YOUNGSTOWN - Lake to River Economic Development Group has named Dani Robbins as its new Chief Executive Officer, effective December 1.

With this announcement, Robbins has become the first permanent CEO in Lake to River's history, bringing more than two decades of non-profit and civic executive experience to the role.

Robbins will be filling the shoes of Alexa Sweeney-Blackann, who led the organization through its startup phase as interim CEO. Sweeney-Blackann intends to stay in a temporary part-time capacity to aid in Robbins' transition.

Robbins, a New York native, began her career in Ashtabula County, returning after serving in senior leadership positions in Washington, D.C., and across Ohio. She most recently led the educational strategy at BoardSource, a national non-profit focused on board governance.

She had also previously served as Director of the Nonprofit Administration graduate programs at John Carroll University, as well as a small business owner. She had also served as Chief Executive of domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers, as well as Boys & Girls Clubs.

Sweeney-Blackann is quoted in a press release saying this experience will serve Robbins well in her new position.

"She has spent her career helping organizations thrive and is well-equipped to take Lake to River to the next level," Sweeney-Blackann said.

Meanwhile, Robbins is also quoted in the release saying she looks forward to working with the Lake to River team to build on what it has already done for the Mahoning Valley since its inception last year.

"Lake to River has already accomplished in less than two years what takes many organizations a decade - building trust, securing investment, and defining a clear regional identity," Robbins said.