Janice T. Bassett, BA ’73, and Sandra A. Garritano, BFA ’73, Australia residents, have combined their talents to help alleviate native wildlife suffering from Australia’s South Coast bushfires. They sponsored a Jazz Art Night fundraiser to support the ongoing need for wildlife stations to aid native animals.

Gale A. Crosley, BSA ’72, CPA, founder of Crosley+Company, a growth consultant to accounting firms, is featured on the cover of Accounting Today, front & center, as one of the 100 Most Influential People in Accounting for the 14th year. Crosley was also previously selected as a Top 10 Most Recommended Consultant in the Inside Public Accounting Best of the Best publication.

Michael Kormushoff, BSBA ’71, account supervisor at ST&P Marketing Communications (ST&P), was named a recipient of the National Sales & Marketing Executives (NSME) 2020 “Achievements in Excellence Award.” The honor goes to individuals demonstrating outstanding professionalism during their sales and marketing career roles, as well as community and civic involvement.

Lawrence J. “Larry” Minich, BSA ’70, was recently elected to the Board of Directors for Essential Properties Realty Trust, Inc., an internally managed real estate investment trust. Minich retired in 2019 as an executive officer of Hotshine Holdings, Inc., a private equity-backed company that is one of the largest car wash operators in the U.S.

Ronald E. Slipski, JD ’79, began a three-year term, in July, on the Ohio State Bar Association Board of Governors. Slipski was elected to represent the association’s District 13, which includes Columbiana and Mahoning counties. He is a retired senior partner from Green, Haines, Sgambati Co. LLC in Youngstown.

Terri S. Armstrong, BSN ’87, named the new acting scientific director for the National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR). Dr. Armstrong leads NINR’s Division of Intramural Research in examining the symptoms of chronic conditions and trains the next generation of nurse scientists. An executive on loan from the National Cancer Institute, Dr. Armstrong is a trained clinician and scientist for nearly 30 years.

Eric B. Blashford, BS ’88, named incoming CEO, president of Broadwind Energy, Inc., a leading precision manufacturer of structures, equipment and components for clean technology and specialized applications. Blashford focuses on profitable diversification of the customer base and end markets.

Christine R. Curry, BA ’85, MA ’92, named CEO of OPEN M, a Christian nonprofit organization based in Akron. OPEN M operates one of Summit County’s largest free medical clinics, meeting the growing needs of individuals and families.

Jeffrey W. Floyd, BSA ’89, promoted to chief operating officer at Hilscher-Clarke, a regional leader in electrical engineering and contracting. Floyd spent more than 30 years in the construction industry before joining Hilscher-Clarke in 2018.

John P. Gannon, BS ’80, appointed to the Board of Directors for Parks! America, Inc. With 32 years of experience in the amusement park, waterpark, and zoo industry, Gannon has worked with the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium since 2007, most recently serving as a senior vice president responsible for managing all for-profit ventures.

Frank A. Ghinassi, MA ’88, PhD ’91, appointed senior V.P. of Behavioral Health and Addictions Service Line at RWJBarnabas Health. Ghinassi, president and CEO of Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care, in his new role is part of the integration between RWJBarnabas Health and Rutgers Health, the top academic health care center in New Jersey.

Beverly E. Girten, MSED ’83, named manager of informal education and engagement for NASA’s Office of STEM Engagement, where she engages students on NASA’s mission with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering and math. Girten fulfilled her lifelong dream when she worked at NASA’s Ames Research Center as a space life scientist and branch chief.

Pradipa Karbhari, MS ’89, promoted to Global Director, Data and Al Compete Strategy for Microsoft in Washington State.

John Mastrojohn, III, BSN ’87, joins Hospice of the Western Reserve as chief innovation officer. Mastrojohn oversees marketing, communications, business development, human resources and staff experience.

David W. McInally, BSBA ’83, MA ’89, president of Coe College in Cedar Rapids, has announced he plans to retire after the 2020-2021 academic year. President since 2013, McInally has worked to increase enrollment, improve student success, upgrade facilities and elevate Coe’s visibility.

Coleen M. McMahan Christensen, BA ’82, MS ’86, inducted into the Jackson High School Wall of Fame by the Jackson High School Alumni Association. Active in several clubs throughout her high school career, Christensen received the Goodyear Tire Chairman’s Award, USDA Unsung Hero Award for outreach and mentoring and the ACS Bioelastomer Award for Research Excellence. She has more than 50 technical publications, six patents and more than 70 technical presentations.

Erin C. Ploucha, BSBA ’88, named chief administrative officer, Westfield Bank. Ploucha joins Westfield Bank’s Executive Leadership Team with more than 25 years of human resource experience. Ploucha will ensure various functions are closely aligned with the teams supporting Westfield’s clients, including human resources, legal, facilities, and administrative functions.

Barry D. Russell, BSCE ’87, appointed CEO at Eutectix, LLC, where he is responsible for driving growth, strategy and developing and implementing annual and long-term business plans. He is based at Eutectix’s Tolleson, AZ., facility and has more than 30 years of leadership, operational, marketing, and engineering experience.

Scott A. Ryser, BSEE ’86, appointed to Woodsboro Bank’s Board of Directors. Ryser is the founder and CEO and board member of Yakabod, a leader in secure software development, founded in 2001.

Robert A. Schultz, BAED ’89, BS ’89, MAED ’93, of The University of Toledo Judith Herb College of Education was named a Fellow of the American Council on Education (ACE) for 2019-20. A professor of gifted education and curriculum studies, and chair of early childhood, higher education and special education, Schultz was one of 39 to receive the designation.

Duane J. Taylor, BS ’83, elected president of the American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery (AAO-HNS) and its Foundation. Taylor, the first African American physician to hold the position, will serve a one-year term. Dr. Taylor currently serves as the medical director of Le Visage ENT & Facial Plastic Surgery in Bethesda, Maryland.

Lynn C. Yanyo, PhD ’87, has completed three children’s books with co-author Alex Bertuccio. The first book of the series, The Adventures of the Earth Defenders, is an eBook on Amazon/Kindle. Together, the authors are combining their entrepreneurial spirit with a passion for the environment and chemical engineering expertise to support positive, real-world change.

Scott C. Arbuthnot, BS ’91, named president, CEO of Hallrich, also known as The Inner Crust. The company owns 130 locations in 38 Ohio counties and nine restaurants in West Virginia, four in Pennsylvania and one in Indiana.

Santosh Bawiskar, MS ’92, PhD ’97, received SPE’s Fellow of Society Award for 2020. Bawiskar, a principal research scientist in the packaging & specialty plastics R&D Group at Dow Inc., has worked for over 20 years in areas of thermoplastic/thermoset elastomers product development, polymer compounding, reactive extrusion and post-reactor modification technologies. He has co-authored more than 25 external publications and is a co-inventor of 21 patents/patent applications.

Mary Anne Beiting, MAE ’90, EdD ’05, named principal of Cardinal Mooney High School, in Youngstown, after previously serving as interim principal. Beiting served in the Office of Catholic Schools for the past four years as director for accreditation and government programs. She had served as principal of Archbishop Hoban High School from 1990 to 2016.

Carlo Berlingieri, BS ’99, promoted to vice president principal at Meaden & Moore. Berlingieri serves in the Assurance Services Group and has 20 years’ experience advising clients in industries including manufacturing, distribution and consumer products.

Stephen E. Brister, BSME ’98, promoted to chief engineer at Timken Rail – a specialized division within the Timken company.

Dawn Y. Carter, MAE ’91, appointed vice president/chief clinical officer at the Counseling Center in Wooster, OH. Carter is a licensed professional clinical counselor with supervisory designation, as well as a licensed independent chemical dependency counselor. She is responsible for managing specialized children’s programs, counseling and psychotherapy programming, and quality assurance functions.

Christopher A. Chapman, BSBA ’96, MBA ’00, named chief financial officer for OEConnection, responsible for the company’s global finance and accounting functions. He brings more than 20 years of experience as a senior financial leader, including a background in global finance and treasury operations, and investor relations.

Michael A. Christman, JD ’91, named special agent in charge of the FBI’s Pittsburgh field office. A former Criminal Justice Information Services deputy director in Clarksburg, W.Va., Christman joined the FBI as a special agent in 1992.

Paul A. Davis, BSEE ’90, joined the Jones & Henry Engineers team in the Toledo, OH office. He will address the electrical aspects of projects, such as designing power distribution systems, lighting and controls, hazardous area classification diagrams, and power/static grounding systems.

Christavus A. Dominic, BA ’96, aka “Christopher D” is the first African American to hit the airwaves on 97.5 WONE THE HOME OF ROCK-N-ROLL.  The 97.5 WONE station is a commercial classic rock radio station licensed to Akron, Ohio, owned by Rubber City Radio Group, Inc.

John R. Elias, BS ’96, JD ’00, named senior V.P., chief underwriting officer at Acadia Insurance, a member company of W.R. Berkley Corporation. Elias and his family will relocate to Maine, working out of Acadia’s Westbrook office.

Thomas J. Fantin, BS ’99, promoted to partner at Novogradac, a national accounting and consulting enterprise based in San Francisco. Fantin performs audit, tax and consulting services related to the NMTC, HTC and renewable energy tax credits (RETCs), as well as the opportunity zones (OZ) incentive.

Kimberly A. Gergel, BSBA ’91, named Northeast Metro Regional Vice President of Sales for the USA Today Network, run by the Virginia-based publishing company, Gannett. Gergel oversees sales in the Asbury and Bergen New Jersey markets, Rochester and Westchester in N.Y., and Wilmington in Delaware, which comprise USA Today’s northeast region of local newspapers. Gergel has nearly three decades of sales and marketing experience.

Rachel L. Gregg, BA ’95, named an associate at the firm Mannik & Smith Group, Inc., (MSG). Gregg is the V.P. of human resources and has been with MSG the firm for nearly 17 years.

Brandi Hephner LaBanc, BS ’94, named vice chancellor of student affairs and campus life at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

Andrea H. Hong, JD ’99, appointed by the Executive Office for Immigration Review as a new immigration judge at the Los Angeles Immigration Court. Hong began hearing cases in January 2020. Judge Hong is a member of the State Bar of California.

Sandra J. Hong, BS ’93, recognized as a Crain’s Women of Note Awards for 2020 recipient. Annually, Crain’s honors women who demonste exceptional commitment to Northeast Ohio. Hong is the current regional medical director at Cleveland Clinic.

X. Christina Huang, MSEE ’98, joined the Faegre Drinker firm at the Minneapolis office as counsel in the Intellectual Property Group. Huang comes to the firm after more than 20 years working for 3M Company. Her global leadership background gives her an understanding of challenges faced by clients in the critical IP space.

Margaret D. Jordan, BA ’99, JD ’04, MSE ’06, named business development director for Northeast Ohio at Sikich LLP, a global professional services firm specializing in accounting, advisory, technology and managed services. Jordan has more than 15 years’ experience in business development strategy, lead generation, project management and revenue development.

Veena Khanna, JD ’97, named regional sales executive for Northeast Ohio at Key Private Bank. Khanna is responsible for leading Key Private Bank’s sales and service teams’ efforts in the region. Khanna was previously the bank’s head of strategy and implementation.

Stanislava I. “Stasie” Kostova, MBA ’98, promoted to executive V.P. and treasurer at Comerica Inc. Kostova joined Comerica in 2007 and is a chartered financial analyst. She also currently serves as the vice president of the North American Asset Liability Management Association and is a member of the Dallas Chartered Financial Analysts Society.

Marc L. Shapiro, JD ’92, named by Continental Who’s Who as a top personal injury attorney in Southwest Florida. Shapiro is the founder and CEO of The Law Offices of Marc L. Shapiro, P.A. and has more than 28 years of experience as a personal injury attorney.

Janardhan N. Vellore, MS ’97, hired by life sciences consulting firm Beghou Consulting to strengthen the firm’s advanced analytics capabilities and technology solutions. Vellore will join as a vice president and is a standout leader in the life sciences industry, especially in the innovative use of advanced analytics to get in front of emerging commercial challenges.

George L. Wilson, BS ’91, named president and CEO at Quanex Building Products Corporation NX. Wilson will also join the company’s board and work with Quanex to create incremental value for shareholders, customers and employees.

Nicholas M. “Nick” Buzzelli, BSA ’03, named Akron president of Fifth Third Bank. Buzzelli succeeds Ted Walter in the post. Buzzelli was previously a senior vice president and commercial middle market team leader for Fifth Third, which he joined in 2018.

Vincent J. Calo, BA ’00, co-leads a new firm called HAIL Ventures and Consulting (HAIL VC). Based in Washington, DC, HAIL VC combines venture investment and business and legal advisory services. The firm serves entrepreneurs, business owners, and ventures, acting as a strategic partner across the entire business cycle, delivering advisory services around planning, due diligence, innovation and execution.

Duriya Ali Dhinojwala, JD ’02, named a recipient of Crain’s Women of Note Awards for 2020. The award touts women demonstrating exceptional commitment to Northeast Ohio. Dhinojwala is partner at Brenna, Manna & Diamond (BMD).

Nathaniel “Nate” Foote, BS ’08, named general manager of the BWXT Nuclear Operations Group, Inc. a manufacturing facility in Mount Vernon, Indiana. Foote will help the company expand as the company continues to grow business in Indiana. Mount Vernon employees manufacture heavy components for naval nuclear reactors used in submarines and aircraft carriers.

Michael P. Francis, BS ’01, BA ’01, serves as chief science officer and founder of Embody Inc. in Norfolk, VA. The company has advanced biofabrication technologies to additively manufacture collagen fiber-based medical devices for sports medicine, orthopedic and other clinical indications.

Mark C. Lapikas, BS ’05, MT ’16, named one of ystark!’s Twenty Under 40 recipients for 2020. Lapikas, CPA, CGMA, MTax, MBA, is tax principal at Apple Growth Partners (AGP). In partnership with the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and The Canton Repository, ystark!’s Twenty Under 40 recognizes leaders that work or live in Stark County across multiple industry sectors. Lapikas specializes in manufacturing and provides tax and succession planning services to privately held companies throughout Northeastern Ohio.

John G. Marchi, BSCE ’09, promoted at Donley’s to project executive of the Columbus Hilton Hotel project. Marchi joined Donley’s in 2010 and is experienced in working with clients and helping lead in the successful delivery of significant projects. He recently worked on The Hilton Cleveland Downtown and The Lumen at Playhouse Square.

Joseph P. McNeill, BS ’04, promoted at Westfield Bank to market leader of the Akron market. McNeill’s passion for small business drives his focus on building trust, honesty, loyalty, and compassion within his market and community.

Megan M. Millich, JD ’08, promoted to shareholder at Roetzel in the Youngstown office. Millich works in the medical defense/health care litigation group and focuses her practice on the defense of medical malpractice claims for physicians, hospitals, and other medical providers.

Mark J. Moore, JD ’01, appointed the city engineer for Akron. Moore will plan and direct the design and construction of all municipal infrastructure, including streets, sewers bridges, public buildings, parks, sidewalks and other city projects.

David E. Oeschger, Jr., JD ’09, promoted to shareholder at Roetzel in the Akron office. Oeschger is a member of the medical defense health care litigation group. He focuses his practice on the defense of personal injury and wrongful death claims in the areas of medical malpractice and product liability lawsuits.

James Alex Quay, JD ’09, promoted to partner at the business law firm of Brouse McDowell. Quay started at Brouse McDowell in 2017 and, as a member of the litigation and real estate practice groups, represents clients in business and commercial litigation, real estate transactions, land use and zoning matters.

Robert “Bob” Rich, BSBA ’02, MBA ’05, named North American sales director at UVeye in the Cleveland area. UVeye is an Israeli supplier of contact-free vehicle inspection systems. The company recently announced plans to establish new offices in Ohio and New York and expects to soon open production and warehouse facilities in the U.S.

Barbara A. Ritter, MA ’01, PhD ’04, named dean of the Davis College of Business at Jacksonville University. With more than 20 years of experience teaching and leading in higher education, Ritter is a proven leader who has an impressive history of forging transformative partnerships and delivering results that benefit faculty and students.

Joon Ho Roh, PhD ’06, joins Applechem as its new research scientist. Roh is an accomplished scientist with 29 published papers in topics ranging from synthetic polymers to biological macromolecules. Roh joins Applechem after several years as a guest research scientist at the National Institute of Standards and Technology as well as the University of Maryland.

Michael E. Stephan, BSBA ’04, has been named CFO at The Karcher Group in North Canton, a marketing and web design company. Stephan will lead the company’s financial operations, including strategy, budgeting and planning.

Steven G. Stransky, JD ’07, elected partner at Thompson Hine LLP. Stransky is a member of the Privacy & Cybersecurity practice group. He is based in Cleveland and Washington, DC and advises clients on complex national and international privacy and information security issues.

Andrew C. Voorhees, BA ’01, JD ’04, promoted to shareholder at Weltman, Weinberg & Reis Co., LPA (Weltman), a full-service creditors’ rights law firm. Voorhees has been with the firm as an associate attorney for 15 years, practicing in commercial collections, primarily handling commercial litigation and agency collections.

Zachary L. Bradcovich, BSME ’16, published his first children’s book, “Because I Loved My Neighbor,” based on the experiences he and his dog, Krypto, had in moving to Oregon from Ohio and growing to love the community they found in the greater Portland area.

Andrea N. Burton, JD ’12, a Youngstown attorney, was among the 26 Ohio attorneys who graduated from the Ohio State Bar Association’s 2020 Leadership Academy.  Burton is a staff attorney at Youngstown Community Legal Aid, working on the Legal Assistance to Victims team. She represents domestic violence victims in divorce and custody cases. She is also a member of the statewide task force (Ohio Legal Services) family law committee.

Julie M. Caruso, BA ’11, appointed director of major gifts and planned giving at Stan Hywet Halls & Gardens. Caruso has more than 10 years’ experience in fund development, raising money for political campaigns and local nonprofits. At Stan Hywet, Caruso will work to secure major gifts and corporate sponsorships, as well as manage the annual fund.

Jason Cave, JD ’11, appointed the new medical center director of the West Texas VA Health Care System by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Cave’s sound leadership qualities and proven experience will be valuable assets for the health care system, the employees and the veterans served.

Benjamin H. Childers, JD ’19, named a ystark!’s Twenty Under 40 recipient for 2020. In partnership with the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and The Canton Repository, ystark!’s Twenty Under 40 recognizes leaders that work or live in Stark County across multiple industry sectors. Childers is the engagement director at CliftonLarsonAllen Consulting and Accounting Solutions.

Merissa A. Coleman, BM ’10, MM ’20, currently sings with "Singers Companye," an Akron professional choral ensemble under the direction of Dr. Samuel Gordon. As a soprano chorister and soloist in numerous ensembles, she has performed several times at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. and in multiple European tours and competitions, performing in Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Luxembourg, and Austria.

Jennifer R. Hallos, MT ’10, JD ’10, joined McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA as a principal in the practice areas of trusts & estates, taxation and business & corporate. Hallos has 10 years of experience formulating, reviewing and updating estate plans; drafting wills and trusts; estate and trust administration; tax research and consulting; and managing tax controversy at federal, state and local levels. She is also an active CPA.

Michael J. Kelly, BS ’15, promoted by Smithers as the new project engineer for dynamic mechanical analysis. Kelly has joined the physical testing team as a project engineer, specializing in dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) testing and the new DMA method development. Kelly joined Smithers in 2015 as a test engineer.

Louis D. Maglione, BS ’19, is the new CFO for Bil-Jac Foods, Inc. in Medina, OH.

Kurt D. Mangum II, MSED ’13, and his wife, Deanna, have developed a wellness program called CoupleyFit, a fun program aimed at getting couples to experience their official motto of “Feeling. Better. Together.”

Joseph A. Manno, BS ’11, JD ’14, promoted to counsel at Tucker Ellis LLP. Manno represents manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors – ranging from individuals and small businesses to Fortune 500 companies – in mass tort and product liability claims in state and federal courts throughout the U.S.

Marissa L. McClellan, BFA ’12, named executive director for Crafty Mart where she develops and implements programming for Akron entrepreneurs and artisan makers. McClellan is also the co-director and co-creator of Art Bomb Brigade. Serving as co-director, she manages projects and supports artists and the community with public art initiatives. She is the project manager for Highland Square Neighborhood Association and is currently working on the Highland Square Film Festival and assists with PorchRokr.

Sydney A. Martis, BA ’15, recognized as one of Crain’s 2020 Twenty in their 20s. Crain’s recognizes young individuals with accomplishments beyond their years, impressive feats of leadership, advocates, healers and entrepreneurs. Martis is a research manager at Team NEO.

Rod A. Moore, JD ’15, named one of ystark!’s Twenty Under 40 recipients for 2020. In partnership with the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and The Canton Repository, ystark!’s Twenty Under 40 recognizes leaders that work or live in Stark County across multiple industry sectors. Moore is an associate with Black McCuskey and focuses his practice in the areas of business, health care law, trademark law, oil & gas, zoning and litigation.

Paul R. Morway, JD ’11, named partner at Ankuda, Stadler & Moeller, Ltd. Morway’s valuable contributions to the litigation practice group over the past five years, including his success in trial, have added to the firm’s services and counsel. Morway focuses his practice on the defense of personal injury, catastrophic loss, and property damage actions.

Lucas W. Murray, BSBA ’11, JD ’15, named one of ystark!’s Twenty Under 40 recipients for 2020. In partnership with the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce and The Canton Repository, ystark!’s Twenty Under 40 recognizes leaders that work or live in Stark County across multiple industry sectors. Murray is a partner at the Canton office of Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLC, advising clients on matters from mergers and acquisitions to employment agreements and contract negotiations.

A’Shira D. Nelson, BS ’11, has joined Apple Growth Partners accounting and business advisory firm, as a tax manager in the Cleveland office. Nelson has nearly a decade of experience in audit, tax, and public accounting roles, bringing expertise in tax planning and preparation, for S-corporations and partnerships with revenue up to $50 million. She is also the manager of “Savvy Girl Money,” a social media community, with 10,000 Instagram followers and 1,500 YouTube subscribers, focused on helping women reach financial goals.

Jeffrey S. Pritt, BA ’13, a recipient of Crain’s 2020 Twenty in their 20s. Crain’s recognizes young individuals with accomplishments beyond their years, impressive feats of leadership, advocates, healers and entrepreneurs. Pritt is co-founder and creative director at Pritt Entertainment Group.

Vasav Sahni, PhD ’12, recently delivered a TEDx talk as the keynote speaker. The talk was titled, “How I became Spider-Man,” describing his experiences with spider silk research during his PhD program at The University of Akron and focuses on the barriers he faced and overcame to become “Spider-Man.”

Eric A. Sarmiento, JD ’13, MBA ’13, elected to shareholder at the firm of Cavitch, Familo & Durkin Co., LPA. A member of the firm’s corporate practice, Sarmiento concentrates on corporate, financing, and real estate matters. He represents buyers and sellers in mergers and acquisitions, primarily in the middle market. Sarmiento serves as general counsel on a variety of business matters, including business formation and structuring.

Aaron M. Shaffer, BS ’11, promoted to chief financial officer at ChemSpec. Shaffer had worked as an accountant in the services sector for almost 10 years before joining ChemSpec seven years ago.

Christopher T. Teodosio, JD ’12, MBA ’12, promoted to partner at the business law firm of Brouse McDowell. Teodosio began his career at Brouse McDowell as a law clerk while attending UA’s School of Law. He is a member of the Insurance Recovery Practice Group.

Thomas A. Vance, MA ’13, PhD ’18, is a post-doctoral Fellow at The New School for Social Research and joins Out for Undergrad (O4U) as a board member. Vance will be furthering the organizational expertise for students on mental health, LGBTQ+ identity, intersectionality and inclusion. Vance was also named to the 2019 Business Equality Network 40 Under 40 LGBT Leaders.