Women We Admire is pleased to announce The Top 50 Women Leaders of Ohio for 2022. This year’s leaders are guiding organizations, both large and small, in areas including healthcare, consumer products, banking, education and more. In a state with an ever-growing economy, these women are key contributors to its success. They are role models in their fields and leaders amongst the community, leaving an impact that will resonate for generations.
Among this year’s awardees is Liz Geraghty, International Chief Marketing Officer for Wendy’s, who facilitated the launch of many iconic menu items, including the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad and Asiago Ranch Chicken Club, and was the thought-leader behind the company’s revamped breakfast menu. Awardee Marina MacDonald, Chief Marketing Officer of Red Roof Inn, spearheads their company-wide initiative to support women in hospitality through Red Roof's Forum on Leadership for Women Entrepreneurs. Also awarded is Jill Marcotte, Chief Supply Chain Officer of Dealer Tire, who leads a team of over 500 associates and six business units, creating the overall corporate strategic and tactical foundation for the highly successful wholesale distribution company.
Please join us in celebrating the accomplishments of The Top 50 Women Leaders of Ohio for 2022.
1. Liz Geraghty
International Chief Marketing Officer, The Wendy's Company
Liz Geraghty has served as the International Chief Marketing Officer since February 2020. She leads Wendy’s marketing, supply chain, operations support and innovation in 30 countries outside of the US. Geraghty originally joined Wendy’s as VP of new product offerings in 2008. She was later promoted to VP of brand marketing, and eventually VP of international brand marketing and operations, before stepping into her current role. She has helped Wendy’s launch many iconic menu items, including the Apple Pecan Chicken Salad, Asiago Ranch Chicken Club, Spicy Nuggets, and Natural Cut Sea Salt Fries. She spearheaded the introduction of delivery with Wendy’s first US provider in 2017, and was the thought-leader behind the company’s revamped breakfast menu that launched in 2020. She also led menu, marketing, and supply chain efforts for Wendy’s launch in the United Kingdom in 2021.
Geraghty earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, and a master’s degree in food science and an undergraduate degree in microbiology from University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign.
2. Katy Moeggenberg
VP of NA Beauty, Procter & Gamble
As Vice President, Information Technology and Digital Commerce for Procter & Gamble, Katy Moeggenberg leads digital strategy for the company’s North America Hair Care portfolio. In this role, she leads eCommerce sales and media buying, digital innovation, data and analytics, all helping more consumers meaningfully connect with and purchase from brands like Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Aussie and Old Spice Hair Care. Moeggenberg regularly consults on future facing digital and data capabilities across P&G Beauty plus guides P&G’s brand and sales teams on staffing and skill integration that helps them remain at the forefront of digital innovation.
In her previous role as a senior global marketing technologist, Moeggenberg led an organization of 100+ Digital Commerce experts embedded across P&G’s brand teams, with a focus on digital innovation and results, skill development and career planning. Her passion for developing the capability of those on her team enabled P&G’s 2018 recognition by an accredited industry organization OMCP for marketing technologist training excellence. Moeggenberg joined P&G in 2004 as a digital marketing manager for baby care, working since then across several of P&G’s global businesses to grow their digital commerce businesses. Her results-driven efforts and innovative approaches have resulted in her co-authoring 3 US patent approvals. Valedictorian of the University of Cincinnati’s College of Engineering Computer Science program, Moeggenberg lives in Cincinnati with her husband, where they share a mutual passion for fitness and wellbeing.
3. Lauren Risner
VP & Senior Relationship Strategist, PNC
As a Vice President and PNC Private Bank Senior Relationship Strategist, Lauren Wells serves as the primary contact for her clients. An experienced financial professional, she looks at each client’s complete financial picture and provides a customized solution designed to best meet their needs, which may include private banking, asset management, trust, and/or financial and estate planning services. She works as an integral part of a wealth management team that serves clients using a proven team approach. Always striving for high client satisfaction, she stays in touch with her clients throughout their financial journey to help make sure they receive excellent service and the financial solutions they need to help them achieve their financial goals.
Prior to joining PNC Private Bank, Wells worked for a local law firm focused on estate planning where she assisted in drafting estate plans and settling probate estates. She joined PNC as an associate trust advisor where she executed the terms of documents in which PNC Private Bank served as trustee, executor or agent for a fiduciary. Wells earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Cincinnati and a JD from Salmon P. Chase College of Law.
4. Angela McDonald-Fisher
VP & Chief Counsel of Global Contracts and Government Compliance, Eaton
Angela McDonald-Fisher is Vice President and Chief Counsel of Global Contracts and Government Compliance for Eaton Corporation, a $21.6B diversified power management company and global technology leader. She currently uses her wealth of experience as a member of the legal senior leadership team leading Eaton’s global contracts and government compliance team by driving key strategic initiatives involving enterprise-wide management of commercial and government contracts, government contract compliance programs and systems and the optimization of related centers of excellence. Immediately prior to her current role, McDonald-Fisher was aerospace group counsel, where she served as the general counsel of the Aerospace Group globally.
Prior to joining Eaton Corporation, McDonald-Fisher held a number of leadership positions at various corporations including assistant general counsel for Cummins Inc., legal counsel and director of contracts for Rolls-Royce North America and positions of increasing responsibility with Honeywell Corporation and Ingersoll-Rand, and served as the general counsel of the Ports of Indiana. She has expertise in international commercial transactions, supply chain management, trade compliance and government contracts. McDonald-Fisher was appointed as a trustee of the Cleveland Leadership Center where she currently serves as vice chair of the executive committee and is co-chair of governance.
5. Sarah Hatchett
Associate Chief Information Officer, Cleveland Clinic
Sarah Hatchett is the Associate Chief Information Officer of Cleveland Clinic. She first joined the organization in 2017 as senior director. Cleveland Clinic is a nonprofit multispecialty academic medical center that integrates clinical and hospital care with research and education. They were at the forefront of modern medicine when its founders opened it as a multi-specialty group practice in 1921. In its first century, Cleveland Clinic has introduced many medical firsts, opened facilities around the world and is proud to be ranked among the top hospitals in the country. Now, over 100 years later, the vision of the founders remains Cleveland Clinic’s mission: caring for life, researching for health, and educating those who serve.
Previously, Hatchett was a program director at NYC Health + Hospitals and before that a lead senior project manager at Sutter Health. Earlier in her career she worked with Epic as a project manager and business analyst. Hatchett earned an EMBA from Baldwin Wallace University and an undergraduate degree in English from UW Madison.
6. Marina MacDonald
Chief Marketing Officer, Red Roof Inn
Marina MacDonald serves as Chief Marketing Officer for Red Roof®, helping Red Roof achieve its goals by leading its Sales, Marketing, Communications, ESG and Distribution programs. She spearheads a company-wide initiative to support women in hospitality through Red Roof's Forum on Leadership for Women Entrepreneurs, for which AHLA awarded her the Paving the Way award. She is Past America’s Board Chair for HSMAI, has been named among the Top 30 Most Influential Women by Hotel Management, is an AdWeek CMO Award Winner, and was named by International Hospitality Institute amongst their 25 Most Influential Women. Marina is a member of CHIEF, a network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders.
Previously, MacDonald was a SVP of sales & marketing at Remington Hotels and before that a SVP of sales & marketing at Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. MacDonald earned an MBA in business innovation from The Aji Network in California and an undergraduate degree in business administration from Bradford School.
7. Michelle Greene
EVP & Chief Information Officer, Cardinal Health
Michelle Greene is an Executive Vice President, Chief Information Officer and Global Business Services Leader at Cardinal Health, leading teams to harness technology strategy and innovation to better serve customers and evolve healthcare delivery. Technology, innovation, and business services work hand in hand to propel Cardinal Health forward. In her role, Greene manages the teams charged with those symbiotic functions including Information Technology, Fuse and Global Business Services.
Before joining Cardinal Health, Greene served as the VP of IT for Masco Corporation where she was responsible for aligning the IT strategies and initiatives supporting Masco’s corporate functions and overall business objectives. She also spent time serving as a VP and IT business partner for global functions at Johnson Controls where she provided technology vision and leadership in the development and implementation of their Enterprise Council technology programs. Previously, she was the director of business infrastructure for Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications. Greene earned an undergraduate degree from Valdosta State University and a master’s degree from Florida State University with a focus on information sciences.
8. Vinita Clements
EVP & Chief Human Resources Officer, Nationwide
Vinita Clements is Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resources Officer for Nationwide. In this role, she oversees the human resources needs of approximately 25,000 Nationwide associates. She’s responsible for leading Nationwide’s human resources strategy, including oversight for compensation and benefits, learning and development, diversity, equity and inclusion, recruitment, succession management and organizational effectiveness. Clements is pioneering Nationwide’s workplace of the future by redesigning its approach to attracting, hiring and retaining talent. Her focus includes evolving the associate experience with increased workplace flexibility and career development opportunities.
Clements is a member of the Executive Leadership Council and the Senior HR Executives Council. She serves as a board trustee for the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, as a board trustee for the Columbus Urban League, and on the advisory boards for Catalyst, The Ohio State University Fisher Leadership Initiative Corporate Advisory Council, and previously, the Ohio Foundation for Independent Colleges. She is also a charter member of the National Advisory Council for On Our Sleeves, the Movement for Children’s Mental Health. Clements graduated from Wright State University with an undergraduate degree in organizational communication.
9. Melanie Kolp
SVP & Chief Technology Officer, Nationwide
Melanie Kolp currently serves as the senior vice president and chief technical officer for Corporate Technology at Nationwide. She brings more than 25 years of experience in the technology field as she oversees a team dedicated to supporting the technology strategy and product delivery for the corporate areas of Finance, Human Resources, Legal, Investments, IT Development and Document Solutions.
Prior to this role, Kolp supported Nationwide’s Retirement Plans business with a focus on opening new channels of growth while transforming and enhancing capabilities across both public and private sectors. She held several other leadership roles across Nationwide, including overseeing technology for Property and Casualty homeowners’ insurance and agency systems, serving as the business operations leader for the Property and Casualty Technology organization, contributing to application development as an executive in an Agile/Lean development environment, and serving as the technology leader for Nationwide’s finance department. Prior to joining Nationwide in 2005, Kolp held technology positions at Ernst & Young LLP and American Electric Power. Kolp holds an undergraduate degree in management information systems and business management from Ohio University.
10. Lisa Griffin
VP of Consumer Experience & Clinical Patient Access, University Hospitals
Lisa Griffin is a seasoned healthcare executive internationally known for her expertise in healthcare service delivery. She currently serves as Vice President of the Consumer Experience and Clinical Patient Access at University Hospital in her hometown of Cleveland, Ohio, formerly serving as SVP of enterprise patient access at Jefferson Health. Her prior roles also include VP of patient access services at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, systems director of patient access at Houston Methodist, and director of access optimization at Cleveland Clinic.
Griffin has strategically worked to aid organizational design and implement operational throughput strategies, call centers, telephony platforms and physician practice efficiencies. The implementations were inclusive of Epic and many other electronic medical records builds maintenance and innovative strategies. All of which advanced better healthcare delivery. She possesses a successful record of accomplishments and holds a reputation for formulating strategies to achieve improvement in service delivery, patient access and revenue. Lisa is a certified executive through Cornell University and a certified call center manager. She is well known for her tireless energetic work ethic towards achieving optimized operational efficiencies, while elevating employee engagement.
11. Keren Rambow
Vice President of Americas Sales, GE Aviation
Keren Rambow is currently the Vice President of Sales for the Americas, leading a global team of sales executives and senior professionals responsible for all aviation sales activities and customer relationships across North and South America. Prior to this role she was the services marketing executive for GE Aviation Services supporting the commercial engines services business. She led a team of highly qualified marketing specialists to develop services products, product value creation and support Services business strategy.
Rambow started with GE in 2016 as a sales director, supporting Qantas, Jetstar, Rex, Fiji Airways and other South Asia Pacific Island Airlines. She successfully led the Fiji Airways 737 Max campaign as well as a complex Qantas/Jetstar GEnx negotiation. Prior to GE, she ran her own business, Pacific Aerospace Consulting, an aerospace consulting company based in San Diego USA. She and her husband Eric founded the company 14 years ago to provide professional services to the Australian and US Governments. Previously, Rambow was an officer in the Royal Australian Air Force for 15 years, where she was responsible for engineering design and logistics support of avionics, life support systems, automated test equipment and ordnance systems on F/A-18 aircraft. In 2001, she undertook an overseas exchange posting in the US as a quality assurance officer with US Marine Corps Fighter Attack Training Squadron 101. Rambow is a graduate of the Australian Defence Force Academy in Canberra, Australia. She holds an undergraduate degree and honors degree in high energy astro-physics from the University of New South Wales, an undergraduate degree in engineering from University of Newcastle, Australia and an MBA from La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia.
12. Molly Schmied
Chief Analytics Officer of Office of Advancement, The Ohio State University
Molly Schmied is the Chief Analytics Officer of the Office of Advancement of The Ohio State University. A member of the University System of Ohio, The Ohio State University has been ranked by major institutional rankings among the best public universities in the United States. Schmied has been instrumental in integrating analytics and data science to drive donor engagement and giving. Her efforts doubled annual giving revenue over previous year with a 45% increase in donors and 100% increase in average gift. She has 20 years of experience. She began her career in 2002.
Before joining The Ohio State University, Schmied was a market research analyst at NiSource. Schmied graduated from Franklin University with an MBA and from Capital University with an undergraduate degree in psychology.
13. Madison Geise
VP & Principal of Corporate Strategy, Fifth Third Bank
Madison Geise began her professional career 13 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President and Principal of Corporate Strategy of Fifth Third Bank. Fifth Third, the principal subsidiary of Fifth Third Bancorp is an American bank holding company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. They are one of the largest consumer banks in the Midwestern United States.
Geise first got her start in 2009 as a secondary science teacher, college summit advisor, and varsity volleyball coach at St. Louis Public Schools. From there, she went on to Deloitte Consulting, her most recent position prior to joining Fifth Third Bank. Geise graduated from Duke University of The Fuqua School of Business with an MBA in strategy, from the University of Missouri of Saint Louis with an MEd in secondary science education, and from Denison University with an undergraduate degree in psychology.
14. Tiffany Sieve
SVP of Marketing & Communications, Paycor
Tiffany Sieve is a passionate leader who balances her time raising her 3 children, giving back to the Cincinnati community, and leading a powerful Marketing team. She is the Senior Vice President of Marketing and Communications at Paycor. In this role, Sieve leads a talented team of 40+ marketing professionals to build brand awareness strategies, drive demand generation with prospects and partners, and foster advocates throughout Paycor’s customer journey. With 15+ years of marketing and sales experience, she is highly results driven and passionate about both the analytical and creative sides of marketing to drive exceptional revenue growth. Sieve is an authentic leader who focuses on developing high performing teams that are empowered to make strategic decisions.
When it comes to serving the community, Sieve gives her time and energy to 3 key passions: mentoring youth, promoting gender equality, and driving awareness for heart health. She started her mentorship at DECA, mentoring high school students and leading youth camp retreats. During her professional career, she continued to mentor students and expanded her support by joining the board for Adopt a Class in 2022 to help inspire students to overcome obstacles and set them up for long-term success. Sieve is also an advocate for gender equality and advancing women in leadership positions as she co-founded the Women’s Inspirational Network at Paycor and is an active board member for the Center for Women in Business and Leadership for Xavier University. Additionally, to honor her late father and provide hope to others, she serves on the American Heart Association’s Go Red Executive Leadership Board where she raises funds to support lifesaving research and education. In summer of 2022, she was named a Cincinnati 40 Under 40 award winner for her work supporting the community. Sieve has an undergraduate degree in business from Purdue University and an MBA in marketing from Wright State University.
15. Fran Wahrman
VP & Diversity and Inclusion Manager, Huntington National Bank
Fran Wahrman is the Vice President and Diversity and Inclusion Manager of Huntington National Bank. She first joined the organization in 2007 as VP and compensation consultant. Huntington Bancshares Incorporated is a $179 billion asset regional bank holding company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. Founded in 1866, The Huntington National Bank and its affiliates provide consumers, small and middle-market businesses, corporations, municipalities, and other organizations with a comprehensive suite of banking, payments, wealth management, and risk management products and services. Huntington operates more than 1,000 branches in 11 states, with certain businesses operating in extended geographies.
Previously, Wahrman was a VP of compensation and HR systems at Sky Financial Group and before that a VP of human resources at The Ohio Bank. Earlier in her career she worked with Mid American National Bank and Trust as a human resources assistant. Wahrman earned a master’s in organization development from Bowling Green State University and an undergraduate degree in marketing and management from Defiance College.
16. Erica Fortune
Senior Vice President of eCommerce, Big Lots Stores
Erica Fortune is the Senior Vice President of eCommerce at Big Lots where she oversees the teams responsible for the company’s eCommerce operations, strategy, and innovation as well as the business’s customer care function. In her role, Fortune’s leadership has developed Big Lots’ strategic eCommerce expansion including the introduction of buy online, pick up in store and other key omni-channel growth capabilities like curbside pickup and same day delivery.
Before joining Big Lots, Fortune developed and led eCommerce and merchandising in roles at Express, The Limited, Bath and Body Works, and Abercrombie & Fitch. She holds an undergraduate degree in fashion merchandising from Kent State University.
17. Jill Marcotte
Chief Supply Chain Officer, Dealer Tire LLC
Jill Marcotte is partner and part owner of the Dealer Tire enterprise of companies totaling nearly $3B. She is Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) at Dealer Tire LLC, Cleveland, OH, leading a team of over 500 associates and six business units. Jill helped create the overall corporate strategic and tactical foundation for the highly successful wholesale distribution company that Dealer Tire has become. As part of her executive role, she serves as the board chair of the enterprise’s strategic investment, Simple Tire. In addition, she also serves on two private family-owned boards with experience as an advisory member and an active member in the Governance, Audit, Board Member Search, and Technology/Cyber Security Committees. She was previously named “Director to Watch”, “Inspirational Women in Supply Chain” and “Woman to Watch in the Tire Industry”. With over 35 years of work experience, Jill has served in a variety of sectors having held leadership roles at Brach’s Confections, Andes Candies, Nestlé Foods and General Motors. Jill is a graduate of Kettering University, with an undergraduate degree in Industrial Engineering, and has a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of Michigan.
As a strong executive and philanthropist, Jill enjoys sharing her supply chain, leadership, and board expertise to benefit the community. She is a sought-after conference speaker, panelist and moderator of topics on leadership, business growth, company culture and boardroom skills. Throughout her career, Jill has served on several nonprofit boards, including most recently for the Cleveland Sight Center. She is an advocate for creating and encouraging a thriving company culture focused on associate engagement, clarity of purpose and commitment to excellence. Jill encourages women to support each other to pursue their ambitions and achieve success in their professional endeavors.
18. Lisa Gutierrez
Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer, Indiana University Health
Lisa Gutierrez is the Chief Diversity & Inclusion Officer of Indiana University Health, the largest network of physicians in the state of Indiana. A unique partnership with Indiana University School of Medicine, one of the nation’s leading medical schools, gives patients access to leading-edge medicine and treatment options that are available first, and often only, at IU Health. At IU Health individuals receive the best care available, personalized for specific needs. They believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptom. As an academic health center, IU Health works in partnership with IU School of Medicine to train physicians, blending breakthrough research and high-quality patient care. Gutierrez has 30 years of experience. She began her career in 1992.
Before joining Indiana University Health, Gutierrez was a VP of diversity & inclusion and chief diversity officer at Cardinal Health and before that, a senior director of diversity & inclusion at Cox Enterprises. Earlier in her career she worked with Procter & Gamble as a customer business development.
19. Clementine Bihiga
President & Founder, Global Impact Academy
Clementine Bihiga, President and Founder of Global Impact Academy, is a Certified John Maxwell Keynote Motivational Speaker, Trainer, Coach, Entrepreneur and Published Author of her award-winning book Happily Broken: Discovering Happiness Through Pain and Suffering. She was only 8 years old when her family escaped from war-torn Rwanda. As her mother and youngest siblings piled into a car, she and her brothers had to walk beside the packed vehicle while bombs exploded beside them and bullets shot past their heads. She spent the next 5 years in refugee camps and settlements. She had to grow up quickly and become an adult-like 8-year-old. It is no surprise that at the age of 36, she has accomplished more than many.
Clementine has won many awards including 2020 Joe Belle Memorial Youth Alumni Award, Voice of the Year Award in 2016 from Sheknows media, Women in Action Award, Special Mayoral Recognition in Worcester, MA and has been recognized by the Massachusetts State Senate for her work with Refugees around the world.
Clementine has appeared in numerous local and national publications and has shared the stage with influential people like Kim Kardashian, Cheryl Crow, Aisha Tyler and more. She has also appeared in business magazines with leaders like Mark Cuban and Jeff Bezos. She is a light in the darkness. Her powerful positive energy on stage along with her sparkling laughter in the face of tragedy and challenges is unparalleled. She has presented to audiences of all ages across the nation with rave reviews. Her story of perseverance and grit motivates those going through challenging times. Her grace and poise on stage lights up the room and inspires audiences. She has transformed her life into a story to use as motivation for audiences across the world. When in Clementine’s presence, you have NO choice but to GROW. Among other topics, Clementine shares secrets on How to Never Lose and what it means to be a Transformational Leader with her audiences.
20. Rebecca Talley
SVP & East Ohio Regional Retail Leader, KeyBank
Rebecca Talley is the Senior Vice President and East Ohio Regional Retail Leader of KeyBank. Headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio, KeyBank is one of the nation’s largest financial services companies. Key companies provide investment management, retail and commercial banking, consumer finance and investment banking products to individuals and companies throughout the United States and, for certain businesses, internationally. Talley has 32 years of experience. She began her career in 1990.
21. Tara Aschenbrand
VP & Associate General Counsel, OhioHealth
Tara Aschenbrand is a Vice President and Associate General Counsel of OhioHealth. She first joined the company in 2015. OhioHealth is a nationally recognized, not-for-profit, charitable, healthcare outreach of the United Methodist Church. OhioHealth has been recognized as one of the top five large health systems in America by IBM Watson Health™, an honor they have received six times. They are a family of 35,000 associates, physicians and volunteers, and a network of 12 hospitals, 200+ ambulatory sites, hospice, home health, medical equipment and other health services spanning 47 Ohio counties.
Previously, Aschenbrand was a principal of labor & employment at Squire Patton Boggs and before that a law clerk to the Honorable James L. Graham at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Aschenbrand earned a JD from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and an undergraduate degree in business administration from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business.
22. Katie Bradigan
Head of Global Engagement, Defined Learning
Katie Bradigan proudly serves as the Head of Global Engagement for Defined Learning, which is the country’s leading authority for career-connected project-based learning. In her role as Head of Global Engagement, Katie is responsible for designing and overseeing domestic and international strategy around educational stakeholder engagement. She frequently collaborates with state departments of education, federal and statewide elected officials, school district leadership and industry and community partners. Having traveled to over 60 countries, visited schools on nearly every continent, and lived all around the world, Katie has dedicated her life to the field of education, leveraging her talents to ensure that EVERY student has equitable access to the opportunity for a meaningful future. Katie tirelessly embraces the core belief that talent is equally distributed, but opportunity is not.
Through her 15 years of executive leadership spearheading prominent educational change movements, Katie humbly serves a strategic advisor to senior leaders in some of the world’s most well-known organizations and is on the Board of Directors for one of the largest teacher communities in the United States. Prior to joining Defined Learning, Katie had the privilege of serving in distinguished leadership positions at both McGraw-Hill Education and Discovery Education. Katie’s career proudly began her professional career in politics where she worked in a variety of legislative, communications and campaign related positions. She is an active alumnus of The Ohio State University where she graduated in three years with a Summa Cum Laude degree in both communications and business.
23. Yvette Hunsicker
VP of Corporate Social Responsibility, Inclusion & Diversity, American Honda Motor Company
Yvette Hunsicker is Vice President of Corporate Social Responsibility and Inclusion & Diversity at American Honda Motor Co., Inc., where she leads Honda’s philanthropic and inclusion and diversity initiatives across the U.S., overseeing the Honda USA Foundation and community relations programs, and working to advance inclusion and equity both within the company and society.
Hunsicker’s career at Honda has spanned more than 30 years, including a broad range of roles and leadership positions. She joined Honda at age 19 as a welding associate in a manufacturing plant and steadily advanced through the company’s manufacturing operations while earning her bachelor’s degree in business management. These experiences have given Hunsicker a unique perspective on Honda’s diversity, equity, and inclusion. She earned an undergraduate degree in business administration and management from Urbana University.
24. Shirley Gentile
Vice President of Global Business Services, O-I
Focused on Global Business Services operations, Shirley Gentile leads the implementation of strategic priorities developed in coordination with business and functional teams for O-I Glass, Inc. She has leadership responsibility for assessment and implementation of global, regional and functional process improvements and value creation opportunities. With a passion for driving operational excellence and a mindset for process improvement, Gentile is responsible for O-I’s Global Business Services centers located in Medellin, Colombia and Poznan, Poland as well as Customer and Payroll services for the North American Region. She is responsible for managing integration and transition efforts within the GBS strategic roadmap.
Gentile is a KPMG alumni and leader with 29 years of experience in leading people, process and technology initiatives within Global Business Services, Financial Shared Services, Accounting, Information Technology, and Internal Audit. She serves on the Leadership Toledo Board of Trustees and is an active member of United Way of Greater Toledo, Women’s Initiative committee. Gentile graduated from the University of Michigan-Dearborn with an undergraduate degree in professional accounting.
25. Margaret Lockhart
Associate General Counsel Labor and Employment, ProMedica
Margaret Lockhart is the Associate General Counsel Labor and Employment of ProMedica, a mission-based, not-for-profit health and well-being organization headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. Lockhart practices in the area of labor and employment law. She is certified by the Ohio State Bar Association as a specialist in employment and labor law. She has tried cases in both state and federal courts and before state and federal administrative agencies. Lockhart also handles labor negotiations, arbitrations, policy and handbook reviews, and supervisor training.
Lockhart lectures frequently on labor and employment and education law topics. She carries Martindale-Hubbell's AV Preeminent rating and has been listed in annual editions of Ohio Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers in America. She previously served for ten years as a judge pro tem of the Perrysburg Municipal Court. Lockhart graduated from Rutgers Law School with a JD and from William & Mary with an undergraduate degree in history and psychology.
26. Susan Mahaffee
Chief People Officer, Majestic Steel USA
Susan Mahaffee has more than 20 years of progressive and diversified experience managing all human resource functions for both public and private multinational companies. She currently serves as the Chief People Officer at Majestic Steel USA based in Cleveland, Ohio. She was appointed to this role in April 2022 and works remotely when not traveling to their headquarters or traveling throughout the county to one of its nine service center locations.
Previously, Mahaffee was the global director of people and organization for the corporate headquarters of Mars Inc. based in McLean, Virginia. She has also held a variety of positions within multiple public and private companies and industries such as Waste Management, Office Depot's Supply Chain division and AECOM at the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA). Starting off in hospitality human resources, she added in manufacturing, retail, human service, and technology environments over time. Mahaffee holds several certifications including SHRM-SCP, SPHR, DDI, Prosci Certified Change Practitioner, National Diversity Council Certified Diversity Professional and Strategic Decision Making from Wharton’s Executive Leadership Program. She is in her fourth year as a board member with Arundel Society for Human Resources Management based in Annapolis, Maryland and was recently accepted to the SHRM Executive Network where she joins an elite community of HR leaders at the intersection of people and business. She earned her MBA in Global Business and Organizational Leadership, BS in management and an AS in advertising communications from Johnson and Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island.
27. Nwaka Onwusa
VP & Chief Curator, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame
Nwaka Onwusa is the Vice President and Chief Curator for the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. She first joined the organization in 2019 as the director of curatorial affairs. Onwusa has played a role in developing various Rock Hall exhibits, including “Induction All Access: Photography by Kevin Mazur" and “The 2020 Hall of Fame Inductee Exhibit.” She was also the lead curator for an exhibit highlighting how legendary artists responded to social injustice, titled “It’s Been Said All Along: Voices of Rage, Hope and Empowerment.”
Onwusa’s past experience included a decade of work at the Grammy Museum in Los Angeles. She has specialized in putting together exhibits that emphasize diversity in music. Her promotion made her one of the most prominent African-American leaders in Cleveland’s arts and culture community. Onwusa graduated from the University of Southern California with a master's degree in organizational leadership and from the University of California, Riverside with an undergraduate degree in sociology.
28. Stephanie Hathaway
AVP of Human Resources, Case Western Reserve University
Stephanie Hathaway began her professional career 21 years ago. Today, she is the Associate Vice President of Human Resources for Case Western Reserve University. At Case Western Reserve University, they're a community of innovators, knowledge-seekers and groundbreakers. As a leading national research university located in the nation's #1 arts district and within walking distance of three major hospitals, they offer ample opportunities for individuals to excel. With programs spanning the arts and sciences, engineering, health sciences, law, management, and social work, their research and educational opportunities allow their students, faculty, staff and alumni to tackle today’s toughest problems and transform the future.
Hathaway first got her start in 2001 as a judicial law clerk for the honorable A. Richard Caputo at United States District Court of Middle District of Pennsylvania. From there, she went on to Duvin, Cahn & Hutton, before eventually rising to become an employment litigation shareholder at Reminger Co., her most recent position prior to joining Case Western Reserve University. Hathaway graduated from Syracuse University College of Law with a JD and from Allegheny College with an undergraduate degree in political science and philosophy.
29. Denise Leonard
Partner, Plante Moran
Denise Leonard is a Partner of Plante Moran. She first joined the firm in 2004 as a healthcare consulting manager. Plante Moran is a public accounting and business advisory firm that offers audit, accounting, tax, and business advisory consulting services. It offers employee benefits tax audit, international financial reporting, single and surprise audit, financial statement audit, business tax, state and local tax, international tax, personal tax, and mergers and acquisition services. In addition, it offers employee benefit consulting, organizational development, ERP consulting, security assurance, wealth management, insurance, and business advisory services.
Previously, Leonard was a senior regional controller at Legacy Health Services. She earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from The University of Akron.
30. Donna Zuiderweg
Chief Community Engagement Officer, Columbus Metropolitan Library
Donna Zuiderweg is a nonprofit leader who began her career in marketing, communication and sales before discovering and transitioning into philanthropic work in 2005. As Chief Community Engagement Officer at Columbus Metropolitan Library, Zuiderweg has the great fortune to work with a dedicated executive leadership team, private donors, corporate funders, volunteers and community leaders to advance the mission of one of Columbus's great community assets. In her role, she is responsible for planning and executing a comprehensive and collaborative strategy for engaging the community in the important work of the library.
Zuiderweg graduated from Ohio Dominican University with an MBA in business administration and management and from The Ohio State University with an undergraduate degree in international and global studies.
31. Dawn Anderson-Butcher
Professor of Social Work & Affiliate Faculty in Kinesiology, The Ohio State University
Dawn Anderson-Butcher is a sports scientist by training, and a licensed clinical social work worker. She has dedicated her career to promoting healthy outcomes for young people, especially those from socially vulnerable circumstances. Her current role is Professor of Social Work and Affiliate Faculty in Kinesiology at The Ohio State University. At Ohio State, she serves as the Co-Executive Director of Ohio State’s LiFEsports Initiative, overseeing the research, curriculum development, and training components of this nationally recognized sport program. Dawn also serves as the Executive Director of the Community and Youth Collaborative Institute, a center focused on building the capacity of the multiple social settings that serve youth (such as schools, afterschool programs, sports, etc.). Dawn is an internationally renowned scholar and has amassed over 120 publications over the course of her career. She served over 10 years as the chair for the Mental Health Education Integration Consortium, a national think-tank focused on school mental health practice, policy, and research. Additionally, her collaborative work has touched the lives of over 10,000 youth over the years in Central Ohio.
Her work has been honored by many. Dawn was the first person at Ohio State to be inducted as a Fellow in the American Academy of Social Work and Social Welfare. She also is a Research Fellow in both the Society of Health and Physical Educators and the Society of Social Work Researchers, as well as received the School Social Work Association of America’s Gary A. Shaffer Award for Academic Contributions to the Field of School Social Work. Dawn earned a PhD in exercise and sport psychology and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Utah. She has a master's degree in exercise science and undergraduate degrees in psychology and exercise science from Miami University of Ohio.
32. Teresa Fox
VP of Marketing & Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer, Walsh University
Teresa Fox is the Vice President for Marketing and Chief Communications and Public Affairs Officer of Walsh University. Walsh's unique character and commitment to faith, together with nearly 100 academic majors and minors, award-winning athletics and vibrant student life are primary reasons that Walsh attracts students from around the globe. With outstanding academic facilities, chapels, residence halls, a health and wellness complex, and flagship programs in the areas of health sciences, business, education, and so much more, students have a wide variety of options to make their mark at Walsh University. Fox has 25 years of experience. She began her career in 1997.
Before joining Walsh University, Fox was a senior account executive at Anderson Communications in Hilton Head, South Carolina, and before that, a project manager at Townsend & O'Leary in Laguna Hills, California. She graduated from Miami University with an undergraduate degree in communication.
33. Tiffany Mattingly
VP of Clinical Strategies, The Health Collaborative
Tiffany Mattingly is responsible for leading high quality, equitable, clinical initiatives through a diverse lens of clinical, programmatic, quality, and operational experiences, providing strategic guidance across communities, programs, and stakeholders. Tiffany serves as the Clinical Advisor across The Health Collaborative’s organizational matrix, supporting all service lines and professional service structures. For over 15 years, Tiffany has been a noteworthy leader in the clinical initiatives space, engaging in multiple initiatives either influenced by or influencing health equity, health policy, healthcare workforce, health data information, and value-based payment.
Tiffany served as Project Director of Comprehensive Primary Care Plus, the largest payment demonstration project launched by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. She led the technical assistance strategy and data assistance for 550 primary care practices across the state of Ohio/Northern Kentucky for the duration of the five-year program. Recognized as a leader and trusted health expert, Tiffany is responsible for the coordinated COVID-19 pandemic response for 16 counties in Southwest Ohio, Southeast Indiana, and Northern Kentucky. Through this coordinated, multi-agency effort across local health systems, hospitals and public health, officials have the data and resources needed to make actionable decisions. Recognized nationally, Mattingly and other local leaders met with Health and Human Services Secretary, Alex Azar, as he sought best practices from across the county. Throughout the pandemic, Tiffany serves as a liaison to state leaders to ensure barriers to equitable and high-quality health care related to COVID-19 are addressed. Through Hamilton County CARES funding, Tiffany developed and ran a no-cost testing and vaccination program available to all residents and employees of Hamilton County.
Tiffany holds an associate degree in nursing from the Good Samaritan College of
Nursing and Health Sciences, and an undergraduate and master’s degree in nursing from the University of Cincinnati. She serves on multiple local boards including the Mental Health and Recovery Board serving Warren and Clinton Counties, PreventionFirst! and HealthSource of Ohio. In addition, Tiffany commits both personal and professional contributions to the Hamilton
County Addiction Response Coalition, the Oral Health Coalition, and the Cradle Cincinnati Advisory Board. Tiffany is a volunteer with the Ohio Medical Reserve Corps, is a member of the Ohio Organization of Nurse Leaders, the American Nurses Association, the Ohio Nurses Association and is an active licensed Registered Nurse through the Ohio Board of Nursing.
34. Denise Zabawski
VP & CIO, Nationwide Children's Hospital
Denise Zabawski is the CIO of Nationwide Children's Hospital. She first joined the organization in 2006. Nationwide Children’s is one of America's largest pediatric hospitals, an international leader in research and is ranked in all 10 specialties on U.S. News & World Report’s 2020-21 “America’s Best Children’s Hospitals” list. As home to the Department of Pediatrics of The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Nationwide Children’s physicians train the next generation of pediatricians and pediatric specialists. The Abigail Wexner Research Institute at Nationwide Children’s Hospital is one of the Top 10 National Institutes of Health-funded freestanding pediatric research facilities. Nationwide Children’s remains true to the original mission since its founding in 1892 of providing care regardless of a family’s ability to pay.
Zabawski earned an MBA from Franklin University and an undergraduate degree in psychology from Case Western Reserve University.
35. Britney Miller
Chief Executive Officer, Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment
Britney Ruby Miller is the Chief Executive Officer of Jeff Ruby Culinary Entertainment where she leads a team of 725 employees at the company’s 7 luxury steakhouses across Ohio, Kentucky and Tennessee. Growing up in the family business founded by her father in 1981, she learned the intricacies of the business at a young age. She worked nearly every position over her 20 years in operations while earning a degree at University of Cincinnati and attending Midwest Culinary Institute.
In 2011, Britney joined the corporate team. In her tenure, she led the company in growth and expansion, resulting in a 150% increase in revenue. One of her proudest accomplishments is building this team, now 40 strong, 60% of which are women. Under her leadership, Ruby’s restaurants have earned national acclaim from Travel + Leisure, Food Network, USAToday, Business Insider, and many others. The impact she and her family are making in the community is perhaps most important to her. As founders of the Jeff Ruby Foundation, they are working to alleviate childhood poverty and improve the foster care system. Britney sits on the Board of the Cincinnati CVB, Ohio Restaurant Association, and is a member of the Young Presidents Organization. She earned her MBA at Xavier University and is a best-selling author with her memoir 5 Star Life.
36. Sallie Arnett
VP of Information Systems & Chief Information Officer, Licking Memorial Health
Sallie Arnett began her professional career 25 years ago. Today, she is the Vice President of Information Systems and Chief Information Officer of Licking Memorial Health, a not-for-profit healthcare organization dedicated to the mission of improving the health of the community. Licking Memorial Hospital remains responsive to the healthcare needs of the Licking County area that it has served since 1898. The 227-bed facility offers a full spectrum of quality patient care services, from emergency medicine to home health care. In addition, Licking Memorial offers a number of specialized medical services unique for a Hospital of its size. Comprehensive services are available in areas such as cancer, heart, maternity and mental health.
Arnett first got her start in 1997 as a director of MIS at Riverside Health Systems of Wichita, Kansas. She graduated from the University of Pittsburgh with an MS in health information systems and from The Ohio State University with an undergraduate degree.
37. Jess Walpole
Chief Technology Officer, Fortress SRM
Jess Walpole serves as the Chief Technology Officer, responsible for the global cyber security program and technical services at Fortress SRM. She has over 28 years of Security, IT and Governance experience with Fortune 1000 companies. Throughout her career, she has established and executed strategies to enable digital business transformation to support revenue generation, operational efficiency and risk management.
Jess earned an undergraduate degree in finance and business administration from Malone University and is a FBI Citizens Academy Alumni holding the following professional certifications: CISM, CISA, and CGEIT. Jess is an Ohio native committed to the community and serves on the NEOCC Board and NEO InfraGard. She also actively participates in professional forums and serves as a mentor with CollegeNow.
38. Missy Lavender
Chief Executive Officer, Renalis
Missy Lavender is the Chief Executive Officer of Renalis Health. Renalis Health develops FDA-cleared prescription digital therapeutics for the treatment of pelvic conditions. Their lead product is CeCe, a mobile-enhanced digital therapeutic for first-line treatment of overactive bladder (OAB) in persons assigned female at birth. CeCe delivers cost-effective, accessible, and engaging behavioral therapy to patients with OAB symptoms via their Apple or Android smartphone. Lavender has 39 years of experience. She began her career in 1983.
Before joining Renalis, Lavender was an executive director and founder at Women's Health Foundation and before that, a partner at K.G. Redding and Associates. Earlier in her career she worked with Harris Bank as a corporate banker. Lavender graduated from Northwestern University - Kellogg School of Management with an MBA in international finance and real estate and from Miami University with an undergraduate degree in speech communication and rhetoric.
39. Kelly Manderfield
Chief Marketing Officer, Cleveland Metroparks
Kelly Manderfield is the Chief Marketing Officer of Cleveland Metroparks, a nationally recognized and accredited park system, spanning more than 24,000 acres across Northeast Ohio. It includes 18 park reservations, more than 300 miles of trails, eight golf courses, eight lakefront parks, dining and retail venues, and nationally acclaimed Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Founded in 1917, Cleveland Metroparks draws approximately 18 million annual visitors, and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo annually ranks as one of the most popular year-round attractions in Northeast Ohio. Cleveland Metroparks is an Award Winner of the NorthCoast 99 "Best Places to work in Northeast Ohio” for 13 consecutive years. Cleveland Metroparks will conserve significant natural resources and enhance people’s lives by integrating high-quality outdoor education, recreation and zoological opportunities into people’s lives. Manderfield has 22 years of experience. She began her career in 2000.
Before joining Cleveland Metroparks, Manderfield was a VP, senior marketing manager and strategist at KeyBank and before that an assistant manager of special events & marketing at Live Nation. Earlier in her career she worked with Infinity Broadcasting as an assistant marketing director. Manderfield graduated from Cleveland State University with a master’s degree in applied communication theory & methodology and from Bowling Green State University with an undergraduate degree in telecommunications.
40. Marcy Steckman
CFO & SVP of Finance, American Municipal Power
Marcy Steckman is the CFO & Senior Vice President of Finance of American Municipal Power. American Municipal Power is a nonprofit wholesale power supplier and services provider serving 133 members, who include 132-member municipal electric systems in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Kentucky, Virginia, West Virginia, Indiana and Maryland, as well as the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation, a joint action agency with eight members headquartered in Smyrna, Delaware. Combined, AMP’s member utilities serve more than 650,000 customers. AMP is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with approximately 200 employees at headquarters and generating facilities. The organization is governed by a 21-member Board of Trustees consisting of 20 member communities and one representative of DEMEC. Steckman has 30 years of experience. She began her career in 1992.
Before joining American Municipal Power, Inc., Steckman was a director of corporate finance at Nationwide Insurance and before that a controller of operations & information technology at Huntington National Bank. Steckman graduated from The University of Akron with an undergraduate degree in accounting.
41. Lisa LaBanc
COO & Co-Founder, StellaVia
CEO, PSI Product Specialists
Lisa LaBanc’s passion is seeking out opportunities that bring ideas to fruition. She continues to launch and run successful businesses. She recently partnered with beauty brand marketing executive Carol Mehas to launch two exciting new brands. StellaVia recently launched at the end of September. Lisa acts as COO/Co-Founder. StellaVia creates products for woman to help them meet their hormonally based needs holistically.
In August, arbOUR Products launched. Shortly thereafter, arbOUR Products was named in Forbes Magazine 31 Things Your Home Needs This Fall. arbOUR Products creates uniquely formulated, extremely effective, household cleaning and laundry products that are safe for people, plants, and pets. Lisa also continues to run PSI Product Specialists (PSI). Her first business, PSI was started over 33 years ago and is a successful manufacturing and distribution company. PSI was just named manufacturer of the year in Chesterland, Ohio. She also founded and runs an amazing state-of-the-art fitness facility. Elements Fitness Studios, located in Chesterland, Ohio, opened in late 2018 and is a unique, one-of-a-kind fitness and wellness boutique studio that also houses a wine bar.
Lisa is a passionate entrepreneur who loves to collaborate with others. She is a proud mom of 2 amazing sons, Gary, and Ryan, who also share her entrepreneurial spirit. Her mission in life is to teach people how the universe gives back what you put out, and that it is infallible! She loves to work out, especially hot yoga, which is part of her everyday routine and sanity. Lisa says if/when she retires that she and her husband Joe plan to “travel, shop, and have cocktails” in the finest places all over the world!
42. Mozelle Jackson
SVP & Incoming Chief Financial Officer, Jewish Federation of Cleveland
Mozelle Jackson is the Senior Vice President and Incoming Chief Financial Officer of Jewish Federation of Cleveland. She first joined the organization in 2022. The Jewish Federation of Cleveland is the only organization in Cleveland that focuses on the health and vitality of the entire Jewish community. For more than 115 years, the Federation has created the critical scale necessary to drive meaningful social change and provide relief in times of crisis in ways no one person or organization could do alone. As Jewish Cleveland’s hub for innovative solutions and collaborative services, the Federation is able to change and improve lives in Cleveland, Israel, and around the world. They promote the well-being of their community, its members, and Jews throughout the world; enhance the continuity, security, and unity of the Jewish community; increase understanding of Jewish values and their application to improve people’s lives; encourage their members to fulfill the responsibility of tikkun olam, to make the world a better place; support Israel as a Jewish and democratic state; and promote collective action by individuals and organizations to advance these purposes.
Previously, Jackson was a VP, chief financial officer and treasurer at Make-A-Wish America and before that a VP of global finance at Diebold Nixdorf. Earlier in her career she worked with Arthur Andersen LLP as a senior auditor. Jackson earned an undergraduate degree in business administration from Cleveland State University.
43. Christie Angel
President & CEO, YWCA Columbus
A leader by example, Christie Angel has spent three decades engaging her community, building relationships, and advocating for the vulnerable so all people can experience peace, justice, freedom, and dignity. Whether serving as a longstanding volunteer to the YWCA, in public service to the city’s mayor, as an active board member for a nonprofit, or as the current President and CEO of the YWCA Columbus, Christie leads and serves boldly to deliver organization-wide transformations.
Previously, Angel was a principal, government relations and public affairs at Calfee Strategic Solutions and before that a VP of government affairs at Sean P. Dunn & Associates LLC. Earlier in her career she worked with the City of Columbus as a legislative analyst of Columbus City Council. Angel earned an MBA and an undergraduate degree in applied communication from Franklin University.
44. Jessica Miller
Director of Academics, Workforce Opportunity Services
Jessica Miller began her professional career 16 years ago. Today, she is the Director of Academics of Workforce Opportunity Services, a leading nonprofit committed to developing the skills of untapped talent from underserviced and veteran communities through partnerships with organizations dedicated to diversifying their workforce. Miller directs all academic operations for WOS, including curriculum development, relationships with corporate partners and universities, and new program implementations. She is responsible for providing leadership to and support of all academic programs to ensure positive and effective educational and work experiences for all involved. Previously, she was responsible for managing the WOS program in northeast Ohio.
Prior to joining WOS, Miller mentored students and taught high school mathematics. She graduated from Teachers College of Columbia University with a MA in Anthropology and Education and from Kent State University with a BS in Integrated Mathematics Education.
45. Melissa Klosterman-Lando
Director of Employee Relations, HR, Enrollment, & Residency, Bexley City Schools
Melissa Klosterman-Lando began her professional career 23 years ago. Today, she is the Director of Employee Relations, Human Resources, Enrollment, and Residency for Bexley City Schools. One of the top districts in the state, the Bexley City School District is located in a suburban community just four miles east of downtown Columbus, Ohio. Bexley's neighborhood schools form the center of a stable, close-knit community. Students benefit from the small class sizes that permit personal attention and foster academic excellence, with access to a rich variety of courses and extracurricular programs.
Klosterman-Lando is an experienced principal with a demonstrated history of working in the education industry. She first got her start in 1999 as an intervention specialist at Hilliard City School District. From there, she went on to Dublin City Schools where she served as a student services coordinator and later an assistant principal. She joined Bexley as a principal of Montrose Elementary in 2021. Klosterman-Lando graduated from Antioch University with an MEd in educational leadership and administration and from the University of Dayton with an undergraduate degree in elementary and special education.
46. Nicola Ziady
Chief Marketing Officer, University of Cincinnati
Nicola Ziady is an interactive marketer & communicator with two decades experience building consumer engagement strategies for the nation's leading academic and healthcare institutions, most recently at Cleveland Clinic and St Jude Children's Hospital. Originally from Ireland, she now proudly serves as Chief Marketing Officer at the University of Cincinnati.
Ziady first got her start in 2003 as a web manager at Case Western Reserve University. From there, she went on to University Hospitals of Cleveland, before eventually rising to director of marketing & communications at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, her most recent position prior to joining University of Cincinnati. Ziady graduated from Waterford Institute of Technology with an undergraduate degree in computer science.
47. Catherine Tijerina
Co-Executive Director, The RIDGE Project
Catherine Tijerina is a catalyst for change. She is an author, nationally renowned speaker, Co-Executive Director of The RIDGE Project, a non-profit organization that she founded with her husband, Ron. Catherine is a passionate advocate for struggling families. This passion was born in the crucible of her own personal tragedy when her husband, Ron, was convicted of a crime he did not commit. In that moment she discovered that there was little to no support for vulnerable families, especially families who had a loved one in prison – a group that she terms “Forgotten Victims.”
Currently Catherine, and her husband Ron, speak in venues across the country carrying a message of hope for all families. Their work has resulted in numerous awards including the SMART Marriages Impact Award, The White House’s designation as a Champion of Change, and Director’s Award from the Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and corrections. Most recently, the Tijerinas have authored HIGH FIVE Love Never Fails which presents a recipe for healthy families built on 5 time-tested principles. They regularly appear in local, state and national print, radio and televised media.
48. Luconda Dager
President, Velvet Ice Cream Company
Luconda Dager is the President of Velvet Ice Cream Company. She first joined the company in 1994. For over 100 years, family has been at the center of everything Velvet does. Founded in 1914 by Joseph Dager, the company has been family owned and operated in Utica, OH for four generations. Velvet distributes more than five million gallons of ice cream every year throughout OH, KY, IN, MI and WV. Velvet Ice Cream is located on 25 acres of wooded countryside and is home to the historic, Ye Olde Mill which houses the corporate office, an ice cream museum, and a turn of the century ice cream parlor, restaurant and gift shop. Velvet Ice Cream welcomes over 150,000 visitors each year for fun entertainment, tastings and special events including the annual Ice Cream Festival over Memorial Day weekend.
Luconda graduated from Newark Catholic High School in Newark, Ohio. She earned a bachelor’s degree from Xavier University in Cincinnati. She was the recipient of Columbus Business First “Forty Under Forty” list for influential business leaders in 2007 and a Central Ohio Family Business Hall of Fame Recipient in 2018. In 2019, Velvet was ranked #10 on the Largest Central Ohio Women-Owned Businesses list in Columbus Business First.
49. Miranda Kogon
Elementary School Principal, Columbus Torah Academy
Dr. Miranda Kogon is a proactive change catalyst and leader in the field of education. She is skilled in both large-scale and direct programming of Mental Health, Special Education, Gifted & Talented Education, Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), Federal Student Programs, and Section 504 services and supports. Dr. Kogon is a champion of equity, diversity, inclusion and restorative practices. Her international and domestic career is expansive and includes experiences working with UNICEF in York, England as an International Education Researcher, she has taught on a Native American Mohawk Reservation on the border of New York and Canada, taught and supported a special education curriculum and design team with the Seoul Metropolitan Office of Education and was a Behavior Therapist at the Seoul Children's Hospital and The Mind Care Institute in Seoul, South Korea, served as a School Counselor in Rochester, New York, worked as a Behavior Specialist for Fairfax County Public Schools in Fairfax, Virginia, served as a Manager and then Director of Special Education of DC Public Schools in Washington D.C., and most recently, she was the Associate Chief of Student Equity and Opportunity with Denver Public Schools.
Kogon has also worked in higher education for many years as a full-time Professor of Humanities at Soongsil University in Seoul, South Korea, and as an Adjunct Professor of Special Education at George Mason University in Fairfax, Virginia, where she developed and taught undergraduate and masters level courses in Human Behavior, Classroom Design & Management, and Applied Behavior Analysis for Special Education Teachers, to name a few. Dr. Kogon has mentored, trained and developed hundreds of Special Education Teachers and School Mental Health Professionals who are currently working in schools across the country supporting students. An advocate for all children, she has dedicated her career to putting systems in place by equipping both staff and parents with the knowledge, resources, and training necessary to eliminate the opportunity gap and to ensure that each and every child has the opportunity to succeed in school, regardless of circumstance. In an effort to get back to working directly with students again, Dr. Kogon is the proud Elementary School Principal of the Columbus Torah Academy; a dual-language and dual-curriculum school located in Columbus, Ohio. Her favorite thing about being an Elementary School Principal is that she gets to see and be a part of students' experiencing the joy of learning each and every day.
50. Megan Kleidon
President & Chief Executive Officer, Red Oak Behavioral Health
Megan Kleidon began her professional career 20 years ago. Today, she is the President & Chief Executive Officer of Red Oak Behavioral Health, a mental health service provider for the Greater Akron community for more than 55 years. What began as a small faith-based counseling practice in 1963 transformed dramatically in 1998, when founding CEO Rev. Byron Arledge was asked to pilot a program that would place qualified mental health professionals in select Akron Public Schools. They are a community mental health center that provides services that meet individuals where they are. They are advocates for children, youth, and adults, and provide professional and compassionate care using best practices and trauma-informed approaches.
Kleidon first got her start in 2002 as a director for tobacco control programs at Lake Geauga Recovery Center. From there, she went on to Recovery Resources, before eventually rising to chief of staff at Senders Pediatrics, her most recent position prior to joining Red Oak Behavioral Health. Kleidon graduated from Towson University with an MA in counseling psychology and from Wittenberg University with an undergraduate degree in psychology.