Partnership picks local woman to lead

SANDUSKY — Following a thorough search process, the Crawford Partnership recently announced the selection and hiring of Makenna Laser as its next leader. Laser will assume her new duties on Aug. 25. Current interim executive director Greg Timberlake will remain with the organization for a short period to assist with the transition and orientation. "We believe Makenna has the leadership skillset, drive and can-do attitude that will allow her to excel in this role, and we are pleased to welcome her to Crawford County," according to Kim Winkle, the partnership's president for its board of directors. Winkle noted Laser bested a field of 170 potential candidates, of which nearly 30 formally applied. Laser comes to the Crawford Partnership from the Greater Sandusky Partnership where she had served in several roles, most recently as a workforce development manager. Previously, she served as interim director and operations manager for Firelands Forward, an organizational precursor to the Greater Sandusky Partnership. She's a native of Norwalk and lives with her husband and daughter in Bellevue. Laser has extensive community involvement, including roles with the Norwalk Area United Fund, the Erie County Community Foundation, the North Point Educational Service Center Regional Business Advisory Council and the Ottawa County Business Advisory Council. She is a member of the 2023 Class of Project Leadership Huron County and received the Norwalk Area United Fund's Emerging Leader Award in 2021. "I'm honored to join the Crawford Partnership and build on the momentum already underway," Laser said. "This community has a clear vision for growth, and I'm eager to work alongside local leaders to bring that vision to life. I've seen how impactful economic and community development can be when it's rooted in strong relationships, and I'm excited to bring my experience in workforce and strategic partnerships to Crawford County." Bio blast The Crawford Partnership is leading the charge to make Crawford County a place where people seek to live and work. A catalyst for change in Crawford County, the partnership is committed to enhancing the livelihood of families and businesses in Crawford County through strategic economic, community, and workforce development. Bucyrus is the largest city in Crawford County. Learn more at crawfordpartnership.org.