LEADERSHIP TEAM

Traci began her career as a special education teacher working with high school and middle school students. She earned her Master's Degree and administrative certification in Educational Administration from Edinboro University in Pennsylvania. Dr. Hostetler began her administrative career as an elementary principal, then transitioned to a middle school principalship in Mahoning County. In 2013, she earned her Superintendent's License and a position as the Director of Teaching and Learning in Stark County. She served as superintendent at East Palestine City School District before becoming the MCESC (now ESCEO) superintendent in 2018. Traci earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Youngstown State University in 2021. 

Ryan D. Jones earned his B.A. in Journalism and Psychology from Ohio Wesleyan University in 2008 and his Treasurer’s License in 2015. Ryan became Treasurer of the Mahoning County Educational Service Center (now Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio) in September 2019. He began his career as a bookkeeper in the MCESC’s fiscal office and then was hired as the Treasurer/CFO at Mathews Local Schools. Most recently he served as the Treasurer/CFO at Marlington Local Schools.

Ryan is the Treasurer of Focus Hippotherapy--a 501(c)(3) organization--and helps organize an annual triathlon and picnic that benefits the Steve Speece Memorial Scholarship and the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network (PanCAN).

Jack Zocolo currently serves as the Director of Human Resources and Operations of the ESC of Eastern Ohio (formerly the Mahoning County ESC). He received his undergraduate degree in special education from the University of Akron and a Master’s of Education in Educational Administration/Exceptional Children from Youngstown State University. In 2013, he earned his Superintendent’s License from Ashland University and his School Business Manager’s License in 2016. 

Jack joined the Mahoning County Educational Service Center in July 2019 after working 23 years in the Boardman Local Schools as Director of Special Education and Director of Operations. Prior to that, he worked as a special education supervisor for the Westerville City Schools and a special education teacher in various districts throughout the state. He has over 30 years’ experience working with students and staff as a teacher and administration.

Bio

Sandy Furano is the Director of Mahoning Valley Regional Council of Governments and Career Counseling services at the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio. She received her associate degree in Applied Science in Computer Information Systems from Youngstown State University.  

Sandy joined the Mahoning County Educational Service Center (now Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio) in October 2016 as Lead Career Counselor. She has more than 20 years of professional experience in the field of Adult Education in a variety of roles including customized training coordinator, developing and implementing adult career programs, and supervising adult education staff and instructors. In October 2019, Sandy became the Director of Mahoning Valley Regional Council of Governments and Career Counseling services. Sandy also leads the Mahoning Valley Business Advisory Council (BAC) supported by the ESC of Eastern Ohio and more than 25 school districts.

John Kuzma currently serves as the Director of Teaching & Learning at the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio (formerly Mahoning County Educational Service Center). Mr. Kuzma received his undergraduate degree in History from the University of Toledo and his social studies licensure from Cleveland State University. He earned his Master's Degree in Gifted Education from Youngstown State University and his Principal Licensure from Westminster College in Pennsylvania. Mr. Kuzma has taught in Warrensville Heights and in Youngstown Ohio. In 2008, he joined the MCESC as a Gifted Coordinator and Instructional Supervisor.

Michele Moore has served as Director of State Support Team Region 5 since 2010. A steadfast, compelling advocate for equity in education, she leads efforts to engage Ohio’s Region 5 school districts in transforming educational systems to meet the needs of all students.

Previous experiences in her career include serving as an intervention specialist in the Youngstown City Schools, as an instructional coordinator for the Northeast Ohio Educational Regional Resource Center, and as state coordinator for Ohio’s State Personnel Development Grant (federal funding to create a structure for improving Ohio’s educational outcomes).

A member of the Ohio Leadership Advisory Council and of the National Center on Educational Outcomes Moving Your Numbers Advisory Group, she represents at state and national conferences on topics like closing achievement gaps, districtwide reform for school improvement, and positive behavior interventions and supports.

Andrew Velchek is the Director of Technology at the Educational Service Center of Eastern Ohio. He received an Associate of Applied Science in Computer Information Systems from Youngstown State University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Organizational Management from Malone University. Andrew accumulated five years experience in the technical support field at Bank One prior to his employment as an Information Technical Support Specialist with the MCESC (now ESCEO), beginning in September 1997. In 2000, Andrew became a Network Administrator, was named Supervisor of Technology in 2008, and Director of Technology in July 2016.