Nick Chretien is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of EAG. Nick’s work has focused on launching the Commercial Property Revitalization program (CPR), a small-scale commercial development program, and advancing EAG’s services to its Anchor Partners.

Presently, Nick serves on the City of Youngstown’s Design Review Committee and the Board of Directors of the Rocky Ridge Neighborhood Association. Previously, he has worked with other non-profits and philanthropic organizations in the Mahoning Valley, was a member of the Raymond John Wean Foundation’s Resident Council and Emerging Leader Program, and was recognized by the Mahoning Valley Young Professionals as a 25 Under 35 Honoree in 2017. 

Nick has a BSBA in Finance from Youngstown State University’s Williamson College of Business Administration and a Master’s Degree of Public Administration from Cleveland State University’s Maxine Goodman Levin College of Urban Affairs. Nick lives in Youngstown’s Rocky Ridge Neighborhood with his wife Morgen and 3 dogs.

Marcelle holds a doctorate in history from West Virginia University, and a M.A. and B.S. from YSU. She began providing the Economic Action Group, inc. with her expertise in 2023.

As the Development Director at the Economic Action Group, she oversees fundraising activities, manages grants, and develops comprehensive strategies to support our mission.

Marcelle leverages her experience as a former site manager and historian to enhance project planning and provide valuable context for community development initiatives, while collaborating with team members to align development efforts with organizational goals and ensure compliance with best practices.  

Gianna works as CITY Site Coordinator for EAG. She began in the summer of 2022 as a seasonal employee, then worked as a Program Manager. Gianna is also a high school math teacher.

Ben started interning with EAG in the spring of 2019. He is a graduate of Youngstown State University (2020), with a BFA in Graphic and Interactive Design. His role as Graphic Designer consists of stylizing and maintaining websites for EAG and our partners, along with creating renderings of potential redevelopment opportunities.

Prior to his start at EAG, Ben worked outside of his field as well as designing on a freelance basis.

Ben was born in Youngstown and raised in nearby Hubbard, Ohio. In his free time, Ben enjoys binge-watching movies and shows, going on trips with friends, and spending time with his family.

Sarah is the Technical Media Intern at EAG. She is a senior at Youngstown State University majoring in Multimedia Communications and has a certification in Electrical Engineering Technology.

Sarah’s work at EAG includes video editing, social media management and business outreach for the YO! App, 3D modeling and printing, graphics work, and various technical tasks.

In her free time, Sarah is active in amateur radio, various media jobs on campus, and working on her rock band.

Gio is currently enrolled in YSU’s Graphic and Interactive Design track. He has experience working for Graphic Services at YSU and assists EAG in general graphic design projects to promote various programs.

Grace is a lifelong resident of Youngstown, currently attending YSU as an Anthropology major. She maintains her community involvement through outreach and social activism. Using her prior experience as an intern for the Civic Innovation Transforming Youngstown (CITY) program, she will serve as a mentor for incoming interns and assist coordinators with the program’s execution.

Yanvitha Gottipati is a Computer Science Intern at EAG and is studying Computing and Information Systems at Youngstown State University. She is actively gaining practical experience in her field while pursuing her degree. In her free time, Yanvitha enjoys relaxing walks.