2009 Twenty Under 40! Winners

Here are the 20 incredible leaders under 40 that ystark! recognized in 2009, described by their respective nominators:

Thank you goes out to The Karcher Group for these wonderful event photos!

	Michael C. Abbott, 37 ABBOTT ELECTRIC INC. He’s the most dependable person! Mike is a dynamic leader in his organization as well as beyond the organization. He’s actively committed to Stark County, and to making a difference in our community. His leadership foresights have filled an industry void by successfully growing one company and creating two new companies in Canton, significantly adding to economic and business development in our region.
	Eric Belden, 32 PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME ENSHRINEMENT FESTIVAL He fully embodies the criteria for this award. Born and raised in Canton, he returned to his hometown in 1999 after college and has been fully engaged in the economic and social welfare of our community ever since. He is fully invested in the effort to retain and attract young professionals, as he believes that Stark County is the perfect place to live, work, and raise a family. He is a walking billboard for ystark! and its mission to improve our community through knowledge, leadership, and participation.
	LaShonda Card, 35 TIME WARNER CABLE She is committed to work, family, church and community, often not in that order. She is a strong-willed individual who has worked hard to become a very successful, intelligent young woman. If you were to meet her for the first time, the first thing you would notice is the positive energy she exudes – she has a very warm and welcoming disposition. Even when in the midst of tense conflict and adversity, she reacts with wisdom beyond her years. There were times in her life when she was a single mother, and she worked hard to make sure her four children were cared for and well adjusted while still finishing her education and substantially impacting the community she lives in.
	Matt Ellis, 33 GRASSMASTER Quite simply, he believes it is better to give than to receive! Being very outgoing and friendly, Matt is very approachable which allows younger people in the business community to come up to him for support and marketing ideas. Watching him as an employer and seeing his employees look up to him for ideas, growth opportunities and personal development is simply remarkable. He has been dedicated to the Stark County Community for years, helping community and business individuals network and learn about community opportunities. He’s helped to support local business and at the same time raise four beautiful children!
	Joseph R. French, 40 EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION ALLIANCE, INC. Joe possesses many strengths and a solid character that has made him a dynamic, civic-minded Stark Countian. Joe demonstrates a positive daily attitude, high personal and professional integrity, mature judgment, initiative, self-determination and acceptance of others. Joe is passionate about the children he serves and their families, helping each of them to have the most education-enriching experiences necessary to develop personal integrity and self-acceptance. He is a great team player as well as a strong independent person, who is up to a variety of challenges, especially if it means sharing knowledge about a worthy cause. Joe is a great listener and thoughtful person.
	Daniel Griffith, 32 BLACK, MCCUSKEY, SOUERS & ARBAUGH, LPA He’s the definition of success for his generation! Dan is one of those rare individuals who have found a balance between work and family. Dan has accomplished a great deal so far in his career, already exhibiting strong leadership characteristics – and has shown the potential to be one of the law firm’s future leaders. He’s widely regarded for his sense of humor, and his quick wit can break up an otherwise stodgy discussion, loosening up any conversation and establishing a better perspective on any subject.
	Alan Harold, 33 HUNTINGTON BANK Even as a student, he was responsible and mature beyond his years. This is a young man who was born to lead. He is truly representative of the young people who will make Stark County better and better. While he has had the opportunity to leave this area, he and his wife are committed to raising their family here and making contributions to this area. Alan is a fine representative of this young, up and coming, professional group of individuals and would serve as an ideal role model for young professionals throughout our community.
	Lisa Capocci Hicklin, 34 CANTON CITY SCHOOLS Lisa Hicklin is a truly unique young woman whose enthusiasm and can-do attitude is contagious to all who meet her. She has a volunteer’s heart and a desire to work with individuals of all ages who have developmental disabilities, giving them opportunities in the performing arts and helping them gain acceptance among their peers. She donates her time and talents to develop programs and productions in the arts for students with mental retardation and other developmental disabilities. As a dedicated teacher, she continuously looks for ways to bring in grant money and opportunities to expand her students’ horizons in new and creative ways.
	Jeff Joliat, 34 THE SEAL GROUP He is always willing to try a new idea or go out on a limb, as well as support the tried and true. Jeff’s enthusiasm and big ideas light a fire under those who work with him and when he volunteers for a cause, he gives it his all. His accomplishments for community organizations and for downtown Canton are a direct result of his enthusiasm for hard work. In 2006, Jeff started an investment business in downtown Canton, furthering his dedication and support of the revitalization of downtown and business growth for the area.
	Michael T. Lemon, 40 AULTCARE This is a man with integrity! Michael is an excellent role model and is highly respected throughout the community. He has an uncanny ability to engage others and is always optimistic – smiling when he shares his vision of developing his congregation and community by stretching, reaching, serving, loving and teaching. His work with community organizations results in tackling projects that appear otherwise unattainable. His discipline, high energy and warmth impact those around him.
	Corey Minor Smith, 35 CITY OF CANTON With her tenacity as a go-getter and her selfless, community-minded outlook, she gives nothing less than excellence in everything she does. Corey is a dynamic community leader with high standards of social responsibility, and she is making a huge difference in our community with her strength and abilities. She works tirelessly registering voters and representing those less fortunate in many legal aspects. She is an inspiration to those she serves, and she motivates others by encouraging them to persevere, to realize that their own commitment will determine success.
	Monique Moore, 35 STARK COUNTY BOARD OF ELECTIONS Monique is truly a community visionary, one who exudes the charisma, energy and passion required for making our community a better place. Her creative thinking and deep awareness of current and prospective possibilities have helped her to foster and implement progress – ultimately improving the lives of all around her. Monique’s energy as an agent of change is helping to brighten the outlook for Stark County. She is a priceless and immeasurable community asset.
	Kendra L. Preer, 38 STARK STATE COLLEGE OF TECHNOLOGY Her passion for her work and dedication to working toward greater college access for first generation, low-income students, inspires her colleagues everyday. She is someone who doesn’t take “no” for an answer, who is demanding of herself and others when it comes to building a program. She is committed to higher education for ALL of Stark County, working tirelessly in her role, both at work and in the community.
	Todd Pugh, 37 ENVIROSCAPES Todd Pugh has been a lifelong resident and leading advocate for the Stark County community. He is committed to its vibrancy and recognizes the value of people coming together to improve where they work and live. Providing jobs through his business and improving community life with his extensive volunteer work, Todd exemplifies a community leader with his winning attitude. Always looking for new ideas to improve his self, his business, the industry and the community, Todd openly seeks and shares information with other people through business articles and seminars. With Todd, the energy level is always at 100% and anything is possible.
	Joseph D. Schauer, 27 SCHAUER INSURANCE He was very instrumental in helping the ystark! program reach the point it’s at today. Joe is a natural leader who instills confidence in others and leads through example. He never hesitates to say yes when asked to take on a project or conduct an activity. His early involvement with ystark!, followed by his chairmanship, have directly lead to the expansion of the original ystark! committee, active programming, and ultimately securing funding to enable us to hire a director. Joe never hesitates to take a leadership role, but also does the necessary work behind the scenes required to gain consensus, set direction, and execute programs.
	Todd Snitchler, 38 SNITCHLER LAW FIRM, LLC – OHIO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES He has a love for others and a constant passion to be actively engaged in his community. He’s working for the revitalization of Stark County and Ohio, bringing them back to a prominent role. He has a strong desire to be part of the solution in making Stark County a greater place for others. Todd works to be an agent of change for Stark County, working to alter the perception and outlook of our future. This work makes him a priceless and immeasurable asset and a valuable resource moving forward. He is one of Stark County’s sharpest, most driven young leaders who actively impact how we live, work and play!
	Lori Stokes, 36 CITY OF CANTON She is an exceptional, selfless and giving role model for young people and an inspiration to all of the lives she touches. Lori is an unwavering volunteer, both at home and for the community. She volunteers for and spearheads innumerable groups and organizations. She earned three degrees while working and raising five children, and though her incredible educational background could take her elsewhere, she’s dedicated to making a difference here at home in Stark County!
	Lydia Strauss, 38 She is able to work patiently and tirelessly, lending an ear to children who sometimes feel as if they are not heard. Lydia is a very caring, loyal and dedicated volunteer and organizer within the community. She is energetic about the programs and agencies she works with, giving endlessly, fueled by the desire to reach out and give community members the opportunity to better their selves. Lydia’s work has found her supporting a wide range of individuals, from children to crisis victims, she is always available to comfort, support and assist those in need.
	Mark Wright, 38 AULTMAN HOSPITAL He is not afraid to get out ahead of a project and accomplish goals through sheer will and determination. Mark has been very involved in the local community, making a positive difference for many organizations and causes. He has the drive and the character to not only lead, but to inspire others to reach their potential as well. His professionalism and commitment are unparalleled – he is exactly what Stark County needs as we continue to grow and expand.
	Scott M. Zurakowski, 37 KRUGLIAK, WILKINS, GRIFFITHS & DOUGHERTY CO. L.P.A. When one thinks of community stewardship, responsibility and compassion, Scott Zurakowski leaps to mind. Scott has a genuine desire to see his fellow neighbor be as successful as possible. He has a strong conviction that no matter what walk of life a person comes from, every person should be treated with dignity and compassion. He is a dedicated father, husband and community servant, with a passion for philanthropy rivaled only by his enthusiasm for life. Scott is bright, humorous and dedicated—timeless qualities of a role model for those young and old.