GCSMPS's Economic Development Roundtable, Part I - The Outer Loop.  See below for more information; there will be more to come, including potential additional speakers and official timing.

Join us for an informative panel discussion navigating Greater Cincinnati’s economic development landscape and how it impacts the AEC industry.
This event will bring together industry experts to explore topics such as:
•    Identifying and capitalizing on economic development opportunities in this growing market.
•    How to help your project teams to deliver successful projects.
•    The latest trends in development and construction within Greater Cincinnati’s Southwestern Ohio Regional economic landscape.

Hear from leaders from the communities of Deerfield Township, City Forest Park, City of Mason, City of Springdale and Miami Township about the developments that are spurring economic growth and increased quality of life within their communities.

Boxed Lunches and Cookies will be provided by: Raffel's Catering

Part II will be coming in January!

Agenda
11:15am - 11:30am: Check-In & Registration; Grab Lunch
11:45am - 1:00pm: Program and Panel Discussion Begins
1:00pm: Adjourn

Our Moderator:

Gina Rittinger, Vice President, Strategic Growth, REDI Cincinnati

Favorite Regional Asset: Our music venues, parks, and sports teams. Catching concerts at Riverbend, Ovation, and other venues, horseback riding along East Fork State Park’s Red Fox Trail overlook, and cheering on FC Cincinnati, the Bengals, or the Reds are among my favorite ways to enjoy our region.

As Vice President of Strategic Growth at REDI Cincinnati, Gina Rittinger shapes the region’s economic future by identifying emerging industries, leading strategic initiatives, and fostering key partnerships. She oversees strategic vision and planning, marketing, communications, and research for REDI and the 15-county Cincinnati region. With three decades of experience spanning global corporate business and manufacturing, higher education, and economic development, Gina is a passionate advocate for the Cincinnati MSA—championing it as a prime destination for business relocation, expansion, and growth.

A lifelong Northern Kentuckian, Gina crosses the Ohio River daily for work and play, bringing a unified regional perspective to every initiative. Prior to joining REDI, she served as Assistant Vice President of University Marketing & Communications at Northern Kentucky University, leading a cross-functional team in branding, marketing, PR, and communications. Before that, she held senior global corporate communications and marketing roles at General Cable (now Prysmian Group), where she also led the company’s Global Corporate Social Responsibility Council and served as part of the Global Ethics & Compliance and Global Data Communications Councils.

Beyond her professional work, Gina is a proud first-generation Northern Kentucky University alumna, a committed advocate for Greater Cincinnati’s economic growth, and a believer in equitable education opportunities for all. She serves as board chair for the Transit Authority of Northern Kentucky (TANK), is a founding board member of the Campbell County Education Foundation, an NKU Alumni Board member and co-chair of the NKU Prospective Alumni task force, and a member of Miami University’s newly launched Polytechnic Campus THRIVE Committee.

Gina lives in Alexandria, KY, with her sons, Josh and Noah, and their dogs, Cooper and Otis. She enjoys spending time with loved ones, exploring the outdoors, reading, and rooting for local teams—from the Norse and Campbell Co. Camels to FC Cincinnati, the Reds, and the Bengals.

Our Speakers:

Paul Brehm, Economic Development Director, Deerfield Township

Paul Brehm is the Economic Development Director for Deerfield Township, Ohio. An economic development professional with almost 30 years of experience, he has managed award-winning programs responsible for more than $500 million in business investment and 9,000 created or retained jobs.

Paul has served on the board of directors for several local, state, regional, and national organizations including the Ohio Economic Development Association, Mid-America Economic Development Council and REDI Cincinnati. He is a member of the International Economic Development Council.

He is also an instructor for the Ohio Basic Economic Development Course, an introductory class organized by OEDA, Jobs Ohio and the International Economic Development Council for those who are new to the profession. Paul has an undergraduate degree in political science from Xavier University and a master’s degree from the University of Cincinnati. He is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma Economic Development Institute.

In addition to his economic development experience, Paul is a drummer who has played with several bands and community theater groups. He lives in Greater Cincinnati with his wife of 35 years, Sherry. They have two children, Nicholas and Claire.

Chris Lewis, Assistant Director of Economic Development, City of Forest Park
Chris Lewis serves as the Assistant Director of Economic Development for the City of Forest Park, where he is leading efforts to restructure the City’s approach to development through a new economic development strategic plan that will guide Forest Park’s future investment and redevelopment priorities. Whether it’s finding the right site, utilizing entitlements, connecting with workforce partners, or cutting through red-tape, Chris serves as a one-stop shop to move projects forward in Forest Park. Prior to joining the City, he led the economic development department for the Downtown Dayton Partnership, where he worked to improve occupancy rates and increase foot traffic in an urban core fighting to recover from the challenges of the pandemic. Chris holds a B.S.B.A. in Economics and Business Intelligence & Analytics from Creighton University and a J.D. from the University of Dayton School of Law.

Michele Blair, Director Global Business Development, City of Mason; Executive Director, Mason Port Authority

With over twenty-nine years in the combined industries of economic development and public administration, Michele leads strategic short and long-term economic planning and development focused on global business attraction, portfolio management, policy, and return on investment modeling. She developed and drove the City’s focus over the past decade with private sector entrepreneurs and venture investors on deal construction and architecture, managing development of customized public private partnerships within targeted industry sectors including emphasis on biotechnology, biohealth/IT and digital IT.  This foundational work is key to growing Mason’s Bio Hub along the I-71 Innovation Corridor, which includes the Cincinnati Open, considered a unique part of the City’s value proposition across its international business book, including start up and bio. 

Blair also led the establishment of the Mason Port Authority in 2005 and serves as Executive Director. The Mason Port and City Economic Development projects for the year 2024 and 2025 totaled over $600M and over 2,00 new jobs. 

A graduate of University of Cincinnati, College of DAAP, Michele holds a BS in Urban Planning and Administration, Minor in sustainability, soils and geography and Masters study in Community Planning.  She is active with civic and professional organizations at the local, state and national levels, including Ohio Life Science, CincyTech, Japan America Society and board membership of REDI Cincinnati and European American Chamber.

Andy Kuchta, Economic Development Director, City of Springdale
Andy Kuchta joined the City of Springdale management team as Economic Development Director in January 2020 and brings over 30 years of experience in local government economic development throughout Greater Cincinnati. Before joining Springdale, Andy served for 15 years as Director of Community and Economic Development for Clermont County, Ohio, where his work helped generate $154 million in private investment and more than 3,200 new jobs. Among his accomplishments were creating the county’s first Port Authority and overseeing all phases of a 242-acre industrial park development, which became home to the $300 million Nestlé Purina pet food production facility.

Since arriving in Springdale, Andy has helped facilitate projects representing over $451 million in new investment, including 751 new market-rate housing units and more than 600 new jobs. He is passionate about guiding the city’s adaptation to post-pandemic shifts in how people live and work, ensuring that Springdale remains a vibrant, sustainable community for decades to come.

Jennifer Ekey, Economic Development Director, Miami Township
With over 30 years of government experience, Jennifer Klus Ekey has made a significant impact in the fields of Economic and Community Development, Workforce Development, and Planning and Zoning. Throughout her distinguished career, she has served communities across Southwest Ohio, working at both local and county levels. This extensive experience has provided her with a unique perspective, balancing visionary strategies with a deep understanding of local government operations.

As a lifelong Southwest Ohio (Greater Cincinnati) resident, Ms. Ekey graduated from Miami University in Oxford with a Bachelor of Arts in History and a minor in American Literature. She also graduated from the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma.

Ms. Ekey’s leadership and expertise have been widely recognized. In 2010, she was named one of the Cincinnati Business Courier’s "40 Under Forty." In 2019, she received the Development Professional of the Year award from the Ohio Economic Development Association. Her professional involvement includes serving as a Board Member and Conference Chair for the Mid America Economic Development Council, as well as past Board Member, Board Chairperson and Chair of the Annual Summit for the Ohio Economic Development Association.

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Please contact us at [email protected] to learn how you can support this or future programs.

CPSM CEU
1 credit hour

For any questions on this program or registration, please contact SamRossell at [email protected].

Online registration closes at 12 pm on 11/17/2025.