YSU MBA Student to East Palestine’s Village Manager

Antonio Diaz-Guy, a soon to be MBA graduate from Youngstown State University, has been named the new Village Manager of East Palestine. Diaz-Guy, possessing a strong passion for his community, a diverse educational background and leadership, shared a glimpse into his educational and professional journey.

Diaz-Guy’s connection to East Palestine runs deep, having grown up and working in the area for most of his life. Now, as Village Manager, he’s excited to bring that passion and leadership back to the community that shaped him.

Graduating Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in Economics and Philosophy, Diaz-Guy is no stranger to academic success. Soon, he will be finishing up his MBA at YSU, where his courses have expanded his professional skill set. “I thought the MBA program might be a refresher on things I already knew, but I’ve learned so much more,” Diaz-Guy shares.

He credits classes like those on strategy and financial planning for giving him the practical tools he needs to lead effectively. He’s gained insights into areas like capital purchasing and long-term business planning, invaluable skills that will continue to assist as he navigates East Palestine’s growth and development.

Diaz-Guy says his MBA course focusing on strategy and financial planning for businesses have given him new tactics to apply in real-world situations. “The program has really taught me to think dynamically,” he says. “That’s something I’ll need as Village Manager, being able to juggle multiple roles and respond quickly to challenges.”

Before becoming Village Manager, Diaz-Guy had been working as a Director of Business, working with departments within certain companies to build up areas of accounting, finance, logistics, scheduling and asset management. “I think that's probably the best environment for me, one where I can be dynamic and play in the clouds and in the dirt at the same time,” he said.

Additionally, he had been running a Rigging and Installation company for a medical and industrial equipment, through which he quickly learned how to make tough decisions, lead effectively and solve problems creatively.

Diaz-Guy was quite ready to take on the new role with goals clearly defined, aiming to create a thriving, business-friendly community. His goals include attracting new investments, creating more opportunities for residents and making sure local governance is transparent and effective. "Before making changes, I want to listen to the community and understand what’s working and what isn’t," says Diaz-Guy.

While Diaz-Guy is ambitious in his professional goals, he’s also committed to spending quality time with his wife and son. "They’re my biggest supporters, and I want to keep a healthy balance between my career and family life," he says.

He remains excited about what lies ahead, both in his new role and in his final semester of his MBA. "I’m here to make a real impact," he says, "and I’m eager to help East Palestine move forward."