Crain’s Cleveland Business takes note of BW alumni achievement

BW graduates are among the movers and shakers named to the magazine's latest "Power 150" and "40 under Forty" lists.

When the editorial staff of Crain's Cleveland Business set out to build its latest "Power 150" list, a number of Baldwin Wallace University alumni came to mind.

The magazine notes that the influential leaders on the list, "from CEOs and politicians to philanthropists and entrepreneurs," represent "a snapshot of those leading some of Northeast Ohio's most influential organizations and who are in a position to move the region forward."

Their profiles include highlighted involvement in the community and how they've made news in Northeast Ohio. The eight BW graduates on the list include:

• Brian Hall '87, MBA, owner and CEO, JIT Services

• Phyllis Harris '02 (communication studies), executive director, LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland

• Ron Leonhardt Jr. '97 (sport management, business), founder and CEO, CrossCountry Mortgage

• Darrell McNair '88, MBA, president and CEO, MVP Plastics

• Randell McShepard '86 (psychology, communication studies), vice president, RPM International

• Victor Ruiz '99 (English), executive director, Esperanza Inc.

• Marc A. Stefanski '80, MBA, chairman, president and CEO, Third Federal Savings & Loan

• James Tressel '75 (education), president, Youngstown State University

Crain's also recognizes up-and-comers in the region every year through its "40 Under Forty" program. BW grad Kimberly Pinter '05 is among the latest "standout class of dedicated young executives, professionals and leaders" who are "making a difference in Northeast Ohio."

Pinter is a partner at Calfee, Halter & Griswold LLP, serving as vice chair of the intellectual property practice, where she counsels clients ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies on "drafting, filing and prosecuting patent applications," according to Crain's.

Blending science and law

Before she decided to go to law school, Pinter earned a biology and chemistry degree at BW with the intention of going to medical school.

That blend of education in science and law has given her unique expertise as she works with clients seeking chemical, life sciences, and mechanical patent, trademark and copyright protection.

"Innovation is not repetitive - there's always something different with every project," Pinter told Crain's. "I'm constantly being introduced to new ideas. I have to learn and be able to protect those ideas."

Pinter has also been recognized with the 2018 YWCA of Greater Cleveland "Woman of Professional Excellence Award" and as a 2022-23 "Ohio Super Lawyer, Ohio Rising Stars, Intellectual Property."