Brian Anderson
Vice President, Polymer Industry Cluster
Brian Anderson
Brian Anderson is the Vice President of the Polymer Industry Cluster for the Greater Akron Chamber. Brian leads the Polymer Industry Cluster Initiative of Northeast Ohio, as well as the data and regional economic analysis functions of the organization. Prior to the Chamber, Brian worked at a wearable technology start-up and a Fortune 500 company. He decided to make a move because he wanted to contribute to an organization that he felt could improve the region and the lives of its residents.
Brian received his bachelor’s degree in mathematics at Emmanuel College in Boston where he was also a three-sport collegiate athlete. From there, he attended The University of Akron for his MBA, and University of Texas – San Antonio for his master’s degree in finance.
Brian and his wife Casey like to travel, cook, and are dedicated fans and season ticket holders of the University of Akron men’s soccer team.
Emily Baarson
Manager, Projects and Initiatives
ConxusNEO
Emily Baarson
Emily Baarson brings a unique range of experiences to ConxusNEO as Manager, Projects and Initiatives. Her 20-year career has been shaped by enabling community change through planning and economic development. In recent years, her work has focused on enhancing access to opportunity and improving workforce mobility. She is a creative collaborator who thrives on engaging with community partners to solve complex challenges and find creative funding to do so.
As the spouse of a retired military officer, Emily has lived and worked in many interesting places. While living with constant change could seem overwhelming to some, Emily saw her family’s moves as opportunities to learn, and flourished in the midst of change and the challenge of adapting to new situations.
Having experienced such a range of places and work environments, she gained first-hand knowledge of the importance of workplace policies that support adaptive thinking and life-work balance. In an era when more women hold advanced degrees than men, Emily sees a critical need to provide meaningful and flexible ways for women who frequently relocate or have changing family needs to contribute to the economy.
Originally from Northeast Ohio, Emily earned a Bachelor of Science in Botany/Environmental Science from Miami University (Ohio) and a Master of Urban Planning, Design and Development from Cleveland State University. After many years away, Emily and her family relocated to Ohio in 2019 to be closer to extended family and enjoy the great quality of life and incredible educational opportunities offered in the Buckeye State.
Jean Barbato
Senior Manager, Manufacturing Sector Partnership
ConxusNEO
Jean Barbato
Jean brings 15 years of experience in higher education working with recruitment, advising and retention for non-traditional, adult completion programs, and grant management in workforce training and apprenticeships. She also has 35 years of experience as a small business owner and understands the difficulties and the importance of training and retaining employees.
At ConxusNEO, Jean is the Senior Manager of the Manufacturing Sector Partnership with oversight of the sector partnership, the U.S. Department of Labor Scaling Apprenticeship grant and the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s Good Jobs Challenge program. Her responsibilities include collaborating with local community-based organizations who serve underrepresented, underserved people in the greater Akron region to provide training and to gain quality job opportunities for career growth.
Jean earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management and a Master of Business Administration from Walsh University in North Canton, OH. She is on the Advisory Board for the Stark County’s Greater Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank Community Harvest program, is a member of the Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital Service League, and is the chair of the grant writing committee for Another Act of Kindness.
Hope Bell
Senior Manager, Community Partnerships
ConxusNEO
Hope Bell
ConxusNEO
Dedicated to fostering meaningful connections and driving positive change, Hope is a passionate workforce development advocate with a proven track record in the non-profit sector. Hope has an exceptional ability to build bridges between organizations, stakeholders, and communities. With a strong commitment to collaboration and community empowerment, she has consistently demonstrated her capacity to create impactful partnerships that drive collective success.
With extensive experience in workforce development, and 10 years of experience in strategic planning and program management, Hope has consistently championed programs that bridge the gap between education and employment. She has successfully conceptualized, developed, and executed innovative initiatives that equip individuals with the skills and confidence needed to excel in today’s competitive job market.
Hope holds a bachelor’s degree in strategic communication from Morehead State University and continues to pursue professional development opportunities to stay at the forefront of workforce development strategies and trends.
Hope’s vision revolves around creating a future where collaboration is not just a buzzword but a cornerstone of sustainable progress. She remains committed to exploring new avenues for partnerships, amplifying community-driven initiatives, and inspiring others to contribute to the collective well-being of the community.
Alyssa Carpenter
Alyssa Carpenter has a unique role, serving in a dual capacity as the Director of Economic Development for the Greater Akron Chamber and the Director of Business Development for Team NEO, focusing on the rubber, plastic and polymer industries serving Stark and Summit Counties. Alyssa views the work of economic development much like a puzzle with intersections of building relationships, problem solving, and pulling the partners in the public and private sectors together in order help our companies and communities grow and prosper.
For her work professionally, Alyssa earned the Ohio Economic Development, Ohio Certified Economic Developer certification. She also frequently presents as a guest speaker as part of the Ohio Economic Development (OEDA) programing on topics of economic and professional development, as well as more locally, via Team NEO’s NODE program.
Most of her time outside of work involves her kids, Caroline and Grant, and their school activities. Alyssa also enjoys entertaining and being outdoors.
Surendra Chawla
Consultant, Polymer Industry Cluster
Surendra Chawla
Surendra Chawla retired from The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company as a Senior Director of Global Innovation in 2018 after 40 years of service in different roles and responsibilities. He joined Goodyear in 1978 as a Senior Research Engineer in Corporate Research and rose through the ranks to Director and Head of the Goodyear Corporate Research from 2003 to 2008. In 2009, he was given the responsibility to lead Goodyear Open Innovation initiative. In this role, he championed the culture of open innovation in Goodyear, to explore, assess and internalize external technologies for sustainable product leadership and create new business opportunities in mobility solution space of Connected, Autonomous, Shared and Electrical (CASE) vehicles. He created a global R&D network of world-class universities, research institutes, national laboratories, open networks, suppliers, customers and start-ups; and successfully integrated dozens of new programs into Goodyear technology and product platforms. He is one of the founders of the Goodyear Institute of Technology (GIT) – “forum for tire related technologies”. Hundreds of Goodyear associates around the world have benefited from this opportunity to expand their knowledge and skill base. In January 2021, he joined Greater Akron Chamber as a consultant to support the Polymer Industry Cluster Initiative.
He has a Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from India, Master’s and PhD from the Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT), Chicago, USA.
Michele Cook
Executive Assistant
Michele Cook
Michele Cook is the Executive Assistant for the Greater Akron Chamber. In her role, Michele works closely with GAC President & CEO Steve Millard to assist in keeping the executive committee and other leaders engaged, informed, and prepared for the Chamber’s work each day. This includes maintaining accurate contact records for the organization's boards, committees and task teams, as well as writing meeting minutes, and overseeing the distribution of materials in advance of board and committee meetings. She was driven to work for the Chamber because of their efforts to support the business community and her ambition to inspire kindness; both important aspects to her personally and professionally.
The City of Cuyahoga Falls once presented a hero award to Michele for an instance in which she utilized CPR to assist a man who’d fallen in the road after experiencing a heart attack. in the middle of the street. Michele stays in contact with the man today, demonstrating her affinity for compassion.
Michele likes to spend as much time outdoors as possible but doesn’t complain when she is stuck inside snuggling with her dog and cat. Family is very important to her, and she spends each Sunday together with them for family breakfast. She is most proud of her son, who is currently studying at Xavier University in Cincinnati.
Gregg P. Cramer
Vice President, Economic Development
Gregg Cramer
Gregg Cramer is the Vice President of Economic Development for the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role he manages the day-to-day economic development operations, including Attraction and Business Retention & Expansion. Gregg also works with our Elevate Greater Akron partners to oversee the collective effort to meet with 300+ companies on an annual basis. Along with the County of Summit and City of Akron, he also co-chairs the “Akron, USA” domestic/international marketing initiative.
Gregg is inspired by the fact that his father worked at B.F. Goodrich for 25 years in the same office complex currently occupied by the Chamber; he literally looks out the window at his father’s office every day. Gregg truly believes we are a unique community with a rich history and have a great story to tell.
Professionally, Gregg received his Economic Development Finance Professional (EDFP) certification from the National Development Council. He also honed his public speaking skills during his run for public office. For the record, his family prayed he would lose the race; he lost the race.
Without question, the defining characteristic of his life has been raising a child with Special Needs; in countless ways - personally and professionally - it has made him a more appreciative, better, and focused person. Other than chocolate, Gregg’s only vice is American muscle cars.
Sarah Deitrick
Project Manager
Sarah Deitrick
Sarah Deitrick is the Project Manager of the Polymer Industry Cluster for The Greater Akron Chamber. In this role, Sarah advances the work of the region’s industry partners by coordinating the Polymer Industry Advisory Council’s engagement in various economic development operations. This includes executing promotional events and conferences for the cluster, as well as surveying the Greater Akron business community to gather insights, perspectives, and challenges that help to shape the organizations’ efforts. She loves playing a part in meaningful work and chose to work at the Chamber in order to drive economic growth and prosperity within the community.
As a 3rd generation Akronite, Sarah is deeply connected to the region. She is most proud of founding her grassroots organization, Friends of Keyser-Swain Farmhouse in 2021, which advocates the historical significance, preservation, and selective restoration of the building. She is additionally proud to serve as President of Progress Through Preservation of Greater Akron, a volunteer non-profit organization.
When not at work, Sarah finds comfort in spending time with her daughter watching movies, exploring the trails of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, visiting museums, and attending concerts.
Robyn Durlin
Manager, Digital Marketing and Web Design
Robyn Durlin
Robyn Durlin is the Manager of Digital Marketing and Web Design for the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role, Robyn creates graphics, designs, and other visual materials for the Chamber to use in its marketing and communications efforts. Robyn joined the Chamber team after 15 years in digital design for the retail advertising and marketing industries. She decided to step away from the corporate marketing world to join an organization where she could make a difference in her local community.
Originally from Maine, Robyn attended Lyndon State College (now Vermont State University) where she earned bachelor’s degrees in digital media and graphic design, before moving to Greater Akron in search of a more robust job market.
She now lives in Portage County with her husband and three cats, where she enjoys spending time outside kayaking, beach combing, hiking, and camping. Robyn also frequents concerts and likes to take trips to visit her family in New England.
Heather Flohr
Senior Manager, Business Operations
Heather Flohr
Heather is the Senior Manager, Business Operations at the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role she handles many responsibilities ranging from bookkeeping for the organization, human resource support for staff, as well as general office management. A couple years ago Heather chose to make a change in careers and join the Chamber after seeing the positive impact being made by the team in this region. She wanted to be a part of the change the Chamber was making in the community.
Heather is a proud Veteran of the United State Marine Corps, having served for eight years from 2004 – 2012, during that time she received various Medals and Letters of Commendations. Heather has a bachelor’s degree in social psychology from Park University and is a Certified Notary Public for the State of Ohio. She is also a graduate of Torchbearers Class of 2019 and served as the Co-Chair for Membership in 2020.
Outside of work her favorite things to do include hiking and reading. In 2020 she read over 140 books! She also likes to find volunteer opportunities she can share with her kids to get them immersed in their community. Heather lives in Copley with her husband, their three children, and their dog.
Halee Gerenday
Director, Marketing and Communications
Halee Gerenday
Halee Gerenday is the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Greater Akron Chamber. In this role, she brings visibility to the work of the Chamber and our regional partners, and ensures our members stay connected to information that will support and strengthen their businesses. She chose to work at the Chamber because she wanted to support community growth and utilize the power of storytelling to showcase the people and businesses here in Greater Akron.
Halee received her bachelor’s degree in digital media journalism & sport communications from Ashland University. Professionally, she is a proud recipient of a first-place award for Best Reporter in Ohio by the Society of Professional Journalists in 2017 for her work with the Medina Gazette.
For Halee, home is in Medina County with her husband and son. She enjoys traveling and being outdoors – whether it’s reading a good book on her patio, camping at one of Ohio’s State Parks, snowboarding or walking the trail with her dogs.
Sante Ghetti
Vice President, Investor Engagement