STATE FIRE SCHOOL - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Development
Abby Pickering '18 returned to her alma mater in December 2023 and serves as an assistant director of development. Prior to BGSU, she worked in the higher education adjacent industry of textbook creation. Abby also has 6 years of experience as a direct line fundraiser for Ruffalo Noel Levitz, including three years in leadership roles. During her time as a student, Abby was a lead caller for the former BGSU phonathon program.
Job Titles:
- Student Services Counselor
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President, Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving
Adrea Spoon '01, '06 joined the University Advancement team in February 2023 and serves as the assistant vice president, alumni engagement and annual giving and executive director of the Alumni Association. Adrea grew up in Northwest Ohio and never imagined 20+ years later she'd still be in the area sharing her Falcon pride. She earned a bachelor of arts in communication in 2001 and master of education in 2006, both from BGSU. Over the last 20 years she worked in the BGSU Office of Admissions, in a variety of roles, and most recently as director of undergraduate admissions. Previously, she worked on the annual giving team at the University of Findlay. She's excited to continue building relationships, connecting through conversation and events and supporting her alma mater.
Outside of work, her twin boys keep her and her husband busy. Fall and spring are full of time on the soccer field and winter involves ice skates and hockey sticks. As she transitions in to this new role, she's thrilled to continue sharing her BGSU passion as she works with alumni and friends of the University.
Job Titles:
- Graduate Admissions Counselor
Alex Barclay is a 1987 graduate of BGSU with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Marketing. He is currently a Senior Vice President and Financial Advisor for The Soter Wealth Management Group. He began his career at Kidder Peabody, which would later take him to Shearson Lehman in 1992 and Morgan Stanley in 2005.
As a student, Barclay was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He currently resides in the Cleveland area with his wife Kara.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
Alex Wright owns and operates Pure Barre boutique fitness studios throughout the Sacramento, California region along with his wife, Kristen Wright (07). Pure Barre is the largest barre fitness franchise in the country. Prior to moving to California, Alex spent over six years at The Ohio State University in a variety of administrative roles. While there, he primarily focused in off-campus real estate development and the implementation of the university's long-term parking lease and concession agreement to outside operators.
Originally from Wapakoneta, Ohio, he is a 2006 summa cum laude graduate from BGSU with a Bachelor of Arts in Geography and Political Science, and he received a Juris Doctorate from The Ohio State University in 2009. While at BGSU, Alex was elected Undergraduate Student Government President, served on the Homecoming Committee, worked as a Campus Tour Guide, and was a member of Delta Chi fraternity and Phi Beta Kappa honor society. He and his wife are Falcon Flames and they were Freddie and Frieda Falcon during their time on campus. They have two sons, Luca and Zenzo, and reside in Rocklin, California.
Alison Frye is a native of Bowling Green, Ohio, and a summa cum laude graduate of Bowling Green State University. Alison has worked in banking since 2000 and is a Senior Vice President and member of the Senior Management Team at Signature Bank, a commercial bank located in Toledo, Ohio. In her role at Signature, she manages the Treasury Management and Deposit Services teams and has oversight over the bank's marketing and community support.
Outside of her professional time, Alison is involved with the Rotary Club of Perrysburg, serving as President in 2017-2018. In 2016, Alison was named one of Rotary's 40 Young Professionals under the age of 40 for an area encompassing over 60,000 Rotarians in the Midwest and Canada.
Alison has also volunteered for Girl Scouts of Western Ohio and is a past board member for the Fort Meigs YMCA, Mobile Meals of Toledo, and Girls on the Run of Northwest Ohio. In 2012, Alison was selected as a Toledo 20 Under 40 Award recipient. She has called Perrysburg home since 2007 with her daughters, Abigail and Mackenzie.
Job Titles:
- Athletics Archivist / Preservation Lab, Northwest Ohio Regional
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
Andrea Casteel brings a blend of skills and dedication to her new role as administrative assistant for development. Andrea has 16 years' experience in nonprofit management and executive support, most recently at Cherry Street Mission Ministries in Toledo, where she served in many roles, including Donor Relations Manager, Capital Campaign Coordinator, and Executive Assistant to the CEO. Outside of her professional endeavors, Andrea finds fulfillment in her role as a wife and mother of three daughters. Andrea is excited to join the Bowling Green State University team. Go Falcons!
Job Titles:
- Head Librarian / Music Library
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President for Development
Ann Marie Bliley-Ester joined University Advancement in September 2023, following 13 years in higher education fundraising at Colorado State University and Loyola University Chicago. At Colorado State University, Ann Marie served as Managing Director of Development, where she led and helped to establish a new fundraising team focused on interdisciplinary research initiatives. She set creative donor strategies, discovered new types of donor segments, and collaborated with colleagues and academic leaders across campus, while hiring staff and organizing operations. At Loyola, she served as Assistant Vice President for Principal Gifts, part of the senior development team.
Growing up in Erie, Pennsylvania, her return to the Great Lakes region feels like a homecoming. Ann Marie earned a bachelor's degree in English from The College of Wooster and a master's degree in organizational leadership with a concentration in strategic innovation and change management from Colorado State University Global. She completed the Institute for Leaders in Development program at the University of Denver and holds the Certified Fundraising Executive credential. With a nod towards the future, Ann Marie values working at BGSU and supporting those who will make our world a better place.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Chairman - Elect of the BGSU Foundation, Founding President
Anthony (Tony) Rucci is Chair-Elect of the BGSU Foundation, Founding President and CEO Emeritus of the America 250 Foundation and Professor Emeritus from the Ohio State University. Before joining the OSU faculty in 2006, he enjoyed a 25-year business career as an executive officer with three Fortune 100 companies: Baxter International; Sears Roebuck and Sears Mexico; and most recently, Cardinal Health. Within his academic career he has been Dean of the College of Business at the University of Illinois at Chicago and a University Distinguished Teaching Professor at OSU. Over the past fifteen years he has maintained an active strategic consulting practice with major companies and pro bono advising with not-for-profit organizations. He has permanently endowed seven student scholarships through the BGSU Foundation.
Rucci received a BS in psychology in 1972, an MA in industrial psychology in 1976 and a Ph.D. in industrial psychology in 1978 - all from BGSU. As a student, he was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, the Antaean Society, and Sigma Xi. In 2022, he received the BGSU Academy of Distinguished Alumni Award.
Art Tuttle is retired as Executive Director -Retailer Financial Services & Shared Services for American Greetings in Cleveland. He previously worked at Pilkington Glass in Toledo, and Marathon Oil in Findlay. He taught corporate finance at BGSU after receiving his MBA in 1981. He had earned his bachelor of science in business and finance from BGSU in 1980.
As a student, he was a member of the Stock Market Club, Omicron Delta Epsilon international economics honor society, and received the Financial Executive Institute Award given to the outstanding senior Finance major. He recently served on the BGSU Athletics Leadership Council from 2016-2019. His spouse and two sons are all Falcon alumni.
Job Titles:
- Senior Learning Specialist
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Admissions
Job Titles:
- Student Services Counselor
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Secretary
Bill Ording received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree with a major in Accounting from BGSU in 1980 and a Master of Business Administration from Wayne State University in 1990. He is originally from St. Henry, Ohio and now makes his home in Troy, Michigan.
While at BG, he was a member of the Delta Sigma Pi business fraternity. Upon graduation in 1980, Bill worked for several companies in the metro Detroit area including Burroughs, American Motors and Chrysler. After a successful and rewarding career in finance, he retired in 2014 and currently enjoys golfing, his grandkids and summer weekends at the lake.
Bill served on the Troy Nature Society Board of Directors for 6 years, with a year as Vice President and two years as President of the Board. He also spent time volunteering at Forgotten Harvest food bank. He and his wife Karen have two sons, Dan and Steve (BG grad in 2011).
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Member of the American Psychological Association
Bonnie Sandman holds M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Industrial/Organizational Psychology from BGSU. She has provided consulting services to a wide range of public and private organizations in the U.s, U.K. and Canada. Her clients have been in manufacturing, steel, industrial casting, transportation, telecommunications, child protective services, electric utilities, health care, and police and fire departments. Work scope has included designing and implementing human resource systems for employee selection and promotion, attitude surveys for organizational diagnosis, employment selection interviewing, and individual assessment for management selection. Sandman also conducts "individual assessments" for career guidance (young adults 17 to 35 years of age), choice of major, and career change assessment for adults seeking occupational change or re-entry into the workforce.
Sandman is a member of the American Psychological Association, Sigma Xi Scientific Honorary Society, Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology, and Houston Area Industrial/Organizational Psychologists. She has taught courses at St. Thomas University, Bowling Green State University, University of Maryland (U.K.), and Central Michigan University and has authored papers on job satisfaction, job stress, and employment testing. Sandman is a licensed Psychologist (Pennsylvania). She has served on the St. Clair Hospital Foundation Board, and was president and board member of PAAR (Pittsburgh Action Against Rape) for nine years.
Job Titles:
- Senior Library Associate / Northwest Ohio Regional
Job Titles:
- Director of Enrollment Communications
Job Titles:
- Coordinator of Tour Guides & Outreach
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
The Honorable C. Ray Mullins was appointed to the bench in Atlanta in 2000, becoming the first African-American bankruptcy judge in the Eleventh Circuit, which consists of all federal districts in Georgia, Alabama and Florida. In 2012, he became the chief judge of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Georgia. In 2013, Chief Justice John Roberts of the U.S. Supreme Court appointed Mullins to a four-year term on the Board of Directors of the Federal Judicial Center, which provides training and research for the federal judiciary. Judge Mullins received his Bachelor of Science in business administration from BGSU in 1974 and his MBA in 1977. As a student, he was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity and served as their president. He has been married to his Falcon Flame, Beverly Mullins, for more than 40 years.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, Recruitment & Outreach
- Science, Technology, Engineering and Math ( STEM ) Programs
Carol Ware received a Bachelor of Science in Magazine Journalism/Advertising from BGSU. Following an early career in publishing and public relations in the private sector, she retired from the State of Ohio Department of Medicaid as the Health Equity Administrator, after 30 years of service. Ware has a passion for community service and has served on several boards. While employed with the State of Ohio, she served as a board member for the Ohio Commission on Minority Health. Additionally, she serves as financial secretary for the Delta Foundation of Greater Columbus; as secretary for the Traditions at Rocky Fork Board of Directors and for nine years on the National Executive Board for Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Ware was a member of the BGSU Alumni Association Board of Directors from 2013- 2021 and served as board chair in 2018-2019. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Carol lives in Westerville, OH and serves on the board of trustees and is choir director at the Second Baptist Church in Columbus.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
Charlotte McKenzie received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from BGSU. While at BGSU, she was a member of the Marketing Club, The Obsidian newspaper, and did advertising sales for the BG News. She also has a Master of Science in Administration from Central Michigan University and was a member of the National Honor Society of Sigma Iota Epsilon. Her extensive career of more than 36 years in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry spans Fortune 500 corporations and startup company environments, including Johnson & Johnson, Cor Therapeutics, Millennium Corporation, and Schering Plough. Charlotte retired as a Clinical Science Specialist from BTG, International, Inc. and was a recipient of BTG's Circle of Excellence award. Throughout her career, her roles included clinical trial and research specialist, new business development, executive training, team leadership, sales, and marketing.
An avid community volunteer and civic leader, Charlotte currently serves on the League of Women Voters of Texas Board of Directors, City of Frisco Urban Forestry Board, and Executive Council of AARP Texas. She is also a member of the National Black MBA Association, The Links Incorporated, and Junior League of Collin County.
Job Titles:
- Assistant to the Associate Deans
Job Titles:
- Reference and Instruction Librarian
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Head Librarian / Curriculum Resource Center
Job Titles:
- General Manager and Director of Operations at the Americas, Global Oil
Craig Anderson is general manager and director of operations at The Americas, Global Oil & Gas Group, for the Gates Corporation in Houston, Texas. Gates Corporation is a global provider of fluid power and power transmission products, services and engineering solutions through material science. Prior to Gates Corporation he was general manager of the Energy Products Division for the Parker Hannifin Corporation, Fluid Connectors Group in Houston.
Anderson earned a Bachelor of Science in applied engineering and technology from Bowling Green State University in 1979. As a student, he was a founding father of Pi Kappa Phi fraternity and held several officer positions and was vice president of Inter-Fraternity Council, as well as a member of Club Lacrosse and Student Government Association. He was also recognized by Omicron Delta Kappa, a national leadership honor society, and was a member of the Anteans Society and Phi Eta Sigma.
After graduation, he started the Houston Alumni Chapter, and upon being transferred to the Cleveland area, restarted the North Coast Alumni Chapter. He served on the Alumni Association Board from 1992- 1998. He has also served on the Executive Leadership Committee for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society Light the Night Walk and served on the boards of Fort Bend County Junior Achievement, Water Jet Technology Association, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and Riverbend Country Club in Sugar Land, Texas. He is currently alumni chapter president for Pi Kappa Phi-Delta Sigma Chapter. Anderson was awarded the Accomplished Alumni Award from the School of Technology and Applied Engineering in 2017.
Job Titles:
- Student Services Counselor
Job Titles:
- Associate Athletics Director
- Senior Associate AD for Development
Dan Meyer joined BGSU as associate athletics director for development in August of 2014. He provides direction and leadership to the Falcon Athletics development program, which includes fundraising efforts for all capital projects, scholarship endowment, annual giving and planned gifts as well as special events and the VarsityBG student-athlete alumni program. Meyer is a member of the senior management team for BGSU Athletics, after serving previously in a variety of administrative roles over a 20-year career at the University of Wisconsin, Portland State University and Washington State University.
Job Titles:
- Depository Manager / Northwest Ohio Regional
Job Titles:
- Senior Student Services Counselor
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Development at Bowling Green State University
Danielle Solis '16 is a senior director of development at Bowling Green State University. She provides fundraising leadership of the Allen W. and Carol M. Schmidthorst College of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, Honors College and select special projects across the institution. Prior to returning to BGSU, Danielle was the advancement director for the Montessori School of Bowling Green. She holds bachelor of arts degrees in both political science and history from Bowling Green State University, and she also earned a master of science in nonprofit leadership from the University of Pennsylvania.
Job Titles:
- Administrator, Strategic Budgets and Acquisitions
Job Titles:
- Retired Executive Vice President With Forest City Enterprises Inc
Levey is a retired executive vice president with Forest City Enterprises Inc., an $8 billion, publicly traded real estate firm based in Cleveland. His responsibilities were in the residential, multifamily group, where he handled acquisition and development activities in the eastern part of the country. In his 26 years with Forest City, Levey's duties also included syndication of public housing projects and development and construction of hotel properties. A nationally recognized expert in Historic Adaptive Reuse Development, he has been responsible for historic redevelopment in Philadelphia; Richmond, Virginia; Washington, D.C.; Boston and Dallas, collaborating closely with the National Park Service to accomplish these urban redevelopment projects. Prior to joining Forest City, Levey was executive director of the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority. A frequent speaker at national conferences, he earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from BGSU in 1971.
Job Titles:
- Student Services Counselor
Job Titles:
- Records Management Supervisor
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean
- Ex - Officio
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor in the Department of Management
Dr. Deborah A. O'Neil, associate professor in the Department of Management, and Dr. Ibrahim Capar, assistant professor in the Department of Applied Statistics and Operations Research, have papers accepted at an ABS (Association of Business Schools) top tier journal (rank 4). The ABS list is the Gold Standard.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Executive
Dr. Debra A. Ball is a human resources executive currently serving as the Director of People & Talent at the Toledo Museum of Art. Debra has over 27 years of experience in healthcare systems in Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin. Her primary focus is supporting leaders and staff by establishing and implementing organizational initiatives that support mission and talent strategies. Debra obtained her Doctor of Education in Leadership Studies and Policy from Bowling Green State University in 2014. She is married and has four children.
Job Titles:
- Professor in the Marketing Department
Dr. Dwayne Gremler, professor in the Marketing Department and a Fulbright Scholar, is a world-renowned expert on services marketing as well as a Distinguished Teaching Professor. He has been recognized with numerous national and international awards for research, teaching and service.
Job Titles:
- Professor, in the Department of Management
Dr. Jan Hartley, professor, in the Department of Management, is the president of Decision Sciences Institute, the premier interdisciplinary global scholarly society for business school professors.
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean
- Dean
- Ex - Officio
Job Titles:
- Director of Student Services
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean
- Ex - Officio
Job Titles:
- Reference and Instruction Librarian / Library
Job Titles:
- Communication and Events Specialist
Job Titles:
- Member of the Executive Committee
- Operating Partner
Emanuele (Manny) Conti is an Operating Partner in the technology practice WCAS having joined in 2019. He identifies and conducts due diligence for new technology investments as well as supports existing portfolio companies in developing value maximization plans. He brings over 25 years of leadership experience in software, data analytics and technology-enabled services. Prior to joining WCAS, Conti was the CEO of Opus Global, a leading regulatory software platform. Previously, he was CEO of Kroll Inc. and the President of the North America and International divisions of Dun & Bradstreet (NYSE: DNB). He has also held leadership roles at Qwest Communications, Ernst & Young and General Motors.
Conti received a Bachelor of Arts in finance from BGSU in 1989 and an MBA from the University of Chicago. As a student, he was a member of Theta Chi fraternity. Conti served as a commencement speaker in 2015.
Emily Ancinec '12 2022-2026 Emily Ancinec graduated with honors from BGSU in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science. While a student, she was an active member of the Undergraduate Student Government, serving as USG President in 2011/12; a campus tour guide; resident advisor for Harshman Dunbar; and a member of the Honors College. After BGSU, Ancinec earned a Master of Science in Education Administration from Texas A&M University. She has spent her professional career focusing on training and development in higher education and corporate settings. Working with student organizations at Texas A&M University and the University of Georgia, alumni relations at The George Washington University Law School, leadership development at the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, and most recently upskilled professionals on sustainability, climate and equity at Deloitte. Outside of work, Ancinec is active in the Junior League. Most recently chairing the Literacy Events Planning committee with the Junior League of Washington (D.C.) where was able to partner with the Library of Congress to provide, train, deploy 200+ volunteers for the Library's National Book Festival in addition to supporting literacy events throughout the Greater Washington D.C. area- earning her the President's Award for Excellence in Volunteerism award. Ancinec has previously volunteered with Alpha Chi Omega, American Association of University Women, and Learning Ally. She grew up and now currently resides in Michigan.
Job Titles:
- Scholarly Communications Strategist
Emily Wilhelm '16 is an assistant director of development. Emily joined the University Advancement team in 2022 as the assistant director of alumni engagement and helped grow alumni regional networks throughout Ohio and the United States. Prior to BGSU, she was an event coordinator for the ProMedica Foundation and a corporate fundraiser for Bloomsburg University in Central Pennsylvania.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator, Recruitment & Outreach
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Policy Expert
Emmanual A. Guillory is an advocate, policy expert, and motivational speaker who currently serves as the Senior Director of Government Relations at the American Council on Education (ACE). In this role, he manages an extensive portfolio of legislative and regulatory issues as a primary government relations resource for the broader higher education community to the United States Congres s, the White House, the United States Department of Education, and other agencies as warranted. His portfolio includes a primary emphasis on the reauthorization of the Higher Education Act (HEA), especially Title IV programs, and the budget and appropriations process. Other issues within his portfolio include accreditation; college costs; student aid; institutional accountability; institutional aid in Titles III and V of the HEA; oversight; privacy; technology; accessibility; and disability, among others.
Previously, Guillory served as the Director of Student and Institutional Aid Policy at the National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities (NAICU) leading the private, nonprofit sector of higher education on policies such as student financial aid; institutional aid programs in Titles III and V of the HEA; and certain regulatory issues. Guillory also served as the Director for Public Policy and Government Affairs at UNCF (United Negro College Fund, Inc.) for two years and served a decade in the House of Representatives, most recently as a Professional Staff Member on the Committee on Education and the Workforce. He is a 2020 and 2021 recipient of the Hill's Top Lobbyist recognition in Washington, DC; a recipient of the Top Executive Award from Marquis Who's Who of America; a prior federal negotiator for the Department of Education in 2019 and 2022; and a former President of the Committee for Education Funding, the largest educational coalition in our country, in 2022. He has his own nonprofit organization where he awards scholarships to students, and he serves as a Lecturer through the Archers Fellowship Program in the University of Texas System.
Guillory earned his Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Texas A&M University where he also serves on the leadership council through the Association of Former Students. He also obtained his Master of Arts in College Student Personnel from Bowling Green State University where he serves on the Alumni Board of Directors and on the leadership council in the College of Education and Human Development. He is currently pursuing his Doctorate of Education in Higher Education Management at the University of Pennsylvania.
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Enrollment Communications
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President
- Director of Admissions
Job Titles:
- Library Technical Specialist / Library Information Technology Services
Job Titles:
- Senior Systems Analyst
- Systems Analyst
A 1981 BGSU graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism, Gary Benz, attended law school at the University of Toledo, graduating in 1984 with a J.D. Benz worked for nearly four years in a law firm in Cleveland, OH before he joined FirstEnergy Corp. in their legal department. He retired from FirstEnergy in 2021 after nearly 33 years of service. During his tenure there, Benz held a variety of leadership positions including Associate General Counsel, Vice President, Supply Chain, and Sr. Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer.
As a student, Benz was a member of Delta Tau Delta fraternity and held various positions at the BG News, including editorial editor. He and his wife Betsy split their time between Naples, Florida, Akron, Ohio and New York City. They have 5 children, including a recent BGSU graduate, and 3 grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director, Donor Communications and Compliance
Grace Waterstradt joined the University Advancement team in February 2023 as the assistant director of donor communications and compliance. Prior to BGSU, Grace worked in various higher education roles including: student services and housing, development and alumni relations. Grace earned her bachelor's degree in public relations in 2015 from Adrian College and a master of education in higher education administration in 2018, from Tiffin University.
Greg Forté is a former associate director for The Procter & Gamble Company. He led P&G's northeastern sales organization and eventually central operations for the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico. After P&G, he became director of consulting for Management Performance International (MPI). At MPI, Forte worked with clients to drive strategic growth through improved work systems, training and organization development. Prior to consulting, he was development director for The Freedom Center in Cincinnati. He is currently president of OE-DE Investment Group.
Forté is a 1976 graduate of BGSU with a bachelor's in business administration. As a student, he was an active Greek as a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., where he held leadership positions. Forte recently served on the BGSU Student Affairs Leadership Council prior to accepting his role on the Foundation Board of Directors. In 2017, he was inducted into BGSU's Academy Of Distinguished Alumni.
Job Titles:
- Student Success Coordinator, Business Graduate Programs
Holly Horn is the chief surveillance officer of public finance for Assured Guaranty Municipal Corporation, formerly known as Financial Security Assurance Inc. Assured Guaranty is the leading provider of financial guaranty insurance. Previously, she was with Financial Security Assurance Inc. and Ernst & Young. Horn graduated from BGSU in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in education/social studies and received a Master of Health Administration from the George Washington School of Business in Washington, D.C. Horn served as a commencement speaker for BGSU in 2016.
Job Titles:
- Student Services Counselor
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director, Tutoring Services
Job Titles:
- Enrollment Communication Coordinator
Janae Johnson is graduating with a degree in business administration with a double specialization in finance and business, analytics and intelligence. She also has a job lined up with Eaton Corp.
Job Titles:
- Development Coordinator
- Executive Assistant
Jason Broerman earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a specialization in Information Systems, Audit and Control from BGSU in 1999. Jason resides in Findlay, OH with his Falcon Flame Andrea (Bachelor of Science in Computer Science - 1999). Jason has worked at Marathon Petroleum Company in Findlay since graduating from BGSU holding numerous positions of increasing responsibility. He is currently the Supply Operations Manager for the North Region of Marathon's Clean Products Value Chain.
Jason enjoys watching Falcon athletics and all college and pro sports. He is also an avid golfer, active in his community volunteering for multiple charities in various roles and is an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Findlay. He and his wife Andrea have three kids: Lindsey (26) - Ohio State University Grad 2019, Drew (23) - University of Cincinnati Grad 2023, and Luke (20) - University of Cincinnati student.
Job Titles:
- Library Technical Assistant
Job Titles:
- Manager, Foundation Accounting
Jen is the manager of foundation accounting at BGSU where she oversees the gift processing and foundation accounting and reporting functions for University Advancement and the BGSU Foundation. Jen joined the UA/BGSU Foundation team in 2022 with over 20 years of accounting experience. After graduating from BGSU in 2002 with a bachelor of science in business administration, accounting specialization, she began her career with Ernst & Young in Toledo, OH. She has 15 years of audit experience with public accounting firms, both big and small, where she developed an interest and specialty in nonprofit organizations. Outside of public accounting, her experience includes working for or with nonprofit organizations, including board positions. Three years were previously spent at BGSU as the manager of grants accounting. Jen lives in Perrysburg with her four daughters and is excited about their future falcon opportunities.
Job Titles:
- Dean
- Dean of the Schmidthorst College
Jennifer Percival is the Dean of the Schmidthorst College of Business and Professor at Bowling Green State University. Previously, she was the Associate Dean of the Manning School of Business at the University of Massachusetts Lowell and as Associate Dean for the Faculty of Business and Information Technology at OntarioTech in Oshawa, Canada. She received her BMath (Operations Research) and PhD (Management Sciences) from the University of Waterloo. Her research began with evaluating the impact of organizational strategy and manufacturing technology implementation and has recently focused on the effective use and integration of technology to support teaching practices in the healthcare sector, as well as higher education. She is also actively involved in research surrounding the use of process modeling techniques to support innovation, change management, and technology integration in services, as well as integrating business into graduate engineering education to support retention and recruitment of women and underrepresented minorities. She has received over $1.5 million in grants to support her research engaging with faculty colleagues and students across all disciplines on campus, at other universities and partner community colleges, and with multiple industry collaborators. She has received funding and led the development of interdisciplinary programs to support student access and the development of industry ready graduates. Through these projects, she has studied the impact and design of pathway programs between community colleges and universities to support improved retention, graduation rates, and diversity. She current serves on the Board of Directors for the Society for Health Systems.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Vice President
- Assistant Vice President for Advancement Services
Jeremy Ball is assistant vice president for advancement services, leading BGSU's efforts in data management, development systems, and prospect management and research. Joining the university in February 2021, Jeremy brings to BGSU over 15 years of progressively responsible advancement services experience, most recently at Elon University. He earned his masters of business administration from Capital University and a bachelor of science in computer science from Eastern Michigan University. He, alongside his wife and two children, is excited to now be part of the Falcon family.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director, Supplemental Learning Services
Job Titles:
- CEO of Wood Lane Residential Services
Jessica Miller-Blakely currently serves as the CEO of Wood Lane Residential Services (WLRS), overseeing its management, administration, and operations. A private non-profit organization located in Wood County, Ohio, WLRS provides residential, habilitation, financial, and clinical services to over 250 individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Prior to WLRS, she spent 20 years working in long-term care as a Licensed Nursing Home Administrator.
A 1997 graduate of BGSU with a Bachelor of Science in Gerontology, Miller-Blakely also earned her M.S. in Interdisciplinary Gerontology in 2013. As a student, she was a member of the Gamma Phi Beta sorority and was part of the executive team that started Dance Marathon in 1995. Miller-Blakely previously served on the College of Health and Human Services Leadership Council and received the College's Alumni Award in 2014.
Miller-Blakely comes from a family of Falcons with parents David Miller and Judith Witmer Miller earning their degrees in 1969 and 1970; three stepchildren who are alumni - Nick '16, Kelly '17 and Brian '21; and daughter Emma who is currently enrolled at BGSU. She and her son Jackson reside in Perrysburg, Ohio.
Jessica Quittenton '06 is the director of prospect management and research. She and her team are responsible for the discovery of individuals positioned to advance BGSU's initiatives, strategically providing research, and collaborating with fundraisers to make data-driven and strategic decisions to move prospects through the cultivation process and raise funds to support BGSU. Jessica joined the advancement services team in July 2022 with 14 years of experience in fundraising and advancement services within higher education. She earned a bachelor of science degree from Bowling Green State University and a master of arts in nonprofit administration from John Carroll University.
Job Titles:
- Senior Financial Accountant
Joanna Pardon '05 is a senior financial accountant responsible for the daily accounting functions and reporting activities of the BGSU Foundation. Joanna joined Foundation Accounting in 2021 with 13 years of experience in restricted fund accounting, eight of which were served in the BGSU Grants Accounting Department.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Audit Committee
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
A 1973 BGSU graduate with a Bachelor of Science in business administration, John Gawaluck worked for EY, formerly Ernst & Young, for 41 years until his retirement in 2014. During his tenure with EY as a certified public accountant, he held several key leadership positions and served the firm's top clients, including many Fortune 250 companies. As a student, Gawaluck was active in Beta Alpha Psi, Delta Sigma Pi, Alpha Phi Omega and was a member of BGSU's varsity lacrosse team. Gawaluck currently resides in Nashville, Tennessee.
Job Titles:
- Web Applications Developer / Library Information Technology Services
John Riedl graduated from BGSU with a Bachelor of Science in marketing. After three years with Leo Burnett advertising, he joined ABC Television in the stations division. He spent 28 years at ABC with stints at WLS-TV in Chicago, New York national sales and 22 years at KABC-TV in Los Angeles as general sales manager. He then spent 10 years as vice president of West Coast sales for Metro Networks before retiring. Riedl was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity, serving two terms as president. Recently, as a member of the class of 1965 50th reunion committee, John provided a generous lead gift for the Changing Lives for the World campaign, supporting the new Robert W. and Patricia A. Maurer Center building, the future home of the Schmidthorst College of Business opening in 2020, as well as generous support for the Falcon Club and the School of Media and Communication. Riedl served as president of a self-managed home owner's association at his second home in Big Bear Lake in California for 14 years before joining the BGSU Foundation Board.
Jonathan Smith has been a lifelong resident of Northwest Ohio, graduating from BGSU with a Bachelor in Business Finance degree with a minor in Applied Statistics in 2008. Mr. Smith married his Falcon Flame, Amanda (2010 BGSU alumni), soon after graduating. Together, the Smiths have four future Falcons: Lucy, Liam, Abram and Scout. You will find him and his family attending as many BGSU events as possible, always looking for ways to support our fellow Falcons.
Professionally, Mr. Smith is the Agency Principal for SL & Associates and COO for Smith Bonds & Surety. Mr. Smith is involved in many organizations in the community and brings experience of serving on multiple boards to the BGSU Alumni Board. Currently he serves as Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Fort Meigs Union Cemetery, Visit Perrysburg Board Member, Treasurer for Cub Scout Pack 209, and was elected to Perrysburg City Council in 2015 where he is currently serving as Council President. He is also a proud member of the Perrysburg Rotary Club, St. Rose Catholic Church, Perrysburg Chamber of Commerce, Knights of Columbus, and BNI - COBRA Chapter.
"It is an honor and privilege to serve and give back to the university that did so much for me. I would not be the person I am today without BGSU. I look forward to doing what I can to help future students of BGSU enjoy their time on campus as much as I did. Aye Ziggy Zoomba!"
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Development
Jordan Cravens '09, '13 is a senior director of development at Bowling Green State University. She provides fundraising leadership to the colleges of Education and Human Development; Health and Human Services; Technology, Architecture and Applied Engineering; and the Division of Student Affairs. Jordan began her career in annual giving at BGSU with increasingly progressive roles in the organization. Prior to her work in advancement, she served on the BGSU volleyball coaching staff. She is a two-time alumna of BGSU with degrees in journalism and a master of education, specializing in sport administration.
Judith Sommers has committed her life to the advancement of education, earning a bachelor's degree in elementary education in 1968 and a doctoral degree in school administration in 1995, both from Bowling Green State University. Her professional career includes nearly 40 years of experience in public education and higher education in Ohio and North Carolina. She has been published in several national journals, contributed a chapter on career counseling to a graduate textbook, and has presented workshops at a variety of national, state and local conferences.
Sommers' commitment to education goes well beyond her professional career. She has been a strong advocate and active participant in the success of BGSU and BGSU Firelands. She served as a BGSU Alumni Board member and an alumni chapter leader, is a past president and member of the BGSU Firelands Advisory Board and past chair and member of the BGSU Firelands Development Board. Sommers has received the BGSU Community Service Award and the BGSU Alumni Service Award.
Job Titles:
- Student Success Coordinator
- Undergraduate Student Development
Julie Brandle is the president and a founder of Metis Construction Services, a female-owned commercial general contractor located in Kent, Ohio. Metis completes ground-up, renovation, and facilities maintenance projects throughout the United States. With over 25 years of experience in sales, marketing, and public relations, Brandle oversees these areas of expertise for Metis along with being an integral part of the management team that designs and manages the overall business strategy.
A committed community member, Brandle serves on various boards and volunteers for Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Together, and the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio. She is a past president of the Rotary Club of Akron and is the 2023-2024 District Governor for Rotary District 6630.
Brandle earned a double major at BGSU in Interpersonal and Public Communication and Soviet Studies, as well as a travel grant scholarship to study in Kiev, Ukraine. She is also a licensed realtor and holds National Association of Home Builders certifications in Green Building, Aging in Place, New Construction Sales and Master New Construction Sales.
Brandle and her husband Steven currently reside in northeast Ohio and have one daughter, Kimberly, a 2021 BGSU graduate of the College of Education and Human Development.
Job Titles:
- Reference and Instruction Librarian / Library
Justus Roberts is retired from CareCentrix, Inc., where he served as the Director of Client Services Operations. He was previously a sales manager with IBM for more than a decade as well as the director for Customer Care Operations at CVS Health.
A 1979 BGSU graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Roberts also received his MBA from Clark Atlanta University. As a student, he was a member of Alpha Phi Alpha and Alpha Phi Omega, and also worked on the Obsidian newspaper.
Roberts and his wife Minnie currently reside in Tampa, Florida.
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs and Accreditation
Karen Gill joined the University Advancement team in 2022 as a Foundation gift analyst. She works to process gifts that are received by the Foundation, applying them to the proper funds and donor records. Karen has many years of experience working in accounts receivable.
Job Titles:
- Administrator, Strategic Programs and Facilities
Karla Jones is retired as a pediatric nurse practitioner. She worked for 35 years in the Division of Rheumatology at Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, with a focus on clinical care, patient education, research, advocacy, and quality improvement. She is an active member and past volunteer for the Associate of Rheumatology Professions and recipient of their Master Clinician Award.
Jones is 1981 graduate of BGSU with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and as a student was a member of the Student Nurse Association, A Cappella Choir, and served as an orientation leader. She also received her Master of Science in Nursing from Virginia Commonwealth University. She and her husband, alumnus Randy Jones '81, established the Jones Family Nursing Scholarship and proudly contributed to the new School of Nursing Building. The couple currently resides in Dublin, Ohio.
Karmen Concannon ‘91, is a director of development at Bowling Green State University and provides fundraising leadership to the College of Arts and Sciences. She has been engaged in the Bowling Green community in various non-profit and volunteer capacities over the past thirteen years. Concannon spent more than twenty years in the newspaper industry and is looking forward to helping people who want to give back to BGSU find creative ways to meet their goals in a way that is meaningful to them and BGSU students.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Assistant, Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving
Karri brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to her role as administrative assistant for alumni engagement and annual giving. Joining the team in February 2024, she plays a pivotal role in supporting the office's mission and vision. In her previous on campus position, she served as the coordinator for fraternity and sorority life. Taking a brief hiatus to serve as the CEO of her household, Karri is thrilled to return to the BGSU family. Karri holds a bachelor's degree in criminal justice from the University of Toledo and a master's degree in higher education from the University of Denver.
Job Titles:
- Student Services Counselor
Job Titles:
- Coordinator of Visits & Events
Job Titles:
- Resource Sharing and Maintenance Manager
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Recruiting
- Assistant Director of Recruitment
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- College of Education and Human Development
Job Titles:
- Owner of KBG Holdings, Inc
Keith Grass is the owner of KBG Holdings, Inc., after retiring as President and CEO of the David J. Joseph Company (DJJ) in 2014. DJJ is a subsidiary of Nucor Corporation, and is one of the largest scrap-metal brokerage operations in the United States. He joined DJJ in 1978 upon receiving his Bachelor of Science in business and finance from BGSU. During his time at the University, Grass was a member of the Delta Upsilon fraternity where he served as president, a member of the Interfraternity Council, Anteans Society and Omicron Delta Kappa leadership society. As an alumnus, Grass has served on the Schmidthorst College of Business Leadership Council where he led as chair for several years. He established the Grass-Reid Endowed Scholarship, and the Grass/Reid Student Collaboration Space in the Robert W. and Patricia A. Maurer Center is named in recognition of his generous support. Originally from Queens, New York City and Long Island, Grass now resides in Cincinnati Ohio.
Kelly Recker graduated with the classes of ‘88 and ‘89 in Communication Disorders and Speech Pathology respectively. She has worked in various roles in healthcare and most recently as the Vice President of I&T Operations and User Experience for Bon Secours Mercy Health. She has served on many nonprofit local and State boards in the past 20 years and currently a Director for Superior Credit Union and the BGSU Alumni Board. "I am honored to support BGSU and enjoy traveling in my spare time."
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Development
- Assistant Director of Development at Bowling Green State University
Kenzi Moore is an assistant director of development at Bowling Green State University. Prior to joining the University Advancement team, Kenzi was a development officer for the United Way of Greater Toledo, and worked in schools, providing social work services to children and families. She earned her Master of Social Work from The Ohio State University and her bachelor's degree in psychology from Miami University.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator of College Access and Admissions
Job Titles:
- Director of Alumni Engagement
- Is Director
Kim Jacobs is director of alumni engagement and oversees all Alumni activities and events including those during BGSU's annual Homecoming. Kim joined BGSU in 1999 as assistant dean in the Office of Campus Involvement, and then joined the staff of the Bowen-Thompson Student Union shortly after it opened in 2002. The common denominator throughout her career is the planning of events and activities. Her experience in higher education has included Ohio State University, University of Illinois, Mundelein College, University of Illinois - Chicago, and Indiana University - Purdue University Fort Wayne. "I've enjoyed planning events and experiences for BGSU students and now look forward to doing the same for our Falcon alumni."
Kyle Crawford '07 is system specialist. Trained as a structured query language (SQL) analyst, he helps to maintain the database of alumni, donors and friends of BGSU. He earned his bachelor's degree in computer science from BGSU. Before he joined the staff in 2009, Kyle worked in the legal and compliance department for Sky Financial, Inc.
Larry McCrimager '80 2020-2024 Larry E. McCrimager is a native of Cleveland, Ohio and now resides in South Euclid, Ohio, a suburb of Cleveland. He formally retired in 2017 from Mt. Zion Fellowship as the Asst. Chief Administrative Officer and Chief Financial Officer. After retiring Larry obtained his certification as a Chemical Dependency Counselor Assistant and worked as a Counselor with New Visions Unlimited Counseling Agency and retired from there in 2019. Larry graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology. After graduation Larry worked for May Co. department stores as a buyer for 16 years before going to work for Mt. Zion Fellowship Church. In addition to working for the church, he is also an ordained Elder of Mt. Zion and is the Pastor of the Arts Ministries. In 2002 Larry graduated from the University of Phoenix with a Master of Business Administration degree with a concentration in E-Commerce. While at Bowling Green, Larry was involved with several activities that consisted of the Black Student Union, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. (held several positions on the Executive Board), The Inter-Fraternal Counsel, and the BGSU Gospel Choir (President). Since graduating from Bowling Green, Larry continues to be actively involved in the community through civic organizations such as the 100 Black Men of Greater Cleveland, along with continuing his active involvement with his fraternity Alpha Phi Alpha. In Alpha he has gone on to serve in the administration of the District (Executive Director & District Director), Regional and National levels (Chaplain). Receiving awards for Community Leadership in Cleveland Ohio. With that he received citations from the Cleveland City Council, the Mayor of Cleveland (Honorable Frank Jackson) and the 11th District Congresswoman (Honorable Marcia Fudge). Larry continues to serve his college Bowling Green State University as a Member of the Board Directors of the Alumni Board. In addition, he serves as the President of the Cuyahoga County Black Alumni Association that services scholarships and assistance to the students of color attending Bowling Green from Cuyahoga County. Along with this he also serves on the Alpha Housing Estates, located in Cleveland, Ohio.
Job Titles:
- Manager, Budgets and Operations
Job Titles:
- Executive Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship
- Executive Director of Donor Relations and Stewardship for University Advancement
Laura Moore is executive director of donor relations and stewardship for University Advancement. In this role, she directs a comprehensive donor relations and stewardship program focused on reporting, compliance, cultivation and recognition of donors. Prior to joining BGSU, Laura served as the director of alumni relations for Owens Community College, the executive director of the Owens Alumni Association, interim executive director of the Owens Community College Foundation and college development, and executive assistant and special events coordinator for Dana Commercial Credit Corporation. She earned an associate degree in applied business and bachelor's degree in business education from Bowling Green State University.
Job Titles:
- Reference and Instruction Librarian / Library
Job Titles:
- Student Services Counselor
Job Titles:
- Library Associate / Northwest Ohio Regional
Job Titles:
- Library Associate / Curriculum Resource Center
Job Titles:
- Ohio Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network
Leo Almeida is the Ohio Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN). He leads volunteers and staff across the state through campaigns to achieve progress on evidence-based policy and legislative solutions designed to eliminate cancer as a major health problem.
Leo has worked for over a decade on all sides of public policy, politics, and legislation. Prior to his current role with ACS CAN, he served as the senior policy associate for The Nature Conservancy in Ohio and as a senior legislative aide in the Ohio Senate. He has experience with local and state-wide political campaigns. He also volunteers his time with community organizations I n Columbus including Community Refugee and Immigration Services, where he serves as the President of the Board of Trustees.
Leo earned a Bachelor of Arts in Ethnic Studies from Bowling Green State University in 2010. During his time at BGSU, he was a scholar of the President's Leadership Academy, a brother of the Alpha Tau Omega Fraternity, and Senator of the Undergraduate Student Government, where he served in multiple positions including USG Speaker. Leo served on several committees and boards at BGSU and worked with a group of students that started the Ethnic Student Center. He was honored to be selected as the Homecoming King in 2009. He lives with his wife, Hailey, and son, Javier, in Columbus, Ohio.
Linda Davis Watters is retired as Vice President, Government Relations at John Hancock Life Insurance Co. She has served on the John Hancock Board and as a director on the John Hancock Trust Company Board, as well as the U.S. National Archives Foundation in Washington DC. Her professional and volunteer service has included board directorships and membership in insurance, community health, business, education, women's, and urban/minority advocacy organizations.
Davis Watters earned her BA in Business Administration/Economics from BGSU in 1975. As a student, she was a member of Delta Sigma Theta sorority, Panhellenic Council, Pommerettes, and was the 1972 Homecoming Queen. In 2013, she was inducted into the BGSU Academy of Distinguished Alumni and served as a commencement speaker. Davis Watters served as a member of the BGSU Changing Lives for the World Campaign steering committee.
Job Titles:
- Student Success Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Alumni Operations & Facilities
Lisa Bowen '06, '10, '13 is the associate director of alumni operations and facilities. She began her BGSU career in 2002 as a senior secretary in the Development Office. She went on to work in the Division of Student Affairs, both in Student Health Services and in the vice president of Student Affair's office. She previously served as the senior administrative assistant to the vice president for University Advancement/president and CEO of the BGSU Foundation, Inc. Lisa earned her bachelor's degree in liberal studies in 2010 and a master's of education in leisure and tourism in 2013, both at BGSU.
Job Titles:
- Senior Administrative Assistant
Job Titles:
- Communications and Events Strategist
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director, Institute for Psychological Research and Application
Marcia Foss is a 1977 graduate of BGSU with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She retired in 2017 from Lucas County Jobs and Family Services where she was employed for more than 21 years as an Eligibility Specialist. Foss previously owned and operated her own insurance and investment business. She also served as an academic advisor and adjunct faculty member at Owens Community College.
As a BGSU student, Foss was a member of the Alpha Lambda Delta honor society. Beyond BGSU, she received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Tiffin University and a Master of Liberal Studies from the University of Toledo. Foss is currently a member of the University's 1920 Society and the Presidents Club, having established several scholarships supporting BGSU students.
Job Titles:
- Associate Professor ( Department of Management )
Mark Rubick received his MBA from Bowling Green State University in 2006 and is husband to Rebecca Rubick (2017) and father of Reagan Rubick, who received both her undergraduate and graduate degrees from BGSU (2022/23). Mark and Rebecca also have a son, Quintin, who is studying motor sports engineering collegiately. Mark is an Indianapolis-based entrepreneur and business owner, as well as perpetual student, currently competing requirements for his PhD at the University of Arizona.
In his spare time, Mark serves on the Senior Leadership team at a local addiction treatment center and is a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity, St. Simon the Apostle Parish, Maple Hills Country Club, the Knights of Columbus, Sons of the American Legion, and of Elks Lodge #1818 in Franklin, Indiana. Mark has been a member of the Athletic Leadership Council at Bowling Green State University since 2007 and is a passionate supporter of his beloved Falcons. Mark was recognized as Regional Developer of the Year in both 2020 and 2021 by his business franchisor and was named to the Putnam Society by Butler University in 2021 for his service on its Alumni Board of Directors.
Job Titles:
- Manager / Library Information Technology Services
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Development Committee
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
Marty Stiffler possesses more than 20 years of development experience with a specialization in writing grants and fundraising communications. She has provided foundation and grants management in nonprofit fields including education, health and the arts. Prior to her work in philanthropy, Stiffler founded and was president of a writing service for businesses and professionals.
Before focusing her career on writing in 2015, Stiffler's most recent position was director of institutional giving at Washington National Cathedral, an organization she contributed to for seven years. In this role, she was responsible for foundation and grants management along with major donor and planned giving relationships. One of her achievements was to procure a $5 million grant for building restoration of the earthquake-damaged cathedral from a major national foundation.
Stiffler also served as associate director of development for Ravinia Festival for four years; director of development for Providence St. Mel School for three years; and freelance grant writer for nonprofits such as Columbia College and The Chicago Chamber Musicians for two years. Stiffler started her career as a volunteer and continued to hold volunteer positions, including serving as a member of the community boards of the United Way, Sacramento Valley and the Josselyn Center for Mental Health, where she remains an honorary trustee. Stiffler also is a founding member of the University Libraries Leadership Council at BGSU.
Stiffler earned her bachelor's degree from Mount Holyoke College and pursued the study of law at the University of the Pacific McGeorge School of Law.
Mary Beth Pate received a Bachelor of Science in Sports Management from BGSU in 2000. She is the Vice President, Marketing & Philanthropy Communications & Donor Engagement at City of Hope. She has served as a guest speaker at many industrial conventions including the Association of National Advertisers, multiple Philanthropy and Marketing Summits, and the HealthCare Strategy Institute. As a student, Pate was a member of Delta Gamma and served on the Panhellenic Council. She currently lives in Cleveland and sits on the Board of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio.
Mary Carrig is currently and has been BGSU Network Leader for the Los Angeles Chapter since 1996. She was awarded "Network Leader of the Year in 2018" by the BGSU Alumni Office.
Mary is a 1982 BGSU graduate. She lives in Los Angeles and works as an actress, director and teacher. She is Artistic Director of Shakespeare Project LA.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Secretary to the Dean
Job Titles:
- Senior Library Associate / Library Information Technology Services
Job Titles:
- Acting First Year Experience Coordinator / Library
Job Titles:
- Sandman Professor of I / O Psychology Director, Institute for Psychological Research and Application
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager
- Senior Manager of Prospect Research
Michael Lohr is senior manager of prospect research. He has more than a decade of experience in research and prospect management experience spanning three successful capital campaigns. He earned his master's degree from National-Louis University, a bachelor's degree from Wheeling Jesuit University and an associate degree from West Virginia Northern Community College.
Michael Winner earned a bachelor's degree in business administration/accounting from BGSU in 1985 and now serves as president of commercial lines for Grange Insurance. As president, Winner is responsible for the overall growth and profitability of the company's commercial lines, including product development, underwriting management, risk control and operations. Prior to his move to Grange in 2014, he served as president of Liberty Mutual's Mid-Atlantic Region for business insurance and was responsible for managing an eight-state regional insurance operation with nearly $700 million in commercial premium. He is immediate past chairman of the leadership council of The Griffith Insurance Education Foundation and is a member of the board of directors for the Cincinnati Chapter of the American Red Cross. He and his family reside in Maineville, Ohio.
Job Titles:
- Head Librarian, University Archivist / Center for Archival Collections
Job Titles:
- College of Musical Arts Academic Recruiter
Job Titles:
- Senior Student Services Counselor
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean for Graduate Programs. Faculty Affairs and Research
Job Titles:
- Associate Dean
- Ex - Officio
Job Titles:
- Manuscripts and Digital Initiatives Archivist / Center for Archival Collections
Job Titles:
- President and CEO of the BGSU Foundation
- Vice President for Bowling Green State University Advancement
- Vice President for University Advancement / President & CEO, BGSU Foundation, Inc.
Pam Conlin is the vice president for Bowling Green State University Advancement and the president and CEO of the BGSU Foundation, Inc. Having served as an Advancement professional in higher education for 23 years, she is leading alumni engagement and philanthropy efforts to support the University's strategic and foundational objectives.
Arriving at BGSU in 2018, Conlin invigorated the momentum of the Changing Lives for the World Campaign, ensuring its successful completion on December 31, 2020. The Campaign goal was exceeded by 27% and raised more than a quarter of a billion dollars in commitments from alumni, faculty, staff and friends, impacting every area of the University and making it the largest comprehensive fundraising endeavor in BGSU history.
As president and CEO of the BGSU Foundation, Conlin works with an experienced Board of Directors who support the mission, vision, and strategic planning of the University by serving as stewards of the charitable funds entrusted by donors to the University. Conlin continues to emphasize the importance of growing the Foundation's endowment to provide student and University support in perpetuity.
Prior to BGSU, Conlin held several fundraising and constituent engagement positions at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas. She played a key role in SMU's $1.15 billion comprehensive campaign and, in her position as assistant vice president for principal and major gifts, she worked to develop and implement an aggressive plan for growth.
Conlin earned her bachelor's degree in chemistry from Miami University and developed an interest in non-profit fundraising as a community volunteer and advocate while living in several U.S. states with her family. Conlin is an ardent advocate for higher education and the opportunities it provides to transform people's lives.
Job Titles:
- Student Services Counselor
Job Titles:
- Music Catalog / Metadata Librarian
Job Titles:
- Reference and Instruction Librarian / Library
Job Titles:
- Program Director for Software Engineering at Baldwin Wallace University
Rachelle Kristof Hippler is the Program Director for Software Engineering at Baldwin Wallace University. Dr. Hippler's vast experience spans K-12, higher education, and the tech industry, providing a backdrop for her focus on leadership in software engineering education and applied undergraduate research.
Dr. Hippler has collaborated on published work in user experience and user experience education and is the director of the User Experience Research Lab at Baldwin Wallace University.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Integrated Marketing at Zillow Group
Ravi Kandikonda serves as Senior Vice President of Integrated Marketing at Zillow Group, leading the teams responsible for product marketing, campaign planning and management, channel marketing, partner engagement, and marketing operations. He previously spent eight years at Comcast, where he led consumer marketing programs and operations for the company's Xfinity branded products. Prior to Comcast, he held leadership and management positions at Ogilvy, FICO, and HSBC Card Services.
Job Titles:
- Senior Student Services Counselor
Job Titles:
- Reference and Instruction Librarian / Library
Richard Moore is a partner with the law firm of Frost Brown Todd, LLC in its Labor and Employment Practice Group. His practice includes defending clients in litigation arising from claims of various forms of workplace discrimination. He is a frequent lecturer and author on topics related to employment law and workers' compensation.
A 1987 graduate of BGSU with a B.S. in Business Administration, Moore also earned his J.D. from the University of Cincinnati College of Law. As a student, he was a member of the Alpha Phil Alpha Fraternity, Inc. He and his spouse currently reside in Cincinnati, Ohio and have two grown children.
Job Titles:
- Student Services Graduate Assistant
Job Titles:
- Chairman, Associate Professor / Library
Rob Furia graduated with a Bachelor in Actuarial Science degree from BGSU in 2012 and then began working as an actuary in his home town of Cincinnati. He completed the actuarial examination process in 2018, earning the Fellow of the Casualty Actuarial Society (FCAS) designation, and now works for AmericanAg as a reinsurance actuary specializing in property catastrophe reinsurance.
Rob was an Alumni Laureate Scholar and was a leader in multiple student organizations during his time at BGSU, including H2O Church, the Student Alumni Connection, and the Actuarial Science Club. He had such a great BG experience that he recruited all 3 of his younger siblings to BGSU. All three have now graduated with distinction.
Rob and his wife, Anne, live in Madeira, Ohio just outside Cincinnati with their son, Jack. They are active members of the community and looking forward to introducing their growing family to all things BGSU.
Job Titles:
- Senior Application Specialist
Job Titles:
- Management Officer
- Records Manager
Roger Heminger is the records management officer. He joined University Advancement in 2012. He previously worked 12 years as a clerical supervisor in BGSU's Falcon Health Center, where he directly served students through billing, appointment-setting and customer service functions. He previously spent 24 years in retail management. "I love working at Bowling Green State University and interacting with students," he said. "I learn from them every day."
Job Titles:
- Assistant Athletic Director for Development
Ryan Hite joined the BGSU Athletics staff as assistant athletic director for development in November 2019. A native of Findlay, Ohio, Hite most recently served as a major gift officer at Denison University, his alma mater. He has spent the past 17 years as a coach, administrator and development officer at the high school and college level. Hite lives in Bowling Green and works with the Falcon Club and major donors to the Department of Athletics.
Job Titles:
- Reference Archivist / Center for Archival Collections
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Development
Sara Zulch-Smith '00, '11 is a senior director of development and liaison to the College of Education and Human Development and University Libraries. Before joining University Advancement in 2012, she worked 15 years as assistant to the dean of the College of Education and Human Development. Her role involved managing the $2 million renovation of the Education Building. Before joining BGSU, she was a journalist. "I love higher education because it changes lives," she said. "I'm always in awe of people who are willing to give of their time and themselves to support students they may never meet."
Job Titles:
- Director of Advancement Communications, Events, Leadership and Board Engagement
As the director of advancement communications, events, leadership and board engagement, Sarah oversees the University Advancement communications strategy to ensure a consistent and thoughtful approach to the messaging and materials developed to increase alumni and constituent engagement. She works closely with the vice president for University Advancement/president and CEO of the BGSU Foundation, Inc. supporting the University Foundation board of directors and members of the comprehensive campaign committee. Sarah started her career at BGSU in 2016, having previously worked for a regional land trust as the marketing manager. She earned an undergraduate degree in environmental policy and analysis from BGSU in 2010, and a masters degree in media and communications with a specialization in strategic communications and social media in 2020.
Job Titles:
- Professor, Director of the Graduate Program in I / O Psychology and Ohio Board of Regents Eminent Scholar
Sheri provides administrative support for constituent records and advancement. She earned a bachelor of arts in sociology from BGSU in 2000. She joined University Advancement after serving BGSU in Health Services and in the Department of Romance and Classical Studies.
Sheri provides administrative support for donor relations, stewardship and and advancement. She joined University Advancement in 2016 with 18 years of service to BGSU previously in University Dining Services, TRIO Programs and Intercollegiate Athletics.
Job Titles:
- Executive Assistant to the Vice President
Sherri Johnson joined the University Advancement team in May of 2023 as the executive assistant to the vice president. Sherri comes to BGSU with 28 years of experience in higher education in a variety of roles including educational outreach, instruction in information systems and administration, administrative support and was department chair in her most recent role. Sherri is native to NW Ohio and holds a master's degree in management and organizational development. She is excited and looking forward to working as a part of the Falcon team.
Shirley Waugh Carlson received her B.S. in Education in 1967 from BGSU and began her teaching career at Rocky River Ohio Public Schools. Her passion has always been educating children and parents. Her husband Ed had a long career in healthcare management which moved them several times resulting in Carolson using her education primarily in churches where she served as a director of Christian Education.
Carlson has served on the Board of GenOn Ministries (International Ministry), Mercy Education Project (Detroit), and United Cerebral Palsy Board of Governors (Los Angeles). She founded and directed the "Family at Heart" parent education program for her church while living in South Bend and was recently involved with bringing Dolly Parton's Imagination Library to Ottawa County, Ohio. Carlson and her husband were instrumental in the founding and success of Bistro 163, a 5-star, non-profit restaurant in Port Clinton. Currently residing on Catawba Island, the couple has two sons and enjoys being involved in the lives of their family and especially their five grandchildren.
Job Titles:
- Business Intelligence Analyst for University Advancement
Job Titles:
- Business Intelligence Analyst
Siri Vallepu is working as a business intelligence analyst for University Advancement. In addition to maintaining the constituent records database, she works with donor and fundraising data to provide insights by creating dashboards and real time analytics. She began her career in India and holds a master's degree in health informatics from the University of Findlay.
Job Titles:
- Senior Library Associate / Library Information Technology Services
Spencer Seaman is the Senior Vice President - Wealth Management at UBS Financial Services, Inc., a global provider of financial services to private, corporate and institutional clients. He was previously the Vice President for Investments with Salomon Smith Barney for more than 20 years.
Seaman is a 1979 graduate of BGSU with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. As a student, he was a member of Theta Chi fraternity, Anteaan Society, Beta Alpha Psi accounting honorary and the Ski Club. He and his wife Sue, a 1976 BGSU alumna of BGSU, reside in the Cleveland area.
Job Titles:
- Chairman, Special Collections
Steven Johnson '09 2022-2026 As global director, culture, diversity and inclusion at Lowes, Steven Johnson is responsible for leading the company's inclusion and diversity strategies and for accelerating inclusion in the workplace. He also oversees external diversity partnerships, business resource groups, supplier diversity, data analytics and inclusion training. He joined Lowe's in 2021. Steven has more than 10 years of experience in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI). Before joining Lowe's, he served as senior manager, inclusion and diversity at American Airlines where he oversaw the implantation of DEI activities for the company's global employee population. He previously served as director, diversity and inclusion at the Episcopal School of Dallas. Prior to the Episcopal School of Dallas, Steven was with Southern Methodist University and Sears Holding. Steven earned a Bachelor in Communication degree from Bowling Green State University and a Master in Student Affairs Administration degree from Ball State University and a Master in Organizational Dynamics degree from Southern Methodist University.
Job Titles:
- Communications and Event Strategist
Job Titles:
- Cedar Fair Resort and Attraction Management
Job Titles:
- Associate Director of Alumni Connections
Taylor True joined BGSU in March 2023, starting in the Parent & Family Connections space and moving to the University Advancement team in September 2023 as the associate director of alumni connections. Taylor focuses on soon-to-be-graduates and recent alumni, helping make sure all Falcons stay connected to BGSU as a valuable part of the Falcon Alumni network.
Before BGSU, Taylor spent a decade in higher education at the University of Wyoming in a variety of roles including enrollment management, recruiting, advising, career services, scholarships, alumni relations, and communications. At UW she received her master's in business administration and B.S. in biology.
Job Titles:
- Chief Legal Officer With Kura Oncology
Teresa Bair the Chief Legal Officer with Kura Oncology, a publicly traded biopharmaceutical company based in San Diego, CA. She has over 25 years of legal and business experience, including expertise in corporate governance and the operational issues relevant to proprietary drug development from discovery to approval, and organic and M&A-driven global expansion. She was previously the General Counsel of Athenex, Inc., a public company in Buffalo, New York, where she led the organization through dramatic growth and transformation. Bair serves on the Board of Trustees of the University at Buffalo Foundation and is the Chair of the Western New York Women's Foundation.
Bair received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from BGSU in 1993 and her Juris Doctor from the University at Buffalo School of Law in 1996. As a student, Bair was a member of the BGSU cheerleading team. She is married to alumnus Joe Bair '93, '94, and the couple resides in Amherst, New York.
Job Titles:
- Coordinator of Business Operations
Terry Streetman lives in Kankakee, Illinois with his wife Emily and their dog Taako. Terry is the owner of Peregrine Woodshop, where he makes and sells handmade wood goods for the home and office. Prior to starting his own business, Terry served as the Director of Public Policy & Advocacy for the Alzheimer's Association Nebraska Chapter, helping to advance key public policy priorities in the fight to end Alzheimer's disease. This work included meeting with state and federal legislators to discuss policy issues, as well as traveling to Washington, D.C. with a team of advocates to meet with all the members of Nebraska's Congressional delegation. Over the course of his career, Terry has had the honor of serving on the boards of the Alzheimer's Association Michigan Great Lakes Chapter and Duet, a community-based service program serving people who experience developmental and intellectual disabilities in the greater Omaha, Nebraska area.
A born-Michigander, Terry grew up in Westerville, Ohio. He graduated from BGSU in 2009 with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Creative Writing. In 2017, Terry was recognized as a recent alumnus who had made significant impacts in his field, being named to the inaugural group of 10 Under 10 alumni.
During his time at BGSU, Terry was a member of the Chapman Learning Community at Kohl Hall, serving as a second-year leader and helping to organize Movies Making Magic for Hurricane Victims, a fundraiser for Hurricane Katrina recovery, with fellow Kohl Hall residents in 2006. He was an on-air DJ, Webmaster, and Assistant Promotions Director for campus radio station WFAL 1610 AM. Terry also held the roles of Webmaster and President for Mortar Board National Senior Honor Society. In his final year before graduating, Terry served as the chair of the Senior Celebration, the 2009 senior class gift committee. Most memorably, Terry had the honor of serving as school mascot Freddie Falcon for the 2007-2008 school year.
Job Titles:
- Student Services Counselor
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- Open Educational Resources Strategist
Job Titles:
- Assistant Director of Alumni Engagement
Joining the Alumni Engagement team in March of 2023, Toni Gordon is not new to Bowling Green State University. Toni has been at BGSU since 2018 working in the Office of Multicultural Affairs, helping students, staff, and faculty feel like they belong and are connected. Excited to be working in University Advancement, Toni can't wait to help BGSU alumni feel celebrated and honor all of their accomplishments. Toni graduated from Hope College in West Michigan in 2009 with a bachelor of arts in psychology and sociology with a criminal justice emphasis. She went on to graduate with her masters of science in education from the University of Pennsylvania in 2010 with a degree in higher education. She has worked at several institutions, however BGSU has felt more like home than any other!
Job Titles:
- Position: Technology Projects Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Library Associate / Music Library
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Executive Committee
- Principal
- Treasurer
Valerie Newell is a Principal and Senior Wealth Advisor at Mariner Wealth Advisors in Cincinnati. Mariner is an SEC-registered investment advisor managing investment assets of over $5 billion for high-net-worth individuals and their families. Valerie was ranked the No. 1 financial advisor in the state of Ohio by Barron's for the last 8 years and No. 2 on American's Top 100 Women advisors in 2023. Her particular specialty is investment asset management and financial planning. She works primarily with business executives, entrepreneurs, and multi-generational families.
Valerie received a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting in 1975 and was honored as the Outstanding Woman graduate of her class by President Hollis Moore. A two-time All-American, she was a three-year captain of the BGSU women's swim team and letterman. The Varsity BG club honored her as a Silver Letter Winner in 2005.
Newell previously served on the BGSU Board of Trustees for 11 years, retiring as chairman in 2004. Prior to that, she was a director of the BGSU Foundation and also served on the Alumni Board. In honor of her service to these three boards, she was awarded the BGSU Leadership Award in 2000. She was inducted in the BGSU Hooker Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame and in 2006 was named an Accomplished Graduate of the Schmidthorst College of Business. The women's locker room in the Sebo Center and a student activities office in the Bowen-Thompson Union are named in recognition of her financial support.
Newell resides in Cincinnati (technically on the Ohio River in Covington, Kentucky) with her husband, attorney Timothy Smith. She has two sons, Andrew, a public defender attorney in Northern Kentucky and Parker, a chemical engineer in Cincinnati.
Job Titles:
- Assistant to the Vice Provost for Strategic Enrollment Planning
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- Research and Instruction Librarian / Library
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- Senior Library Associate / Curriculum Resource Center
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- Assistant Director of Admissions and Scholarships - Firelands Campus
Job Titles:
- Coordinator of Transfer Admissions
- Specialist
Zach is the transfer specialist for all out-of-state students except for Monroe/Lenawee counties.