PRESENTING SPONSORS

D avid Gilbert considers the Sales & Marketing Executive of the Year title an honor that reflects the successful

work of the organizations he leads. The president and CEO of the Greater

Cleveland Sports Commission, Destination Cleveland and the 2016 Republican National Convention Host Committee says he is most proud of helping Cleveland build on itself.

“We’re always in competition with other cities around the country and the world. Oftentimes we were not looked at as a serious contender. That is changing now,” Gilbert said. “With the right business model, the right tenacity and the right rallying of the community, we can win. I think those victories for our community are even sweeter when we were not expected to win.”

Daniel Walsh, who served on Destination Cleveland’s board with Gilbert, said what makes Gilbert special is his vision for an

organization and the ability to hire great talent to fulfill that vision.

“He’s the whole package,” Walsh says. “He’s in it for the greater good. He understands how to connect with all of his stakeholders outside an organization to make great things happen.”

A proven leaderSince 2000, the Greater Cleveland Sports

Commission has attracted and created more than 160 events in Greater Cleveland that contributed more than $410 million to the local economy, including the NCAA Women’s Final Four, National Senior Games, NBC Gravity Games, U.S. Figure Skating Championships, U.S. Gymnastics Championships and International Children’s Games.

Destination Cleveland contributes to the region’s $15 billion tourism industry and

supports the 170,000 jobs created by 29 million visitors to a 17-county region. According to Destination Cleveland, Cuyahoga County in 2013 welcomed 16.2 million visitors who contributed more than $7.4 million to the local economy.

Gilbert said his teams don’t go into anything without fully believing in what the Greater Cleveland area has to offer.

“I do believe the success of these organizations, and what they are doing is playing a real role in changing Cleveland’s attitude about itself, and Clevelanders’ attitudes about our own city,” Gilbert said. “Getting the RNC shows we win. It shows we are good enough to beat cities from around the country. “

A history of serviceGilbert has been recognized by Crain’s

Cleveland Business as one of Cleveland’s 30 Influencers of the Past 30 Years and one of

Cleveland’s 40 Under 40. He received the 2004 Pillar Award as the Non-Profit Executive of the Year and the 2006 Anthem Impact Award.

In addition to his current duties, Gilbert is vice president of the board of the International Children’s Games and sits on the boards of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and the Greater Cleveland Film Commission. He is a member of the Leadership Cleveland Class of 2001.

Previously, Gilbert served as director of community affairs and special projects for the Convention and Visitors Bureau of Greater Cleveland, executive director of North Coast Harbor Inc. and director of corporate development for The Cleveland Play House.

Gilbert lives in Solon with his wife Faith, daughter Emily and son Bradley. He enjoys spending time with his family, traveling and marathon running.

HELPING CLEVELAND BUILD UPON ITSELF2016 BUSINESS EXECUTIVE OF THE YEAR DAVID GILBERT

S ales & Marketing Executives of Cleveland (SME Cleveland) has been supporting sales and marketing

professionals for more than 92 years through networking, education and lead opportunities.

With more than 300 members, 38 corporate members and seven corporate sponsors, SME Cleveland focuses on assisting members in reaching their sales and marketing goals and improving their skills.

“It doesn’t matter where you are in your career,” says executive director Mary Margaret Lavelle. “Whatever you attend — a presentation, an educational opportunity or a networking lunch — you’ll walk away with new information to put to use in your career.”

Lavelle says SME Cleveland supports professionals in helping to form relationships and build on those relationships through activities such as networking lunches, workshops, exchange group and Business

After Hours events.The 55th annual awards banquet, which

will be Feb. 25 at Public Auditorium, will acknowledge excellence and provide recognition for outstanding sales and marketing achievement. The awards honor the Business Executive of the Year and the Distinguished Marketing and Sales Awards. Selection criteria are based on the demonstration of the highest business, professional and ethical standards.

“We are honored to have David Gilbert as our 2016 Business Executive of the Year,” Lavelle says. “Look at what he’s done with the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Destination Cleveland and the RNC Host Committee. His work and passion for Cleveland is impressive.

“He’s great for the City of Cleveland,” she says. “He’s a kind, genuine, outgoing person. Cleveland is fortunate to have him. We’re thrilled to recognize David and the 2016 DMSA recipients at this year’s event.”

SME’s Distinguished Marketing and Sales Awards, Lavelle says, is the best networking opportunity of the year.

CONNECTING FOR SUCCESS

C O N T E N T P R E S E N T E D B Y :

S2 February 15, 2016 C O N T E N T P R E S E N T E D B Y :

JEFFREY CONCEPCIONFounder and CEOStratos Wealth Partners

Jeffrey Concepcion is founder and CEO of Stratos Wealth Partners, a firm he launched in 2008 to fulfill a need for advisers and their clients.

Stratos Wealth Partners provides the infrastructure, resources and support to focus on its core competency — advising clients.

Today, Stratos specializes in financial planning and implementation services through a national network of financial planning practitioners throughout the country, all powered by LPL Financial.

Concepcion is responsible for the acquisition, development and coaching of the firm’s affiliated advisers from

across the nation, and he maintains a personal planning practice.

Prior to launching Stratos Wealth Partners, Concepcion spent 22 years in senior management positions with Lincoln Financial Network, including roles as executive director for the eastern region, senior vice president of market access and a member of the executive committee, which was responsible for Lincoln’s entire retail financial services business.

He has served on the boards at the May Dugan Center, Julie Billiart School, City Year, Dress for Success, eCITY, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Junior Achievement and Providence House.

He has an undergraduate degree in political science from Trinity College. He resides in Solon with his wife and two children.

2016 DISTINGUISHED MARKETING AND SALES AWARD RECIPIENTS

GREG DUBECKYPresidentCorporate Screening Services Inc.

A veteran of the investigation indus-try since 1990, Greg Dubecky is re-sponsible for strategic direction and company operations, including sales, marketing, production and product development, at Corporate Screening Services Inc., where he is president.

Corporate Screening Services has

experienced consistent double-digit growth with 100% organic funding since Dubecky took the lead in 2010. He previously served as general manager and vice president of sales, responsible for securing multi-year relationships with some of the country’s leading employers.

Dubecky is a member of the National Association of Professional Background Screeners and served on the committee for ethics and accreditation. Before joining Corporate

MIKE GOLENBERKEBusiness development consultant

Mike Golenberke most recently had been a vice president, business development consultant for Right Management, a ManpowerGroup company that specializes in career and talent management solutions.

Golenberke, who had been instrumental in developing the Northeast Ohio market, along with clients in New York and Pennsylvania, began his career in the accounting/finance field, gaining a financial understanding of business before transitioning to a sales career.

Since then, he has achieved extensive sales, business development and sales

TIM HROBATPresidentVince Hrobat Insurance Agency Inc.

Tim Hrobat is presi-dent and second-generation owner of Vince Hrobat Insurance Agency Inc. Vince and Gwen Hrobat in 1968 started the agency out of their home, selling in-surance to individuals.

Tim Hrobat joined the agency in 1988 while a student at Cleveland State University. After graduation, he expanded the agency’s offerings, concentrating on business-to-business sales.

In 1996, the agency moved to its current location on Broadview Road

in Parma. In 1999, they expanded their offerings again to include a benefits division, which opened in Fairlawn.

Hrobat became president in 2008, growing the business to include two locations and more than 20 employees.

Hrobat earned his Certified Insurance Counselors designation in 1999 and his Certified Risk Manager designation in 2010. He served on several committees and task forces for the Professional Insurance Agents Association and for the companies he represents.

He also was on the agents’ advisory council for Erie Insurance.

Hrobat and his wife Julie live in Fairview Park with their two children, Jonathon and Alyssa.

Screening Services, Dubecky held investigative-related positions with the U.S. Marshals Service in Cleveland and Chase Bank in Columbus.

He is the president of the Cleveland chapter of the Foundation Fighting Blindness, which funds research into finding a cure, treatment and prevention of retinal degenerative diseases.

Dubecky has an undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Kent State University and lives with his family in Avon.

management experience working with Fortune 100, 500 and 1000 companies across all industries.

He also logged global client successes with AchieveGlobal as senior account manager, and with Corporate College, as a senior sales executive during its startup phase.

He also completed startup markets in Northeast Ohio for three international staffing firms and earned an honorable mention as a top performer in a Top Gun Consultative Sales training program.

Golenberke earned his undergraduate degree in accounting from Cleveland State University.

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On behalf of Destination Cleveland, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and the 2016 Cleveland Host Committee, thank you for showing us that passion can equal success.

David Gilbert 2016 Business Executive of the Year

February 15, 2016 S3C O N T E N T P R E S E N T E D B Y :

PETER MILLERAdministrator, division of marketing and communicationsCleveland Clinic

Peter Miller oversees the activities of 150 marketing, media relations, Internet and communica-tions professionals in facilities across Northeast Ohio as an administrator of marketing and communications at the

Cleveland Clinic. After graduating from high school

in Honolulu, Hawaii, Miller earned his undergraduate degree in English and psychology from Kenyon College and his MBA from the University of Wisconsin, Madison.

He joined the Jayme Organization in Cleveland in 1989, leaving in 1991 for a role as a market research associate at Cleveland Clinic.

He has coached youth and adult

MOLLY MURPHYSenior vice president of sales and marketingEaton

Molly Murphy, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Eaton, a global power management company, is responsible for Eaton’s initiatives to capitalize on global market opportunities and drive function-al excellence in all of Eaton’s sales and marketing organizations, maximizing the “Power of One Eaton” in the com-pany’s major market segments.

She was named leader of the company’s global sales and marketing organization in 2014 and has functional responsibility for the corporate teams

in Brazil; Europe, Middle East and Asia; India; and China.

Prior to this, Murphy was responsible for integrating the sales and marketing functions of Cooper Industries, a global electrical business, into Eaton.

Since joining Eaton in 1997, Murphy has held numerous positions with increasing responsibility, including as vice president of sales operations for Asia Pacific and leader of original equipment manufacturing sales for North America.

She has an undergraduate degree in public relations and business administration with an emphasis in marketing and an MBA with an emphasis in finance from Gonzaga University in Spokane, Wash.

MARK OWENSDirector of marketingSkylight Financial Group

As director of mar-keting for Skylight Financial Group, Mark Owens is re-sponsible for branding awareness and community involvement in both the northern Ohio and Columbus regions.

He is actively involved in coordinating the firm’s recruitment program, with a focus on college graduates. He has vast experience with local event marketing and planning, both from a hands-on perspective and a virtual approach, primarily with social media and community outreach.

Owens is active in the local business

AMY MARTIN Partner JumpStart Inc.

As a partner in mar-keting at JumpStart Inc., Amy Martin is working to drive awareness and results about the Northeast Ohio entrepreneur-ial ecosystem and securing national me-dia coverage.

She leads all content marketing efforts for the organization and manages the marketing department, which provides direct marketing support to the entrepreneurial companies in which JumpStart invests.

Martin brings more than 18 years of experience in helping organizations and brands in their efforts to reach target audiences. She works to create value for customers through development, customer success programs, social strategy and thought leadership.

Her industry expertise spans media relations, digital channel development, content marketing, social channel strategy and messaging and building brands that can evolve over time and across sectors.

Prior to JumpStart, Martin was a consultant with FleishmanHillard, Porter Novelli, Leo Burnett and Euro RSCG Worldwide, where she provided integrated

marketing and communication support to brands including Maytag Appliances, the Army, Gatorade, Macy’s, Jif Peanut Butter, Sunny Delight, Millstone Coffee, Folgers Coffee and Charmin.

Martin also is the founder of SheInTheCLE.com, a female blogger collective that focuses on driving purposeful conversations by women in Northeast Ohio.

She was appointed to the Republican National Convention Host Committee Content Committee. She is a regular speaker and workshop trainer for the YWCA Greater Cleveland Women’s Leadership Institute.

soccer and served as chair of the board of Beaumont School, also chairing its marketing committee.

He has served on the advisory boards of the Cleveland Better Business Bureau and Cleveland Clinic Volunteer Services. He is on the marketing committee to support the Ursuline Sisters of Cleveland.

Miller and his wife Dr. Elizabeth Kavran live in Pepper Pike with their two children, Adam and Madeleine. Continued on S4

PRESENTING SPONSORS

PAST BUSINESS EXECUTIVES OF THE YEAR2015: Dr. Marc Gillinov, Cleveland Clinic2014: Bernie Moreno, The Collection Auto Group2013: Len Komoroski, The Cleveland Cavaliers and Quicken Loans Arena2012: Paul Matsen, Cleveland Clinic2011: Jared Chaney, Medical Mutual of Ohio Family of Companies2010: Joseph M. Scaminace, OM Group Inc.2009: Terry Stewart, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum2008: Sandy Cutler, Eaton Corporation2007: Dr. Toby Cosgrove, Cleveland Clinic2006: Glenn Renwick, The Progressive Corp.2005: Christopher M. Connor, Sherwin-Williams2004 David A. Daberko. National City Corp.2003: K. Michael Benz, United Way Services2002: Kent W. Clapp, Medical Mutual Ohio2001: William B. Summers Jr., McDonald Investments Inc.2000: Richard W. Pogue, Dix & Eaton1999: Farah M. Walters, University Hospitals Health System1998: Irving I. Stone/ Morry Weiss, American Greetings Corp.1997: Alex Machaskee, The Plain Dealer1996: William N. Hulett, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum1995: Edward Brandon, National City Corporation1994: Mark H. McCormack, International Management Group1993: Joseph T. Gorman, TRW Inc.1992: Robert Gillespie, Society Corporation/Society National Bank1991: Morton L. Mandel, Premier Industrial Corporation1990: James R. Stover, Eaton Corporation1989: James M. Biggar, Nestle Enterprises Inc./ The Stouffer Corporation1988: Robert B. Horton, BP America Inc.1987: J. Richard Kelso, The East Ohio Gas Company1986: John G. Breen, Sherwin-Williams 1985: Roy H. Holdt, White Consolidated Industries Inc.1984: Arthur B. Modell, Cleveland Browns Football1983: M. Brock Weir, Ameritrust Corporation1982: William E. MacDonald, The Ohio Bell Telephone Company1981: Ruben F. Mettler, TRW Inc.1980: William J. De Lancey, Republic Steel Corporation

S4 February 15, 2016 C O N T E N T P R E S E N T E D B Y :

ALEX SLEMCDirector of marketing and communicationFOX Sports Ohio/SportsTime Ohio

As director of market-ing and communication of FOX Sports Ohio and SportsTime Ohio, Alex Slemc oversees all aspects of the two televi-sion networks’ marketing efforts, in-cluding branding and promotional cre-ative; FOX cross-promotional efforts; media buying; and collaboration with advertising sales efforts.

He also manages the company’s marketing and promotional relationships with the Cleveland Indians, Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Cavaliers, Columbus

Blue Jackets, Ohio State University and the University of Dayton, among others.

He joined FOX Sports Ohio from the Cleveland Indians, where he was manager of broadcasting. Prior to that he oversaw the marketing efforts for Benedictine High School, his alma mater, and held various sales and marketing roles at WQAL radio.

He serves on the board of trustees for the Lyndhurst Dads’ Club and is the girls athletic director for St. Paschal Baylon Catholic School in Highland Heights. He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Dayton.

Slemc and his wife Tricia live in Lyndhurst with their three children, A.J., Ella and Owen.

DANIEL TYRPAK Vice president, multi-channel marketing and advertising Medical Mutual

Daniel Tyrpak is vice president of multi-channel marketing and advertising for Medical Mutual, which he joined in 2013 as manager of e-marketing.

After completing his undergraduate degree at Ohio State University, Tyrpak began a career in IT — until he realized marketing was more fun and interesting.

He completed an MBA at Case Western Reserve University and spent the next 16 years in various marketing positions, ranging from direct marketing to online marketing, market

planning and marketing strategy. He is a results-oriented marketing and

e-commerce professional with extensive experience managing projects, develop-ing strategies and delivering results at Fortune 500 and FTSE 100 companies.

He also has international experience with positions, assignments and travel throughout North America, Europe and Asia.

Prior to Medical Mutual, he spent time with Goodyear and KeyBank, held a position abroad with Blue Circle Industries and spent time consulting with Responsys, where he worked with GE, Quicken Loans, Lenovo and United Healthcare.

He lives in Independence with his wife Jody and daughters Lindsay and Lauren.

MICHELLE SALIS Strategic account manager Ultimate Software

Michelle Salis is stra-tegic account manager for Ultimate Software, a leading cloud provider of human capital management solutions. She represents the Ultimate Software Enterprise team, working with organizations headquartered in Ohio with 1,500 or more employees. In this role she collaboratively engages in needs analysis and product demonstrations to education organizations on the value of Ultimate’s UltiPro solution and implementation services. Salis has more than 15 years of

experience in the industry, specializing in human resource management, payroll, talent acquisition and management, and time and labor management.

She’s volunteered for 15 years with the Cleveland Society for Human Re-source Management, serving in various leadership positions. She also is an event organizer for DisruptHR Cleveland and serves as co-chair of SME Cleveland’s Women in Sales Mentorship Program. She earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of To-ledo and her graduate degree in business administration from Baldwin-Wallace College. She lives in Broadview Heights with her family.

MICHELE A. SEYRANIANChief marketing and business development officerHospice of the Western Reserve

As chief marketing and business development officer for the Hospice of the Western Reserve, Michele A. Seyranian builds and fosters strategic relationships with health care partners and community organizations to promote growth and to advance Hospice of the Western Reserve’s array of patient and family services.

Prior to this, Seyranian held several executive leadership roles at KeyCorp, most recently as executive vice president of strategic planning, where

she was responsible for development of the Balanced Scorecard program, which led to its induction into the Balanced Scorecard Hall of Fame.

She began her career at Procter & Gamble in the Folgers Coffee division, becoming the first female unit sales manager as a result of her efforts with the expansion of Folgers as a national brand.

This set the stage for sales and marketing positions with Xerox, American Express and Citibank. She serves on the boards of The Gathering Place, Northeast Shores Development Corp., the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry and Niagara University.

Seyranian earned her undergraduate degree in marketing from Niagara University and a graduate degree from Case Western Reserve University.

and networking community. He is the chair of the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission associate board and serves on both the Ohio City Inc. board of trustees and as chair of the Cuyahoga Community College Business advisory committee.

Born in Derry City, Ireland, Owens moved to the area in 2001 after

BETSY PUGLIESEMarketing consultantESPN Cleveland

Betsy Pugliese is an ESPN Cleveland marketing consultant and on-air host on ESPN 850 WKNR. She joined ESPN Cleveland in 2010 and is responsible for initiating, maintaining and growing long-term Cleveland area marketing partnerships through advising business partners on effective sports marketing campaigns.

ESPN Cleveland assets include ESPN.com and ESPN Apps, geo-targeted to the Cleveland designated market area; ESPN 850 WKNR and 1540 KNR2; as

well as the local ESPNCleveland.com and ESPN Cleveland events.

She has served on various committees at ESPN Cleveland and Good Karma Brands, including teammate acquisition. She also managed the ESPN Cleveland internship program from 2010 to 2013.

Pugliese in 2010 and 2011 helped her office achieve Good Karma Brands’ recognition for Office of the Year. In addition to her sales work, Pugliese can be heard on air at ESPN 850 WKNR during “The Golden Boyz”.

She is a member of the Walsh Jesuit alumni committee and founder of her own women’s young professional networking group. She lives in downtown Cleveland.

studying at John Carroll University as part of a scholarship program.

He became a U.S. citizen in 2011. He is a founding member of the Cleveland Irish Network, serving on the local executive committee as well as on the national board.

He and his wife Maria reside in Rocky River with their two children, Lilly and Eamon.

Continued from S3

JIM WALLISPrincipalPerspectus Architecture

As one of eight prin-cipals of Cleveland-based Perspectus Architecture, Jim Wallis has a reputation for attention to service, quality design and strong proj-ect management skills.

He has had a successful architectural career focused on senior living, health care, academic and country club projects.

Before merging with Perspectus in 2007, Wallis ran Wallis Architects. His leadership led Perspectus to work with Brookdale Senior Living on a national level. His projects have included work for the Cleveland Clinic, Lake Health, Kent State University, Case Western Reserve University, John Carroll University and Belmont College.

Beyond master planning and design, Wallis also advises clients on fundraising and marketing initiatives. He earned a bachelor of science

in architecture from Ohio State University, a bachelor of architecture from Kent State University and attended Bowling Green State University’s School of Art.

He chairs the Highland Heights Archi-tectural Review Board, attends national senior living conferences and supports numerous fundraisers. He served on the Wildcat Park Committee for new sports venues at Mayfield High School.

Advertising director: Nicole Mastrangelo, nmastrangelo@crain.comManaging editor, custom and special projects: Amy Ann Stoessel, astoessel@crain.comWriter: Kimberly Bonvissuto Graphic designer: Staci Buck

For more information about custom publishing opportunities, please contact Nicole Mastrangelo.