Deb Donley & Paul Voinovich Deemed Cleveland 500 Leaders

This article is originally from Cleveland Magazine published August 2025.

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 Chief Experience Officer, and Paul Voinovich, Chief Executive Officer, have been acknowledged as two of the distinguished leaders among the Cleveland 500 in 2025. Check out their profiles below:

Deb Donley, Chief Experience Officer:

Education: Bachelor’s Degree, Bowling Green State University

What Guides My Decision-Making: My values guide my decision-making process. Often, the easy decision isn’t the right decision.

Favorite Quote: “It’s not what you say – it’s what you do that matters”

Most Important Leadership Quality: Empathy. I learned long ago that being able to put yourself into the position of someone else gives you a superpower that enables you to understand people at a deeper level and react to situations through an empathetic and authentic lens.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Fashion designer or lead singer in a band

My Very First Job and What I Learned From It: I was a waitress at Casey’s/Perkins when I was 14 years old. It taught me to be humble and respectful, regardless of the way someone treats you. People can be challenging…even when it comes to a cold pancake, and I have total control of the way I react to someone. I am in the service business and knowing that from a young age has been critical.

Paul Voinovich, CEO:

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

What Guides My Decision Making: My decision-making is guided by empathy, honestly, transparency, humility and a simple mission to treat others with respect and dignity.

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

What Motivates Me: Positively impacting my family, friends and internal and external customers through hard work, humility, collaboration and transparency.

Most Important Leadership Quality: Being a servant leader to my team and understanding how my unique talents can positively impact results.

If I Could Have Any Other Job: Real estate developer or snowcat operator in Big Sky, Montana

My Very First Job and What I Learned From It: At 14, I worked as a janitor in a cabinet-making shop, where I learned how to sweep, interact with diverse personalities and appreciate the importance of hard work.