Angie Hawk Maiden

President and CEO ACEnet & ACEnet Ventures

Angie joined the ACEnet staff in July 2004 as the Director of Business Innovation and became CEO/President of ACEnet and ACEnet Ventures in February of 2006. She works with prospective entrepreneurs, small businesses, business support agencies, and other community partners to build networks for referrals, trainings, employment, and business expansion. Before joining ACEnet, Angie previously served as the Chief Operating Officer for the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio as well as the Director for Ohio University's Kids on Campus community partnership.

Angie has a Master's Degree in Public Administration from Ohio University. In addition, she also holds a Bachelor's Degree in Education. Angie is an accomplished speaker and presenter and tailors her presentations to a wide audience irrespective of culture, gender, age, or socio-economic status. Her teaching experience also has provided her with exposure to the richness of the Appalachian region and sensitivity for the people we serve.

She serves as a board member for the Nelsonville High School Restoration Foundation and the Ohio Valley Interactive Technology Alliance. In addition she participates on ACEnet’s behalf in many national initiatives including the Aspen Institute’s Scale Academy, Central Appalachian Network, and Association for Enterprise Opportunity as well as numerous regional networks.

Projects which she focuses include the Nelsonville Business Incubator, ACEnet Ventures Loan Fund, and Wood Manufacturing Market Access in addition to the operations of ACEnet and ACEnet Ventures organizations.

She can be contacted by phone (740-592-3854 ext. 111) or email ()

Larry Fisher

Director of Business Incubation and Finance

Larry joined the ACEnet staff in the spring of 2002 as the director of the ACEnet Food Ventures Program and stepped into the role of Director of Business Incubation and Finance in April of 2006. Larry is responsible for the strategic planning and development as well as direct project supervision of the ACEnet Business Incubation Services. Larry grew up in Meigs County, Ohio, and graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.

Larry moved from Louisiana, where he was the CFO and Director of Manufacturing for Music Mountain Water in Shreveport. He has had over 18 years of experience in the beverage industry, serving in both financial and production roles. Larry brings with him diverse experience in financial management, production management, business development, and personnel management.

He can be contacted by phone (740-592-3854 ext. 112) or email ()

Leslie Schaller

Director of Programming

Leslie Schaller was part of the founding staff of the Food Ventures program and oversaw the initial renovation of the Kitchen Incubator facility. She has worked directly with food producers and farmers since 1993. Leslie is responsible for working directly with specialty food firms throughout the intake and assessment process, focusing on the start-up phase of network clients. Leslie delivers technical assistance and coordinates the expertise of the Food Ventures team to provide innovative product ideas, marketing strategies, business plans, and financial management systems to our network firms. Leslie develops and maintains the curriculum modules, for the multi-track system that the food venture clients use.

Leslie has resided in southeastern Ohio for the past 34 years. She attended Ohio University, where she studied philosophy, English, and art. Leslie is also the Business Director and one of the remaining founders of the Worker Owned Restaurant Corporation. In her free time, Leslie serves on The Athens Municipal Arts Commission, the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce, Community Food Initiatives, and the Athens County League of Women Voters.

She can be contacted by phone (740-592-3854 ext. 115) or email ()

Damion Croston

Grant Writer

Damion joined the staff of ACEnet in 2008 as an intern while working toward his graduate degree at OU in Athens. He stayed on after graduation and now works part-time developing grant proposals centered on promoting entrepreneurship & economic opportunities for communities within the region. Damion also serves as Executive Director of Nelsonville Main Street, Inc., one of ACEnet’s strategic partners whose mission is to promote downtown revitalization and historic preservation in the City of Nelsonville.

Damion’s background in rural economic development began as a Peace Corps Volunteer working with indigenous communities in the Darién Province of Panamá. During his service he provided support for a variety of projects including the promotion of a regional tourism circuit; creation and organization of a community-run technology & learning center; and construction and management of a local artisan store with overnight lodging for tourists. Damion received a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from The Ohio State University and a Master’s Degree in International Development from Ohio University.

He can be contacted by phone (740-592-3854) or email ()

Barbara Volsko

Financial Assistant

Barbara joined the staff of ACEnet in August of 2008 as a Financial Assistant.  Her primary responsibilities include accounts payable/receivable and audit assistance.

Barbara received her Bachelor’s Degree in Medical Technology from Thiel College, Greenville, Pa. and a Masters of Library and Information Science Degree from the University of Washington, Seattle.

In Seattle, Barbara worked for more than 15 years as office manager of a private medical practice. Upon returning to Ohio, Barbara served for three years as Administrative Coordinator at the nonprofit Foundation for Appalachian Ohio in Nelsonville.

She can be contacted by phone (740-592-3854 ext. 100) or email ()

Richard Lehman

Facilities Manager

Richard joined the staff of ACEnet in 2006 as Facilities Manager. He is responsible for overseeing the operations and maintenance of ACEnet's kitchen and business incubator facilities.

He can be contacted by phone (740-592-3854 ext. 118)