About The Panel
Ellen Heinz, the EDA representative for Ohio, provides information on ongoing projects and initiatives supporting innovation in the state. This panel concludes with conference partners providing takeaways from the themes of the conference.
Speakers
Ellen Heinz – Economic Development Representative, Ohio, U.S. EDA
Ellen Heinz has spent her career in both the private and public sectors in executive leadership roles in economic development, workforce development and corporate development. Ms. Heinz joined the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration in November 2020, as Economic Development Representative for Ohio. Prior to her role with the EDA, Ms. Heinz worked as the Vice President of Corporate Development for a wastewater treatment manufacturing company, Safety Services Director, Vice President of Human Resources for a baking company with three locations, and head of HR for US Operations for a German automotive manufacturer, serving also on the launch team for a new manufacturing site in Ohio.
Matt Waldo – Director of Research, JobsOhio
Matt Waldo has led Research at JobsOhio since 2014, currently as Senior Director. Prior to joining JobsOhio, Matt started and sold an economic and workforce development consultancy, with clients in six states. Prior to the consultancy, Matt led research for the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce and Ivy Tech Community College. At the Indy Chamber, Matt’s teams won national recognition from the International Economic Development Council and the Council for Community and Economic Research (C2ER) for best web site data tools, and twice for best research projects.
Molly Schnoke – Interim Director, Center for Economic Development and Center for Community Planning and Development
Molly Schnoke is the Project Manager with the Center for Community Planning & Development of the School of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. She joined the School in 2006. Molly has experience in managing and coordinating research projects in program evaluation and survey research. Molly also oversees the Unger Program which serves to support and foster economic and community development through independent research and civic education and engagement. Molly has worked with the Brookings Institution’s Metropolitan Policy Program to monitor and report on work taking place around regional economic strategies for Northeast Ohio. In addition to her work with the Center, Molly currently oversees the School of Urban Affairs Forum Program. The Forum brings together the university and the community to address critical public policy issues that impact Northeast Ohio, the state and the nation.