• Board of Directors

  • The Board of Directors for the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce is comprised of local leaders in business, non-profits and education. This dedicated group of individuals work tirelessly to enhance our Chamber and stimulate our business community.

     

  • Robbie Anderson Robbie Anderson

    Robbie Anderson, Agent 
    State Farm Insurance
    Connect with Robbie

    Anderson is excited to be part of the Rocky River Board of Directors!  He is the owner of Robbie Anderson State Farm Agency of North Olmsted and opened his second office here in Rocky River on January 1, 2023.  He has been a member of the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce since 2018 and has served on the Golf Committee for several years.  Anderson and his team help protect business owners and residents from the risks of everyday life by offering industry leading products for auto, home business/commercial and life insurance.

    Anderson, and his wife of 35 years Kim, are excited to be a part of the Rocky River business community.  Having been long time patrons of the numerous outstanding restaurants in Rocky River, they are excited to connect with other local business owners and utilize the variety of services offered.  Anderson enjoys participating in the many events offered by the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce such as the Annual Business Expo, the Libations Tour in the Fall, Taste of River, the Christmas Party, the Golf Tournament and of course, the regular luncheons!

    Dennis Baughman Dennis Baughman

    Dennis Baughman, Owner
    The Lash Lounge - Rocky River
    Connect with Dennis

    Baughman is excited to be part of the Rocky River Board of Directors. He is the owner of Bayside Enterprises, a consulting and investment business. After opening The Lash Lounge with his business partner and wife Jane in 2018, they immediately joined the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce. Appreciating the Rocky River Chamber vibe, they jumped on the Golf and Christmas committees, and haven’t looked back. 

    Baughman feels strongly that all members should try to utilize Rocky River Chamber members first when sourcing needs for their businesses. He is always looking for ways to promote The Lash Lounge, but also loves learning the secrets of every Chamber business. “I personally try to attend every event possible and always learn/grow in some way from each event. Through these networking events I have developed great personal and business relationships.”

    Eric Cook Eric Cook


    Eric Cook
    , Director of Community Outreach
    T3 Performance
    Connect with Eric

    Cook is the Director of Community Outreach for T3 Performance, and has been a Performance Coach with T3, working to improve the well-being & performance of adults and athletes since 2009.

    T3 Performance joined the Rocky River Chamber in 2016, and Cook has enthusiastically become more and more involved each year, seeing the benefits of chamber membership grow while building long-lasting relationships with other members.

    Cook is excited to give back and add additional value to the Chamber and its’ mission.

    Justin Hamlin Justin Hamlin

    Justin Hamlin, Client Advisor
    HFS Wealth Advisors
    Connect with Justin

    Justin joined HFS Wealth Advisors and began his career a full-time financial advisor upon my graduation from Miami University with a Bachelors degree in finance and economics.  He is now an equity partner in our practice. He has earned credentials of Certified Financial Planner and Accredited Estate Planner. His practice focuses on working with business succession planning for small and medium sized businesses, and individuals and families to create detailed retirement and estate planning curated to maximize a client’s goals and objectives. He works diligently with clients to support the lifestyle they wish to live and to preserve a legacy by which they will be fondly remembered.  He holds FINRA Series 7 and 66 security licenses as well as life, health, and disability insurance licenses.

    Meredith Hardington, Vice Chair of Economic Development Meredith Hardington, Vice Chair of Economic Development

    Meredith Hardington, Realtor on the SALEmaker Team
    Howard Hanna
    Connect with Meredith

    Hardington brings 10 years of experience as a dedicated Chamber member of the Rocky River Chamber. “I feel we get much more than we give both in business and friendships as members of the Chamber,” said Hardington.

    As a resident and real estate agent in the Rocky River community, Hardington is a familiar face to all and enjoys networking with those in Chamber, “it is a great way to meet other professionals and to get involved,” she shares.  Hardington has volunteered on the Taste of River Committee since 2011 and looks forward to this annual event every July. Additionally, her team sponsors the signature Chamber bags used at monthly luncheons to assure no one misses a business card or flyer.

    Penny Horton, Board Chair Penny Horton, Board Chair

    Penny Horton, Owner 
    The Proficient Office
    Connect with Penny

    Horton has been a member of the Chamber since 2013, joining just two months after starting her business. She has been on the Membership Committee and Expo Committee. She is currently on the Taste of River committee. She also enjoys participating in Chamber activities, including luncheons and happy hours. Her favorite event is the annual Taste of River.

    Horton was awarded the Bright Star in 2021. She feels, “that the Chamber offers so many opportunities to connect with area businesses; giving members access to a strong network and great business relationships.” She recently was Board Secretary and is now the Board Chair.

    Rick Joyce Rick Joyce

    Rick Joyce, Branch Manager
    Huntington National Bank
    Connect with Rick

    Stocked with his signature green Huntington pens and a big smile, Rick makes a lasting impression with all he meets at Rocky River Chamber of Commerce! He joined the Chamber in 1996 and was elected to the Board of Directors in 2009.

    Rick has served on many of the Chamber event committees and loves the excitement they bring. His favorite is the annual Christmas Party! Often referred to as “Santa,” Rick  leads the charge in coordinating a massive raffle, raising thousands of dollars every year to benefit the Rocky River Education Fund and Rocky River Assistance Program. He not only devotes endless hours to coordinating this raffle, but is also responsible for creating welcome baskets for the new teachers in Rocky River every August. These baskets are offer a warm welcome into our community as they begin their first school year.

    In 2004, Rick and Hunting National Bank were awarded the Chamber’s “Quality Business Award.” Rick remembers this moment fondly, and shares “what an honor and also a privilege to be part of such a special community.”

    Chris Klym, Secretary Chris Klym, Secretary

    Christopher J. Klym, Partner
    Huffman Hunt Klym & Warner, LLC
    Connect with Chris

    Klym is a busy Rocky River resident. Not only a partner at Huffman Hunt Kym & Warner, LLC and member of the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce, but Klym also serves as Councilman At-Large on the Rocky River City Council. 

    Joining the Chamber in 2010, Klym immediately became involved, and joined the Board of Directors in 2012. He currently holds the position of Vice Chair Policy and serves on the Business Expo Committee, Public Service Committee, and, most memorably, he is the Chamber’s official “greeter” for our annual, community-wide events, the Business Expo and Taste of River. “It’s so much fun to open those doors, watch everyone stream in, excited for the event. I am able say hello and interact with so many members of the community and other chamber members,” said Klym.

    “By being involved in the organization, more people not only recognize my name, the name of my business, and have an idea of what we do, but they also have gotten to know me, and my partners, on a more personal level through the various events and activities. As a result, they are more willing to utilize my business and to refer us to others as well.”

    Erica Larson Erica Larson

    Erica Larson, Owner
    Pixel Power Social Media Marketing and Website Design
    Connect with Erica

    Erica Larson brings her extensive digital marketing expertise to the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce, aiming to bolster local businesses. At Pixel Power, she applies her proficiency in web design, branding, content creation, and social media marketing to enhance businesses' digital footprints, build audiences, and foster community connections.

    A key motivator for Erica's involvement with the Chamber is her desire to view and enhance the organization through a small business lens. Erica is dedicated to enriching the supportive environment of the Chamber, ensuring membership continues to be a pivotal asset for the growth and success of local small businesses. Through her extensive advising and workshops on marketing how-to's for small businesses at the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC), Erica has directly contributed to facilitating small business growth. Recognizing the multifaceted challenges small business owners face—from marketing and sales to bookkeeping and HR—Erica is keen on introducing more practical, how-to programming that directly supports these needs, ensuring local businesses have the tools they need to thrive.

    In addition to her role at the Chamber, Erica is an active participant in the broader business ecosystem. She serves on the Membership Committee of the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and engages with the Greater Cleveland Partnership/COSE on committees that drive membership.

    K.C. Meyer K.C. Meyer

    K.C. Meyer, Licensed Agent
    Navigate Risk Advisors
    Connect with K.C.

    Meyer works with Navigate Risk Advisors, an Independent Brokerage, based out of Westlake Ohio. He is married, has a Victorian Bulldog named Rocky, and is expecting his first child May of 2024. He is from Massillon Ohio and graduated from Notre Dame College in 2017. He lives in Parma Heights and enjoy adventures to different locations in the Cleveland Area, going to see the latest movies, going to watch the Guardians play at Progressive Field and most of all spending time with his family. 

    Meyer joined the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce in April of 2022.

    "I have enjoyed my time with the chamber especially this past year joining the Golf Outing and Business Expo Committees. I have enjoyed going to all the Chamber Luncheons and the after-hour events. The Chamber has helped me become a part of a great community with even better members. The one thing I tell all new members or potential members is that the Rocky River Chamber is like being a part of a big family. Everyone you meet wants to help you become successful. Being a part of the Rocky River Chamber has truly been a blessing and I look forward to years of continued membership."

    Kevin Patno, Treasurer Kevin Patno, Treasurer

    Kevin Patno
    Devries, Trifiletti & Loy, CPA's
    Connect with Kevin

    Steve Polly, Vice Chair of Policy Steve Polly, Vice Chair of Policy

    Steve Polly,
    Battle & Polly
    Connect with Steve

    Jim Reidl, Vice Chair of Events Jim Reidl, Vice Chair of Events

    Jim Riedl, Area Sales Manager
    PNC Mortgage
    Connect with Jim

    In 1994, Riedl became a member of the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce. Immediately he became an active member of the organization and joined the Board of Directors in 1995; Riedl has devotedly held the position of Board Chair for 3 separate terms through his tenure. Over his decades with the Chamber, Riedl has supported nearly every committee and event hosted.

    He currently serves as Vice Chair Events and Taste of River Committee Chair. He is also an enthusiastic member of the Golf Committee and Business Expo Committee still bringing fresh ideas and excitement to the table each year.

    “Through this Chamber, I have made numerous lifelong friendships that have become my referral network for all things.  I like to be a connector of people and this is a way I can recommend the businesses of my friends because I know that they will be accountable and do a great job,” said Riedl.

    Michael Thomas, Vice Chair Economic Development Michael Thomas, Vice Chair Economic Development

    Michael Thomas, Finance Director
    City of Rocky River

    Connect with Michael

    Thomas has been an Ohio licensed CPA since 1993 and works for the City of Rocky River as the Director of Finance. He joined the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce in 2013 and became a member of the Board of Directors in 2018.

    Entering his second year on the Board, he is excited for the calendar of events and looks forward to continuing his efforts of strengthening our organization. “I will keep my sleeves rolled up and be a hard-working board member to increase the visibility of the Chamber and each member,” said Thomas. 

    Melis Bilski Melis Bilski

    Melis Bilski, Financial Advisor
    Edward Jones Investments
    Connect with Melis

    Dan Weist, Vice Chair Membership Dan Weist, Vice Chair Membership

    Dan Weist, Realtor
    Howard Hanna
    Connect with Dan

    Lifelong Rocky River resident, Weist joined the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce in 2013 as he transitioned into real estate full-time. “I wanted an environment where I could meet new people and have an opportunity to network within my own community,” Weist shared.

    Jumping right in, Weist was elected to the Board of Directors in 2016 and now serves as the Vice Chair of Membership. He is also involved in a handful of additional volunteer opportunities including the Christmas Party Committee, Golf Committee, and Membership Committee. “I must say, being involved and active in the Chamber makes the difference in my experience,” said Weist.  

    Every year, Weist looks forward to the annual Chamber Golf Outing held in June. He shares “it’s great because it’s a relaxing environment, but it still allows you the opportunity to network and promote your business.” Hit the links with the Chamber this year on June 17, 2019 at Avon Oaks Country Club!

    David Lipinsky, Executive Director David Lipinsky, Executive Director


    David Lipinsky, Executive Director
    Rocky River Chamber of Commerce
    Connect with David

    Lipinsky joined Rocky River Chamber of Commerce staff in July 2023 and proudly serves as Executive Director of this highly revered organization.

    Before joining the Chamber, David came from a diverse background of business development and events experience in Sports, Chamber of Commerce, Tech, City Government, Alcohol, and Real Estate. From creating long term partnerships throughout the Midwest, to developing and managing the 2021 NFL Draft bid for the City of Cleveland. David has been committed to bringing brand awareness to the region. 

    A native of Cleveland, and resident of Rocky River, David holds a bachelor’s degree in Speech Communications from Miami University. David is enthusiastic hopes to provide continuous resources for the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce’s Members. 

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  • Rocky River Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, photo by PictureTakers
  • Photo courtesy of PictureTakers Portrait Studio & Boutique