Staff & Board

Brenda Linert Director of Community Impact

Brenda J. Linert joined the Regional Chamber as Director of Community Impact in early 2024. She is responsible for the Chamber’s efforts to grow the local population and workforce, and also works closely with partner organizations to help establish attainable local housing for all Mahoning Valley residents.  

Prior to joining the Chamber, Linert worked as a professional local journalist for nearly 30 years, most recently serving as editor of the Tribune Chronicle since 2014 and as editor of The Vindicator since 2019. She previously served as local news editor and also as Business Editor, where she covered all local business and economic issues including industries such as manufacturing, natural gas and oil, real estate, retail and agriculture. During her time at the newspapers, she and her staff received numerous reporting and writing awards. 

Linert holds her Bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and her Master’s degree from Kent State University. 

She is an active member and committee chair for the Junior League of the Mahoning Valley and also is a board member for the Youngstown Press Club. She and her husband, Ross, are members of the Penn-Ohio Model A Car Club, Five Points Chapter. 

The couple resides in Austintown, and they have two adult sons.