In this episode of the Conversations podcast, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, the president and chief executive officer of Blanchard Valley Health System in Findlay. Blending clinical expertise with strategic and operational leadership, he has served in many leadership capacities and provided direct patient care as a social worker and counselor. Lewis specializes in organizational planning, leadership development, innovation and process transformation. Passionate about healthcare and the community, he is driven by collaboration, transparency and the convention that quality care starts with a commitment to the organization’s associates.

Myron’s journey began at Michigan State University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in industrial and organizational psychology. He went on to earn his Master of Science degree in clinical social work from Western Michigan University and later a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

With 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Lewis began his current role at Blanchard Valley Health System in January 2021. His previous positions include serving as president of Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital, Network Executive Leader of the Community Health Network in Indianapolis and roles at Indiana University Health Saxony Hospital and McLaren Northern Michigan Regional Hospital.

Lewis is active in the community, serving as a board member of Findlay Hancock County Economic Development and the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio, as well as a member of the Findlay Rotary Club and a committee member of the Ohio Hospital Association.

In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Sandy Spang, Executive Director of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG). Spang plays a crucial role in steering Northwest Ohio toward a brighter future through her commitment to economic development, community empowerment, and regional planning. A graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Sandy has blended her business insight with her passion for economic and community development.

With more than 19 years of experience in the economic workforce, Sandy took her current leadership position at TMACOG in May 2023. Her tenure is distinguished by her innovative approach to bridging gaps in community needs, fostering opportunities for economic growth, and strengthening the community fabric of Northwest Ohio.

Before taking the helm at TMACOG, Sandy had a diverse career that included significant contributions to the City of Toledo, both as the Deputy Director of Economic Development and as an elected member of the Toledo City Council. During this time, she spearheaded the development of the Permit Planner, a tool simplifying the permitting process for businesses and residents alike, and played a pivotal role in the Forward Cities E3 program, enhancing the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In addition to her public service, Sandy is a successful business owner, having launched Plate 21, a coffee shop that has remained a beloved community staple since 2009. Her business acumen and firsthand experience in entrepreneurship further inform her approach to economic development.

Sandy Spang's leadership at TMACOG is a testament to her dedication to not only enhancing economic opportunities but also enriching the lives of the community members she serves. Her strategic vision, rooted in collaboration and innovation, continues to move Northwest Ohio toward sustainable growth and prosperity.

Listeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey!

In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Dan Sheaffer, director of Findlay Hancock County Economic Development. Sheaffer has a pivotal role in shaping Northwest Ohio’s future by attracting new investments, supporting business expansion and fostering a vibrant economic landscape. A multi-generational native of Findlay, Dan graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University.

With more than a decade at Findlay Hancock County Economic Development, Dan was promoted to his current role in November 2022. His tenure in economic development is marked by a keen focus on managing and implementing strategic projects that promote sustainable growth and prosperity in the region.

Before dedicating his career to economic development, Dan was deeply involved in the business sector. As the general manager of Garden-Aire LLC, he led efforts in consumer product innovation, development and distribution, focusing on enhancing environmental and home and garden experiences. Prior to this, he served as the general manager of Tax & Financial Strategies Inc. for over 15 years, where he specialized in client investment policy and asset management as a Registered Investment Advisor in Northwest Ohio.

Throughout his career, Sheaffer has demonstrated a commitment to fostering economic development, innovation and strategic growth. His leadership at Findlay Hancock County Economic Development is a testament to his dedication to enhancing the economic well-being and quality of life for the residents and businesses of Findlay and Hancock County, Ohio.