Movers & Shakers

American Express Tax and Business Services Inc. promoted Charles L. Paulson, CPA, to managing director in the Cleveland office.

“Charlie Paulson has been instrumental in the continuing success of our firm,” says David J. Sibits, executive managing director, eastern region. “We are pleased to promote such a talented and insightful business adviser who is committed to the growth of our clients and our entire national organization.”

Paulson is knowledgeable in a number of industries, including health care, manufacturing, wholesale distribution and retail establishments. In addition, he works closely with the firm’s technology consultants in the area of systems implementation, in which he has a comprehensive understanding of software selection, training and ongoing support. His experience spans both domestic and international clients.

Paulson is a member of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Kent State Advisory Council for the College of Business.

The Ohio Region of American Express Tax and Business Services includes offices in Akron, Beachwood, Cleveland, Canton, Cincinnati, Columbus and Elyria.

HERMAN GIBANS FODOR INC.

Herman Gibans Fodor Inc. – Architects named Donald W. Alexander, AIA, an associate.

Since joining the firm in 1998, Alexander has managed various office building projects for Progressive Insurance and other commercial, institutional and senior living clients. His specific experience has been in the production of construction documents, project coordination and construction phase administration.

Alexander was the project manager for The Gardens of McGregor and Amasa Stone, a new 146-bed nursing facility in East Cleveland. He is the project architect for Villa Saint Joseph in Garfield Heights, a new 114-bed care facility for the Marymount Healthcare System.

MCMAHON, DEGULIS, HOFFMANN & LOMBARDI LLP

McMahon, DeGulis, Hoffmann & Lombardi LLP added four associates. James A. Byrne has 14 years of civil litigation and trial experience in toxic tort, product liability, premises liability, home and commercial construction and intentional tort claims, among others.

Amy A. Klimek has a wide range of environmental litigation and environmental compliance experience.

Evan J. Palik is a litigator with almost 20 years of experience in commercial litigation, insurance law and toxic tort litigation.

Erick C. Smith has experience in environmental and general defense matters and will focus on commercial litigation, environmental litigation and compliance counseling, and toxic tort and asbestos litigation.

CORPORATE IMAGEWORKS

Corporate ImageWorks, an industry-leading promotional marketing company, named Michael Dolan to the newly created position of vice president, marketing and communication.

Dolan leads the marketing and branding efforts of the rapidly growing Streetsboro company, best known for fueling the LeBron James bobblehead craze. Dolan takes responsibility for developing CIW’s brand identity, establishing its marketing direction and communicating its position as a local and national industry leader.

Most recently, Dolan was director of marketing for Northcoast PCS, a Northeast Ohio wireless provider. Prior to that, he was with the Cleveland Browns, where he sold suites and corporate sponsorships for the Browns’ return to Cleveland. Before that, Dolan was director of marketing and communication for what is now known as FSN Ohio. Dolan earned his bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and his MBA from Case Western Reserve University.

NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL FINANCIAL NETWORK

Northwestern Mutual appointed John C. Ertz, CLU, managing partner in Cleveland. In this position, he continues to be part of a network of specialists offering a wide array of products and assumes responsibility for the sales and service operations of the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network for Northeastern Ohio.

Ertz received a bachelor of arts degree in personnel administration and management from the University of Kansas in 1988. He holds the designation of Chartered Life Underwriter from the American College and has earned his Life & Health and Series 6, 7, 8, 63 and 66 licenses.

In addition, Northwestern Mutual named Susan Dulski director of recruitment and selection for The Cleveland Group of the Northwestern Mutual Financial Network.

CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY

Cleveland State University appointed Geoffrey S. Mearns dean of the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law, effective in July.

Previously, Mearns was a partner in the Cleveland offices of Thompson Hine LLP and Baker & Hostetler LLP. From 1989 to 1998, he worked for the U.S. Department of Justice, where he helped prosecute Terry Nichols, one of the two defendants in the Oklahoma City bombing case. He has been First Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina and Assistant U.S. Attorney in the Office of the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of New York. His teaching experience includes adjunct professorships in law at Case Western Reserve University Law School and New York Law School.

Also, Dr. Mary Jane Saunders was appointed dean of the College of Science. She joined the university in 2003 as professor and director of the new Biomedical and Health Institute. Previously, she directed the Institute of Biomolecular Science at the University of South Florida.