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Lima, Ohio • July 23, 10 am - 1 pm
Lima Library Auditorium
650 West Market Street • Lima, OH 45801


Event Agenda & Details
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Lynanne Gutierrez, President, Groundwork Ohio
As the President of Groundwork Ohio, Lynanne Gutierrez is at the forefront of our statewide mission, spearheading a powerful early childhood movement. As a dedicated child advocate, Lynanne oversees the development and implementation of Groundwork’s policy agenda and shapes priorities and strategies through effective communication, advocacy, research, and data analysis.
A pivotal figure in Groundwork's strategic growth and transformation over the past seven years, Lynanne played a crucial role in expanding the organization's Statehouse footprint, relationships, and reputation across the state. Additionally, her efforts were instrumental in the successful transition to a standalone 501c3 in 2021.
Recognized as a respected early childhood expert in Ohio and nationwide, Lynanne is frequently sought out to address diverse audiences on early childhood policy advocacy. Appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to the state’s Early Childhood Advisory Council, she has served as a member since 2019.
Lynanne's professional journey includes prior roles in advocacy and private law practice focused on children and families. Before becoming a licensed attorney, she served as a Senior Legislative Aide in the Ohio Senate. A distinguished alumna of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts and a Juris Doctorate from Capital Law School, Lynanne is also a 2023 graduate of the prestigious Leadership Ohio program.
Lynanne, a resident of Columbus, Ohio, shares life with her husband Anthony and their two young children. She is an avid reader and amateur quilter.
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Sharetta Smith, Mayor, Lima
Sharetta Smith is the 59th Mayor of Lima and the first woman and first African American to be elected as the city's chief executive. With an agenda focused on safe and livable neighborhoods; job creation and economic development; youth, recreation and parks; quality, affordable housing; and improving city operations, Mayor Smith is working to make local government more accessible and responsive to citizens.
Mayor Smith holds a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Toledo; a Juris Doctorate from the Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law; and a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Phoenix. In 2021, she was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Law from Ohio Northern. She is also a graduate of Allen Lima Leadership, Leadership Ohio, and Harvard University’s Seminar for Newly Elected Mayors.
Mayor Smith serves on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Mayors Alliance Foundation, America-250 Commission, and Co-Chair of Ohio Mayors Alliance - Mayors and Police Chief Committee in addition to serving on several local community boards and commissions throughout Lima.
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Christina Muryn, Mayor, Findlay
Mayor Christina Muryn, a Findlay native, graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Findlay in 2014 with a Bachelor of Science in Economics and Marketing and a minor in finance. She also is a graduate of the 2014 class of the JoAnn Davidson Ohio Leadership Institute. While at the University of Findlay, she served as student representative to the Board of Trustees, Student Government Association President (two terms), a Dana Scholar, Service Chair of Mortar Board Academic Honor Society, Vice President of Aristos Eklektos Service Honor Society, and founding member of Delta Mu Delta Business Honor Society.
Prior to being Mayor, Muryn served as the Director of Business & Physician Development for Pain Management Group. Her work focused on providing alternatives to opioid use for patients suffering from acute and chronic pain. Her day to day responsibilities included such things as managing the physician development team, negotiating contracts with hospital executives and attorneys, and preparing financial forecasts for potential programs.
Mayor Muryn is a Systems, Applications & Products (SAP) Certificate Holder and Six Sigma Yellow Belt. She has been recognized numerous times for her community service and business leadership. In 2017, Mayor Muryn received the Northwest Ohio 20 Under 40 Award, and she is a recipient of the Zonta International Women In Business Scholarship.
Mayor Muryn is recognized across the country for being a common sense, approachable leader who engages with everyone to find solutions to problems. She is regularly invited to The White House and events around the world to engage in meaningful policy discussions on housing, mental health, and community safety to name a few. She serves on the Board of Directors for the Ohio Mayors Alliance, Ohio Drug Transparency and Affordability Council, the Ohio Advisory Committee for the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition, Energy Committee for the United States Conference of Mayors and has attended the Yale Mayors College and CEO summit annually since 2019.
Since becoming Mayor in 2019, Mayor Muryn has focused on continuous improvement of City Government recognizing that the daily activities that may not be flashy are some of the most important. She is continuing to increase investment into infrastructure including focusing on removing lead service lines which will be complete in 2024. She also believes in planning for the future and has worked with City departments to implement a 10-year Capital Improvement Plan. She also championed the Findlay Forward Strategic Planning process, implemented the Hometown Heroes program, funded the Hancock County Safety Service Simulated Tactical Response and Incident Command Training Center construction and has implemented body cameras to support the Findlay Police Department. Under her leadership, Findlay has continued to be recognized as America’s Top Micropolitan by Site Selection Magazine for the 10th consecutive year and is set to continue to be recognized as a top place to live, learn, work and play.
Mayor Muryn married Tyler Muryn in 2014, and they enjoy spoiling their nieces and nephews, golfing, and traveling.
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Amy Esser, Executive Director, Mercer County Head Start
Kim Parks, Owner, ABC 123 Child Enrichment Center
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Phyllis Montrose, Director, Head Start, West Ohio Community Action Partnership
We want to hear from you. Policymakers need to hear about your expertise and challenges. Help inform early childhood policy and take our brief survey today.(https://secure.everyaction.com/FdIy59v9lUG4QJDU7FbilA2)
Download our roadshow factsheet (https://5880718d-c320-42e3-a037-25fa66c0bbc0.usrfiles.com/ugd/d114b9_1cf92661cf0845769d13e1a15cae5ca6.pdf)to learn more about our policy process.
Use county-specific data to help with your advocacy outreach.
• Allen County Factsheet (https://d114b999-71e8-45e2-be5a-0aaa99997a3b.usrfiles.com/ugd/d114b9_15a8036ab53f4b3793324e07baff1fc4.pdf)
• Hancock County Factsheet (https://d114b999-71e8-45e2-be5a-0aaa99997a3b.usrfiles.com/ugd/d114b9_e6e41f38e1094224b736f5a31ec7f552.pdf)
Request another county-specific data source by contacting us. (mailto:bthomas@groundworkohio.org)
10:00 am: Registration
Take part in our data engagement activity before the formal program begins.
10:30 am: Welcome and Introductions
Lynanne Gutierrez, President, Groundwork Ohio
Brittany Boulton, Vice President
10:45 am: Fireside Chat
• Lima Mayor Sharetta Smith
• Findlay Mayor Christina Muryn
11:30 am: Early Childhood Care and Learning
• Amy Esser, Executive Director of Mercer County Head Start
• Kim Parks, Owner of ABC 123 Child Enrichment Center
• Phyllis Montrose, Head Start Director for the West Ohio Community Action Partnership
12:15 pm: Lunch Discussion
12:45 pm: Conclusion and Wrap-Up
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Lima Library Auditorium
650 West Market Street
Lima, OH 45801
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