Lake to River has only existed for about a year and a half, but it's already playing a major role in how millions of dollars in economic development are being spent across the Valley.
Now, the organization is quietly searching for a new CEO, without informing some of the very public officials who’ve helped fund its work.
Lake to River is a private nonprofit, but it partners with local governments, receives state liquor profits that would otherwise support the public budget, and is a designated JobsOhio regional network partner.
Trumbull County Commissioner Rick Hernandez said he had no idea the organization was hiring a new CEO until contacted by 21 News.
"I do believe that with the monies that have been delegated, the millions of dollars [from a variety of entities that fund Lake to River] that have been delegated to Lake to River, that they should come to the table with the commissioners," Hernandez said, "So that we do have some sort of an initiative and a say in the process."
At least three other local commissioners said they also did not know about the CEO hiring.
Commissioners said they do trust Lake to River’s board, but emphasized the importance of transparency and public accountability.
Mahoning County Commissioner Carol Rimedio-Righetti said she was also unaware of the CEO search and believes commissioners need more information about what the organization is looking for before they can weigh in.
Commissioner Anthony Traficanti added that he would like to know what the process looks like and whether commissioners will be involved in the decision.
Trumbull County Commissioners Tony Bernard and Denny Malloy both expressed support for a transparent process.
Bernard believes stakeholders should be part of the conversation, while Malloy said he trusts Lake to River’s leadership and hopes they choose someone with experience in the Valley who shares regional values.
State Rep. Tex Fischer said he has faith in the organization, but said he welcomes a process that involves stakeholders and commissioners.
"We want our entities, regardless of how they're structured, to be transparent and accountable and accessible," Fischer said, "I think we'd all be very happy to be brought up to speed on what’s going on. But at the end of the day, I have faith they’re going to make a good decision."
In 2023, JobsOhio invested millions in a project at the West Warren Industrial Park, went to a development co-owned by Lake to River Board Chair Charles George.
JobsOhio and Lake to River insist George recused himself from that decision, but there is no public way to track that.
21 News reached out to Lake to River representatives and Board Chair Charles George for comment.
A spokesperson said the organization will address questions on the CEO search this week.
