Chris serves as the Executive Director and is responsible for the creation and implementation of policies, strategies, and initiatives through the organization’s Strategic Plan. He possesses a strong background in strategic planning, public policy, and has a passion for economic development. Chris has been at the crossroads of economic development for 20 years developing partnerships, establishing programs at national and local levels, representing employers of all sizes and proven success in leading collaborative initiatives. He focuses on new business development, retention, and expansion efforts, along with working with area partners to develop new strategies on how strengthen and grow Ottawa County. He sits on the Global Leadership Summit Task Force, the Cultural Arts Center Steering Committee, the Shores & Islands Ohio Board, and the Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council. Chris was hired in July 2020.

Previously, Chris worked for Associated Builders and Contractors (ABC) as Senior Director of Political Affairs in Washington, DC. While working for ABC, he directed a $4 million political operation of 21,000-member trade association, was the liaison to two national committees consisting of construction executives from across the country, and developed and implemented TV, radio, and digital advocacy campaigns. Prior to the OCIC, Chris worked as the Operations Manager for the Orchard Bar & Table in Catawba Island.

During his personal time, Chris enjoys playing golf, boating on Lake Erie, and enjoying all that Ottawa County has to offer. He is an avid yogi and runner. He is a Michigander and resides in Catawba Island.

1: Random Fact: I was Bat Boy for the Chicago White Sox on August 1, 1983 against the New York Yankees

2: First Job: Grounds maintenance crew for golf course

3: Favorite Place to Visit: British Virgin Islands (a little warmer in January and limited cell phone service)

Jessica serves as Manager of Communications and Programs and is responsible for all Communications and Marketing initiatives and providing resources to our small business community. She oversees the organization’s Revolving Loan Fund program, Business Retention & Expansion program, and the Ottawa County Safety Council. Jessica supports business attraction efforts and initiatives of the Ottawa County Business Advisory Council. She sits on the Ohio Safety Council Leadership Committee and Terra State’s Business Resource Center Advisory Council. Jessica was originally hired as the Administrative Assistant in September 2011 and was promoted to Program & Office Coordinator in June 2014.

Jessica has been instrumental in effective communication and branding strategies to enhance the organization’s online presence. She manages the organization’s website and social media pages, and designs infographics, reports, and other marketing tools. She also coordinates OCIC’s business and marketing events including the annual Business & Industry Awards and Experience Ottawa County. Previous projects she took on included the revamp of the OCIC website, creating a text communication strategy for our partners and stakeholders, and developing a BRE database designed to assist small businesses with the necessary resources they need to grow. Jessica is a graduate of Owens Community College with a degree in business.

During her personal time, Jessica enjoys nature trails, kayaking and playing video games with her husband. While raised in a Cleveland Browns household, she is a Dallas Cowboys fan. She loves Caramel Frappés and visiting her family on Put-in-Bay. She is originally an Ottawa County native and now resides in Woodville with her husband and their son.

1: First Job: Cameo Pizza as a Pizza Cook

2: Favorite Dessert: Lover of all things chocolate but my “sit back and relax” dessert would have to be brownies

3: Random Fact: I broke my pinky finger in P.E. class during my Freshman year of high school (and it’s never been the same since then)

Katherine serves as Manager of Workforce and Career Exploration and is responsible for developing relationships with local businesses, organizations, educational institutions, and agency partners to identify and carry out the workforce development needs within the county. Her role includes managing Ottawa County Business Advisory Council initiatives and engaging and executing workforce programs for Ottawa County. Katherine was hired in August 2022 as the Employment Resources Associate and transitioned into her current role in January 2023.

Katherine works with our school districts that combines her diverse employment and program building experiences with her passion for uniting education with the workforce pipeline. She oversees the Ottawa County Skilled Trades Academy and Ottawa County STNA programs, working alongside our program instructors. She also works with our businesses to plan for the annual Ottawa County Career Showcase hosted for Ottawa County High School Freshman. Katherine is a graduate of Tiffin University with a master’s degree in Criminal Justice. She also retains an Ohio Adult Educator’s license.

During her personal time, Katherine enjoys spending as many weekends as she can with her husband at their camper. She is active on the Board of Trustees for the campground and currently serves as treasurer. She enjoys hunting, reading, gardening, crafting, or refinishing a variety of furniture and decorations and creating “spaces” where guests can put their feet up and enjoy the farm. She is an Ottawa County native and resides in Oak Harbor with her husband.

1: Favorite Place to Visit: Taking an inside passage cruise through Alaska

2: Hidden Talent: I clog (as in old school country tap dancing)

3: Random Fact: I was once a singing waitress at Mickey Gilly’s club in Nashville