Columbus, OH -- Chief Economic Development Officer Mark Barbash today announced the appointment of Arnold J. Clebone as the Regional Economic Development Director for the Youngstown area. Clebone will be responsible for directing economic development efforts and establishing an agenda for continued growth for Ashtabula, Trumbull and Mahoning Counties. He will act as a liaison between the Ohio Department of Development and state government and local business leaders, elected officials and economic development groups to meet the challenges of the area’s communities.
"Arnold brings to the State a wealth of experience in business and economic development, as well as a proven record of achievement in Northeast Ohio," said Barbash. "Arnold will be a wonderful asset to the Department of Development as we work in collaboration with communities and businesses to position the region for future growth."
Prior to joining ODOD, Clebone was President and Sole Proprietor of Mid American Resource Company, a consulting firm that prepares business plans, financial projections and loan and grant applications for clients. Clebone was previously President and Chief Executive Officer of Mid American Resource Corporation (MARC), a for profit venture capital company that he formed at the request of local business leaders. The objective of MARC was to earn a profit for stockholders and contribute to the growth of the Youngstown/Warren Metropolitan Area through equity investments in area businesses.
Clebone previously served the Ohio Department of Development working in a number of positions where he assisted with the administration of an Appalachian Regional Commission housing assistance program and programs promoting cooperation among local governments and communities engaging in comprehensive planning. He also served as Assistant Deputy Director responsible for the Economic Development Financing Division within the Ohio Department of Development. Clebone has been actively involved with Kent State University under its Small Business Development Assistance Program to council businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs in solving problems, formulating plans and seeking financing; and the Way Station, a Columbiana County based non-profit that acquired funding from the Ohio Housing Finance Agency to develop affordable single family homes.
Clebone holds a bachelor's degree in Economics and a master's degree in City Planning from the Ohio State University.
Clebone will begin his duties on April 30.
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Media contacts: Melissa Ament at (614) 466-6619 or Kimber Perfect at (614) 466-2609
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