Get Help Navigating the Next Normal
As the state of Ohio takes steps to re-open the economy in a world impacted by COVID-19, Team NEO is focused on what lies ahead for businesses like yours.
Find out how you can get connected to the information, partnerships, and resources you need to create a business resilience plan and move into the next normal.
Get Connected
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Economic Services for Business Continuity
Expert insight into regional, national and global economic data
One-on-one consultation to address your talent and supply chain needs
Find the best land sites and buildings for your infrastructure needs
Adopt technology faster with innovative manufacturing solutions
Connect you to financial tools available through JobsOhio and other state programs
Discover how Team NEO can help your business thrive.
Dawn Southard
Vice President, Investor Relations Email Dawn Southard 216-363-5425 As Vice President for Investor Relations, Dawn is focused on leading Team NEO’s relationship-oriented efforts to elevate support from the business community.
Previously she was chief strategy officer at One Advocate Group in San Antonio. Her most recent posts in Northeast Ohio were vice president of Marketing at The Adcom Group and vice president of Business Development, Sales and Marketing at Goldfarb Weber Creative Studios.
She is a past honoree of Crain’s Cleveland Business 40 Under 40 and has earned a variety of awards, including the SME Cleveland Distinguished Marketing & Sales Award and SME-International Akron Distinguished Marketing & Sales Award.
Southard earned an MBA at Western Michigan University and a BBA at Davenport University.
Renee Ligon
Senior Director, Partnerships and Engagement Email Renee Ligon 216-363-5416 Renee leads Team NEO’s engagement strategy to grow and strengthen a more inclusive coordinated regional economic development network. She utilizes her experience as a 24-year business development and sales expert as she collaborates with elected officials, community agencies, municipalities, nonprofits and small to large for-profit organizations.
Prior to joining Team NEO, Renee was the Regional Director for the Minority Business Assistance Center at the Urban of Greater Cleveland, a program of the Ohio Development Services Agency, where she led a team of professional business advisors in the development of minority, women, disabled, and veteran owned businesses across eight counties in the state of Ohio. Prior to this she served as the Assistant Director of Diversity & Corporate Relations at Case Western Reserve University.
The cornerstone of Renee’s career started in the financial services industry where she was Vice President, Relationship Manager at JP Morgan Chase Bank. During her 8-year career with JP Morgan Chase, she managed the financial portfolios for commercial sector nonprofit and municipal clients.
Her notable and numerous boards of director appointments have included, COMPACT, UNCF of Orlando, and the Citrus Club’s Women’s Executive Exchange. She is currently a member and class officer for Leadership Cleveland Class of 2020.
Renee holds a B.A. in Communications from John Carroll University and a M.S in Human Resources Management from Nova Southeastern University.