Presenters

The 2025 Spring Conference Presenters are listed in order of appearance. We will continue to add their names and biographies as presenters are confirmed.

Julianne Dunn serves as the regional executive of the Cincinnati Branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland, overseeing stakeholder relationships, monitoring the region's economy, and supporting the Bank's monetary policy mission. She manages Business Advisory Councils across southwest Ohio, northern Kentucky, central Ohio, the Dayton area, and eastern Kentucky. Since joining the Bank in 2017, she has advanced through several positions, most recently as a manager in the Bank’s regional analysis group. Prior to the Cleveland Fed, she worked as an economist at MarketResearch.com.

Kevin Futryk brings over four decades of government affairs expertise to his role as Executive Director of the County Treasurers Association. His career in public service began in 1977 when he was elected to the Seven Hills City Council at age 19, making him one of Ohio's youngest elected officials. After serving as an LSC intern for the Ohio House of Representatives and working in former Cleveland Mayor George Voinovich's administration, Kevin established himself as an independent lobbyist in Columbus. Since 1984, he has successfully represented both private and public sector interests before the Ohio General Assembly, Governor's Office, state agencies, and local governments.

Alex Zumbar has served as Stark County Treasurer since 2010. His prior public service includes roles as Alliance City Council member (1996-2003), Alliance City Auditor (2003-2008), and Finance Director of North Canton (2008-2010). He earned his Certified Public Finance Administrator certification in 2019.

Dan Talarek has served as Lorain County Treasurer since April 1989. Prior to becoming Treasurer, he held positions as chief deputy treasurer (1975-1989) and personal property tax collector (1971-1975) within the office. In his role as Treasurer, Talarek oversees county tax collection and investments. He also serves on multiple county boards, including the Board of Revision, Data Board, and Budget Commission. Throughout his tenure, he has maintained a focus on responsible fiscal management and stewardship of public funds.

Susan Willeke is an accomplished government-relations professional with more than 33 years’ experience in public affairs, communication, and public speaking. Susan joined the Ohio Ethics Commission in 2005 as the Education and Communications Manager where she oversees and conducts educational and communication outreach. In that position, Susan presents approximately 200 speeches annually, develops information strategies regarding agency programs and represents the Ethics Commission to Ohio citizens, the media, and the Ohio legislature. Prior to joining the Commission, Susan served in the communications office at the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency and as a legislative aide in the Ohio House of Representatives.

Brad Cromes serves as Treasurer of Cuyahoga County, bringing significant experience from his eight-year tenure as Portage County Treasurer. During his time in Portage County, he modernized taxpayer services and spearheaded innovative financial programs, including a low-cost home improvement loan initiative in partnership with local banks. Cromes also created a groundbreaking Financial Wellness Fair that connected residents with personal finance experts. A Certified Government Financial Manager since 2016, Cromes is one of only 200 professionals in Ohio holding this designation.

Ric Wasserman serves as the Athens County Treasurer, a position he has held since 2018. He is co-owner of the Pigskin Bar and Grille on Court Street in Athens. Throughout his 30-year business career, Wasserman has owned or co-owned six different enterprises.

Brian Perera serves as a Senior Policy Advisor at ZHF Consulting. He previously spent over twenty years as Ohio Senate Finance Director, overseeing eleven state budget cycles and working with multiple Senate administrations. Before joining ZHF, he served as Associate Vice-President for State Relations at Ohio State University, where he directed state lobbying efforts and policy initiatives.

Steve Hall has over twenty years of experience in state and local tax law, providing comprehensive tax services, legal counsel, and lobbying across multiple jurisdictions. He leads his firm's Real Estate Tax Practice Group and represents clients before various tax authorities, including the Ohio Supreme Court. As a registered lobbyist and former Assistant Counsel to the Ohio Tax Commissioner, Hall actively shapes tax policy through legislation and reform advocacy.