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. Dr. Karp 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. Before joining MAGNET in 2013, he worked with Fortune 500 companies at McKinsey & Co. Dr. Karp received undergraduate degrees in biochemistry and physics from Miami University and a Ph.D. in Chemical Biology from Harvard University. He currently resides in Cleveland with his wife and three daughters.
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. 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.
Leah Epstein oversees the development and marketing and communications efforts at MAGNET. where she specializes in bringing fundraising, community engagement, and communications together for maximum impact. Leah previously served as the development and campaign communications lead at University Hospitals, and has worked for the Jewish Federation of Cleveland and the Jewish Community Relations Council of Greater Washington, DC. Leah holds a bachelor’s from Emory University and a master’s in public administration from Cleveland State University, and volunteers as Vice President of Gross Schechter Day School and a mentor through College Now. In her spare time, Leah can be found cooking, hiking, and reading a good fiction novel.
Michael O’Donnell has 30 years of experience in engineering and manufacturing consulting, with most of that time spent at MAGNET. A Master Six Sigma Black Belt and licensed Professional Engineer, Michael orchestrates new consulting methods, training simulations, and workshops for various businesses. Michael holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Michigan and an MBA from the University of Richmond.
Autumn Russell joined MAGNET in 2018 to continue her work providing professional opportunities and resources to students. Before arriving at MAGNET, Autumn coordinated student development programs at local schools and managed education reform strategies at the Ohio Department of Education. She now positively impacts the community by nurturing the regional manufacturing workforce amidst a team of like-minded individuals. Advocating for the same types of underserved communities she came from is Autumn’s ongoing mission. Past awards for her work include Crain’s 40 Under 40 and Crain’s Notable Women in STEM.
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.
Matt Fieldman is currently Executive Director of America Works, a nationwide initiative to coordinate the American manufacturing industry's training efforts, generating a more capable, skilled, and diverse workforce. Based at MAGNET, Matt works across the nation's Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) system to increase collaboration, efficiency, and impact of local and regional workforce development efforts. Previously, Matt served as Vice President for External Affairs at MAGNET. 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 a Civil Society Fellow at the Aspen Institute. He is also the founding Board President of EDWINS Restaurant and Leadership Institute, and founder of Cleveland Codes. An avid sports fan, Matt is free for a rousing ultimate frisbee match anytime.
Katie Mayer interned at MAGNET while a student at Cleveland State University, returning full-time after graduation to continue helping foster our positive impact on Northeast Ohio’s manufacturing and entrepreneurial communities. As the 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.
Debbi Perkul co-leads our Workforce Partnerships sector, partnering with county employers, development organizations, and training institutions in fostering productive manufacturing careers. Debbi applies her past work in mentoring job-seeking adults to help employers today refine their workforce development strategies. Her programs have received numerous awards, including a Crain’s Archer Award for Innovation and TeamNEO Plus Award for Workforce Development. In her spare time, Debbi enjoys traveling, bike-riding, and writing books and blogs.
Janelle Lee has a long career in economic and community development, revitalizing urban neighborhoods in Cincinnati and developing economic programming in Stark County. Janelle continues that crucial work at MAGNET, where she engages with companies to strategize new growth opportunities. Janelle recently chaired the 2020 Go Red For Women Campaign for the American Heart Association. On the education side, she 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 the 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
A 30-year industry veteran, Joe Work is responsible for facility management, procurement, and IT at MAGNET. Joe came to MAGNET in 2017, since then developing applications for the organization in advanced manufacturing technologies. Joe is always up for a challenge, particularly when applying technical solutions to common (and uncommon) problems. 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 product development and quality systems, fostering ongoing improvements, and lean transformations in various manufacturing capacities. He is a Six Sigma black belt, holding a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Cleveland State University and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University’s Weatherhead School of Management. Bass is an enthusiastic traveler who considers raising two student-athletes his proudest accomplishment when not helping companies improve their bottom line.
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.
Brandi Baker, Manager of Program Execution
Anthony Bearden, Intern - Engineering
Anthony Bearden is interning at MAGNET while attending Cleveland State University as an accelerated master’s student. When not completing research projects in the classroom, Anthony is solving complicated new problems as our engineering intern. For Anthony, there is always a puzzle to solve, and he’s thrilled to take on the new challenges presented by our ongoing work.
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
Kristin Benyon started at MAGNET in 2018 as a Business Development Associate before her promotion to Senior Client Advocate in 2020. A Kent State University graduate with a major in fashion merchandising, Kristin previously worked at Joann Fabrics as a buyer purchasing from domestic and import manufacturing companies. Today, she is thankful to be part of a hard-working team assisting in the economic growth of regional manufacturers.
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.
Matthew Cook, Senior Operations Expert
Jamey Dixon, Salesforce 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.
Gwido Dlugopolsky, Senior Lean Consultant
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, Academic Coordinator - Early College, Early Career
Erika Springer has been with MAGNET since 2019, arriving as education coordinator for our Early College, Early Career (ECEC) program. In fostering student mentorship and professional development, Erika is happiest when seeing participants graduate from high school and follow their career manufacturing dreams. Erika graduated from Central State University with a bachelor’s of science in business administration, concentrating in management information systems. She’s also a trivia buff who enjoys pop culture.
Scott Gray, Shop Manager
As Shop Manager, Scott Gray runs an on-site machine shop that supports our engineering department’s exciting technological endeavors. Scott also oversees our IIoT and Meteorology labs, with engineering prototyping standing as a particular pleasure. Alongside raising his daughter, improving the quality of life for humanity is Scott’s proudest accomplishment.
Michael Keller, Senior Product Development Engineer
Michael Keller works with entrepreneurs on product launches, reflecting an ongoing dedication in making Northeast Ohio an ideal place to work and live. Michael’s devotion to the region extends to bringing local manufacturers together in producing pandemic-fighting PPE. A fourteen-year MAGNET veteran, Michael harnessed his engineering skills to build an interactive house to communicate with the family dog.
Aneta Khoury, Internship Specialist
As an internship specialist at MAGNET, Aneta Khoury understands how our relationship with manufacturers directly contributes to higher living standards for the region’s younger population. Through her work, Aneta is also proud to support the Ohio Manufacturing Partnership (MEP) program supporting small- and medium-sized manufacturers nationwide. Aneta graduated from Cleveland State University and counts herself a dedicated world traveler.
Christopher Mazziotto, Startup Advisor
Christopher Mazziotto helps entrepreneurs build strong business models and generate revenue. In addition to his extensive work with startups, Christopher also has experience as a senior analyst in business development at a large multinational manufacturing corporation where he contributed to numerous M&A transactions. He holds a degree in economics from Central Connecticut State University. Christopher loves every moment with his family and is passionate about environmental sustainability and minimalism.
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.
Tom McGraw, Manager of Program Execution
Tom McGraw joined MAGNET in 2021 to expand and enhance the work of the Manufacturing Sector Partnership for Cuyahoga County. He puts his passion for relationship building and problem solving to work for the needs of both manufacturers and job seekers. Previously, Tom managed programs for several different area nonprofit organizations, and achieved a master’s in public administration from Cleveland State University. When he’s not at work, he enjoys spending time outdoors walking, biking, golfing, or catching a game at Progressive Field.
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, Your Mentor - Early College, Early Career
As a Youth Mentor in 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 overseas, where he worked among young leaders in the African nation of Zambia.
Dave Pierson, Product Development 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.
Josh Podesly, Intern - IT Support
Alec Simon, Director of Startup Services
Alec Simon loves seeing startups reach their goals, an achievement he witnesses daily as our Director of Startup Services. Before joining MAGNET in 2018, Alec graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in operations management and logistics, receiving his MBA from Case Western Reserve University soon after. When not helping eager entrepreneurs, Alec spends time with family and agonizing over Cleveland sports. In 2019, he met his own ambition of completing the Cleveland Marathon.
Dave Sluka, Marketing, Sales, and Strategy - Growth Advisor
Dave Sluka brings 30+ years of practical experience to helping companies grow their top and bottom lines, ranging from medical device manufacturers to software developers to outsource agencies. This includes successfully leading start-up efforts for three different organizations and running his own consulting business. Dave attended Kent State University where he majored in Communications and then graduated from Broadcasting School which led to a career as a radio DJ in the Canton, Ohio market. He recently served his local community of Mantua as Council President and Chairman of the Safety and Finance Committees. Dave is a die-hard Browns fan who has passed that on to his six adult children and two grandchildren.
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.
Isaac Stasko, Design and Operational Excellence Engineer
Isaac Stasko works as a design and operational excellence engineer and loves that there are always new projects and new challenges. Isaac started with MAGNET as an intern while studying at Cleveland State University where he earned a bachelor of science in mechanical engineering. In his spare time, Isaac can be found modifying and racing cars and motorcycles on tracks across the country.
Valen Willis, Recruitment Manager - Early College, Early Career
Valen Willis thrives on empowering youth with knowledge, resources and options for a better life. Guiding student success is a joy for Valen, whose past leadership earned her recognition from the Cleveland Leadership Center and a “40 Under 40” nomination in Kaleidoscope Magazine. Faith, family and cooking are Valen’s passions when she’s not advocating for those in need.
Tracy Wolff, Procurement & Contract Specialist
Tracy Wolff’s work as procurement and administration manager challenges her to cost-effectively source manufacturing products alongside fellow staff. Outside the office, Tracy’s greatest joy is raising four girls and doting on her four granddaughters. She is also an active volunteer with organizations for domestic violence and breast cancer awareness as well as Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).
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.
