2011 Twenty under 40! Winners

Automn Becher, 33
Retail District Manager, The Huntington National Bank

In her nominator’s words: Automn Becher is one of the most energetic, ambitious and outstanding individuals I have had the pleasure of working with throughout my career. She has been in banking for more than twelve years, with eight of those years as a committed and valuable member of The Huntington National Bank’s team. Automn is a dynamic young woman with energy and enthusiasm that is contagious. She serves as a great role model to her peers and direct reporting colleagues within Huntington as she is a very hard working individual with an unwavering commitment regardless of the task at hand. Her commitment to what she is passionate for carries through to her philanthropic work in the community as well. Nominated by Loretta Stanton.

Melissa Bentley, 38
Certified Public Accountant, Supervisor, Bruner-Cox LLP

In her nominator’s words: Melissa has been and continues to be a very positive influence on others, whether that is professionally or in the community through her many outside activities. Having served in various capacities with the United States Navy in Virginia and Japan, Melissa has had opportunities to work as a team player and assist those she comes in contact with. Melissa has contributed countless hours in the areas of training and recruiting, here at Bruner-Cox LLP. She is seen as a leader within our offices. When given a task, she is very committed to making the end result be the best that it can be. Melissa has a passion for Stark County. She made a choice to come back “home” after serving in the Navy. This choice was easy as Stark County is a great place to raise her family. Nominated by Robert Marks and Anna Capaldi.

Darla Brown, 34
Editor, About Magazine

In her nominators’ words: In the short time I’ve known Darla Brown, I find that she quickly becomes a role model and an inspiration to those she meets. She excels in each area of her active life: business, community, and family. And she does so with quiet purpose and drive. Darla makes smart, thoughtful decisions and follows through with her commitments. Not many people can claim to have changed the media landscape in our community. Darla Brown can do just that! She has been at the helm of one of Stark County’s fastest growing, most popular and influential publications. She has worked diligently to spotlight the outstanding aspects of all things Stark County. Her impressive work sheds a positive light on countless individuals and organizations throughout our community. Nominated by Barbara Abbott and Kevin Kampman.

Katie Cerrone-Arnold, 30
Assistant Professor of Technical Mathematics, The University of Akron

In her nominators’ words: Katie is worthy of this recognition because she manages to balance an extremely busy career as an assistant professor of mathematics and grueling doctoral studies with an astonishing amount of service to her community. Her ability to manage such a heavy academic and professional load while serving numerous community organizations in leadership capacities clearly speaks to her passion for service to the greater Canton community. Her dedication to the greater Stark County community is clearly evident in the vigor and determination with which she tackles her myriad volunteer activities. Nominated by Derek Gordon and Matt Bailey.

Cheli Curan, 35
Director or Children’s Network Advocacy Center, Stark County Job & Family Services

In her nominators’ words: Cheli is one of those young leaders that are severley needed in our community. She impressed me from the very first meeting because she was engaging, high energy and inquisitive, wanting to learn and most importantly help. She did not hesitate to immediately volunteer. She is an amazing young women that definitely is not afraid to take an active role in our community. We need more young professionals like Cheli in Stark County and I feel strongly that she deserves to be recognized for her volunteerism and leadership. She is dedicated, loyal and committed to those she serves. Cheli has an energy about her that is infectious and people around her feel motivated by her presence. Nominated by Joseph Lapinski, Lisa Grubbs, Tim Belden and Margie Centrone.

Tricia Dever, 38
Owner, Always Eventful, Inc.

In her nominator’s words: Tricia is an amazing, dynamic, energetic person who owns her own business, voluntarily runs another business, shares her time and talent with organizations that make an impact in Stark County, organizes a holiday food drive and makes this all look easy! She is the person sought out when decisions need made, direction seems lost or creativity is stifled. Tricia is committed to exceeding the expectations of her clients and fellow volunteers. Solid leadership skills, enthusiasm, decisiveness and the ability to multi-task allow her to accomplish more than what would seem reasonable. Success naturally follows her wherever she goes.
Nominated by Lara Kimbell.

Kristen Guardado, 40
Senior Trial Counsel, Canton City Prosectuor’s Offfice
Attorney, Private Practice

In her nominators’ words: How do you describe Kristen Donohue Guardado? Mother, wife, friend, attorney, prosecutor, mentor, school board member? All of these words could be used to describe Kristen Donohue Guardado, but would not even begin to scratch the surface. Kristen is an example of how we should all work and give back to our community. Kristen is dedicated to making Stark County a better place by helping build the core of our society starting with our children. She is committed to making a difference through education and words towards making Stark County a place for the youth to live and be future leaders. We witness these characteristics and qualities in Kristen everyday on a professional and personal level, and feel that her commitment to Stark County is worth recognition. Nominated by Paula George and Michelle Sales.

Todd Hawke, 36
Principal, GDK and Company

In his nominator’s words: Todd leads by example to inspire others to do their best. He is a caring, inspiring, well rounded and motivated individual who works well with others. Todd strives to remain active and inspire people of all ages. He is a young, well-respected professional who contributes many hours of his time to give back to his community. He actively participates in Jackson Belden Chamber of Commerce, Junior Achievement, American Cancer Society and Jackson youth athletics. Todd and his family participate in th Jackson Relay for Life, United Way, Juvenile Diabetes, Akron Children’s Hospital and donates to needy local families. Nominated by Juanita Plum and Tricia Hawke.

Celeste Jones, 38
Vice President for Human Resources, Stark State College

In her nominators’ words: It is an honor and a privilege to nominate Celeste Jones for the 20 and 40 award, who is a professional in our community and has made a positive impact. Her recent return to Stark County is by far an asset to the entire community. In addition to her responsibilities as Vice President of Human Resources Stark State College of Technology, she has networked with many of Stark County's leaders to become familiar with overall concerns in the area so she can best determine where she will serve the community-at-large. Celeste is an individual whose glowing smile showcases her love and passion for working with people.
Nominated by Carrilyn E. Long and Burton Jones.

Dan Leahy, 34
Security Marketing Manager, Diebold, Inc.

In his nominator’s words: To me and many others Dan is an individual of integrity, character, work ethic, determination, enthusiasm, passion and energy that is unparalleled by few! Couple those traits with Dan’s candid sense of humor and intellectual wit and this is part of what makes Dan a valuable asset to his community, colleagues, friends and family. It is Dan’s energy and interest that allows him to effectively leverage his charisma and vision for making his community a better place through whatever role he fully consumes himself in. Through Dan’s ability to motivate and inspire others to action, while using his strong time management skills Dan is constantly contributing to different organizations and initiatives which benefit from his life experiences and skill set. Nominated by Scott Haws.

Staci Martin, 32
Certified RN Anesthetist, Aultman Hospital

In her nominator’s words: Staci’s greatest characteristic that enables her to inspire others is her willingness to give. I met Staci in the Canton Jaycees and was instantly amazed by her dedication. On multiple occurrences I witnessed her spending extra time, energy, and often her own money to make sure that the events she was planning were perfect. She is always willing to stay late at meetings, to organize events, and to make sure things are running smoothly in the organizations for which she volunteers. Staci is also inspiring because of her motivation and selflessness. I have met individuals who get involved with community projects to build their resume. Staci is not one of those individuals. She is involved because she enjoys working with others and giving back to her community. Nominated by Katie Cerrone-Arnold.

Brent May, 38
Superintendent, Plain Local School District

In his nominator’s words: As a father, community member, and educator, Brent not only has a passion and vested interest in the success of the Plain Local School District, but in the community as a whole. He is a dedicated leader who is passionate about public education and committed to providing equal opportunities for all students. Brent believes that a student’s access to the highest quality of education should not be determined by their socio-economic status or zip code. Brent has demonstrated himself as a motivator, visionary and fearless leader. Nominated by Karen Vrabec.

Frank Meister, 38
Senior Vice President, AML, BSA Officer, FirstMerit Bank, N.A.

In his nominators’ words: Frank is an example of “brain gain” in our area. Frank was born and raised in Canton, OH to parents and grandparents that were born and raised in Canton. After receiving his undergraduate education at Purdue University, he returned to put his skills to work in his home community. While working full time, he went on to study nights and weekends to receive his MBA from Ashland University at the Massillon/ Stark Center. Frank is a product of our community who has chosen to live and work in the area. In the years that I have known him, he has enjoyed being a part of Stark County activities and living in Stark County. He is a wonderful person and a successful businessman. He is a homegrown success story. Nominated by Julia Dick.

Marcas Miles, 33
Director of Programs & Communications, Employers Health

In his nominators’ words: By definition, a coalition is an alliance between groups for a specific purpose. Marcas Miles builds coalitions. In his professional career as director of programs and communications for Employers Health, Marcas unites organizations that have joined together to reduce the costs and improve the quality of health care. Outside of his work day, Marcas builds coalitions all over Stark County – connecting individuals who then work together to solve issues in our community. Marcas builds consensus by leading with passion. His professional accomplishments, community involvement and personal integrity make him an outstanding candidate for 20 Under 40 recognition. Nominated by Sue Grabowski and Ken Weber.

Alexandra Nicholis, 32
Executive Director, Massillon Museum

In her nominators’ words: When asked to consider the most talented, driven young professionals in our area, I instantly thought of Alex Nicholis. Her enthusiasm for the arts and for our community as a whole is infectious. She is in many ways a one-of-a-kind leader: a qualified, professional member of the arts community, but one that helps the arts to be approachable for those without formal training. She is a dedicated volunteer who works to educate and improve life for students in Stark County and women around the world. She manages to wear her many hats with grace and humility and truly stands as an example to the rest of us. Alex has already done great things for our community, and with her recent promotion, I know we can expect her to do even more in the future. She has a keen ability to make art matter. Nominated by Kate Carlson and Carey McDougall.

Kathryn Siegfried, 26
Vice President of Operations, Siegfried Enterprises / McDonald’s Restaurants

In her nominators’ words: It is Kathryn’s care, compassion, zest for life and love for others that has her actively engaged in her community. Kathryn is a visionary who is very passionate and displays very strong self-starter qualities. Kathryn exudes a level of charisma, energy and passion for making her community a better place through whatever role she fully consumes herself in. It is that level of charisma, energy and passion Kathryn exudes that is un-paralleled in her efforts to ensure our community stays vibrant and attractive. Kathryn has a very strong desire to be part of the solution in making Stark County a greater place for others, and this has drawn the respect of so many of her peers!

Nominated by Scott Haws, Monique Cox-Moore, Paul & Michelle Siegfried.

John Tucker, 39
Attorney, Krugliak, Wilkins, Griffiths & Dougherty Co., L.P.A.

In his nominator’s words: With the selflessness and sacrifice of time that it takes to be a leader and mentor, John has been an integral part of our firm’s drastic growth over the last ten years and he’s been an invaluable member of community organizations and boards. In his capacity as a leader, John has actively participated in the recruitment and development of young attorneys and he’s overseen the firm’s expansion into new practice areas and markets. He’s also worked tirelessly, as a volunteer and leader, working with local Chambers of Commerce and charitable organizations. He is one of the hardest working, most devoted people I know, both as a practitioner and as a volunteer. Nominated by Jason Haupt.

Amanda Walls, 32
Attorney, Buckingham, Doolittle, Burroughs, LLP

In her nominators’ words: Not only does Amanda hold an impressive résumé of community involvement but her overall enthusiasm for the Stark community is evident in both her personal and professional life. She has not only chosen to keep their many talents here in Stark County, but has made it a point to be an active participant in its development. Although it is not easy to bring balance between a successful law practice and a beautiful new family, Amanda does so with ease, all the while never neglecting the community around her. She is a successful, gifted attorney with a beautiful young daughter (Ella) who keeps an active community and social life but you never catch her complaining about being spread to thin. Nominated by Susan Rodgers and Eric Belden.

Patrick Willoughby, 36
Director of Client Management & Logistics, The Karcher Group

In his nominator’s words: Giving back to his community is what Patrick Willoughby is all about! Patrick’s enthusiasm, passion and excitement for his Stark County community, in addition to the support and professional demeanor he provides for young professionals in the business community, clearly demonstrate his ability to connect with others. Whether it’s coordinating local events for young professionals or supporting a benefit for a non-profit organization in Stark County, Patrick strives to “pay it forward” and do his part to make Stark County a proud place to live and work. Nominated by Patty Meeks and Matt Ellis.