Team
top of page
Green leaf logo

Digital Business Card Library

Carlos Mendez

Carlos Mendez

MCRC Program Manager

As the MCRC Program Manager, I administer the Microenterprise and Capacity Building program that is MCRC, coordinating educational workshops and providing technical assistance to contractors to promote local economic development

Steve Fireman

Steve Fireman

President and General Counsel

I steer ECDI’s business strategies, provide legal oversight for the organization, and lead our efforts to continually increase support to entrepreneurs. I also devote time to provide direct client support.

Louisa Dallett

Louisa Dallett

Director of Development

I work with the Development team to build and implement ECDI's fundraising strategies. I put together grant proposals and assist in the management of ECDI's awarded grants.

Catherine Lentz

Catherine Lentz

Cincinnati Lending Manager

I help entrepreneurs and small business owners navigate resources available for their startup and lending needs.

Bethany Harp

Bethany Harp

Development Coordinator

My day-to-day activities include researching and writing funding proposals, analyzing data, and conducting market research for all ECDI markets. I ensure that grant applications are completed and submitted successfully.

Julie Becker

Julie Becker

Food Business Specialist

Providing information and advice to people in the Food Industry.

Staci Williams

Staci Williams

Relationship Manager

Counsel and support small business owners and entrepreneurs seeking funding for small business projects.

Jacob Freisthler

Jacob Freisthler

Food Incubator Manager

Oversees Food Fort membership and provides guidance to businesses in the food and beverage sector.

Rachel Flocken

Rachel Flocken

HR Generalist

As HR Generalist at ECDI, I work as part of the HR team building and managing structures and processes to support our employees. My main focuses have been improving and creating a more DEI-focused recruitment process and the creation of a robust onboarding program. In addition to program building, I manage day-to-day tasks of the HR function including answering employee questions, employee relations and coaching, benefits enrollment, and doing miscellaneous reporting.

Samantha Avendaño

Samantha Avendaño

Marketing & Communications Manager

Manage Marketing Projects, and emails

Amee BellWanzo

Amee BellWanzo

Vice President of Marketing and Business Incubation and Innovation Center (BIIC)

Provide strategic direction for marketing, communications, and BIIC.

Brian Barrett

Brian Barrett

Director, FP&A

Financial Planning, Treasury, Loan Processing, Data Analytics

Alanna Sudberry

Alanna Sudberry

Program Manager

As the WBC Program Manager of Northern Ohio, I administer and coordinate educational workshops and training sessions within the Northern Ohio Market.

Sean Henderson

Sean Henderson

Manager of Loan Processing and Compliance

Manage a team of loan processors to ensure timely processing and remaining compliant

Leah Klosterman

Leah Klosterman

Marketing Specialist

I manage ECDI’s digital assets and communication channels including websites, blogs, social media accounts, email, and content

bottom of page