Lori E. Switaj, Patch Staff

A native New Yorker, Lori grew up in the Manhattan exurb of Pearl River. She now lives in Avon Lake, a town much like Pearl River.

After graduating from Boston College in 1985 with a BA degree in English and Communications, she moved to Cleveland and spent nearly a decade on and off as an investigator where her inquisitive nature was put to good use.

The following years were spent raising two kids and playing and coaching ice hockey. She joined the staff at a weekly newspaper and for the next 10 years, functioned as a reporter, columnist and editor, earning state-level awards in each area.

Offline, you'll probably find Lori at one of Cleveland's rinks, lacing up her Bauers for game of ice hockey when she's not running through the MetroParks.

Community service is a priority and she currently serves as the immediate past president of the Avon Lake Kiwanis and also sat on the inaugural board of directors at the French Creek YMCA in Avon.