YOUNGSTOWN — Lake to River Economic Development officials said economic development isn’t limited to buildings and incentives while introducing its first permanent CEO on Friday.

Dani Robbins spoke to the news media during an agency briefing at its downtown Youngstown office. She will replace Alexa Sweeney Blackann on Dec. 1. Blackann has held the unpaid, interim leadership post since April 2024.

“This was not a process of compromise. It was a process of conviction,” said Greg Myers,

Lake to River board member and executive director / chief administrative officer of Growth Partnership for Ashtabula County. “Our conviction was unanimous.

“We were looking for someone with leadership experience, strategic vision and the ability to build lasting relationships.”

In announcing Robbins as Bl

See Full Page