Crawford Partnership announces reorganization

BUCYRUS — Crawford Partnership announced President and CEO David Zak is leaving the organization to join Ohio Economic Development Association (OEDA) in the same capacity. Zak's last day will be Friday. Zak served for eight years as president and CEO of Tiffin-Seneca Economic Partnership before resigning in April 2022. "Although we are sorry to see David go, we are happy for him and his family and wish him the best in his new role at the state level,"Cindy Wood, president of the Crawford Partnership Board of Directors, said in a release. "We are also thrilled to announce two wonderful transitions to carry on the work of the Crawford 2030 Vision." Sarah Herrle has been promoted to Economic Development director and will become interim executive director. Additionally, Ashlea Shaw, currently the community impact manager at the Richland County United Way, will become the community development manager starting on Sept. 3. "Sarah has established herself as a leader in a large portfolio of works in Crawford County, and it is natural that the Executive Committee wants that strong leadership to continue in this transition phase," Wood said in the release. "The Executive Committee also wants to be very intentional in both continuing a variety of projects well, based on the trust and leadership Sarah has with her clients, and second, that the organization will be well-poised for the long run." Cindy further stated that the Partnership and Executive Committee will assess the process for naming permanent leadership during the next year." According to Crawford Partnership, A Bucyrus native, Herrle is a business graduate of The Ohio State University and an Ohio Certified Economic Developer candidate. She joined the Crawford Partnership in 2019 after a decade's worth of experience in the private for-profit and not-for-profit sectors in Ohio, North Carolina, and South Carolina. In the last five years, she has been promoted twice, helped Crawford County achieve top Business Retention & Expansion rankings in northwest Ohio, and worked on projects resulting in two straight years of top 4% or better national rankings in economic development. Additionally, Wood said, "Our second major announcement is welcoming Ashlea Shaw to our team as a key player in our ongoing mission to enhance the economic and community development landscape of Crawford County. Her grant and community development experience will add significant strength and capacity to our team and our ability to support local governments and community organizations secure resources, complete projects and improve our quality of life." "I applaud the organization for making two thoughtful and strategic moves to ensure continuity and strength for the Partnership moving forward," Zak said in the release. "Sarah and Ashlea both have my complete confidence and support as they transition to these exciting new roles. I will truly miss working in this amazing community, but I feel good knowing I'm leaving things in the capable hands of Sarah, along with the incredible team of Ashlea, Lisa Marcum, Nancy Clutter, and Jill Gantt, alongside an incredible network of board and supporters. I'm sure Crawford County will continue to move forward in a positive direction." Since 2022, Shaw has been the Manager of Community Impact for the United Way of Richland County, where she managed the grant allocation process, relationships with nonprofits and volunteers, fundraising campaigns, and service events. She has also served as a court-appointed special advocate (CASA) volunteer and has over a decade of experience in the healthcare and financial sectors, including working as an investor reporting analyst for JPMorgan Chase in Columbus. Shaw holds a Bachelor of Science from Penn State University and has also pursued graduate work in public administration. Kim Winkle, vice president of the Partnership's Board of Directors, said in the release, "David made a tremendous impact while he was here, successfully building and expanding on the legacy of Dave Williamson and Gary Frankhouse. With the promotion of Sarah as the Economic Development leader for the Partnership and the addition of Ashlea in community development, we have reloaded and reinforced a strong team that includes Lisa Marcum managing workforce development and Nancy Clutter providing administrative and operational support."