Advertise on podcast: Cleveland's CEOs You Should Know

If Jim Mazany's career had a soundtrack, it would open with Prince. His first concert was the Purple Rain tour at Nassau Coliseum. Since then, his path has run from washing dishes on Long Island to culinary school in Hyde Park to leading brands like TGI Fridays, Logan's Roadhouse and Joe's Crab Shack, and now to the CEO role at P.F. Chang's. In this episode of CEOs You Should Know, iHeartMedia Region President Chris Long sits down with Jim Mazany, CEO of P.F. Chang's, to talk about hospitality, culinary craft and leading an iconic brand through a turnaround. Jim traces the influences that shaped him, from a Marine father who taught him work ethic to a mother who made hospitality the center of their home. He shares how a chef's mindset still guides the way he leads, why "the speed of trust" matters when building a leadership team and how P.F. Chang's is working to turn "I like P.F. Chang's, but I haven't been there in a while" into "I love P.F. Chang's, and I was there last night." He also takes Chris inside the brand's turnaround, from renewed focus on the in-restaurant experience and culinary innovation to double-digit sales growth, rising guest traffic and plans to expand P.F. Chang's footprint in the U.S. and around the world. Guest: Jim Mazany, CEO, P.F. Chang's Host: Chris Long, Region President, iHeartMedia Dallas-Fort Worth & Central Texas See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Andrew Medvedev became dean of the Weatherhead School of Management on July 1, 2024. His focus is on cultivating a culture of trust and belonging in the school, enhancing interdisciplinary collaboration and research, implementing impactful experiential learning, and creating a workplace in which innovation thrives. He envisions Weatherhead as the intellectual entrepreneur’s home of choice.“I believe Weatherhead can be an audacious school solving the most urgent challenges  in management,” Medvedev said. “I believe we get there by fostering a culture of excellence and innovation, attracting bold talent, making critical investments, and focusing on impacting how people think and act.”Before returning to his alma mater, Medvedev was a managing director and portfolio manager at Morgan Stanley Investment Management. In 2016 Medvedev partnered with trustee Joe Sabatini (MGT ’82) to create the school’s Wall Street Trek. This alumni-funded program readies undergraduates for financial careers and links them with opportunities in NYC’s financial community. Since its inception, about half of the program’s 200 alumni have gone on to work on Wall Street. In 2018 Medvedev joined Weatherhead’s visiting committee.Medvedev and his family immigrated to Cleveland from Russia in 1992. His ties to CWRU run deep: His mother, Irene Medvedev, served the School of Medicine for 22 years as a senior technologist, and he obtained his undergraduate degree in economics from CWRU in 1997. He earned an MBA from Harvard Business School in 2004.Medvedev lives in Shaker Heights with his wife, Christine, and their three children.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As Superintendent and CEO of the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities (Cuyahoga DD), Dr. Amber C. Gibbs and her team support more than 15,000 Cuyahoga County residents with developmental disabilities and their families each year to live, learn, work, and play in the community. Gibbs worked in mental health before moving into direct care, supporting people with DD at an agency provider before joining Cuyahoga DD in 2008. She served in a variety of supervisory and leadership roles before becoming Superintendent and CEO in 2023. Notable accomplishments include leading a major effort to eliminate the Medicaid waiver waiting list in Cuyahoga County and building collaborative relationships that enable the community to better support people of all abilities. Gibbs fosters a culture of service excellence among the agency’s 600 employees, and she champions the voices of people who receive services from Cuyahoga DD, making sure they have a say in decisions the agency makes that affect them. Amber ensures that Cuyahoga DD is an example of inclusion for other community organizations by employing people with disabilities and including people with disabilities on the Cuyahoga DD Board. In addition, she ensures that the work the agency does has input from people it serves through an innovative Leadership Council that advises directors on strategic projects. A leader at the state level with the Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities and other county boards, Gibbs was recognized in 2018 with the Ohio Association of County Board’s Partners in Excellence Award for her groundbreaking work to eliminate the statewide Medicaid waiting list. She serves on a number of statewide workgroups focused on improving waiver services and fiscal sustainability.  Gibbs serves on the board of directors of Community Fund Ohio, a nonprofit organization that serves as a Trust Advisor for people with disabilities throughout the state. A native Cleveland resident, she is an active volunteer in the community and has served on various nonprofit boards and as a certified foster parent. Gibbs is active in the Beaumont Parents’ Club and is a member of the Wittenberg University Alumni Board. Gibbs holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Wittenberg University, a master’s degree in social science and psychology from the University of Chicago, and a doctorate in organizational leadership from the University of Dayton. She lives in Cleveland with her husband and three daughters.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experienced entrepreneur with a demonstrated history of operating successful businesses in multiple different vertical markets. Skilled in Leadership, Recruiting, Development, Negotiation, Sales, Value Selling, Account Management, and Strong knowledge of various CRM programs. A true competitor with a WIN mentality.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Schreiber is a Cleveland-based entrepreneur and technology executive, best known as the Co‑Founder and CEO of Streamline, a consumer-focused technology company designed to simplify how audiences discover and access sports, shows, and movies across streaming platforms. In his role, Ryan leads company strategy, fundraising, partnerships, and product development, helping Streamline address growing fragmentation in the streaming ecosystem. A graduate of Middlebury College, Ryan brings a blend of strategic thinking and hands-on leadership, having worn multiple hats as a founder—from product and marketing to sales and operations. He is an active voice in Ohio’s tech and startup community and frequently speaks about innovation, entrepreneurship, and the role of AI in building scalable consumer platformsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Max Pennington is the CEO and one of the co-founders of CLEANR, a Cleveland-based platform filtration technology startup venture focused on tackling microplastics at its source.Max graduated Summa Cum Laude from Case Western Reserve University with his degree in Chemical Engineering. Max was selected as a Forbes 30 under 30 honoree in the Green Tech space for his work at CLEANR, as well as Crain’s Cleveland Business’ 20 in their 20s.   Max co-developed CLEANR’s patented, award-winning VORTX technology, which is inspired by nature based on how fish filter out their food. CLEANR’s VORTX technology won the American Filtration and Separation Society’s New Product of the Year Award. CLEANR has launched their first product, powered by VORTX, CLEANR for Washing Machines, which can attach to any washing machine and capture over 90% of microplastics down to 50-micron - our laundry is the largest source of microplastics into the environment. CLEANR for Washing Machines won a CES Innovation Award in Home Appliances in 2026. CLEANR is actively developing products that capture microplastics both leaving and entering your home, including drinking water filtration with their VORTX technology. CLEANR’s work in fighting microplastics pollution has been featured in Forbes, the NY Post, the front page of the Plain Dealer, the SF Chronicle, Anthropocene Magazine, and more.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Step into the fantasy world of Mark Klaus, creator of CASTLE NOEL. “America’s Largest Year Round Indoor Christmas Entertainment Attraction.” Experience 40,000 square feet of amazing installations,See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nicole McKinney-Johnson is President & CEO of Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC), a role she has held since September 2024 after previously serving as interim CEO and as a member of the Board of Directors. With more than 25 years of experience in leadership, business development, and human resources, she has guided CRCC with strength, vision, and stability during a pivotal time in the agency’s history. McKinney-Johnson is also deeply engaged in the community, serving on the University Hospital’s Rainbow & Babies Foundation Board, the Leadership Council for the Collaborative to End Human Trafficking, and the Foundation Board at Lakeland Community College.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kenneth C. “Kenn” Ricci is an American aviation entrepreneur and the Principal of Directional Aviation Capital, which owns or invests in various aviation enterprises including Flexjet, where he also serves as Chairman. Kenn began his aviation career as an Air Force ROTC cadet at the University of Notre Dame and started his first company, Corporate Wings, in 1980. His love of aviation had him founding, acquiring or financing a broad range of aviation companies and ideas over his career. He has assembled one of the largest groups of private aviation companies which together account for over $4.0 billion of revenue, operate over 300 aircraft and employ over 5,000 individuals. Kenn was honored as an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year in 2000 and has been named one of the most influential people in aviation by Aviation International News. In 2005, Kenn led the restructuring of the Mercury Air Centers, a $200 million company operating aircraft support facilities at 24 different airports. He sold the company to Macquarie Infrastructure Trust in 2007 in a deal valued at $615 million. In 2010, Kenn received the Harvard Business School’s Dively Entrepreneurship Award. In 2011, Kenn was the youngest recipient of the prestigious William A. “Bill” Ong Memorial Award for extraordinary achievement and extended meritorious service to the general aviation industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As the President & CEO of this 4th generation, 102-year-old organization, Robert has led the transformation of the company into the international world-class supplier and distributor it is today. Robert was promoted to President & CEO in 2000 after 20 years with the business. He holds an EMBA from the University at Buffalo, a BS in Business Administration from Buffalo State College and an AAS in Business Administration from Genesee Community College.With Robert’s leadership driving the achievement of long range strategic goals, increasing sales and geographic expansion have occurred. Perry’s now offers over 1,500 unique items in distribution and has revenue coming from three sources; the Perry’s Ice Cream Brand, a Contract Manufacturing channel, and Partner Brand distribution.Under Robert’s tenure, the company achieved its first international sales in 2007 to over 30 countries outside of the US, where these sales account for nearly 15% of the company’s manufactured revenues today. In 2008, after spearheading $10 Million in capital improvements, including equipment updates and a 20,000 sq. foot distribution center, the company was able to expand.Robert’s vision to expand geographically in 2016 resulted in Perry’s posting revenues exceeding $100 Million in sales for the first time ever. In this same year, the company doubled its direct store delivery distribution footprint to over a 100,000 square mile geography, which now includes New York, Pennsylvania, and Ohio, along with portions of Indiana, Kentucky and W. Virginia, while adding nearly 50 positions. Today, the company employs over 425 team members to support its growth strategy. This new territory is on a path to contribute $20 Million in sales within the first three years with incredible potential to sell the Perry’s Brand to more than 10 million new consumers.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Cleveland Furniture Company has its roots right here in Cleveland, which date back to the 1970’s! Paul Cirino SR. (our Dad!) jumped into the furniture business with Furniture Land in 1975 and never looked back! Paul Jr and Jason Cirino grew up hanging around the Furniture stores and warehouses, and started working on the delivery trucks as soon as we were old enough!   The Furniture Business is a Family Tradition for the Cirino’s, and we started supplying furniture to Furniture Stores in 2003. We have been supplying furniture stores in the Great Lakes region for decades, and now we can sell directly to you!   We save our customers money because we buy In BULK, DIRECT FROM THE FACTORIES!   A true FAMILY business, The Cleveland Furniture Company holds strongly to our values and the satisfaction of our customers and employees! Through decades of serving our community, we know what it takes to keep our customers satisfied!   We are Family Owned CLEVELAND PROUD!...... and we look forward to SERVING YOU!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Daniel Roberson serves as PNC Fairfax Connection’s executive director, PNC’s free community resource center in Cleveland’s historic east side community. In his role, Roberson leads the center’s staff in sustaining and building upon successful community relationships and programs designed to empower individuals and businesses and help strengthen their economic vitality. With more than 14 years of banking and community development expertise, Roberson strongly advocates promoting both personal and community financial empowerment. Roberson previously served as PNC’s community development officer for northern Ohio.  In that role, he was integral in leading PNC’s efforts to deliver financial wellness training to underserved individuals and communities. Roberson, who connects with local nonprofits, serves on multiple boards and is a church trustee and youth ministry leader.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mr Gillespie is the President of ERIEBANK, a subsidiary of CNB Bank.  Wesley has been responsible for the expansion of the bank into the Cleveland market, as well as lead the growth efforts of ERIEBANK. In his role as President, Mr Gillespie has full responsibility for managing and directing the overall market-based Commercial and Industrial lending activities across the Ohio and Pennsylvania footprint. Mr Gillespie also has responsibility for the delivery of commercial services including Commercial Real Estate, Treasury Management, and Private Banking across the region. Mr Gillespie is responsible for building and expanding the ERIEBANK customer base by building relationships and ensuring the delivery of best-in-class service at every levelSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On January 1, 2025, Brad was named President and CEO of Clearstead, succeeding longtime partner David Fulton who has assumed the role of Chairman Emeritus. As CEO, Brad is now leading a larger and more complex firm than existed ten years ago, with revenues and earnings having grown significantly and the number of employees and assets under advisement increasing several times. The firm has acquired eleven firms in the past ten years and has added capabilities in tax compliance and financial planning while also forming Clearstead Trust, a nondepository trust company. Brad’s appointment as CEO was part of a longstanding management succession plan at Clearstead. He will continue to be instrumental to strategic initiatives at Clearstead, including accelerating organic growth through the addition of new channels and holistic service offerings, investing in technology to improve the client and advisor experience, and expanding our geographic footprint through integrating strategic acquisitions. Brad holds the Chartered Financial Analyst and Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst designations and joined Clearstead in 2016. Brad has held positions in the private client and institutional groups at the firm and has served as President from 2023 to the present. Since 2018, he has run the firm’s Private Client and Trust practices. Brad has over 25 years of experience in wealth advisory and investment management, having held positions with two major financial institutions prior to joining Clearstead. Prior to joining Clearstead, Brad was a Senior Vice President with Hawthorn/PNC Family and Key Private Bank. Brad began his investment career at McDonald & Company, a regional broker/dealer and investment bank. Brad earned a BSBA degree in finance from John Carroll University. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst charter holder and a member of the CFA Society of Cleveland. Brad is a member of the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst Association and has earned the use of that designation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Roger Lipscomb has led OHIO811, Ohio’s “Call Before You Dig” Notification Center, as President and Executive Director since 2006. With over 30 years of experience in the utility infrastructure and excavation sectors, Roger’s steadfast commitment to public safety through education and collaboration has made Ohio a national leader in damage prevention. His expertise led to the formation of the Ohio Underground Damage Prevention Coalition (OUDPC), a multistakeholder organization dedicated to advancing excavation safety statutes within the Ohio Revised Code (ORC). Additionally, Roger has forged strong partnerships with state and federal agencies, including the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Ohio Homeland Security, and the Ohio Public Private Partnership (OP3), strengthening the resilience of Ohio’s critical energy, communications, water, and wastewater infrastructure.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.