For more than 30 years, MAGNET has been providing Northeast Ohio manufacturers with the guidance they need to achieve long-term success. Our team of highly-qualified consultants and industry experts are committed to turning your idea into real business success. Together, we work as a team to grow manufacturing and create prosperity in Northeast Ohio.
Dr. Ethan Karp is an expert in transforming companies and communities. As President and CEO of MAGNET, he has helped hundreds of manufacturing companies grow through technology, innovation, and talent. He is passionate about driving economic prosperity in Northeast Ohio. He’s a committed change-maker and community builder. He serves as Board Chair of Cleveland/Cuyahoga County Workforce Development and as a Director on the boards of the following organizations: American Small Manufacturers Coalition, Cleveland Leadership Center, MidTown Cleveland, Inc., Cleveland Jewish Publication Company, and the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland. Dr. Karp is a recognized thought leader and a frequent national media commentator on the future of manufacturing in America, including a regular column in Forbes. Prior to joining MAGNET in 2013, Dr. Karp worked with Fortune 500 companies at McKinsey & Co. He received undergraduate degrees in biochemistry and physics from Miami University and a Ph.D. in Chemical Biology from Harvard University. Dr. Karp lives in Cleveland with his wife and three young girls.
Autumn Russell has spent the last 15 years developing strategies and programs that provide professional development opportunities and resources to students. Prior to joining MAGNET, she managed education reform strategies at the Ohio Department of Education, developed student programs in the local school district, and coordinated student development programs at local colleges. As the Executive Director of MAGNET’s Early College, Early Career (ECEC) program, Autumn facilitates collaboration between manufacturers, local school districts, and community colleges to grow the manufacturing workforce and create career pathways for Northeast Ohio high school students. Autumn holds a bachelor’s of science in organizational development, master’s in education administration and programming and a certification in career pathways leadership.
Michael O’Donnell has more than 30 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing consulting. Since joining MAGNET in 2000, he has helped companies with lean, operations, and product development challenges. O’Donnell has also played an instrumental role in developing new consulting methods, training simulations, and workshops for use in a variety of businesses, and he continues to champion continuous improvement and total quality programs across Northeast Ohio. O’Donnell holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan as well as an MBA from the University of Richmond.
Debbi spent eight and a half years at University Hospitals in Cleveland, Ohio where she developed, designed and implemented a system-wide workforce development strategy. She is now using her experience to help other employers design and refine their workforce development strategies. Debbi entered the field of workforce development as the executive director of a nonprofit organization that advocated for and prepared women for non-traditional careers, such as in manufacturing and construction.
Debbi and her programs have received many awards, including an Archer Award for Innovation and TeamNEO Plus Award for Workforce Development. She holds a master’s degree in education and is an alumnus of Leadership Cleveland. In her spare time, Debbi enjoys traveling with her husband, riding her bike, and writing books and blogs.
Since 2015, Matt Fieldman has served as Vice President for External Affairs at MAGNET, leveraging skills learned over a career in the private sector and nonprofit industry. Matt is enthusiastic about growing the region’s manufacturing job market for people seeking lucrative, lifelong careers. In his personal time, Matt mentors other nonprofit professionals, and is currently an ADL/Aspen Institute Society Fellow. He is also the founding Board President of EDWINS Restaurant and Leadership Institute, and founder of Cleveland Codes, one of the nation’s first nonprofit software bootcamps. An avid sports fan, Matt is free for a rousing ultimate frisbee match anytime.
As the VP of MAGNET’s Startup Services division – the Iterator –Brandon Cornuke leads the company’s efforts to help innovators turn manufactured product ideas into growing businesses. He specializes in strategy development, business model design, and lean innovation. Brandon also leads MAGNET’s internal marketing efforts. Prior to joining MAGNET, his professional path included starting a successful consumer products company, building a corporate innovation group at American Greetings, leading a half-billion dollar consumer electronics business at Target Corp, and consulting with Hitachi’s global IT strategy group. Brandon has an MBA from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management and is also an Adjunct Professor of Design and Innovation at Case Western’s Weatherhead School of Management.
Katie Mayer interned at MAGNET while a student at Cleveland State University, returning full-time after graduation to continue help foster our positive impact on Northeast Ohio’s manufacturing and entrepreneurial communities. As controller, Katie spearheads MAGNET’s finance department. When not tabulating available funding for the region’s manufacturing future, she is pursuing her master’s in business administration from CSU. Katie is also an avid baker and devoted fan of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
Turning problems into opportunities has been Mike Pintz’s mission in his 30 years at MAGNET. During the early months of the coronavirus pandemic, Mike helped orchestrate the rapid development and deployment of critical PPE for first-line responders. A graduate of Cleveland State University, Mike is the inventor or co-inventor of over 15 U.S. patents. When not immersed in a challenging project, he enjoys riding a tandem bike with his wife.
Adam Snyder joined MAGNET early in 2019 to lead the Manufacturing Sector Partnership for Cuyahoga County. Adam came to the team from his role as President of Artwall, a local manufacturer of art for major ecommerce retailers. Since graduating from Case with a BSME in 2002 and an MEM degree in 2003, Adam has also run a large plastics manufacturing site, a regional consulting firm, and a marketing firm/contact center in prior roles. Adam is on a number of boards at Case, multiple privately held manufacturing companies in Northeast Ohio, and ACCESS – a homeless shelter for women and children in Akron, Ohio.
Michael O’Donnell has more than 30 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing consulting. Since joining MAGNET in 2000, he has helped companies with lean, operations, and product development challenges. Michael has also played an instrumental role in developing new consulting methods, training simulations, and workshops for use in a variety of businesses, and he continues to champion continuous improvement and total quality programs across Northeast Ohio. Michael holds a Bachelors of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan as well as an MBA from the University of Richmond.
Specialties: Six Sigma master black belt, licensed professional engineer, continuous improvement, total quality, employee engagement, talent pipeline, lean manufacturing
Janelle comes to MAGNET with over 25 years of professional working experience in for-profit organizations and higher education and has spent the last 15 years as an economic developer working for economic and community development organizations in the greater Cincinnati region. Janelle was part of a team that revitalized five urban neighborhoods surrounding three of the largest employers in Uptown Cincinnati. Janelle’s role was to develop key strategies to increase broad cohesion, partnerships and trust within the community. Today, Uptown Cincinnati is the second largest employment center in the greater Cincinnati region with vibrant live, play, shop and work opportunities. Also, while in Cincinnati, developed strategies for recruiting international companies within several industry clusters to the greater Cincinnati region.
Since her move to Stark County, she joined the Strengthening Stark project, developing, executing and promoting the Strengthening Stark Economic Competitiveness Plan by conducting research, convening partners, facilitating meetings and identifying potential financial resources. Today, the Strengthening Stark initiative is supported and funded for the next few years which will move Stark County from an older, smaller, poorer community to a younger, larger and more financially stable community.
Janelle is actively involved in many Stark County community organizations and boards and has volunteered and led several campaigns and fundraising efforts. She recently chaired the 2020 Go Red For Women Campaign for the American Heart Association. Janelle received an Associate Degree in Applied Business from the University of Cincinnati and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Union Institute & University.
As Director of Client Engagement, Darlyn McDermott leads efforts to help manufacturers benefit from our services. She also helps build the MAGNET brand in the market place, often serving as the local leader and boots on the ground in the community. Darlyn is active in public speaking, interviews, and meeting with leaders of manufacturers to build relationships and a pipeline for delivering client work. Darlyn brings a strong manufacturing background to add value with new and potential clients. Prior to joining MAGNET, her professional path included division and regional leadership for 6 of the top 10 largest insurance companies as well as risk management manufacturing client work for 2 of the largest brokers in the world. Darlyn has a BA in Psychology and holds a Master’s in Business in Organizational Management. She is a Bryn Mawr Chartered Leadership Fellow and a Green Belt in Six Sigma and is a DBA in Organizational Management.
Reed Stith enjoys a long career in consulting, successfully running a national consulting firm to help manufacturers grow their sales through various distribution channels. As MAGNET’s senior growth advisor, Reed loves finding valuable solutions that boost a client’s company as well as our internal operations.
Professionally, Reed pioneered development of a disruptive industrial distribution store concept that has grown to over 2,000 locations worldwide. On the personal front, he is a married father of three, receiving his bachelor’s degree from Cleveland State University and a master’s of business administration from Case Western Reserve University. In Reed’s younger years, he worked as a taxi driver in Cleveland.
With over 25 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing, Joe
Joe has over 30 years of experience in the manufacturing industry, working as an engineer, manager, and general manager. An engineer by trade, Joe’s specialty lies in automation equipment and machinery. Joe knows processes and systems and has demonstrated the ability to manage projects from early ideation phases, to prototype development, and into full scale production. Joe is also a strong business manager, having been responsible for setting and achieving business objectives, managing a P&L statement, and managing plant floor operations. Joe holds an MBA from Lake Erie College, and a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering from Cleveland State University.
Michael Schilling joined MAGNET in 2019 with a commitment to strengthen Northeast Ohio’s manufacturing economy. Through his work, Michael collaborates with entrepreneurs on growth opportunities blocked by any number of financial or logistical barriers. He is a graduate of The George Washington University, receiving an honorary diploma from the Institute for International Studies and Training in Japan. Michael is also a proud father of a college-aged daughter, Iza, and loves gardening in his spare time.
Bass Khoury arrived at MAGNET in 2018, bringing 20 years of manufacturing experience with prominent Cleveland manufacturers. Bass leads in product development and quality systems, also fostering ongoing improvements and lean transformations in various manufacturing capacities. He is a Six Sigma black belt, holding a Bachelor’s of Mechanical Engineering from Cleveland State University and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management. When not helping companies improve their bottom line, Bass is an enthusiastic traveler who considers raising two student-athletes his proudest accomplishment.
Leesa Arrington
Executive Assistant
Over her career, Leesa Arrington has acted as executive assistant in various industries, arriving at MAGNET in 2016. Leesa prides herself on never missing a deadline, supporting president and CEO Dr. Ethan Karp in running MAGNET at the logistical level. Collaborating with colleagues is a joy outshone only by her son. Leesa also works with area organizations to rescue abused and abandoned animals.
Brittany Becker
Program Manager - Early College Early Career
A three-year member of the MAGNET team, Brittany Becker has been part of the Early College, Early Career program (ECEC) since launch. Brittany spends her days creating pathways for students to succeed, with a larger mission of growing Northeast Ohio's manufacturing ecosystem. Brittany holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies from Cedarville University. When the weather holds up, she can be found reading a favorite book outside.
Kristin Beynon
Business Development Associate - Southern Region
Jennifer Burks
Senior Accountant
Number-crunching comes easy to Jennifer Burks, a senior accountant at MAGNET for the last two years. Jennifer holds a bachelors in accounting from Kean University (New Jersey) and a master's in business administration from Capella University (Minnesota). When not caring for her son, Jennifer enjoys books about the law of attraction and positive thinking.
Brandon Cornuke
Vice President - Startup Services | Vice President - Marketing (bio above)
Jamey Dixon
Sales Force Engineer
Jamey Dixon works diligently "behind the scenes" at MAGNET as a certified Salesforce administrator. Now approaching his second year, Jamey leverages his data and organizational skills to contribute not only to our success, but that of the Ohio MEP program and regional manufacturers as a whole. At home, Jamey's dog takes up most of his time. He also enjoys video games, reading, cooking and completing projects around the house.
Brett Dubsky
Growth & Innovation Advisor (bio above)
Gwido Dlugopolsky
Senior Operations Expert
Gwido Dlugopolsky is a MAGNET veteran with 21 years bolstering Northeast Ohio's manufacturing efficiency and keeping vital jobs where they belong. Among his proudest career accomplishments is managing implementation and equipment design for a facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. A graduate of Cleveland State University, Gwido enjoys making wine and seashell wind chimes in his spare time.
Erika Eppinger
Internship Coach - Early College Early Career
Matt Fieldman
Vice President - External Affairs (bio above)
Scott Gray
Shop Manager
Ethan Karp, Ph.D.
CEO & President (bio above)
Michael Keller
Senior Product Development Engineer
Aneta Khoury
Internship Specialist
Bass Khoury
Director - Operation Excellence Practice (bio above)
Janelle Lee
Director of Client Engagement (bio above)
Katie Mayer
Controller (bio above)
Nick McClellen
Senior Design Engineer
Nick McClellan has nurtured a passion for brainstorming creative ideas from their conception through implementation. Over three years at MAGNET, Nick has harnessed his skills to help solve complicated customer challenges without being bound to a single industry or product line. Nick also holds a mechanical engineering degree from the University of Akron. When not designing and building machines at work, Nick enjoys spending time with his family, repairing cars, and playing the guitar.
Darlyn McDermott
Director of Client Engagement (bio above)
Rebecca Milla
Administrative Associate
Rebecca Milla brings a love of people to her role as administrative associate at MAGNET, joining the team in December 2019. Rebecca is adamant about uncovering a child's bottomless potential, reflecting a helpful attitude she brings to the office every day. Rebecca's past work with kids earned her a Helping Hand Award from the Parma City School District.
Andrea Navratil
Startup Advisor
Andrea Navratil enjoys learning something new, whether it's using a table saw, building a tree house, or assisting startups in their latest growth endeavor. At MAGNET, Andrea strives for "aha" moments with clients when developing a business framework or discovering a new means of designing a product. On the education front, Andrea graduated from the University of Dayton with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing & Finance. She is also a member of the Association of Professional Futurists.
Rahim Nichols
Internship Coach - Early College Early Career
As Internship Couch of our Early College, Early Career program (ECEC), Rahim Nichols is raising awareness about life-changing manufacturing careers aimed at Northeast Ohio's undeserved populations. Rahim joined MAGNET in 2020, bringing with him an enthusiasm for helping individuals with substance abuse, mental health and educational challenges. A Cleveland State Graduate, Rahim loves collaborating with his ECEC team on projects that can transform the fortunes of the region's underrepresented youth. His passion has even taken him oversees, where he worked among young leaders in the African nation of Zambia.
Michael O'Donnell
Vice President - Operations (bio above)
Debbi Perkul
Executive Director - Workforce Partnerships (bio above)
Dave Pierson
Senior Design Engineer
Dave Pierson is eager about innovating, making every day as MAGNET's senior design engineer and additive manufacturing lead an adventure. During his 24 years with the group, Dave has contributed to numbers projects. As an ASE Master Technician and Porsche Premier Technician in additive manufacturing, he is always ready for the next tech-related challenge. Nor is Dave's audaciousness confined to the office. A fan of outdoor sports, Dave once flew up to 16,400 feet in a hang glider.
Michael Pintz
Director - Engineering Services (bio above)
Autumn R. Russell
Executive Director - Early College Early Career (bio above)
Michael Schilling
Director - Strategy, Marketing & Sales Practice (bio above)
Alec Simon
Director of Startup Services
Adam Snyder
Managing Director - Sector Partnership (bio above)
Andrew Somrack
Product Development Engineer
Andrew Somrack joined MAGNET's core engineering team as a product engineer in 2013, lending extensive experience in machine development, product creation, project management and more. At MAGNET, he continues to apply his mechanical know-how into machine assembly, process and configuration. over his 21-year career, Andrew has innovated multiple patents and been published in numerous publications. Working toward project outcomes is his passion, whether building machines or raising turkeys for Thanksgiving.
Reed Stith
Senior Growth Advisor - Strategy, Marketing & Sales (bio above)
Joe Vinciquerra
Growth & Innovation Advisor (bio above)
Valen Willis
Program Manager - Early College Early Career
Tracy Wolff
Procurement & Contract Specialist
Joe Work
Senior Growth & Innovation Advisor (bio above)
Amy Young
Startup Associate
MAGNET is a non-profit consulting group. We grow the manufacturing industry and unlock prosperity in Northeast Ohio. Our practical consulting helps start-ups thrive and small and medium-sized companies transform with technology, innovation, and talent. We create jobs and drive change by collaborating with manufacturing CEOs, governments, community leaders, and educators to solve problems and build opportunities. MAGNET is part of the NIST and Ohio Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) program to support small and medium manufacturers across the US.
