – Government Programs, Rolls Royce Fuel Cell Systems
Stephen Paquette (5th), President & CEO, Stark Development Board
Stephen Perry , President, Pro Football Hall of Fame
Todd A. Snitchler (20th), Chairman, Public Utilities Commision of Ohio
Virginia C. Albanese , President & CEO, FedEx Custom Critical
Mark Fleiner , Chief Executive Officer, Rolls-Royce Fuel Cell Systems
Joseph Halter , President, Solmet Technologies, Inc.
Richard Mayle (23rd), Vice President-Operations, Midlake Products & Mfg.
Jeff Rich , , Midlake Products
Mike Vinton , President, Vasco Asphalt Company
Ronald Balyint (21st), Plant Manager- Faircrest Steel Plant, The Timken Company
Andrea M. Capuano (22nd), Director, Human Resources, ComDoc, Inc.
Rich Steinehbel , Water Superintendent, North Canton Water Department

25th Class Human Services Day

Barbara Armitage, Alliance Food Pantry,
Monica Gwin , Public Relations Coordinator, The Employment Source
Amy Roehlig , Shelter Director, Community Services of Stark County
Tom Thompson , Executive Director, J R Coleman Outreach Services
Duane Wykoff , Executive Director, Refuge of Hope
Ann Durkin (23rd), Program Administrator, Stark County Department of Job & Family Services
Daniel Fuline , Executive Director, Community Services of Stark County
Katherine Manning , Director of Planning, SARTA
Melissa Pearce, Executive Director & CEO, Domestic Violence Project Inc.
Todd Porter (24th), Sports Writer/Columnist, The Repository
Donna Williams (23rd), Owner, Select 1 Insurance, LLC

25th Class Asset Building Day

Father Tom Bishop , St. Anthony’s Church
Laura Cowles (24th), Firm’s Executive Officer/Interiors Consultant, John Patrick Picard Architect, Inc.
Karen Feller (14th), Mission Outreach Coordinator, Mercy Medical Center
Jeffery M. McMahan (16th), Account Supervisor, Innis Maggiore Group
Michelle Schuld (23rd), Attorney, Black McCuskey Souers & Arbaugh, LPA
Ken Weber , President & CEO, Goodwill Industries of Greater Cleveland & East Central Ohio, Inc.