A Hometown Leader Ready to Drive Progress
EAST PALESTINE, OHIO – March 7, 2025 – The Village of East Palestine is proud to welcome Antonio Diaz-Guy as its new Village Manager. A lifelong native of the area, Antonio brings a deep-rooted passion for the community, a wealth of experience, and a forward-thinking vision to the role.
“For me, it’s more than just a position – it’s a deeply personal & profoundly meaningful opportunity,” said Diaz-Guy. “Though I grew up in Negley, East Palestine was always the center of my world. Some of my best memories were made here – watching the town from the front window of Guy’s Bakery, strolling through the summer car show, and exploring the park during the autumn craft festival. Now, I have the privilege of shaping the future of the town that shaped me.”
Antonio brings an impressive educational background to the position, having graduated Summa Cum Laude from the University of Pittsburgh with degrees in Economics and Philosophy. During his time at Pitt, he was awarded multiple research grants focused on economic development and online reputation systems. Currently, he is just one class away from completing his master’s in business administration from Youngstown State University. Beyond formal education, Antonio Diaz-Guy credits his diverse life experiences – growing up among educators, laborers, farmers, and business professionals – with providing them a well-rounded perspective that blends theory with real-world practicality.
Professionally, Antonio has spent over a decade in the medical imaging and diagnostics field, working in a dynamic, high-stakes environment that demanded adaptability, strategic decision-making, and leadership. From negotiating major contracts with top medical manufacturers to troubleshooting complex equipment installations, his experience has honed the skills necessary to drive progress in East Palestine. “Leadership requires balancing complex trade-offs and making informed, decisive choices,” said Antonio. “Most importantly, I have always been guided by the principle of doing the right thing for the right reason – a value I will carry into this role.”
As Village Manager, Antonio is committed to fostering a thriving and business-friendly community, guided by a clear vision and set of core values. His mission is to drive economic and social growth by creating an environment where businesses and residents can flourish. “We will make East Palestine a model of effective governance – a place where opportunity thrives, innovation is embraced, and progress benefits all.”
Key priorities for the future include:
- Strengthening public services and economic opportunities
- Encouraging a business-friendly environment to attract new investments
- Enhancing transparency and communication with residents
- Ensuring efficient and practical governance that delivers results
While Antonio has ambitious plans, his priority is to listen. “There are a lot of moving parts in this village. Before implementing change, it’s essential to understand how everything fits together. By working collaboratively with residents, businesses, and local leaders, we can build a stronger future for East Palestine.”
The Village of East Palestine looks forward to the leadership and vision Antonio Diaz-Guy will bring to the role and welcomes the community’s engagement in shaping the future together.
About the Village of East Palestine
Founded in 1875, the Village of East Palestine is a close-knit community known for its rich history, friendly atmosphere, and commitment to progress. With a population of just under 5,000 residents, the Village of East Palestine offers a unique blend of small-town charm and modern conveniences, making it an ideal place to live, work, and visit. Learn more at epohio.org.