Chris Singerling was hired as the 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 Business & Workforce Development Manager 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 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 marketing 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 site selectors, as well as to the business community. She has also assisted with business attraction efforts, workforce development activities, and employment services. Under the Business Advisory Council, she has created testimonial video footage of high school students who previously participated in the Career Engagement Opportunity (CEO) Internship Program. 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. Jessica is a graduate of Owens Community College with an Associate Degree of Applied Business. Jessica currently sits on the Oak Harbor Area Chamber of Commerce board.

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