North Coast Job Seekers - 2026 Meetings

Previous NCJS Meetings

2026

NCJS meetings are held on the 2nd and 4th Mondays of each month. With the wide-spread adoption of online meetings and convenience of Zoom, most NCJS meetings are held online. However, there is also benefit to meeting in-person. Our in-person gatherings provide the experience of practicing networking skills and making new connections in a comfortable environment.

Monday, January 12, 2026

7:30 – 9:00pm EDT
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Job Search Troubleshooting

Facilitator: Paul DiPronio

Join with other job seekers and a team of experienced advisors in our NCJS Job Search Troubleshooting Meeting to address issues YOU are facing in your job search.

• The job market is getting more and more competitive.

• No one responds even though you've sent your resume everywhere!

• You're not getting interviews.

• Your experience doesn't fit the jobs that are out there.

• You're feeling discouraged, frustrated, and scared.

Bring it on! NCJS Troubleshooting Meetings are a place to bring your isssues to get some help, guidance, and tools from our advisors and other job seekers. Don't do it alone. We are here to help, and EVERYONE is welcome.

Meeting Advisor & Facilitator: Paul DiPronio

NCJS Advisory Board Member | See his bio here

Monday, January 26, 2026

7:30 – 9:00pm EDT
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

NCJS Alumni Panel

Alumni Job Search Journeys from Uncertainty to Purpose

Panelists: Tammy Gentry, Roger Parker

& Ryan Smith

North Coast Job Seekers is excited to kick off 2026 with a special Alumni Speaker Panel. Each panelist is part of the NCJS community who has successfully landed into their next career. These most recent landing points were actually CAREER PIVOTS for these alums. Tammy Gentry, Roger Parker, and Ryan Smith have experience in "traditional" job searches as well as finding themselves in new careers altogether.

Whether you're thinking about changing industries, exploring new opportunities, or working on your next successful transition, our alumni panelists will share actionable insights and real-life experiences to help you navigate your next move. Don't miss it – this is your chance to learn from those who have successfully made the pivot!

MEET OUR PANELISTS:

TAMMY GENTRY

Tammy Gentry is a Senior Technical Product Manager at Talis by Getinge, leading strategy for medical device connectivity in high-acuity hospital environments. She brings experience from STERIS, nVent, and Shurtape Technologies, where she built global portfolios, launched regulated products, and drove growth through clear market positioning. Having successfully navigated a competitive job search, Tammy will share practical, real-world strategies that help professionals stand out and land their next role. Tammy can be found on LinkedIn here: Tammy Gentry | LinkedIn.

ROGER PARKER

Roger Parker has enjoyed a truly eclectic career that proves persistence and great relationships will always lead to the next opportunity. Starting out as a business owner on Put-in-Bay, first in car repair and then developing a successful hotel and restaurant there, Roger eventually became an employee at age 49. He went from management in auto racing event operations, to inside technical sales, to eventually an entirely new career in warehousing and logistics. He enjoys encouraging job seekers by showing how networking and every experience can lead to the next adventure. Roger can be found on LinkedIn here: Roger Parker | LinkedIn.

Ryan Smith

Ryan M. Smith is a senior operations executive and transformation leader with more than 30 years of experience driving operational excellence across manufacturing, chemicals, energy, and industrial sectors, including leadership roles at Avient, RPM International–DayGlo Color, Lubrizol, Mactac North America, Saint-Gobain, Goodyear Tire & Rubber, DTE Energy, and FirstEnergy. He has served as Vice President of Operations, Plant Manager, Operations Director, and Business Process Improvement leader, with deep expertise in P&L ownership, capital strategy, plant optimization, Lean and Six Sigma deployment. Ryan is known for delivering measurable results—ranging from significant EBITDA improvement, capacity expansion, and cost reductions to reliability gains and safety performance—while building high-performing teams and scalable operating systems. A data-driven problem solver and thought leader, he has led union and non-union workforces, managed complex multi-site operations, and translated strategy into execution in capital-intensive environments. Ryan holds BS and MS degrees in Mechanical Engineering, completed executive education at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, is a multiple patent/trade secret award recipient, and is an active community and industry leader. Ryan is committed to a lifetime of learning while developing others and is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Mount Union. Ryan can be found on LinkedIn here: Ryan M. Smith | LinkedIn.

Meeting Facilitator: Vicky DePiore

NCJS Advisory Board Member | See her bio here

Monday, January 12, 2026

7:30 – 9:00pm EDT
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Job Search Troubleshooting

Facilitator: Paul DiPronio

Join with other job seekers and a team of experienced advisors in our NCJS Job Search Troubleshooting Meeting to address issues YOU are facing in your job search.

• The job market is getting more and more competitive.

• No one responds even though you've sent your resume everywhere!

• You're not getting interviews.

• Your experience doesn't fit the jobs that are out there.

• You're feeling discouraged, frustrated, and scared.

Meeting Advisor & Facilitator: EmilySmayda Kelly

NCJS Advisory Board Member | See her bio here

Monday, February 23, 2026

7:30 – 9:00pm EDT
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

AI Advantage: Elevate Your Job Search Game

Speaker: Nick DeCourcy

Nick DeCourcy is the owner of Bright Ideas Agency, a boutique technology consultancy specializing in AI adoption for small- and medium-sized businesses. A Microsoft MVP for Microsoft 365 Copilot and a YouTube creator with more than 1,000,000 views; he produces educational content helping businesspeople cut through the noise around AI. His consulting work focuses on Microsoft 365 Copilot, Copilot Studio, and the broader Microsoft AI stack, guiding SMBs around the world through real-world adoption challenges. A strong advocate for safe, responsible, and human-centered AI, Nick brings both technical depth and a practical, no-hype perspective to every engagement. Originally from London, England, he has lived in the United States for more than a decade and currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio alongside his wife, two sons, a dog, and three chickens. Nick can be found on LinkedIn here: Nick DeCoursy | LinkedIn.

Meeting Facilitator: Emily Smayda Kelly

NCJS Advisory Board Member | See her bio here

Monday, March 9, 2026

7:30 – 9:00pm EDT
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Job Search Troubleshooting

Facilitator: Paul DiPronio

Join with other job seekers and a team of experienced advisors in our NCJS Job Search Troubleshooting Meeting to address issues YOU are facing in your job search.

• The job market is getting more and more competitive.

• No one responds even though you've sent your resume everywhere!

• You're not getting interviews.

• Your experience doesn't fit the jobs that are out there.

• You're feeling discouraged, frustrated, and scared.

Meeting Advisor & Facilitator: Paul DiPronio

NCJS Advisory Board Member | See his bio here

Monday, March 23, 2026

7:30 – 9:00pm EDT
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Connections Over Resumes:
Why Networking Wins Every Time

Speaker: Terese McGroarty

“Many of the best opportunities in life and business begin with a simple conversation.”

Terese McGroarty is both an exceptional networker and gifted coach and trainer helping others develop their networking skills. As the title of her presentation says, making person-to-person connections is a far greater job-finding strategy than even the finest resume. This presentation will focus on the fundamentals of networking and very specific skills and strategies that can help in your job search.

Terese McGroarty is a Franchise Consultant with FranNet of Northern Ohio who helps professionals explore franchised business ownership. She has spent over a decade guiding people through the process of finding a business that aligns with their goals for income, flexibility, and freedom. Terese is a strong believer in the power of networking and relationships, knowing that many of the best opportunities in life and business begin with a simple conversation. Connect with Terese on LinkedIn and join her in the NCJS LinkedIn Group.

Meeting Facilitator: Paul DiPronio

NCJS Advisory Board Member | See his bio here

Monday, April 13, 2026

7:30 – 9:00pm EDT
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Job Search Troubleshooting

Facilitator: Jean Gagné

Join with other job seekers and a team of experienced advisors in our NCJS Job Search Troubleshooting Meeting to address issues YOU are facing in your job search.

• The job market is getting more and more competitive.

• No one responds even though you've sent your resume everywhere!

• You're not getting interviews.

• Your experience doesn't fit the jobs that are out there.

• You're feeling discouraged, frustrated, and scared.

Meeting Facilitator: Jean Gagné

NCJS Advisory Board Member | See his bio here

Monday, April 27, 2026

7:30 – 9:00pm EDT
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Salary Negotiation:
Navigating Offer Discussions Confidently

Speaker: Clark Harvey

Clark Harvey is the President and founder of Arrowhead Talent Solutions, a recruiting and human resources consulting firm that specializes in working with small and mid-sized manufacturing and industrial companies. In this role, Clark sets the strategy for Arrowhead, advises the team, and serves as the company’s brand ambassador through public speaking and community engagement activities.

Arrowhead achieves its mission of connecting companies with candidates to help both achieve their highest potential by adhering to The Arrowhead Pledge, offering boutique service in conjunction with big-company sophistication, and providing exceptional customer service to clients.

Previously, Clark worked in human resources and talent acquisition management roles at The Timken Company, Diebold Nixdorf, Kenan Advantage Group, and others. He has nearly 20 years of experience in talent acquisition, college recruiting, human resources, and project management in a variety of industries. In addition, Clark serves on several boards that serve the Northeast Ohio community.

Clark earned a bachelor’s degree in corporate communication and a master’s degree in school counseling from Walsh University. He lives in North Canton, OH with his wife, Tara, and their 3 children.

Meeting Facilitator: Jean Gagné

NCJS Advisory Board Member | See his bio here

NCJS SPECIAL EVENT

Monday, May 11, 2026

7:30 – 9:00pm EDT
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Jim Folger presenting

ARE YOU ON THE RIGHT PATH?

Using & Interpreting the Trimetrix DNA Instrument

Speaker & Facilitator: Jim Folger

This extraordinary opportunity is NOT-TO-BE-MISSED!

Thanks to Jim Folger and Target Training International,

this $399 instrument is offered to NCJS members for FREE.

Jim Folger has been using behavioral sciences to help clients make better hiring decisions by aligning the right people with the right jobs for almost 2 decades. In Jim’s volunteer work with job seekers he has also used these tools to help job seekers understand whether they are pursuing the right jobs.

TRIMETRIX DNA ASSESSMENT

Prior to the meeting, you will be given an opportunity to take a self assessment tool to provide insights into your behavioral style, the things that motivate you, and the development levels of 25 soft skills that the instrument looks at. Jim has arranged for NCJS members to receive and use this instrument at no cost (it ordinarily costs $399 per individual). In a group presentation Jim will give an overview of how these relate to our jobs.

In this session you will:

Receive a FREE online instrument utilizing 3 sciences: Behaviors, Motivations, and Skills (a $399 value).
Gain a better understanding of yourself, how you interact with others, why you do what you do, and how your behaviors, motivations, and skills align with your career.
Understand how to read others and adapt your style to improve communication effectiveness.

Jim Folger is a recruiter, and the President of OneSource Technical, Inc., a national search firm that partners with small to medium sized companies to help them recruit for a broad range of professional positions. Jim is an Engineer with 2 decades of industry experience in Engineering, management, and customer facing roles prior to founding OneSource Technical.

Jim’s background as a hiring manager and as a recruiter provides a unique perspective that encompasses both sides of the hiring desk. Jim can be a valuable resource to reach out to should you be at a crossroad in your career and need to brainstorm ideas. Job seekers are also welcome to Search Jobs in the company’s network of nearly 1.000 recruiters.

Meeting Host: Paul DiPronio

NCJS Advisory Board Member | See his bio here

ANOTHER NCJS SPECIAL EVENT

Monday, June 8, 2026

7:30 – 9:00pm ET
North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Another NCJS Special Event

You are cordially invited to join us for our next

In-Person Networking Event

A Unique Opportunity to Practice and Improve Networking Skills

In-Person Gathering will be at

Sandler Training by MP Solutions

Spectrum Office Building

6060 Rockside Woods Blvd N #105

Independence, OH

7:30 – 9:00pm

We are excited to invite you to our upcoming North Coast Job Seekers In-Person Networking Event! This is a unique opportunity to meet with fellow job seekers, practice your elevator pitch, and get personalized feedback from our experienced advisory board members—all in a welcoming, supportive environment. A few skill-building highlights:

Elevator Speech Practice: Hone your pitch and gain the confidence to introduce yourself effectively in any professional setting.
Advisor Insights: Work one-on-one with members of our advisory board who will provide expert advice and guidance on improving your job search strategy.
Networking Opportunities: Build meaningful connections with other professionals who are also navigating the job market.

Whether you're actively seeking a new position or simply want to enhance your professional networking skills, this event is for you! Don’t miss out on the chance to gain valuable insights and elevate your job search game.

[There will be no Zoom meeting with this event]

Meeting Facilitator: Paul DiPronio

NCJS Advisory Board Member | See his bio here

Monday, June 22, 2026

7:30 – 9:00pm EDT
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

LinkedIn for Job Seekers
Tips to Get Found and Get Hired

Speaker: Christopher Gentry

On Monday June 22 (7:30p EST) we'll explore key LinkedIn features and settings that can help job seekers increase their visibility, strengthen their professional brand, and connect with new opportunities. Whether you're actively searching for a job or simply preparing for future career moves, these tips will help you make the most of your LinkedIn presence. Christopher adds, "I look forward to helping you boost your LinkedIn presence!"

Christopher Gentry is one of NCJS' skilled resume reviewers and LinkedIn experts. Job seekers value his insight and feedback on their own LinkedIn profiles, activity, and presence, and his guidance and strategies for using this essential online tool. Christopher is also a skilled resume reviewer and practices mock-interviews with job seekers. Professionally he owns Assisting Hands which offers personalized, non-medical support services that help elderly, disabled, and other individuals maintain their independence, dignity, and quality of life, regardless of where they call home—whether it's an apartment, house, assisted living facility or hospital.. He generously shares many skills and experiences he has learned in his career journey through multiple companies and industries. He is a frequent contributor to the NCJS LinkedIn Group adding career and job seeking insights, skills, and resources. Connect with Christopher on LinkedIn and join him in the NCJS LinkedIn Group.

Meeting Facilitator: Bob Willard

NCJS Advisory Board Member | See his bio here

Monday, July 6, 2026

7:30 – 9:00pm EDT
[online meeting room will open at 7:15pm]

North Coast Job Seekers Meeting

Job Search Troubleshooting

Facilitator: Bob Willard

Join with other job seekers and a team of experienced advisors in our NCJS Job Search Troubleshooting Meeting to address issues YOU are facing in your job search.

• The job market is getting more and more competitive.

• No one responds even though you've sent your resume everywhere!

• You're not getting interviews.

• Your experience doesn't fit the jobs that are out there.

• You're feeling discouraged, frustrated, and scared.