Debra Monagan and Keith Burwell—Toledo Rotary Foundation
The Toledo Rotary Foundation Trustees presents an update of Foundation activities, share exciting news about the grants that we have been able to give, and tell the Club about our plans for the future.
John Shaner—Decision Point Northwest Ohio: Environmental + Economic Challenges + Opportunities from Shale Gas, Renewable Energy, Lake Erie, and Transportation
Mr. Shaner provides a brief overview of both the environmental and economic challenges and opportunities from Ohio's emerging shale gas play. Secondarily, he gives a brief update on two current and one forthcoming debates in the Ohio General Assembly with direct implications for Toledo and Northwest Ohio: 1) Ohio's Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Standards; 2) Lake Erie's recovery; and 3) Ohio's transportation plans for marine and freight rail shipping and for public transportation.
Jack Shaner is deputy director and senior director of Legislative & Public Affairs for the Ohio Environmental Council. Mr. Shaner brings more than 25 years of experience in public interest advocacy and legislative experience to Ohio’s environmental-conservation community. As director of the OEC's legislative program and earned media efforts, Jack is well recognized in Statehouse corridors in Columbus and in newsrooms across the state as one of the premier environmental policy advocates at Capitol Square. Before joining the OEC, Mr. Shaner served as policy director for the Ohio Senate Democratic Caucus and staffed the caucus’ members on the Energy, Natural Resources, and Environment Committee. A native Buckeye, Mr. Shaner is a graduate of The Ohio State University and the Environmental Leadership Institute.
Zach Leroux—Toledo Assembly Plant Update
Zach Leroux was named plant manager of Toledo Assembly Complex in February 2012. In this position, he is responsible for manufacturing operations in the production of the Jeep Wrangler and the new 2014 Jeep Cherokee. Under Zach’s leadership, Toledo Assembly Complex has achieved Bronze level in World Class Manufacturing. Zach has also recently been certified as a WCM Auditor. Mr. Leroux joined Chrysler Corporation in 1987 and has held various manufacturing positions before he became plant manager.
His work background includes:
February 2012 , Plant Manager of Toledo Assembly Complex
April 2011, Assembly Senior Manager of Wrangler Assembly
January 2010, WCM Workplace Organization Pillar Lead
June 2009, WCM Focused Improvement Pillar Lead
February 2008, Senior Manager of Liberty Assembly
February 2005, Senior Manager of Dodge Durango, Chrysler Aspen at Newark Assembly
January 2000 – 2005, Zach held a series of progressive positions with St. Louis North Ram Truck eventually becoming the Senior Manager of Assembly
July 1987-2000, Zach held a series of different positions ranging from logistics, production supervisor, and continuous improvement lead for the Chrysler Operating System.
Mr. Leroux earned a Bachelor’s Degree in political science and economics in 1988 from the University of Toronto. Zach further earned a MBA in 2005 from Wilmington University of Delaware.
Rachel Williams-Paki—"Literacy, Peace, and Polio"
Rachel shows Rotarians how effective their international projects can be, even in the most complicated locations. Rachel will talk about how literacy is the key to changing society and bringing peace and success with our PolioPlus campaign. Projects featured are on the frontier of polio’s last stand in northern Pakistan. Upon joining Ipswich Rotary 12 years ago, Rachel was informed that her role was to make the club more international. As International Chair she has committed the club to a number of Rotary International humanitarian projects. The first of which was funded by the donations, in lieu of presents, from her wedding to Peabody Rotarian Fred deNapoli. In July 2009, Rachel received the “Service Above Self Award,” Rotary’s highest honor for individual Rotarians. As District Literacy Resource Coordinator for District 7930 (Boston and vicinity), Rachel spearheaded educational assistance to schools, both locally and internationally. She believes that to keep crime down in our neighborhoods, we need good public schools. To have peace in the world, we need to help with literacy on a global basis. In November 2011, Rachel spoke at Rotary Day in NYC at the United Nations. In March of that year, she addressed the District 3272 Peace Conference in Pakistan as “Ambassador of Goodwill.” She continues to speak at club & district events and is now in the process of facilitating an Adopt-a-School Rotary International Global Grant for Rotary clubs here in the U.S. who will partner with clubs in Pakistan. Rachel goes to Pakistan annually to check on past, present, and future projects.
Roger Wood—Today’s Dana—where it is and the challenges and opportunities it faces. Roger joined Dana as president and chief executive officer in April 2011. He came to Dana from BorgWarner Inc., where he served as executive vice president since February 2009 and led the company’s Engine Group since January 2010. Roger began his career with BorgWarner in 1985 in manufacturing engineering. After a series of appointments, he was named vice president of operations for both the Morse TEC Engine Components operations and Transmission Components operations. In 1999, Roger assumed the position of vice president of business development for BorgWarner’s TorqTransfer Systems, and in 2001, he was appointed president of Morse TEC. In 2005 Roger was named president of BorgWarner Turbo & Emissions Systems with responsibility for their global operations headquartered in Germany and additional operations located in Brazil, China, Hungary, India, Japan, Korea, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Roger holds a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology from State University College in Buffalo, N.Y., and an MBA from Syracuse University. He is a member of the board of directors of Dana Holding Corporation and Brunswick Corporation. Mr. Wood is also on the board of trustees of the Manufacturer’s Alliance/MAPI organization and is on the CEO Council for the Original Equipment Suppliers Association (OESA) and the Wall Street Journal.
Stephanie Harman—Technology in the 21st Century: It’s NOT All About the Apps!
By asking a very simple question, teachers can transform how they utilize technology in the classroom. Stephanie will inspire by what can be accomplished when teaching starts with the learning outcomes instead of the apps. The audience will engage with inspiring examples of how starting with the end goal can lead to increased critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication in any classroom. As an educator, Stephanie Harman coaches and empowers students to reach their potential. Currently, she serves as head of Middle School at Maumee Valley Country Day School, a co-educational, PK-12 independent school in Toledo, OH. During her tenure, she successfully piloted a Middle School 1:1 iPad program that subsequently expanded to the Upper School. She has presented at the EdTech Teacher Leading Change in Changing Times iPad Summit in Atlanta and is scheduled to present at the Independent Schools Association of the Central States Annual Conference in St. Louis. This summer, Stephanie led a three day workshop for teachers at Harvard on integrating iPads into the classroom. She has received two BP A+ for Energy grants to further environmental education at Maumee Valley, leading to a featured interview in Jon Mongillo’s textbook series, A Student Guide to Energy. Additionally, Stephanie was chosen by the Toyota International Teachers Program to travel to the Galapagos Islands for two weeks to research the invasive species issue affecting both the Great Lakes and Galapagos regions. Stephanie holds a Bachelor of Science in education from Eastern Michigan and a Master of Science in education from Walden University.
On September 26, 2013, the International Park Rotary Trail experienced a historic renaming to the Dr. Richard D. Ruppert Rotary Trail. This honor highlights the career and contributions of Toledo Rotary 2004-2005 Past President Dr. Richard D. Ruppert. The Rotary Club of Toledo members and friends of the late Dr. Ruppert attended the historic renaming of International Park Rotary Trail to the Dr. Richard D. Ruppert Rotary Trail. Rotary Fellowship was followed by the dedication of the International Park Dr. Richard D. Ruppert Rotary Trail, Toledo, Ohio.
Brian Balasia—Intern in Ohio Attracting and retaining talent is key to the future growth of Ohio’s economy. Internships and co-ops create a talent pipeline that will benefit companies for years to come. Intern in Ohio is committed to creating a “brain gain” in Toledo and the entire State of Ohio. Driven by innovative technology, Intern in Ohio assists companies of all sizes in matching their talent needs with the skills and interests of qualified students. Sponsored by the University of Toledo, this technology is free for employers and students statewide. As Founder and President of Digerati, Brian developed initiatives that foster collaboration among diverse institutions including national organizations, regional foundations and local communities. Brian Balasia was selected as one of Crain’s Detroit Business 20 in their 20’s in 2008 and in 2010 he was named a Marshall Memorial Fellow as one of the emerging leaders in the United States. Brian has held appointments on the University of Michigan Committee for Entrepreneurial Environments and Programs for Students (CEEPS), the Alumni Board of Governors at the University of Michigan, the United States Department of Labor’s WIRED Board for SE Michigan, and as a board member of the Governor’s Talent Investment Board. Balasia received a BSE in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Michigan.
6600 Update Joe Ludwig, District 6600 Governor, provides an update to what is happening in the District. Joe Ludwig and his wife Suzanne Hagelberg reside in Swancreek Township in Fulton County. Joe is a member of the Rotary Club of Maumee. He retired from the Toledo-Lucas County Public Library system in December of 2009 after 28 years with the library, 19 as manager of the Maumee Branch Library. Joe is a 1967 graduate of St. Francis De Sales High School in Toledo, the University of Toledo, where he achieved a B.S. in business and library service, and Case Western Reserve University where he received a Masters degree in Library Science. Joe was invited to join Maumee Rotary in 1997 and served as president of the club in 2005-2006. He also served on the Maumee Rotary Service Foundation Board for 2 years. He is a Paul Harris Fellow. He and his wife are also members of the Bequest Society. Joe and Suzanne have been married since 1996, and Joe has a daughter Jena . Both Suzanne and Joe spend a great deal of time with their nine year old granddaughter, Braylynn, who has already attended four district conferences.
Tim Harrington—The Ability Center: Looking Back, Forward, Going to the Dogs Tim Harrington will share the story of the evolution of The Ability Center of Greater Toledo. The organization was started by early Rotarians who saw a need for a Crippled Children’s Home. As community needs changed, Rotarians raised the money to build the region’s only Polio Hospital for Children in the building that later became St. Anthony’s Villa. As the need for Polio treatment diminished, Toledo Society for the Handicapped was formed and operated out of the Libbey House across from the Toledo Museum of Art. The corpus now known as The Ability Center continues to respond to the evolving needs of children and adults with disability. The mission and intent of Rotarians long ago lives on as the Center has recently merged with Assistance Dogs for Achieving Independence. This newest endeavor ensures efficiency in the delivery of services and brings added value to consumers and supporters alike. Rotarians will see the Assistance Dogs in action. Tim Harrington has been a Rotarian since 2000 and is Executive Director of The Ability Center of Greater Toledo. The Center has established a national reputation for its advocacy, nursing home transition, and youth programs.
Stefan Sanderling—70 Years of Music Making: What’s Ahead for the Toledo Symphony?
Stefan Sanderling, Principal Conductor since 2002, will comment on the Toledo Symphony’s 70th Anniversary Season; the important and unique role an orchestra plays in a community; and his perspective on the quality of the TSO musicians given his extensive experience with orchestras worldwide. He will talk about the challenges ahead for the musical arts and take questions from the floor. Stefan Sanderling commences his 11th year as Principal Conductor of the Toledo Symphony, celebrating its 70th Season, on Friday/Saturday 20/21 with all-Rachmaninoff romantic performances of “Symphonic Dances” and Piano Concerto No. 3 featuring Philippe Bianconi, a Van Cliburn competition winner with a magnificent international career. In his Toledo Rotary presentation Sanderling will comment on the Toledo Symphony’s 70th Anniversary, the important role the Symphony plays in our regional community – a benefit to annual audiences of 255,000; and his perspective on the quality of the TSO musicians leading up to and beyond the Toledo Symphony’s Carnegie Hall debut in 2011. He may also address the cultural and economic challenges to American orchestras. Sanderling will invite the audience to experience the spectacular capstone event of the 70th Anniversary Season – a performance of Beethoven 9th Symphony at the Huntington Center Arena on Sunday, April 6 at 4 p.m. which will feature the Symphony, Masterworks Chorale and 1,000 high school and college singers from choirs across Northwest Ohio.
Taylor Dungjen & Amy Voigt—Gangs of Toledo Taylor Dungjen and Amy Voigt, who spent four months reporting on Toledo’s gangs and gang culture, will share their experiences with the gangs and working on the award winning project. The gang series won a national award from the Associated Press Media Editors for Innovation in Watchdog Reporting. Before joining the Blade as a crime reporter, Taylor worked for The Morning Reporter in Lorain, Ohio, The Oregonian in Portland, Oregon, and The News Record in Cincinnati, Ohio. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in journalism from the University of Cincinnati. Taylor won the Excellence in Journalism—New Media 2012 Touchstone Award from the Press Club of Toledo. Her blog, Ride Along, won Best Blog from the Associated Press Society of Ohio and most recently from the Cleveland Press Club. Amy is a Toledo Blade staff photojournalist and videographer. She came to the Blade from the Birmingham Post-Herald in Birmingham, Alabama where she served as staff photographer. Amy also was editor and shooter for International Thompson Publishing where her area was Southeast Asia, India, and Nepal. Ms. Voigt earned a Bachelor of Arts in art history and a minor in French from Fordham University and a master’s degree in photojournalism from the Missouri School of Journalism. Amy’s photos have been published in newspapers and magazines across the country including The New York Times, The Washington Post, USA Today, and Business Week and many more.
Mary Westphal—The Power of the Susan G. Komen Promise—20 Years of Local Impact in the Fight Against Breast Cancer Susan G. Komen for the Cure leads from mission first with a commitment to save lives in the fight against breast cancer. While many people know Komen because of the Race for the Cure, few people understand the very real impact that this local Affiliate has in the communities we serve. The presentation will focus on this impact. How we raise the money, and how we return the money for breast health services to be delivered to the most vulnerable among us. Seventy five percent of funds raised in Northwest Ohio remain right here to save and impact local lives. Twenty five percent of funds raised locally support National research. Nothing that is raised locally supports National operations. The Komen Vision: A World without Breast Cancer. Mary Westphal began serving as Executive Director of the Northwest Ohio Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in January of 2009. She is responsible for a $1.4 million dollar budget for the local Affiliate. With the support of local staff and numerous volunteers, she oversees all aspects of the local Komen Affiliate including the Northwest Ohio Race for the Cure and other fundraising efforts, grants review and distribution, budget management, survivor and community outreach relationships, communications, special events and she serves as the local liaison to the national organization. She is a member of the Sylvania Chamber of Commerce, currently serves as a President of Sylvania City Council, and serves on the board of directors of the Toledo Community Oncology Program, an organization committed to implementing clinical trials for cancer patients, as well as the Notre Dame Academy Board of Trustees.
How do you manage a highly regulated business in which costs are skyrocketing and revenue plummeting, yet demand—both in terms of quantity and quality—is growing? Welcome to the future of healthcare in America. CEO Andrea Price will present Mercy’s vision for the reinvention of healthcare in Toledo in ways that will benefit our community for generations to come. Andrea serves as President and Chief Executive Officer of Mercy, Mercy College of Ohio, and Mercy Medical Group. Mercy has more than 7,500 employees, 1,350 medical staff members, and net revenues of nearly $900 million. Andrea joined Mercy in the fall of 2009 as Chief Operating Officer assuming responsibility for the operations and performance of Mercy’s seven hospitals. One year later, she was promoted to lead the organization. As a Fellow of ACHE, Andrea presently serves on the Board of Governors and has served on the Voluntary Giving Committee, the Confidential Committee, the Governance Implementation Task Force, the Regent’s Advisory Council, the Nominating Committee, Regent-at-Large, the Finance Committee, the Governance Ad Hoc Task Force and the Bylaws Committee. Andrea was appointed by the Mayor of Toledo to the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority Board. She also sits on the board for the Regional Growth Partnership and Toledo Chamber of Commerce. In April 2008, Andrea was selected by Modern Healthcare Magazine as one of the ‘The Top 25 Minority Executives in Healthcare.” In September 2008, she received the “ACHE Distinguished Service Award” from the American College of Healthcare Executives and the Michigan Healthcare Executive Group and Associates.
Shamila Chaudhary—U.S. Foreign Policy Challenges in South Asia: Past, Present and Future Shamila Chaudhary will discuss foreign policy change facing the United States in the aftermath of the September 11th attacks with a special focus on the region of South Asia. Ms. Chaudhary will draw from her own personal experiences of working in the United States government for 12 years, where she served at the U.S. Agency for International Development, U.S. Department of State, and the White House National Security staff. Shamila earned a B.A. in English and Women’s Studies (University and Department Honors) from the University of Toledo, an M.A. in Internal Affairs (Magna Cum Laude) from American University and completed the David L. Boren National Security Education Program Fellowship in Pakistan, 2000 (Urdu Language Course: Advanced-Mid Level language certification). Ms. Chaudhary currently serves as the Senior Advisor to the Dean of the Paul H. Nitze School for Advanced International Studies at Johns Hopkins University. She also is a Senior South Asia Fellow of the New America Foundation. Ms. Chaudhary has authored over 20 papers for different publications and has spoken to groups all over the world. Shamila established at the University of Toledo the Chaudhary-Steinitz Honors Program Research Grant for study of Pakistan and South Asia. In addition she serves as a U.S.-Pakistan Foundation Mentorship Program Mentor.
Steve Dettelbach—Priorities and Challenges of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Steven M. Dettelbach will discuss law enforcement challenges and priorities in Northwest Ohio including firearms violence and civil rights violations. Mr. Dettelbach was nominated by President Obama on July 10, 2009 and unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate on September 15, 2009 as United States Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio. He comes to his position as chief federal law enforcement officer for the northern forty counties of Ohio with a wealth of varied experience. Mr. Dettelbach previously served for over 12 years as a career federal prosecutor. During those years, he worked at the Department of Justice, Civil Rights Division, Criminal Section; U.S. Attorneys Offices in Maryland and Washington, D.C.; and from 2003 to 2006 in the Northern District of Ohio, as a member of the Organized Crime and Corruption Strike Force. Among the high-profile cases he prosecuted were those against Nate Gray and former East Cleveland Mayor Emmanuel Onunwor, who were both convicted of taking part in a pay-to-play scheme involving bribes in Cleveland, East Cleveland, Houston and New Orleans. He also won convictions in what was, at the time, the largest human trafficking case ever brought in the United States, in which approximately 70 Thai women were held against their will and forced to work in El Monte, California. He sat on Attorney General Eric Holder’s Advisory Council and chaired the subcommittee on Civil Rights. Most recently, Mr. Dettelbach was a partner at the law firm of Baker & Hostetler, LLP. Mr. Dettelbach graduated from Dartmouth College in 1988 and from Harvard Law School in 1991. He lives in Solon with his wife and two children.
om Roemer—Toledo Civic Hall of Fame Mr. Roemer will present the Toledo Civic Hall of Fame Class of 2013. In 1998, the City of Toledo created the “Toledo Civic Hall of Fame” to honor selected Toledo area citizens whose civic contribution honored the community and served as models for future Toledoans. The first group of inductees was introduced in 1999. The mayor of the Toledo appoints the acting board. The 2013 class includes the late, former Rotary Club of Toledo member Otto Wittmann, Jr. (1911-2001), James M. Ashley (1824-1896), Benjamin Franklin Stickney (1773-1852), Moses Fleetwood Walker (1856-1924), and Stanley K. Levison (1919-1987). Tom Roemer is an active Toledo Rotarian since joining the Club in 1973. He is the current chair of the Toledo Civic Hall of Fame.
Marjory Curry—Improving Outcomes for Youth in Foster Care Ms. Curry will discuss the outcomes of youth in the foster care system who are more likely to become involved with the juvenile justice system than their counter parts that are not in the system and have lower low levels of academic achievement. Marjory was placed in foster care at age 10. As an alumna of the foster care system, Ms. Curry has devoted much of her time to researching issues surrounding foster care reform. Doing so, she has spent the last seven years advocating for foster care reform both in our local community as well as our nation’s capital. In 2009, Marjory earned a Bachelor of Arts in Women and Gender Studies at the University of Toledo. She earned her Masters in Public Administration from UT in 2011 where she completed her thesis Trapped in the System, Reducing the Instance of Crossover Youth. In addition to her academic and professional achievements, Marjory has been honored with multiple state and regional awards, including the Rising Up and Moving On Award from the Ohio House of Representatives; the Connecting Point, Inc. Triumph Award; and the Lucas County Foster Parent Association Scholarship, to name a few. Over the years, Marjory has served as a Congressional Intern, Youth Advocate, motivational speaker, and CASA volunteer in hopes to improve outcomes for youth in foster care.
Dr. J. Winston Porter first summarizes the current U. S. energy situation, including oil, gas, coal and nuclear energy, as well as renewables such as wind, solar, and biomass. He then describes the very rapid increase in shale gas and oil production by “fracking.” Finally, he will outline “America’s energy future,” based on key technical and policy factors. Dr. Porter is a chemical engineer (University of Texas and University of California, Berkeley) whose early experience included management of Bechtel Corporation’s environmental department, and later the master plan for the $30 billion Jubail Industrial City in Saudi Arabia. He then served as an assistant administrator of the EPA with national responsibility for Superfund and other waste management programs. Currently, he is an independent consultant specializing in the energy and environmental sectors, with emphasis on communications activities related to these areas. He is located in Savannah, Georgia.
Changing of the Guard: Pomp and circumstance as Dr. Riaz Chaudhary is installed as the 2013-2014 Rotary Club of Toledo President. Your 2013-2014 Rotary Board of Directors are: President Elect: Joe Tafelski,1st Vice President: Andy Stuart, 2nd Vice President: Stacy Hammer, Secretary-Treasurer: Sharon Skilliter Directors: Carol Bintz, Steve Boice, Mary Ann Culpert, Alex Due, Peter Handwork, Butch Krueger, Mark Makulinski, and Richard Wolff Your 2013-2014 Foundation Trustees are: Keith Burwell, Eric Fankhauser, Reg Jackson, Judy Leb, Charles Mann, Deb Monagan, Hunt Sears, Mary Werner, and Rick Yocum.
Steve Madewell—A Middlegrounds Update Stephen Madewell is executive director of Metroparks of the Toledo Area, the agency that oversees more than 11,000 acres of natural area parks in Lucas County. Steve will discuss the Metroparks launch of a comprehensive planning process to establish a long term vision and implementation strategy. He is the eighth person to serve at the helm of the organization since its founding in 1928. Steve will give an update on the Middlegrounds Metropark project. Mr. Madewell has been in the position just over one year. Metroparks is the fourth park district he has served and the third where he has been director. Most recently, he was director of the Lake Metroparks, an 8,000 acre park system in Lake County in northeast Ohio. He was also director of the Geauga Park District. Metroparks of the Toledo Area is a regional government agency with nine Metroparks, preserving internationally important natural areas and nationally significant historical sites. The park system stretches from the Oak Openings of Western Lucas County to the shores of Lake Erie east of Toledo to the Maumee River corridor. Steve and his wife, Mary Jo, have made their new home in downtown Toledo.
Frank Deaner—The Future of Newspapers Frank Deaner provides insights on the future of the news product and the business of newspaper in coming years. In this age of the Internet and expanding digital applications, the “paper aspect of newspapers is fading away. Mr. Deaner served as executive director of The Ohio Newspaper Association (ONA) from November 1990 until his retirement on Dec. 31, 2010. ONA is the trade association representing more than 200 daily and weekly newspapers in Ohio and an additional 150 newspaper websites. Mr. Deaner was previously vice president of the Ohio Electric Utility Institute which he had joined in 1982. At ONA, Mr. Deaner’s responsibilities included oversight of Ohio Newspaper Services, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary that sells newspaper advertising as “AdOhio,” and The Ohio Newspapers Foundation. He served as secretary to the ONA board of trustees and president of The Ohio Coalition for Open Government, a freedom of information coalition that monitors public access to government. Mr. Deaner was also the registered lobbyist for ONA and a spokesman for the newspaper business. He currently serves as a consultant in the areas of government and public relations, advertising and marketing. From 1979 to 1982, Mr. Deaner was news coordinator at WBNS-TV, Columbus. His fifteen years of experience as a broadcast executive included news, sales promotion, and public relations positions with television & radio stations in many cities. Mr. Deaner received his B.S. degree in journalism (summa cum laude) from Ohio University and an M.S. degree from the Newhouse School of Communications at Syracuse University.
Charles Samuels—Bureau of Prisons: An Overview Charles E. Samuels, Jr., was appointed Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons on December 21, 2011. He is a career public administrator in the Federal Bureau of Prisons and the eighth Director since its establishment in 1930. He is responsible for the oversight and management of all Bureau of Prisons institutions and for the safety and security of thousands of inmates under the agency's jurisdiction. Director Samuels is a native of Birmingham, Alabama who received his B.A. in Criminal Justice in 1987 from the University of Alabama (Birmingham) and in 2012, he received their Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. He graduated from the Harvard University Executive Education Program for senior managers in government in August 2007. Mr. Samuels began his career with the Bureau as a Correctional Officer in March 1988. Subsequently, he was selected for positions of increasing responsibility. Mr. Samuels has served as Associate Warden at FCIs Otisville (NY) and Beckley (WV), Ombudsman in Central Office, and Warden at FCIs Manchester (KY) and Fort Dix (NJ), prior to being named Senior Deputy Assistant Director of the Correctional Programs Division (CPD). He was selected Assistant Director of CPD in January 2011, where he oversaw all inmate management and program functions, including intelligence and counterterrorism initiatives, security and emergency planning, inmate transportation, case management, mental health and religious services and community corrections. Director Samuels was also responsible for inmate skills development and reentry initiatives.
Joe Tafelski—Rotary Club’s 3 Yr Strategic Plan This is an exciting time for us as we express our vision for the future. A Strategic Plan Committee was established by President Tom Backoff in 2012. Joe Tafelski was appointed Chair and Sharon Skilliter, Vice Chair. Other members of the Committee included Riaz Chaudhary, Tom Backoff, Eric Fankhauser, Kathy Gries, Rick Yocum, Mary Mancini, Andy Stuart, Jillian Gustafson, and Mark V’Soske. The Committee was assigned the task of preparing and presenting a strategic plan for the Club. In the process a significant amount of information was gathered through a number of community conversations with our members. In addition a Club Assembly was devoted to the process as was a retreat held by the Committee which received support and assistance from Patricia O’Connell. Pat facilitated meetings, organized data, and drafted the report. The Plan has been approved by the Club Board and was recently presented at a Club Assembly. Joe Tafelski will present the plan to our membership outlining our vision for the future and our key strategic initiatives. Joe is currently First Vice President and has been a Rotarian for 10 years. Joe has served as Chair of the International Service Committee and currently serves as Chair of the Foundation Advisory Committee .
Zone 29 Rotary Coordinator Mary Berge is a graduate of the California State University Long Beach and has a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles. A native of California, Mary relocated to Western Pennsylvania in 1995 to complete her one-year doctoral residency. She currently works as a Licensed Psychologist, maintaining a Private Practice in her home town. Mary’s greatest passion in life is serving others through Rotary. As a Rotary Zone Coordinator, she has the opportunity to work with Rotarians and District Leaders in Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, New York, and Ontario Canada.
Outbound GSE Team, going to District 3160 from District 6600, Dustin Fox is Director of
International Business Development for a family manufacturing business in Galion, Ohio, and an NCAA champion wrestler. GSE Team Leader Jeremy Watson is a chiropractor and current President of the Amherst Rotary Club. Jillian Riddell is head of sales for a family brick business in Elyria.
Sheila McQuiston, from Bowling Green, is a Public Relations specialist and interior designer; Gina McNea is a family lawyer from Sandusky.
Bob Rupp joined Rotary in 1983 as a member of the Turtle Creek, PA, Rotary Club. The club at the time was relatively small, so he quickly became well-versed in all areas of service. Bob has served his club as president four times. In 1993, he was asked to chair the District World Community Service Committee which began his career at the district level. He has served Rotary District 7300 in many leadership capacities since. Bob and his wife Patty have visited numerous Zone Institutes and International Conventions. He is a Major Donor, Benefactor, Bequest Society Member and Paul Harris Society Member. His wife and children are also Paul Harris Fellows. In the early 70’s Bob began his business career as a manager with a large regional insurance company. He eventually left the company in 1983 to start his own insurance firm. Today, Rupp and Fiore Insurance Management Inc. is an independent insurance agency that operates in 8 locations throughout Western Pennsylvania. Bob also serves as Vice Chairman of Compass Federal Savings Bank Board and is on several other local boards.tm
After retiring, Mel Hoenig joined Rotary ten years ago to further help people by putting ‘Service Above Self’. If it had to do with education, or helping young people Mel has not only volunteered, but also pioneered. He reactivated the Rotary Club of Sylvania’s Youth Exchange program and started STRIVE at both Sylvania High Schools. At District level he has been the Inbound Youth Exchange Chair and Counselor, MESA Newsletter Editor and Project Manager for Resource Centers International, a project he started 4 years ago. He has been married to Gail for 38 years and they have three children and two grandchildren
Rotary International Peace Fellow Muyatwa Sitali, Rotary International Peace Fellow from Zambia (Rotary Centers for International Studies in peace and conflict resolution) is enrolled in the Rotary Foundation program at Sanford School of Public Policy, Duke Center for International Development. Muyatwa Sitali has over five years of experience in development and public policy. He has developed skills in a number of key public policy issues that are critical for development and governance in the 21st century. Muyatwa has been part of key development discourses on public finance and debt management, aid effectiveness and trade justice, which are mainly issues that have defined the economic relationship between developed countries and low income countries
Rick Kramer, LYTEBEAM DESIGN When it comes to creative design solutions, Rick Kramer has been thinking way outside the box for years. Coca-Cola, General Motors and Nike are a few corporations that have benefitted from his talent in new product development. He serves as CEO of Distaview Corporation which he founded 25 years ago. His latest patent explores how solar panels and water can be folded into the walls of a hurricane and earthquake-resistant structure. Built in a day, the structure offers revolutionary results not only in the world of disaster relief, but in applications still being realized.
David Daugherty is the former President/CEO of The Rehabilitation Service of North Central Ohio, Inc. (The Rehab Center), a position he held from July 1996 until his retirement in July 2002. Daugherty has served as President of the Rotary Club of Hartford, Connecticut and the Rotary Club of Mansfield, Ohio. He served as District Governor for Rotary District 6600 in northwest Ohio in 2008-2009. He was the General Chairman for All-Ohio PETS in 2009-2010. He has been the District 6600 Chair for Membership Recruitment and Retention, and is a trainer for Rotary Leadership Institute. Daugherty chairs the MESA Steering Committee (Medical Equipment and Supplies Abroad), our District’s premier international service project. He was elected to be the District 6600 Representative to the Rotary International Council on Legislation (COL) meeting in April 2013
Inbound GSE Team from District 3160 GSE Team Leader Gopalakrishna Sadhu is a 54 year old chartered accountant. He is married and has two young adult sons. Khaja Moteshamuddin is a 26 year old veterinarian specializing in reproductive management of livestock and domestic animals. He is single. Leelavathi Devi Vulapu is a 39 year old child development specialist specializing in supplemental nutrition, immunization and pre-school education. She is married and has a 12-year-old daughter. Swaroop Muddaplar Kumar is a 25 year old design engineer specializing in core verification of Very Large Scale Integrated CPU microcircuits. He is single. Dinesh S. Reddy is a 32 year old assistant professor of Chemical Engineering at JNT University. He is married and has a two-year-old daughter.
Cambodia Project, Do Nguyen is Past President of Maumee Rotary and has been a Rotarian for more than 18 years. He has traveled to many countries for Rotary projects, includ- ing Guatemala, Vietnam, Mongolia, South Korea, and Cambodia, and has attended 7 RI conventions. Do is Chair of District 6600 Subcommittee for Rotary World Peace and Fellowships
BioSand Filter Project for Haiti, John Hill joined the Vermilion Rotary Club in July, 2011, and possesses a passion for the children and people of Haiti. In fact, this was the most compelling reason he joined Rotary - to champion a R.F. project for Haiti in 2013. John's other interests include hiking (he has hiked over 1,400 miles of the Appalachian Trail, and hopes to complete the remaining 700+ miles this summer), road cycling, officiating youth and high school soccer, snow skiing, and is developing an "Urban Forestry" tree initiative in Vermilion. John is a veteran of the US Air Force ('69-'73), and worked in the agricultural industry for 35 years. He is married to Carolyn, a Vermilion native, and is father to Hattie (member of the Peace Corps, Senegal, West Africa) and Andrew (Air Traffic Controller, Albuquerque Center).
Comic Book Initiative, By day, Ken Glanc is a father of 3, husband of 13 years, Rotarian and branch manager with FirstMerit Bank in Elyria. By night, in true superhero fashion, he leads a non-profit called the Elyria Comic Book Initiative. The ECBI’s mission is to promote literacy and creativity through comic books. Ken is in his 5th year of service to Rotary and the ECBI and believes “if you provide the passion, Rotary can make it happen”. This past fall, Ken orchestrated a literacy project between the Elyria Rotary Club and the ECBI where every student in Elyria received a free comic book. 9,000 students were presented with the joy of reading comics and encouraged to become avid readers.
Friday evening Opening Remarks, Bob Rupp joined Rotary in 1983 as a member of the Turtle Creek, PA, Rotary Club. The club at the time was relatively small, so he quickly became well-versed in all areas of service. Bob has served his club as president four times. In 1993, he was asked to chair the District World Community Service Committee which began his career at the district level. He has served Rotary District 7300 in many leadership capacities since. Bob and his wife Patty have visited numerous Zone Institutes and International Conventions. He is a Major Donor, Benefactor, Bequest Society Member and Paul Harris Society Member. His wife and children are also Paul Harris Fellows. In the early 70’s Bob began his business career as a manager with a large regional insurance company. He eventually left the company in 1983 to start his own insurance firm. Today, Rupp and Fiore Insurance Management Inc. is an independent insurance agency that operates in 8 locations throughout Western Pennsylvania. Bob also serves as Vice Chairman of Compass Federal Savings Bank Board and is on several other local boards.tm
Jeremiah Boyle—Economy: Why Recovery Varies Through a case study approach, including both interviewing and analysis, Jeremiah Boyle profiles ten Midwestern “industrial cities” that have lost manufacturing employment. Given the loss of manufacturing employment, why do some cities outperform/underperform their peers? Mr. Boyle is Managing Director of Economic Development for the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago’s Community Development and Policy Studies Division. He has served as an advisor to the Milwaukee Urban Entrepreneur Partnership, as a member of the Leadership Council for Chicago United, and is a Contributing Editor of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago's Profitwise News & Views publication. Before joining the Fed, Mr. Boyle served in Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley’s administration as an Assistant Commissioner of Planning and Development. Prior to his work in the Daley administration, he served as Economic Development Coordinator for the Village of Arlington Heights, Illinois; and held several positions with the North River Commission, a non-profit housing and economic development group in Chicago. Mr. Boyle holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science and a master’s degree in urban and regional planning from the University of Illinois at Urbana- Champaign, and a master of business administration degree from North Park University in Chicago
Gordon Gee—Higher Education in the 21st Century Dr. E. Gordon Gee will update the Club on Ohio State and the future of higher education in Ohio and around the country. Dr. Gee is president of The Ohio State University, a world-class public research institution one of the nation’s most distinguished land- grant universities. As chief executive officer, he oversees Ohio State’s six campuses, 64,000 students, and nearly 40,000 faculty and staff. Gee is among the most highly experienced and respected leaders in higher education, having been named in 2009 by Time magazine as one of the top 10 university presidents in the United States. Prior to his service at Ohio State, he led Vanderbilt University (2001-2007), Brown University (1998-2000), The Ohio State University (1990-97), the University of Colorado (1985-90), and West Virginia University (1981-85).
Scott Buehrer—Made in the U.S.A. and Sold Around the World Scott Buehrer will present some U.S. and global export statistics and discuss how Bionix built its export program including some of the traps and risks associated with exporting. Scott is currently the Vice President of Sales for Bionix Development Corporation, a manufacturer of proprietary branded disposable medical devices and radiation therapy positioning products headquartered in Toledo, Ohio which was formed in 1984 by a professor and one of his students at the Medical College of Ohio, now the University of Toledo Medical Center. For 11 record sales years, Scott has been responsible for managing Bionix’s Sales Department. Scott’s sales leadership at Bionix contributed to the company being named a recipient of the 2012 Presidential “E” Award for Exports, the top award given by the U.S. Department of Commerce to recognize success in exporting. Prior to joining Bionix, Scott held several management positions with Tenneco Automotive, a global multi-billion dollar manufacturer of chassis components and systems to the automotive, truck, and specialty vehicle markets. During his 9-year career with Tenneco, he directed various teams responsible for sales, engineering, advanced technology commercialization, and research and development. Under Scott’s leadership, Tenneco Automotive was named the sole recipient of Chrysler Corporation’s 1998 Supplier Role Model Award in Technology. Scott’s educational background includes a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, summa cum laude, from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University, a master’s degree in mechanical engineering from Stanford University, and a MBA from Duke University.
Saga Shoffner—Global Marketing and Communication Saga Shoffner is Vice President of Global Marketing and Global Creative Director at Owens- Illinois, Inc. (NYSE:OI). She is based at the company’s headquarters in Perrysburg, Ohio. Ms. Shoffner will present a program about Global Marketing and Communication. As an arbiter of change at O-I, Saga is at the forefront of the culture shift moving O-I to a more commercial, customer-centric organization. Shepherding a total rethink of the business and culture, her focus surrounds building a value proposition that shifts the traditional rules and expectations of manufacturing, while developing new, strategic relationships with customers and brands around the world. She’s a key catalyst in O’I’s evolution from “making glass packaging” to “making brands”, pushing for a rethink of the role packaging can play in the broader brand and business strategies of our partners. She began her role at O-I by launching the organization’s first global brand campaign – “Glass Is Life” launched in April 2011, assembling a global voice for glass and waking up the market to rethink its potential. Saga grew up at NIKE building the brand around the world, working hand in hand with agency Wieden+Kennedy for 20+ years. Ms. Shoffner earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science from the University of Oregon.
Jeff Sailer—Toledo Zoo’s Wild Walkabout: Bringing the wonders down under to Toledo The Toledo Zoo’s newest Executive Director, Jeff Sailer, will be discussing this year’s seasonal exhibit at the Toledo Zoo, especially all that has gone into designing and executing this project. Jeff came to Toledo from New York City where he served as Director of City Zoos and the Facility Director of the Central Park Zoo. He also was the Curator of Animals at the Central Park Zoo and the Curator of Birds of the Miami Metrozoo. For the past 18 years, Jeff has been engaged in ornithological research, in particular, sea ducks and fruit pigeons. His research has focused on questions concerning ecomorphology, anatomy, biomechanics, community ecology, biogeography, and conservation of these birds. His research has taken him to Long Island, NY; Panama; Mexico; the Bahamas; Samoa; Kingdom of Tonga; Fiji; India; Singapore; Australia; and Papua New Guinea. Jeff has also worked extensively with this taxon in aviary settings and in museum collections.
Congressman Robert "Bob" Latta (R- Bowling Green) is currently serving his fourth term in the United States House of Representatives following his reelection in 2012. Congressman Latta serves on the House Energy and Commerce Committee, which has wide jurisdiction on legislative matters, including energy policy, telecommunications, food and drug safety, public health research, and interstate and foreign commerce. He is a member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, where he was selected to serve as Vice Chair, as well as a member of the Subcommittees on Energy and Power, and Environment and the Economy. In addition, Congressman Latta serves as an Assistant Majority Whip, Co-Chairman of the Congressional Sportsman Caucus, and the Co-Chair of the Republican New Media Caucus.
Mike Thaman—Housing Recovery Mike Thaman will discuss the emerging housing recovery and housing trends. He will explore the significant impact and correlation that housing plays in the ups and downs of the U.S. and global economies. Mr. Thaman will relate this all back to what we are seeing in Toledo’s housing market. He is the chairman of the board and CEO of Owens Corning, a world leader in building materials and composite systems. Mr. Thaman was named a member of the board of directors in January of 2002 and elected chairman later that year. He was appointed senior vice president and chief financial officer in April of 2000. Since joining the company in 1992, Mike has held positions in manufacturing, corporate development and international business. He was named vice president and president of Owens Corning's exterior systems business in 1999. In 1997, he became vice president and president of the company's engineered pipe systems business, headquartered in Brussels, Belgium. Prior to joining Owens Corning, Mr. Thaman spent six years as a strategy consultant at Mercer Management Consulting where he was a vice president in the New York office.
