Board of Directors

Robbie Anderson, Agent 
State Farm Insurance
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Anderson is excited to be part of the Rocky River Board of Directors in 2023!  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!

Julie Bialowas, Account Manager
Cleveland Magazine
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Bialowas joined the Rocky River Chamber in 2003 with Cleveland Magazine and soon got involved in many events, and currently serves as Co-Chair for our annual Libations Tour in the Fall.

Serving on the Board of Directors since 2017, Bialowas is an enthusiastic member of the Chamber and wonderful ambassador, making connections at every opportunity.

Bialowas most enjoys the annual Business Expo, finding benefits to annually participating as a sponsor and vendor. “Every year I look forward to catching up with my current customers and meeting potential new ones at this annual event,” said Bialowas.

Eric Cook, Director of Community Outreach
T3 Performance
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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.

Joining the Chamber Board in 2020, Cook is excited to give back and add additional value to the Chamber and its’ mission.

Christian Popa, Sales Manager - Cleveland Market
Cox Business
Connect with Christian

Popa is a Sales Manager for Cox Business, where he has worked for the last three years. Cox Business offers leading-edge technology solutions, through our exceptional voice, Internet, video, cloud and networking services. Popa and his team help business owners in Rocky River and the surrounding areas by providing them with tools to help their business be more efficient and productive.

Christian believes in supporting the communities that Cox serves in and has been involved with the Rocky River Chamber since 2019. He enjoys giving back to the community, helping business owners succeed in today’s environment and looks forward to fostering positive working relationships with current and new chamber members.

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

Recently elected to the Board of Directors in 2018, 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, Owner 
The Proficient Office
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Horton has been a member of the Chamber since 2013, joining just two months after starting her business. Horton has been on the Membership Committee and is currently on the Expo Committee. She also enjoys participating in Chamber activities, including selling tickets at Taste of River and the Business Expo. One of her favorite events is the annual Libations Tour.

Horton feels, “that the Chamber offers so many opportunities to connect with area businesses; giving members access to a strong network.” She found that the Rocky River Chamber is one of the most welcoming organizations in the area. Horton was recently been reappointed to the Board and is happy to be back!

Dennis Baughman, Owner
The Lash Lounge - Rocky River
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Baughman is excited to be part of the Rocky River Board of Directors in 2022. 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.”

Rick Joyce, Branch Manager
Huntington National Bank
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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.”

Christopher J. Klym, Partner
Huffman Hunt Klym & Warner, LLC
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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.”

Anne Kuenzel, Community Education Manager
Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital Wellness Center
Connect with Anne 

Kuenzel, a lifelong resident of the Westshore area, joined the Rocky River Chamber in 2009. Kuenzel’s involvement grew in 2012 when she began her role as Manager of Community Education and Operations at the Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital Wellness Center in Rocky River. She recently served as Chair of the Board and continues to on the Marketing & Social Media and Public Service Committees.

Serving on the Board of Directors since 2014, Kuenzel has seen firsthand the rewards that come with being active and involved with local businesses and the community. “My passion is connecting people for success. I’m excited to have a role in helping the Chamber shape a bright future for the organization and the Rocky River business community,” said Kuenzel.

Steven C. Polly, Owner
Battle & Polly LLC
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A longtime resident and business owner in Rocky River, Steve joined the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce in 2011. Steve, owner and managing partner of Battle & Polly, an employment defense firm, knew it was important to be part of this organization, sharing “membership in the Chamber has benefited Battle & Polly by allowing us to get involved in the community that we both live and work in.”

Serving on the Board of Directors since 2013, Steve recently concluded his 2-year term as Chair and will now serve as the Vice Chair Policy and focus on the Public Service Committee. This is a newer committee created under his recommendation, and he hopes to see it unite members to provide care and service within our community and raise awareness for the organization.  Polly views the Public Service Committee as a vehicle that will allow the membership to interact and network while at the same time giving back to the community.

Polly's previous participation in the Chamber is vast, as he’s served as Vice Chair of Economic Development on the Executive Board and participated on the Taste of River Committee and Libations Tour Committee. Additionally, he is a resource to the Chamber as Legal Advisor and assisted as a member of the By-Laws Committee.

Jim Riedl, Area Sales Manager
PNC Mortgage
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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.

Melis Uras, Financial Advisor
Edward Jones Investments
Connect with Melis

coming soon

Michael Thomas, Director of Finance

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. 

Mike Trifiletti, Shareholder
Devries, Trifiletti & Loy, Inc. Certified Public Accountants
Connect with Mike

Joining the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce in 2000, Trifiletti has been an active member every step of the way. He has served on the Membership and Golf Committees, and he has also offered guidance for guest speakers and hiring Chamber staff. Trifiletti was elected to the Board of Directors in 2012 and quickly stepped into the role as Treasurer.

“My motivation to the join the Chamber was to expand my network and develop new business.  Like many people, getting out and involved wasn’t easy for me, but I found many opportunities at the Chamber that fit me and allowed me to become more comfortable,” said Trifiletti.  “The Chamber isn’t just the monthly luncheon; there are smaller groups you can be part of that help you develop a comfort level with networking.”

Trifiletti also shared that his investment into the Chamber has benefited his business, sharing “I have developed a tremendous network with Chamber members. People I first met 19 years ago are still go-to-people for me and vice versa. It’s a great organization!”   

Dan Weist, Realtor
Howard Hanna
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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
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.