CENTRAL OHIO - Key Persons


Adam Lewin

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • President / Hamilton Parker Company

Alex Anthony

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Resource Development Committee

Alexia Santiago

Job Titles:
  • Network Director, SbTG

Amie Grubbs

Job Titles:
  • Director of Strategic Engagement

Anthony Ward

Job Titles:
  • Donor Services Specialist

Aranne Moody

Job Titles:
  • Network Director, SbTG

Ashley Boyer

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Secretary, Memorial Health

Barbara Benham

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Executive Committee
  • Immediate past Chair
  • Member of the Nominating & Governance Committee

Becky Francis

Job Titles:
  • Controller

Becky Shera

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee

Bill Lafayette

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • Member of Planning and Investment Committee

Bill McGee

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee
  • Senior Vice President and Chief Risk and Compliance Officer

Brad Walters

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee
  • HR and Culture Committee

Brandi Cunningham

Job Titles:
  • Tax Time Program and Grants Coordinator

Brandi Hibbs

Job Titles:
  • Director
  • Director, United Way of Union County

Brandon Dupler

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Resource Development Committee

Brian Kelso

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • Member of Planning and Investment Committee

Bryan Shelton

Job Titles:
  • Director of Public Sector Campaigns

Bryan Winbush

Job Titles:
  • Network Director, SbTG

Camille Thompson

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee

Carla Reggins

Job Titles:
  • Community Impact Center Receptionist

Carmen Barnes

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • Member of Planning and Investment Committee

Cheryl L. Wyatt

Job Titles:
  • Vice President, Success by Third Grade
As Vice President of Success by Third Grade, Cheryl leads a collective impact approach to ensure all third grade students are on a path to success by 2035. She has dedicated her career in service and support to advancing the social, emotional and mental health well-being of our community's students and families. Prior to joining United Way, she served as Executive Director of Whole Child Supports with Columbus City Schools. She also served in supervisory roles with Nationwide Children's Hospital Behavioral Health, Department of Youth Service and Rosemont Center. Cheryl is a product of Columbus City Schools. She earned her bachelor's degree in psychology from Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia, and a master's degree in clinical counseling from The Ohio State University. Cheryl is a licensed professional clinical counselor with supervisory endorsement in the state of Ohio and holds an ODE administrator license.

Conor Hoffman

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee

Craig Marshall

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Audit Committee

Dan Crane

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Executive Committee
  • Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee

Danella Hicks

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee

David Lee

Job Titles:
  • President, OhioHealthy Medical Plan / Vice President, OhioHealth Employer Solutions

David Reierson

Job Titles:
  • Vice President, Public Partnerships
In his role, David leads United Way of Central Ohio's public partnerships department, where he is responsible for the accountability of currently funded work and for growing public revenue. David has led United Way's basic needs work and central Ohio's Stable Families program. He has also led the oversight and alignment of program investments with the goal of increasing student success by the end of third grade. David joined United Way in 2016 and was previously AVP, Community Impact. He received both his bachelor's degree and his master's degree from The Ohio State University.

David Roebke

Job Titles:
  • Vice - Chair, Memorial Health

Derrick Antwi

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • AVP, Business and Finance / Capital University
  • Chairman of Planning and Investment Committee

Dolly Parton

Dolly Parton's Imagination Library will help you read with your child. There are many reasons parents do not read to their child, but we can eliminate one of them. Every child will have books of their very own, at no cost to you, thanks to United Way of Union County, generous community sponsors and Dolly Parton. Each month a new, carefully selected book will be mailed in your child's name directly to your home. He/she can look forward to new and exciting reading adventures from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library until he/she turns 5 years old as long as you remain a resident of Union County. Should the child move outside Union County, he/she automatically exits the program. Dolly Parton's Imagination Library is a FREE GIFT to our children! All you have to do is read to your children.

Dr. Marlon Moore

Job Titles:
  • Co - Chair

Duane Casares - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Audit Committee
  • Chief Executive Officer
  • Member of the Executive Committee

Elizabeth Martinez - CEO, President

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • President

Emily Davis

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Treasurer, Richwood Marketing

Hannah Jones

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • Member of Planning and Investment Committee

Hope Cotter

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • Member of Planning and Investment Committee
  • Vice President of Marketing & Communications / Columbus Chamber of Commerce

Isi Ikharebha Green

Job Titles:
  • Co - Chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • Chairman of Planning and Investment Committee

Jackie Dees

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee

Jamille Jones

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • Member of Planning and Investment Committee

Jason Reece

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • Member of Planning and Investment Committee

Jeff Carper

Job Titles:
  • Chief Operations Officer / White Castle Management Co.

Jeremy Gutierrez

Job Titles:
  • Co - Chair of the Resource Development Committee
  • Vice President / Sr. Commercial Banker / Fifth Third Commercial Bank

Jill L. Geiger

Job Titles:
  • Director, Content & Communications
Jill Geiger joined the Marketing Department at United Way of Central Ohio in January 2011 as Marketing Manager, Content Generation. As a member of the Marketing Department, she was responsible for writing and editing content for materials targeted to both internal and external audiences. She also developed and managed production of collateral materials, provided website and email content, and managed marketing projects across the organization. Jill became the organization's Director of Marketing in 2018, leading the development and implementation of communications messages and tools. Along with her team of two, she ensured the coordination and brand consistency of communications within the organization, and managed the creation and production of digital, print and audiovisual materials. She was named the organization's Director, Content & Communications in January 2020. Her work at United Way has given her the unique opportunity to explore and share the stories of impact of many of central Ohio's nonprofits. Jill's 30+ year career has included positions as writer/editor of a national hobby newspaper (weekly), as editor of a national bicycling magazine (monthly) and communications director for The Childhood League Center, a nonprofit center for children with special needs.

Jon Lawrence

Job Titles:
  • Treasurer, Yellow Finch Financial

Julia R. Baxter

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee

Juliana Hardymon - CFO

Job Titles:
  • CFO
  • Vice President, Finance
As Vice President of Finance for the United Way of Central Ohio, Juliana leads the Finance, Accounting and Donor Services functions of the organization and oversees the back-office services contracts for other United Ways and fiscal sponsor programs. Juliana is a licensed Certified Public Accountant and has over 15 years of experience in higher education and nonprofit finance and administration. Prior to joining United Way as Finance Director in 2018, Juliana served in several finance and administrative roles at The Ohio State University and Washington University in St. Louis School of Medicine. She has a bachelor's degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a master's in public administration from The Ohio State University. Juliana is also a 2022 graduate of Leadership Columbus and an active community volunteer.

Julie Sosa

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee

Kathryn Rainieri

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee
  • Senior Director, Human Resources / Designer Brands

Katrina Plourde

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee

Kenny McDonald

Job Titles:
  • President and CEO / Columbus Partnership

Kevin E. Griffith

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee

Krystal Rodriguez

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee

Laura DiFillippo

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee

Lauren Hunter

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee

Lisa S. Courtice - CEO, President

Job Titles:
  • CEO
  • President
  • President and CEO of United Way
Lisa S. Courtice is president and CEO of United Way of Central Ohio, one of the larger United Way organizations in the country. Under her leadership, United Way is helping to build a community in which everyone has the aspirations, resources and opportunities to reach their fullest potential. Dr. Courtice is a Ph.D. psychologist with over thirty years of experience leading nonprofit programs and services, having served for over ten years as director of agencies directly providing services to those living in poverty in Ohio. Prior to joining United Way she served thirteen years as executive vice president and leader of community research and grants management of The Columbus Foundation, the seventh largest community foundation in the country. Lisa currently serves on the boards of Syracuse University College of Arts & Sciences, Ohio United Way and Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio. In 2018 she was appointed by Columbus City Council to serve as a commissioner on the Commission on Black Girls. Her professional leadership has included serving as chair of the Weinland Park Collaborative and serving on the Ohio Wesleyan University and Columbus School for Girls Board of Trustees. Lisa received her Bachelor of Arts from Syracuse University, her Master of Arts from West Virginia University and her Ph.D. from the University of Akron. For the past four years, Lisa has been recognized on the Columbus Business First Power 100 list.

Littler Mendelson P.

Job Titles:
  • Associate

Mark Bidstrup

Job Titles:
  • Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer / Hexion Inc.

Martyn R. Redgrave

Job Titles:
  • Co - Chair of the Resource Development Committee
  • Managing Partner and CEO / Agate Creek Partners, LLC

Mary Birchard

Job Titles:
  • Vice President of Resource Development & Chief Development Officer
As Vice President of Resource Development and Chief Development Officer with United Way of Central Ohio, Mary Birchard leads a comprehensive resource development program and fundraising team to support United Way's mission. Mary and her team work closely with donors and corporate partners across central Ohio to support their philanthropy and year-round community engagement. Prior to joining United Way as a relationship manager in 2017, Mary worked with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio. She began her career as a special education teacher in the Bronx, New York. Mary holds a master's degree in special education from CUNY Hunter College and a bachelor's degree in political science and English from The Ohio State University. She is also a 2023 graduate of Leadership Columbus and a longtime mentor with Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Melanie Gresson

Job Titles:
  • Vice President, Information Technology & Community Impact Center
Melanie brings a wealth of expertise, diverse skill set and unwavering dedication to both technological innovation and community empowerment. Her passion lies in serving the community, people and problem solving. She believes in leveraging technology to make a positive impact on communities. Melanie has over 25 years of IT experience in various sectors, including retail, business and nonprofit organizations. Prior to joining United Way in November 2019, she worked in IT Network Operations for DSW for 19 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Network Communications Management from DeVry University. A graduate of The African American Leadership Academy, a community-based leadership development program, Melanie takes pride in her personal growth and leadership development in the central Ohio community. She is also a graduate of Project Diversity Pride Leadership, a renowned board leadership development program. Melanie's commitment to creating meaningful change led her to serve on the board of directors for Upic Solutions, an information technology and business solutions nonprofit dedicated to supporting United Way. She is also a longtime mentor with New Directions Career Center E³ program and Per Scholas Tech Women of Color program.

Melissa Marino

Job Titles:
  • Chairman, Mary Rutan Hospital

Melody Birmingham - EVP

Job Titles:
  • Chief Innovation Officer
  • Executive Vice President

Meredith Schwager

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • Member of Planning and Investment Committee

Michael Corey

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • Member of Planning and Investment Committee

Michael Wilkos

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice President of Community Impact
  • Vice President, Community Engagement
Michael Wilkos is Senior Vice President of Community Impact. His team develops effective strategies to improve our community and invests in programs provided by funded partners to implement these strategies. Prior to joining United Way, Michael was Director of Community Research at The Columbus Foundation. During his tenure at the foundation he initiated, led, and managed more than $9 million in competitive grant-making to support holistic community revitalization in Weinland Park, an effort to stabilize and revitalize a mixed-income community near The Ohio State University. Prior to joining the foundation, Michael served as Senior Impact Director and Director of Neighborhood Development at United Way of Central Ohio. In that position he managed program allocations supporting neighborhood development strategies. Among many other duties, he also directed volunteer involvement in developing and implementing strategies supporting housing and community safety programs.

Morgan Williams

Job Titles:
  • Program Manager

Nazree Gore

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee

Nicholas Jones

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • Member of Planning and Investment Committee

Patrick Westerlund

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • Member of Planning and Investment Committee

Paul Haggard

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • Member of Planning and Investment Committee

Pete Lore

Job Titles:
  • United Way of Central Ohio Board Member, Nationwide

Porter Wright - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Managing Partner

Rachel Caviness - Treasurer

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Finance Committee
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Treasurer

Reyna Hughes

Job Titles:
  • Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Program Manager at

Rick Schumacher Jr.

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Audit Committee
  • DEI Advisory Council

Robert Tannous

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Member of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • Member of Planning and Investment Committee

Rocky Parker

Job Titles:
  • Chairman of the Finance Committee
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • SVP & Chief Talent Acquisition Officer / Nationwide Insurance

Ryan Schmiesing

Job Titles:
  • Senior Vice Provost for External Engagement / the Ohio State University

Sean Grant

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee

Sharee Wells

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Executive Committee
  • Superintendent
Provides strategic direction and oversight for the financial operations of the organization including the operating budget, pledge collections and other financial matters. Reports to the United Way of Central Ohio Board of Trustees.

Sherri Coleman

Job Titles:
  • Secretary, Nationwide

Stephanie Smith

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee

Steve Mason - CEO

Job Titles:
  • Chief Executive Officer

Tal Bendor

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee
  • Vice President, Strategy Manager Americas

Tara Donovan

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Audit Committee

Tariq Tarey

The Executive Committee is comprised of the Chair, the Chair-elect, the immediate past Chair, the Treasurer/Secretary, the vice chairs, a member agency representative, and a representative of organized labor. The Executive Committee shall have the power to act on behalf of the full Board of Trustees between meetings.

Toshia Safford

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Nominating & Governance Committee
  • Member of Planning and Investment Committee

William Alston

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Resource Development Committee

Zoe Switzer

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Finance Committee