The Appalachian Partnership, Inc. (API), parent organization of OhioSE, today announced Dr. Glenda Bumgarner as its new President and CEO. Bumgarner currently serves as JobsOhio’s Senior Director of Engagement and joins the API team effective Aug. 31. She replaces John Molinaro, who is retiring and has served as API’s president and CEO since 2012. A formal search for Molinaro’s replacement, led by HRS Executive Search Consultants, has been underway for several months; Bumgarner was the early and clear choice.
API Board Chair MarJean Kennedy shared that “Glenda’s energy, experiences, and commitment to advance the businesses of Appalachia presented the Board with a strong candidate capable of increasing the prosperity of API’s 32-county region.”
“JobsOhio has a strong team and outstanding talent, which is attractive to economic development organizations both within Ohio and out of state,” said Sheila Aekins, JobsOhio managing director for human resources. “We are fortunate Glenda has chosen to work at API, a great Ohio economic development organization we work with closely to attract jobs and investment to the Appalachian counties within the state.”
At JobsOhio, Bumgarner launched the first statewide engagement team to reach thousands of stakeholders and partners. Prior to joining JobsOhio, she served 10-years in the public sector as the Deputy Director of Jobs & Commerce at the ODOT, and as the Governor’s Workforce Policy Board executive director. Glenda also worked in the private sector to lead Columbia Gas of Ohio’s legislative and economic development teams, at IBM Corporation, and the Springfield-Clark County Chamber of Commerce and Community Improvement Corporation.
“The API Board members and Chair Kennedy are passionate and dedicated to improving the economic opportunities for businesses and citizens in the region, and I am honored to execute their vision,” said Bumgarner. “The JobsOhio team and President Nauseef will continue to be my indispensable partners, and I am thankful for their continued support in my new role.”
At API, Bumgarner will partner closely with economic development organizations throughout the region to attract jobs growth and investment. In addition, her knowledge of development needs in Appalachian counties will mesh well with JobsOhio’s diversity and inclusion program.
View original press release here.
