Presenters
The 2025 Spring Conference Presenters are listed in order of appearance.
Julianne Dunn serves as the regional executive of the Cincinnati Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. She oversees stakeholder relationships, monitors the region's economy, and supports the Bank's monetary policy mission. Since joining in 2017, she has managed Business Advisory Councils across southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky, central Ohio, the Dayton area, and eastern Kentucky. Previously, she worked as an economist at MarketResearch.com and has extensive experience in regional economic analysis.
Margo Keeler is Principal Watsonx Leader for IBM's Public sector with over 11 years of experience specializing in AI adoption. She guides organizations through AI transformation, focusing on implementation strategies and maximizing impact. Her expertise spans technical and strategic leadership in Data, AI, and Automation initiatives, helping diverse clients leverage AI for innovation and growth in both public and private sectors.
Gerald Anderson currently serves as IBM's Technology Sales Leader in Ohio. Previously, he led IBM's Cybersecurity Technology Sales team for Public Markets, specializing in securing AI deployments, simplifying compliance reporting, and enhancing privacy through identity management. As former Technology Sales Leader in New York City, he provided Data/AI, Automation, and Cloud solutions to major government agencies. Gerald is committed to helping government leaders achieve initiatives with direct citizen impact.
Ryan Coughlin is Managing Director for National Specialty Deposits at Huntington Bank, leading growth efforts for large deposit relationships. With over 21 years of banking experience, he creates tailored deposit and treasury strategies for clients with complex liquidity needs. Ryan previously held executive positions at Capital One Bank and Bank of America, leading teams across multiple states and developing innovative financial solutions.
Chris McNeil serves as Director of Strategy and Business Management for the National Specialty Deposits Group at Huntington Bank. He leads the development and implementation of innovative financial products designed for funds held on behalf of others. Chris brings 10 years of experience in Treasury Management, specializing in Deposits, Digital Solutions, and Payables with expertise in streamlining financial operations.
Niko Spyridonos is the Founder and CEO of AutoAgent, which he established in 2001. Under his leadership, the company developed innovative tax payment processing solutions, beginning with a web portal for the Cook County Treasurer's office in Illinois. His proprietary technology has streamlined tax payment processes and significantly reduced payment errors for over two decades across multiple government entities.
Michael Zuren serves as the Lake County Treasurer and has authored eight books on financial literacy. He maintains active involvement in Lake County's non-profit sector, serving on several community organization boards. A longtime resident of Lake County spanning four decades, Zuren was recently inducted into the Lakeland Community College Alumni Hall of Fame for his contributions to financial education and community service.
Ric Wasserman has served as the Athens County Treasurer since 2018. As Treasurer, he has implemented several initiatives to improve tax collection efficiency and community outreach. He is co-owner of the Pigskin Bar and Grille in Athens and has owned or co-owned six different enterprises during his 30-year business career, bringing valuable business experience to his public service role.
Angie Maki-Cliff has served as Ashtabula County Treasurer since 2021. As Chair of the Ashtabula County Land Bank, she secured a $600,000 grant for demolishing 30 blighted properties. She represents the county at the state level on the County Treasurers' Association of Ohio Legislative and Manufactured Homes Committees. Angie's background as a local business owner and investor brings practical understanding of community needs to her public service role.
Jeannie Zurmehly has served as Clermont County Treasurer since 2017, functioning as the County's Chief Investment Officer. She serves on the County Budget Commission, Board of Revision, and Automatic Data Processing Board. Previously, she worked in delinquent tax collection and real estate loan transactions. Jeannie also served as Executive Treasurer of the Clermont County Agricultural Society (2003-2013) and on the Jackson Township Board of Zoning Appeals (2003-2017).
Adam Jutte is an Assistant Prosecuting Attorney in the Office of Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael C. O'Malley. With over 15 years at the Prosecutor's Office, he currently serves as the Tax Foreclosure Unit Supervisor. Adam represents the State of Ohio and Cuyahoga County in matters involving real estate tax foreclosure, bankruptcy, and tax lien certificates. His extensive experience in tax law provides valuable insight for county treasurers facing foreclosure challenges.
Mark Bell coordinates Ohio's cyber partners through the Ohio Cyber Collaboration Committee (OC3), enhancing state cybersecurity through education and workforce development. He chairs the Ohio Cyber Range Institute's Executive Committee. Mark previously served 26 years as a congressional staffer and is a retired Military Police Command Sergeant Major with nearly 29 years in the U.S. Army Reserve. He has also served as an adjunct professor at Capital University.
Brian Perera serves as a Senior Policy Advisor at ZHF Consulting. He previously spent over twenty years as Ohio Senate Finance Director, overseeing eleven state budget cycles. Before joining ZHF, he served as Associate Vice-President for State Relations at Ohio State University, where he directed state lobbying efforts and policy initiatives. His deep knowledge of state budget processes is invaluable when analyzing property tax reform proposals.
Steve Hall has over twenty years of experience in state and local tax law, providing comprehensive tax services and legal counsel across multiple jurisdictions. He leads his firm's Real Estate Tax Practice Group and represents clients before various tax authorities, including the Ohio Supreme Court. As a former Assistant Counsel to the Ohio Tax Commissioner, Steve actively shapes tax policy through legislation and reform advocacy.
Kevin Futryk serves as Executive Director of the County Treasurers Association of Ohio, bringing over four decades of government affairs expertise to the role. His career began in 1977 when he was elected to the Seven Hills City Council at age 19. After positions with the Ohio House of Representatives and in Cleveland Mayor George Voinovich's administration, Kevin established himself as an independent lobbyist in Columbus, representing both private and public sector interests since 1984.
Brad Cromes serves as Treasurer of Cuyahoga County, bringing significant experience from his eight-year tenure as Portage County Treasurer. During his time in Portage County, he modernized taxpayer services and spearheaded innovative financial programs, including a low-cost home improvement loan initiative in partnership with local banks. Brad also created a groundbreaking Financial Wellness Fair that connected residents with personal finance experts. He is a Certified Government Financial Manager since 2016, and currently serves as President of the County Treasurers Association of Ohio.
Susan Willeke is the Education and Communications Manager at the Ohio Ethics Commission, where she has worked since 2005. She oversees educational outreach, presents approximately 200 speeches annually, and represents the Ethics Commission to Ohio citizens, the media, and the Ohio legislature. Prior to joining the Commission, Susan served in the communications office at the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and as a legislative aide in the Ohio House of Representatives.
Kelly Arledge provides strategic communications services to local, regional, and national organizations, specializing in media relations, issue advocacy, and public affairs. With 40 years of experience, her work spans non-profit and for-profit sectors across various industries. Her clients include Nationwide Children's Hospital, Mount Carmel College of Nursing, and Nationwide Insurance. Kelly previously held leadership positions at Cardinal Health, The Limited, Inc., and Price Waterhouse.
Tim Williams has served as Executive Director of the Ohio Manufactured Homes Association since 1995. His public service includes positions as Ohio Assistant Secretary of State (1994-1995) and Director of Human Resources for Governor Voinovich's administration (1991-1994). Tim also served as Canton City Councilman (1988-1989) and held executive roles at American Modern Insurance Group and Diebold, Incorporated. He is a two-time Ohio champion in the U.S. Legends Stock Car National Series.
Jane Spoerl serves as Wood County Treasurer, bringing over 30 years of local banking experience to the role. She manages county investments according to Ohio Revised Code regulations while maximizing returns without risking public funds. Jane has collaborated with the Wood County Auditor's Office to implement new real estate and finance software, improving efficiency for residents. She takes a hands-on approach to leadership, ensuring continuous service to county residents.
