Our Team
In 2022, fueled by his desire to create lasting positive change on a broader scale, Jim Lenner founded Neighborhood Strategies. This innovative venture was born out of his belief in the transformative power of empowered communities. Through Neighborhood Strategies, Jim aims to provide comprehensive consulting services and sustainable solutions to local governments, organizations, and stakeholders seeking to revitalize neighborhoods and tackle complex rural challenges.
Under his leadership, Neighborhood Strategies has quickly emerged as a trusted partner for local governments, helping them navigate complex issues and fostering collaboration between various stakeholders. Jim's multidisciplinary approach, which combines his educational background, extensive experience in local government, and a passion for community development, has allowed him to offer tailored and effective strategies that drive impactful change.
Vince Paumier
Jim Lenner
Jim is a seasoned professional with a distinguished career in local government and a visionary entrepreneur who has made significant contributions to community development. With over 17 years of dedicated service in the public sector, Jim has demonstrated a commitment to improving the lives of citizens through effective policies and innovative solutions. After departing from the public sector in 2021, he channeled his expertise and passion for community building by founding Neighborhood Strategies in 2022, a venture dedicated to fostering sustainable and inclusive neighborhoods.
Having a keen interest in public service and community development, Jim Lenner pursued higher education to equip himself with the necessary skills and knowledge to make a positive impact. He earned his Bachelor's degree from Muskingum University, where he laid the foundation for his professional journey by developing a strong understanding of public policy and governance.
Driven to deepen his expertise in the field, Jim earned a Master's degree from Park University, further refining his knowledge of local governance, community engagement, and urban planning. As a dedicated learner, he also obtained a post-graduate certificate from Penn State University, focusing on geographic information systems (GIS).
Stéphanie McManus Renda
Stéphanie McManus-Renda joined Neighborhood Strategies as Vice President in January 2023. Most recently, Stéphanie lead resource-raising efforts as Director of Development for BalletMet, Central Ohio’s professional ballet company and academy located in downtown Columbus. She previously served as a senior consultant for Purpose Possible based in Atlanta, Georgia managing a capital project feasibility study in Baltimore, Maryland; as Major Gift Officer and Interim Co-Chief Development Officer for the Ohio History Connection; as Director of Development for The Works: Ohio Center for History, Art & Technology – a Smithsonian Affiliate located in Newark, Ohio; and as the Alumni Relations Officer and Government & Foundation Relations Officer for the Columbus College of Art & Design.
In December 2022, Stéphanie was invited to join the Philanthropic Partners Committee supporting Ohio’s Commission for the United States Semiquincentennial (America 250) celebrations in 2026. She is an alumna of the 2019 Leadership Ohio statewide executive leadership program and now serves as the Public Relations Chair on the Leadership Ohio Board of Trustees. Stéphanie spent six years on the Board of Directors for Explore Licking County representing the City of Newark, Ohio. She has her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Auburn University, completed the majority of her Master of Arts in Arts Administration from the Savannah College of Art & Design and is currently earning her Master of Public Administration from Indiana University’s O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs. Born to British immigrants in Montréal, Quebec and raised in Nashville, Tennessee and Atlanta, Georgia, she moved to Ohio in January 2014 to work with the Columbus College of Art & Design.
Stéphanie and her husband, Greg Renda, live in Newark, Ohio with their beloved Yorkie, and Great Pyrenees. In addition to her community involvement, Stéphanie loves to garden, appreciate architecture, read, hike and travel the world.
Before joining Neighborhood Strategies in 2023, Vince was a Community Development Coordinator with USDA Rural Development. In that role, Vince partnered with agency staff to process over $900 million in loans and grants annually and was selected as agency lead for a federal, state and local USDA initiative to improve quality of life in rural areas. Vince also identified community strengths, opportunities and weaknesses to develop policies that maximized production.
Vince earned a MS and BS from The Ohio State University.
In his spare time, Vince enjoys traveling with family and friends, riding his bicycle, playing pickleball and being active in many civic activities in his hometown of Granville, Ohio.
Steph Mazzocco
Steph Mazzocco is a skilled Client Experience Manager at Neighborhood Strategies since November 2023. Previously, she managed programs and events at the Ohio Restaurant Association Education Foundation for nearly six years, developing strong stakeholder relationships, executing educational events, and creating a successful crisis funding program. Earlier, she was an Events Manager at the National Hemophilia Foundation and a Non-Profit Events Manager as a self-employed professional. Her career also includes roles in marketing and client services. Steph holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from Miami University.
In her role as a Client Success Manager at Neighborhood Strategies, Steph Mazzocco plays a crucial role in enhancing client experiences and satisfaction. Leveraging her extensive background in program and event management, she adeptly handles client interactions, ensuring their needs are met efficiently and effectively. Her experience in stakeholder relationship building and crisis management equips her to address client concerns proactively, fostering strong, lasting relationships. Steph's contributions are vital in maintaining high client retention and satisfaction levels, essential for the organization's continued success and growth.