YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (July 21, 2026) – Lake to River Economic Development has named Christine Vinion director of finance and Vicki Rusu director of engagement and investor relations, two additions that further build out the organization’s internal capacity.
Vinion brings more than a decade of accounting experience to the role. She most recently served as business manager for Kent State University’s Department of Biological Sciences, where she managed departmental budgets, expense reimbursements and foundation funding requests. Previously, she spent six years as fiscal officer for the Northeast Ohio Regional Library System and McKinley Memorial Library.
Rusu joins Lake to River’s engagement and investor relations team, where she will support investor engagement, relationship development and stakeholder partnerships across Ashtabula, Trumbull, Mahoning and Columbiana counties. She previously served as senior manager of strategic initiatives and partnerships at BRITE Energy Innovators, leading fundraising, ecosystem development and industry engagement efforts within Ohio’s advanced energy sector.
“This year has been about building the internal systems that will allow Lake to River to serve our region for years to come, and Christine and Vicki are central to that effort.” said Dani Robbins, CEO of Lake to River. “Christine strengthens our financial practices, and Vicki expands our reach in engagement and investor relations, ensuring we’re developing and supporting the Lake to River organization and region for long-term success.”
Vinion, a Youngstown resident, holds a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration in accounting and a Bachelor of Science in applied science from Youngstown State University.
Rusu, a Poland resident, holds a Master of Business Administration and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Youngstown State University. She also serves on the Board of Directors for DIVA Donations.
