Two people from the Mahoning Valley have been selected into the 2026 Leadership Ohio Fellow Class.

Leadership Ohio is a nonpartisan organization, providing a statewide leadership development program that cultivates leaders' knowledge, perspective and connections from a community to a statewide level.

"The program aims to cultivate a network of leaders capable of driving Ohio toward a more prosperous future long after their fellowship concludes," a release states.

Honorees selected will participate in monthly sessions across the state of Ohio with policymakers, industry leaders and community organizations. At these sessions, topics like workforce retention, national security, the judicial system and childcare accessibility will be discussed.

Two individuals from the Youngstown area have been nominated and chosen to be a part of the 2026 Class, according to the release.

  • Dan Flanagan, Director of National Channel Sales at Group Management Services, Co-Founder and President of the Brain Enrichment Initiative
  • Juan Santiago, Vice President and Community Development Officer of Farmers National Bank, FAIR Plan Underwriting Association member 

Flanagan and Santiago were two of 35 individuals accepted into the 2026 class.

CEO of Leadership Ohio Kevin Smith said this year's class brings extensive professionalism and leadership that will create a positive impact not just across the state but across the country.

"This cohort represents some of the most dedicated and talented professionals in our state," said Smith. "As the need for effective leadership continues to grow, we are honored to welcome this cohort of talented, geographically and professionally diverse leaders into our fellowship program."

To learn more about Leadership Ohio, you can visit its website.