Executive Director

Abbey Bemis

Abbey works with the Board of Directors to set the strategic vision for the organization, designing and aligning programs and activities with the economic needs of Erie County. This includes extensive business and community outreach and collaboration with public and private organizations who contribute to the region’s economic and community development ecology. Abbey has a Master’s in Business Administration from Duke University. Abbey has family roots in north central Ohio and has been a resident of downtown Sandusky for 8 years.

CONTACT:

abbey@eriecountyedc.org

Office Manager

Lindsey Hoke

Lindsey joined ECEDC in March 2019.  In this role, Lindsey’s primary duties include Marketing and Accounting support as well as special projects. Lindsey has an Associates of Applied Business Degree specializing in Marketing and Sales.  Her past work experience includes working for small businesses in Erie County. Lindsey and her husband Dan reside in Perkins Township with their two daughters.

CONTACT:

office@eriecountyedc.org

Coordinator, Business Development

Nico Samaniego

Nico joined the team in 2021 as a Coordinator for Business Development. He will assist in businesses retention and expansion efforts as well as site selection presentations for new businesses. Nico grew up in Huron, Ohio and graduated from Bowling Green State University with a degree in Business Administration. During his time at Bowling Green State University, Nico started and sold his own small business and continues today to find ways to support the community outside of his role at ECEDC.

CONTACT:

nico@eriecountyedc.org

Director: Firelands Forward

Dave White

Dave White grew up in Toledo and joined the Army in 2003.  He recently retired from the Army after 18 years in the Special Operations Community.  Dave is wrapping up his Executive MBA at Ohio State.  He is excited to join the Firelands Forward Team and work with Regional leaders to address local workforce challenges.

CONTACT:

david@firelandsforward.com

Manager, Business Services & Communications: Firelands Forward

Makenna Laser

Makenna joined the team in 2021. In her role, she works with businesses in Erie, Huron, and Ottawa Counties to support their talent needs. Her goal is to face workforce issues head-on, utilizing her skills in human resources, marketing, and communications.  Makenna is a graduate of Norwalk St. Paul High School. She worked for her family’s business, Dave’s Food Mart Norwalk & Avery, before taking this role. She lives in Norwalk with her husband Joshua, a concrete finisher. Together they have two dogs – June and May.

CONTACT:

makenna@firelandsforward.com

Coordinator, RISE

Alissa Fisher

Alissa joined ECEDC & NEDC in 2021 as the RISE Coordinator. She will provide support and assistance in job growth and economic development by linking business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs to comprehensive assistance and regional service providers with expertise in business start-up, development, and acceleration. Her skills include account management, organization, and communication. She received her bachelor's degree from Bluffton University. She currently resides in Norwalk, Ohio with her husband, Jack and Husky, Storm.

CONTACT:

rise@eriecountyedc.org

Work Wellness Coach

Luis Quezada

Luis Quezada joined the team in February of 2022 as the Work Wellness Coach for the Employer Resource Network (ERN).

Luis’s background includes two Bachelors of Arts in Psychology and Philosophy from the University of Texas at El Paso and a Master’s Degree in Emergency Management from Arizona State University. His experience has prepared him to provide case management, mental health crisis de-escalation, motivational interviewing, outreach and advocacy, and public speaking to businesses participating in the Employer Resource Network

CONTACT:

luis@firelandsforward.com