Brad Mullins
Chairman
Brad Mullins is co-founder and Chief Operating Officer of NexGoal. He provides over 22 years experience in executive management, specializing in sales and marketing, distribution, logistics, and business development. Brad is a results-oriented individual with innovative initiatives to drive growth, recognize efficiencies, implement and execute strategies associated with business plans and build strong customer relations.
His experience in business development has provided him a keen understanding of all facets of running a successful business. Brad brings a wide range of experience at an executive level with large companies like Frito-Lay, Nestle USA, and Michael Foods. His 12 years of experience with a private equity group has provided Brad with experience in purchasing companies and developing business plans to grow sales and reduce costs, making them attractive targets for an eventual acquisition.
Brad holds an undergraduate degree from Wittenberg University where he played four years of NCAA collegiate football, playing in the NCAA Division III National Championship in 1979 . Brad was the defensive captain his senior year and earned multiple honors in the Ohio Athletic Conference. He was inducted into the Lorain Sports Hall of Fame in 2002.
Brad is also co-owner in a real estate management company with properties throughout the city of Lorain.
Brad commits a large portion of his free time using his business experience to sit on the Board of Directors for private companies as well as non profit organizations that include;
- Lorain County Board of Advisors for Junior Achievement
- Board of Advisors for Teamsters Retirement Funds with 3 different locals
- Board of Directors for Balanced Asset Management wealth management company
- Board of Directors for Samuel Felton Foundation
- Board of Directors Vice Chair for Lorain Port Authority
Carl Nielsen
Vice Chairman
Carl Nielsen is the co-owner of Nielsen Jewelers in Lorain, Ohio, and has grown up working for the family business. The life-long Lorain resident is married to his wife, Wendy, and together they have raised two sons, Alex and Carl.
Nielsen graduated from Bowling Green State University in 1982 with a Bachelor of Science in business administration. From 1986 to 1999, he served on the Lorain County Airport Authority Board and acted as chairman twice. Nielsen was also commodore of the Lorain Sailing Club for two years in the late 1980s and previously raced Olympic-class sailboats across the country.
Nielsen has served on the Lorain Port Authority Board of Directors twice, but his most recent appointment was in July 2008. After growing up around the water and seeing what effective ports can do for a city through his years of traveling while sailing, Nielsen is convinced our port should be the front runner in creating opportunities for Lorain.
Steve Bansek
Steve Bansek is a lifelong resident of Lorain. He spent his childhood growing up on 19th street, and is an alumni of Admiral King High School. He is married to his wife Jeanie, and has raised five children, who have blessed him with four grandchildren.
Bansek has worked in various managerial positions at Morris Cadillac Buick GMC on Lorain Road in North Olmsted. He has stayed with the dealership through the transition from Morris Pontiac GMC in North Ridgeville to its current form, as General Motors went through bankruptcy. Now 22 years later, Bansek is a Business Development Manager at Morris Cadillac Buick GMC.
Barb Cook
Mrs. Barbara Cook has served in many capacities over the years as a community advocate and volunteer. Born in Lorain, Ohio, Barbara is a lifetime member of the community, and a product of local schools having graduated from Lorain High. A dedicated wife to Mr. Ambrose Cook, former Lorain City Schools Educational Administrator, and devoted mother and grandmother, family has always been her first priority aside from countless hours as a volunteer in local events and causes, Mrs. Cook has also been actively involved in the business interests of the community as owner and operator of L & J Confectionary store, and has cultivated her love of travel by planning and coordinating tours throughout the United States and Canada. Mrs. Cook maintains active involvement in several community service organizations. She has served with the Lorain Metropolitan Housing Authority and the Salvation Army Board. She has sat on the Lorain Port Authority Board since 2000. Mrs. Cook continues to lead by example in her endeavors to aid our community.
Roberto Davila
Roberto M. Dávila is a first generation Latino whose parents came to Lorain, OH from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico in the 1950’s. They were part of the influx of various ethnic groups that have enriched our diverse community, well known as The International City.
He attended St. Lad’s elementary, Lorain City Schools and graduated from Clearview High School. Roberto attended Lorain County Community College, and went on to receive his bachelor’s degree in Business and Education from The University of Findlay. He later obtained his masters degree in Mid-Management Education from Texas Southern University.
Roberto started his professional career teaching Business and Accounting in Houston, TX. He served as a principal before moving back to Lorain, OH. He was employed by the Lorain City School District and served in various administrative positions. He is currently working for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District serving the community and young scholars of the city of Cleveland.
He and his wife, Nelly E. Reyes-Davila, of 28 years are the proud parents of five lovely daughters.
Matthew Kusznir
Matthew Kusznir is currently employed with the City of Lorain. He has had the opportunities to work for the Mayor’s Office, Safety/Service Office, Clerk of Courts and Building, Housing, & Planning Department. He has also worked on many joint projects with other city departments including the Street Department, Water Department, Law Department, and the Judges’ Offices. His time working for and with a variety of different city departments has given him great insight of the inner workings of local government and public service.
Matthew was born and raised in Lorain. He is a graduate of Lorain Admiral King High School and is a member of its final graduating class. He has earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and Legal Studies from Baldwin Wallace University. While at B.W., he was a member of the local chapter of Alpha Sigma Phi Fraternity and was chosen as Head Delegate for the Model United Nations debate team. He traveled with a group of students to Northern Ireland and South Africa for a study abroad trip and studied the history and conflict resolution of both areas. While abroad, he was placed in non-profit organizations that assisted the residents in the local communities.
He is also an active member in other organizations that include:
- Lorain County Young Democrats – Executive Director
- Lorain Historical Society – Member
- Lorain Historical Society Millennial Group – Member
- Lake Erie International Model United Nations – Board Member & I.T. Director.
Neil Sommers
Neil Sommers serves as the chief executive officer of the School Employees Lorain County Credit Union Inc. based in Elyria, OH. He has held the position since 2014.
Sommers graduated from Lorain High School in 1966 before serving in the US Air Force from July 1968 to July 1972. He later studied at Cleveland State University and earned his Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics in 1975. Neil then went on to earn his Master’s in Business Administration from Baldwin Wallace College in 1978. He is happily married to his wife Barbara E. Sommers.
Neil was appointed to the Lorain Port Authority Board of Directors on September 13, 2018, by Lorain Mayor Chase Ritenauer. Neil previously served on the board from February 2012 to December 2015.
Jeff Zellers
A native of Westlake who has lived in Lorain since 1985, Jeff Zellers is Vice President with The Brewer-Garrett Company. He has over 37 years of experience in engineering, energy services, construction support service maintenance and accounting to produce innovative and award -winning solutions.
Jeff is actively involved in developing the correct and cost-effective solutions for customers. He assembles the team of in-house professionals who are best suited for each specific project. He continues to be engaged with the project from development through final customer acceptance and implementation.
Jeff’s attention to detail, standards of quality and commitment to the client have made him a respected member of the HVAC industry. He has spoken on the benefits of Design/Build Contracting. He served as Treasurer for MCA, and has served on the Pipefitting Apprenticeship Committee and the Supplemental Unemployment Committee with Local 120 Pipefitters.
Jeff received his undergraduate degree in Industrial Technology from Ball State University. He and his wife Jane have three daughters and attend St. Anthony’s Parish. For the last three years, Jeff has played an integral role in the City of Lorain’s Zoning Board and Planning Commission.
Alan Zgonc
Alan Zgonc is a Lorain resident who was appointed to the Lorain Port Authority Board of Directors in January 2015. He graduated from Lorain Admiral King in 1965 and went on to study psychology at The Ohio State University. Zgonc was previously employed by Mutual of Omaha.