A look at the men and women poised to shape our region in 2017 and beyond

The 2017 Smart Business Who to Watch represents an exciting, talented group of people who are strong leaders with an ability to set goals, develop plans and get things done. Some of the names you’ve heard while others may not be as familiar. But rest assured that each person is poised to make a difference and build something that has the potential to make Northeast Ohio a better place to live and work.

As we thought about the men and women most likely to influence what happens in Northeast Ohio in 2017, we considered a few factors: Does this person have a platform to make things happen? Is there a pattern of accomplishment that suggests this individual is positioned to have an even bigger impact in 2017? Is this impact likely to stretch beyond this person’s organization and possibly affect positive change for the entire region?

As you read through the profiles, think about the goals you’ve set for yourself and your business in the year ahead. While 2016 was one of the best ever for Northeast Ohio, the calendar has flipped and a new year has begun. What will you do to make 2017 the best year ever?

Gloria Ware
principal, inclusion
JumpStart Inc.

Ware has a long track record of building pathways to entrepreneurial success. Prior to joining JumpStart, she was vice president of public funds at FifthThird Bank where she participated in the sourcing, execution and maintenance of more than $100 million in debt underwriting and interest rate hedging transactions to help both public sector and nonprofit entities achieve their missions. Last fall, she was invited to the White House to participate in a panel discussion on inclusive entrepreneurship.

Read the full story at Smart Business.