Chris Singerling was hired as the Executive Director in July 2020. In 2007, he worked for the Associated Builders and Contractors 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. To be closer to his family, Chris moved to Ohio from Virginia. In June 2019, he worked as the Operations Manager for the Orchard Bar & Table in Catawba Island. Chris possesses a strong background in strategic planning, public policy, and has a passion for economic development. He 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. Chris currently sits on the Global Leadership Summit Task Force, the Cultural Arts Center Steering Committee, Ohio’s Lake Erie Shores & Islands Board, and the Greater Port Clinton Area Arts Council.

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 with his wife, Jessica, and their miniature labradoodle, Penny.

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)

Carolyn Rodenhauser was hired as the Manager of Business and Workforce Development in September 2020. She previously worked for Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) and JobsOhio as the Northwest Ohio Regional Talent Acquisition Manager. She developed and managed 11 talent & workforce projects within the State of Ohio, utilizing state-of-the-art economic and workforce tools. In 2006, she was the Findlay-Hancock County Workforce Development Administrator for 10 years, leading a three-county workforce system including Wood, Hancock, and Wyandot Counties. She has also been involved with a number of projects throughout the years as a consultant in various events, fundraising and community development projects. Carolyn has been responsible for developing relationships with local business, organizations, education institutions and agency partners while identifying and carrying out economic and workforce priorities. She focuses on supporting the employment and training needs of Ottawa County businesses, along with assisting in identifying strategic business development opportunities in the community. Carolyn is a graduate of Davis College and of Liberty University with a Degree in Business Administration. Her and her husband own and operate the Clinton House in downtown Port Clinton. Carolyn currently sits on the Rotary Club of Port Clinton.

During her personal time, Carolyn enjoys spending time with her kids and grandchildren, and boating on Lake Erie. She grew up in Toledo and resides in Oak Harbor with her husband, Jon.

1: Favorite Dessert: Toft’s Ice Cream – just about any flavor!

2: Favorite Place to Visit: The Bahamas

3: First Job: J.C. Penney as a Retail Associate

Jessica Grzechowiak is the Manager of Communications and Programs. She was originally hired as the Administrative Assistant in September 2011 and was promoted to Program & Office Coordinator in June 2014. Throughout the years, she has moved up from just handling daily administrative tasks and fiscal responsibilities to coordinating all internal and external marketing and communications, event planning and web design. Jessica has been instrumental in effective social media and communication strategies to improve brand awareness and enhance the organization’s online presence. In 2017, she revamped OCIC’s website to make it mobile-friendly and appealing to the business community, and continues to make improvements to the website as needed. Under the Business Advisory Council, she has assisted with a number of activities and projects including video testimonials from students, implementing online submission forms and communication efforts with the schools to promote BAC initiatives. Since October 2013, Jessica has served as the Safety Council Manager for the Ottawa County Safety Council. She recently took on the new Ottawa County RISE Program and works with Ottawa County small businesses to help support their needs. Jessica is a graduate of Owens Community College with a Degree of Applied 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 Put-in-Bay. She is an Ottawa County native and resides in Woodville with her husband, Brandon.

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)

Monica Metcalf was hired as the Employment Resources Assistant for OhioMeansJobs Ottawa County in December 2020. In 2009, Monica started working at Country Hair Creations as a receptionist working in the office one day a week. Then in 2011 when her youngest child started school, she went to work part-time. Over the years she moved up from simply making reservations to Salon Manager and handling every day to day aspect of running the salon. As a Salon Manager, Monica understands the aspects of running a business – scheduling appointments, advertising her stylists skills, taking inventory, and keeping everything clean. Prior to working at Country Hair Creations, Monica was a stay-at-home mom as she wanted to focus on raising her 3 young children. She has perfected her customer service skills as well as her ability to create a comfortable environment for clients. She conducts job searches to assist job seekers, posts and updates job postings provided by employers and recently began designing promotional flyers for employers.

During her personal time, Monica likes to crochet gifts for her family, as well as donating her gifts to charities. She enjoys creating scrapbooks of her family, day trips throughout Ohio and neighboring states. Monica also leads a bi-weekly bible study and attends a monthly book club. She is an Ottawa County native and resides in Genoa with her husband, Calvin and their children.

1: Favorite Place to Visit: Gatlinburg Tennessee (something about the mountain air makes me feel at peace)

2: Hidden Talent: Not sure it’s hidden, but I would say my crochet skills are my greatest talent (beyond making friends easily!)

3: First Job: Drown’s Dairy in Oak Harbor

Ashley Spangler was hired as the Manager of Career Exploration and Development for OhioMeansJobs Ottawa County in December 2021. Ashley grew up with a love for the water so she followed in her sister’s footsteps and started working at the Jet Express.  As an opportunist, Ashley took it one step farther and became a Captain.  After graduation, Ashley taught at Sandusky St. Mary Central Catholic for several years and did much work in the non-profit world.  She decided to explore more avenues and became the Regional Sales Manager of Automation Components for Ohio and Pennsylvania. Working in this field for a number of years, she excelled in sales through the robotics division and became a Robotics Specialist, but due to COVID-19, the robotics division closed. Ashley has a passion to help people understand all of the career opportunities available and to help support them in obtaining those careers. She focuses on supporting the employment needs of job seekers, along with high school youth in need of career assistance and training opportunities. Ashley is a graduate of Ashland University with a Degree in Education. While she majored in education, Ashley was always more impressed with opportunities and career paths.  

During her personal time, Ashley loves spending time with her family, coaching sports, and vacationing. Her and her family try to spend as much time as they can on Lake Erie. She resides in Oak Harbor with her husband, Tim and their children.

1: Favorite Dessert: Any Pie à la Mode

2: First Job: Frank’s Ice Cream as a Sundae Artist

3: Favorite Place to Visit: The Bahamas

Janet Quaintance was hired as an Employment Resources Associate for OhioMeansJobs Ottawa County in November 2021. Janet began her career as a Pizza Hut Manager in Tiffin. After 7 years of slinging pizzas, she made a career change and was hired as a case manager at the Sandusky County Department of Job and Family Services in 1990 where she provided eligibility for cash, SNAP and Medicaid. She was appointed to the role of Social Services Supervisor in the JOBS (Job Opportunity and Basic Skills) unit where she oversaw the placement of welfare recipients in various worksites throughout the county. In 2000, she was hired as the Emergency Services Assistant Director at Great Lakes Community Action Partnership (GLCAP), which provided utility assistance to residents, also known as HEAP and E-HEAP. After a restructuring within GLCAP, Janet assumed a new role as the Youth Services Coordinator where she oversaw the Workforce Innovation & Opportunity Act (WIOA) youth programs in a multi-county area. Afterwards, Janet returned to the Sandusky County Department of Job and Family Services as the Workforce Development Administrator. In this position she oversaw several contracts, including the OhioMeansJobs center and child care program, and administered the WIOA program for adults and dislocated workers, which provided funding for training to eligible individuals who are in need of training services.

In April 2020, Janet decided to retire. She planned to do some traveling with her husband of 30 years, but COVID-19 had other ideas. She learned cardio drumming during, which she now leads in Fremont. She resides in Clyde with her husband, Jim, her cat, Shadow and her dogs, Henley and Max.

1: Random Fact: Years ago, I was hit by a truck (broke both bones in my wrist) on State Street in Fremont on Friday the 13th

2: Favorite Place to Visit: Fort Myers Beach, FL

3: First Job: LK Restaurant as a Waitress

Michelle was hired as the Employment Resources Associate for OhioMeansJobs Ottawa County in March 2022. Michelle began her career working at the age of 13 at her local family-owned business as a dishwasher. She continued to work in the business for 25 plus years and moved her way up to Manager. So, her love for Customer Service as well as our local Business Community has been instilled in her from a very young age. She began working at Schaffner Publications (The Beacon) in the Customer Service and Billing Department and after 5 years was promoted to Office Manager for a little over a year and due to unforeseen circumstances she moved on to a new part-time position at Croghan Colonial Bank in Customer Service. At that time, she also took another part-time position at the Port Clinton Chamber of Commerce as the Administrative Assistant and eventually became full-time. She learned many new things about our local business community, from how to start a new business to available grants for local businesses and even event planning including the Annual Easter Egg Hunt and Annual Walleye Festival.

When COVID-19 hit, Michelle started working from home for the well-known company HSN out of St. Petersburg, Florida as an Order Specialist where she really never felt complete and decided she would like to finish out her working career locally helping the people in our community and our local businesses.

During Michelle’s off time, she loves spending time with her family, especially her 7 grandchildren as well as traveling anywhere. She resides in Port Clinton as well as her nearby family.

1: Favorite Dessert: Lemon Meringue Pie

2: Favorite Place to Visit: Las Vegas!!

3: Random Fact: Broke my arm at the age of 10 swinging off a vine on the side of a mountain