Deb Donley & Paul Voinovich Deemed Cleveland 500 Leaders

This article is originally from Cleveland Magazine, published on August 01, 2026.

The Cleveland 500 showcases the movers and shakers shaping Cleveland’s landscape, spotlighting these individuals for their contributions. Today’s leaders confront unprecedented hurdles. While artificial intelligence offers numerous opportunities for enhancing productivity, effective leadership demands a grasp of its limitations and a commitment to ethical use. Moreover, labor scarcities compel leaders to innovate in recruitment and retention strategies, all while prioritizing diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. It’s a complex balancing act, but Northeast Ohio’s leaders are rising to the occasion, adapting to thrive in an ever-evolving environment.

It’s with great pride that we announce Deb Donley, Vocon’s Founder & Chief Experience Officer, and Paul Voinovich, Chief Executive Officer, have been acknowledged as two of the distinguished leaders among the Cleveland 500 in 2026. Check out their profiles below:

Deb Donley, Founder & Chief Experience Officer:

Education: Bachelor’s degree, Bowling Green State University

How I Approach My Day: I approach each day with an entry in my gratitude journal. When you look at life through the lens of gratefulness, it enables you to process each success and each challenge, knowing that those experiences are part of a distinct plan curated for you by God.

What I Look for in a Leader: I look for empathetic leaders who can put themselves in others’ shoes. Once you are able to connect with people in authentic ways, anything is possible.

Favorite Quote: “It is not what you say, it is what you do.” Many people spend their lives talking and getting nothing done. “Create a vision and execute” is my motto.

What Motivates Me Right Now: I am a new grandmother to the most beautiful granddaughter. Eleanor motivates me to continue making the design community a better place.

An Important Lesson I Learned: Every day is a gift. Be kind. Forgive. Treasure every moment.

A Cleveland Spot I Recommend: Chagrin Falls

If I Could Star in a TV Show or Movie: The Devil Wears Prada

Paul Voinovich, CEO:

Education: Bachelor’s degree in political science, John Carroll University

How I Approach My Day: I approach my day by being hyper-organized for the scheduled activities so I can be flexible enough to do everything in between.

What I Look for in a Leader: I gravitate toward leaders who are not afraid to get their hands dirty and display a high level of emotional intelligence to maximize the positive impact to individuals and the overall team.

Favorite Quote: “You can only control what you say or do, no matter how hard you try.”

If I Could Trade Places With Anyone: Snoop Dogg

What Motivates Me Right Now: Positively impacting my family, friends, internal and external customers through first listening, then understanding how hard work, collaboration, and humility can lead to well-received outcomes

An Important Lesson I Learned: Always tell the truth — it is easy to remember.

Outside of Work You’ll Find Me: Golfing, mountain biking or skiing with friends and family

A Cleveland Spot I Recommend: Ray’s Indoor Bike Park