Hiram Cohort CLI Directory
Image: Garfield Center for Public Leadership
Michael Bynum
Managing Attorney, Arkansas Department of Agriculture
Michael Bynum is the Managing Attorney for the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. He previously served as attorney and Director of Compliance for the Arkansas Department of Energy and Environment. He earned his J.D. from the UALR Bowen School of Law while working as senior analyst for the Arkansas Department of Finance. Michael earned his Master of Public Administration from the University of Arkansas and his B.S. in Public Administration from the University of Central Arkansas, where he interned for two Democratic members of Congress. He has served as chairman for the LRFUMC Child Development Center, treasurer for the Arkansas Judges and Lawyers Assistance Program Foundation, advisor to the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, and guest columnist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.
Oluwasegun Ogunlade
Mandel Scholar
Oluwasegun Ogunlade is a nursing major, and international student (From Nigeria) at Cuyahoga Community College. He’s the Board Student Scholar, Mandel Scholar, Robert L. Lewis Scholar, Honors Program Scholar, Black American Council mentee, Advanced Leadership Institute Fellow, Democracy Fellow, Deans list recipient, and a member of Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. He is a life learner that loves to contribute positively to the community he finds himself in. He aspires to be a pediatric nurse and also a philanthropist.
Robert Heinbaugh
Retired Educator
Bob has been a college administrator, CEO of a hospital foundation and an AIDS Response agency, a 5th grade teacher, and a National Board Credentialed teacher. He has been a volunteer to several organizations in Palm Springs since his retirement, serving in a variety of officer positions. He has successfully written non-smoking proposals with some being approved by city councils. He and his partner Paul have been together for 30+ years. They have two children and five grandchildren. They have driven cross-country eight times, generally staying off Interstate highways, preferring to experience the reality of the US as they visit art galleries, baseball stadiums, and historical landmarks. Bob reads about a novel a week and dabbles with writing “stuff”. Hiram class of 1964.
Donte Jones
Cuyahoga Community College
Donte Jones is a single father who is also a master journeyman carpenter and a full-time student studying English, with a concentration in the humanities. He is a 2023 accelerate social change category winner, Mandel scholar, and has been a Tri-C Democracy Fellow since 2022. He holds many positions such as the 2022-2023 CAB president, East senator at Large, and East student government president. Donte also is a Goldman Sachs 10k small business intern, and a member and mentee of the Black American Council.
Sarah A. Chase
Consultant
Sarah has dedicated her professional career to working behind the scenes to champion both public and private projects that are mission-driven and have a clear focus on improving communication to advance social and health equity. For nearly 20 years, Sarah has worked primarily with start-up companies and nonprofits in the media, marketing, broadcast, and communication space. She has held various COO, CFO, Communication, and Business Development positions and worked closely with executive teams in the United States, Europe, and Asia to translate high-level visions into realized corporate entities. From 2016 to 2020, she served as the Chief Operating Officer and Executive Producer for actor and science advocate Alan Alda. She worked on the public private partnership that helped develop the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University.
Emmanuel Ahmadu
Student Government President at Cuyahoga Community College
Emmanuel Ahmadu, a newly admitted fellow of the Hiram cohort of Renew America Together’s Civility Leadership Institute, is a dynamic and driven individual dedicated to fostering positive change. As the Student Government President at Cuyahoga Community College, Eastern Campus, Emmanuel has demonstrated exceptional leadership skills and a profound commitment to serving his peers. Additionally, as the Vice President of the Joint Student Council at Cuyahoga Community College campuses, he has displayed a remarkable ability to collaborate and advocate for student interests across various platforms. Emmanuel’s passion for making a difference extends beyond his campus, as he is pursuing a Human Services major with the aim of addressing global social issues affecting young people. With his unwavering dedication and exceptional communication skills, Emmanuel Ahmadu is poised to become a transformative leader in the pursuit of a more inclusive and equitable society.
Marian Keegan
Registered Forester
Marian Keegan is an executive leader committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship. Marian has consistently demonstrated results through hard work, strategic thinking, and attention to detail with a strong desire to learn and champion financial, operational, and strategic objectives. She has a proven ability to resolve issues, align principles, and achieve growth and impact in support of complex stakeholder objectives. Peers, mentors, educators, and the business community readily recognize her skills and talents as an accomplished leader, planner, and implementer and she brings an innate sense of accountability, integrity, and intention when taking on assignments and guiding others to greater performance.
Brittany Mee
Shift Supervisor RX at CVS
I am a shift supervisor and pharmacy technician trainee at CVS and in college full time.
Mariam Sajjad
Research Assistant, Cleveland Clinic
Mariam is a Research Assistant/Phlebotomist at the Cleveland Clinic. Mariam has extensive experience with blood draws, clinical research, and working in the healthcare industry with various professions in a team environment. She recently graduated from Cleveland State University with a Bachelors in Health Sciences and minor in Biology. Mariam is a powerful force in the workplace and uses her positive attitude and tireless energy to help others and succeed. Mariam is inspired daily by her family. In her free time, Mariam likes to travel, paint, read a book, or do DIY home projects.
Monica Cecilia Lucas
Screenwriter
Monica is a TV writer living in Los Angeles. She is a recipient of the Accelerate Screenwriting Fellowship from the Inevitable Foundation, was recently admitted to the Story Incubator Writing Lab, and was the 2021 JHRTS Screenwriting Contest Feature Drama Winner. She has had the pleasure to work as a Writer’s Assistant as well as a Production Assistant on numerous projects, currently has her first hour-long pilot in development, and is co-writing an upcoming narrative podcast. She received her MFA in Writing for Screen and Television from USC. Before becoming a writer, Monica worked as a political activist in Washington, DC.
Shannon Hughes
Director Education and Programming; Metroparks Toledo
Dr. Shannon Hughes has worked with Metroparks Toledo for 17 years and is the Director of Education and Programming as well as Metroparks’ Historian, responsible for a staff of 50 and interpretive programming for over 100,000 visitors district-wide.
Andrew Eckert
Senior Consultant
Andrew is a Certified Public Accountant with a passionate interest in the social, political and economic future of the United States. He spends much of his time working with regional businesses in Maryland.
Monique Alston
B.A., Hiram College
Since Hiram College, Monique has worn many hats and still does. Currently, Monique is a full-time graduate student focusing on research and education. Monique’s research explores the unnecessary administration of red blood cell transfusions. Monique is credentialed to teach in Northern California and was recently awarded a diversity scholarship. Peace of mind and body are vital to Monique. After the Covid-19 pandemic, indoor cycling was substituted for chair yoga. Still, the exploration of religion is nourishing too. Monique is simultaneously reading the King James Bible, Tanakh and Holy Scriptures; how beautiful it is to see the same lessons explained from different perspectives. Monique is thankful to be selected for this adventure in civil discourse and looks forward to training.
Mary Kay Prusnick
Board of Education Member, Schaumburg Community Consolidated School District 54 (IL)
Mary Kathryn Prusnick is a tireless community advocate, living in suburban Chicago. She recently won her fourth term to the Board of Education of Illinois’ largest K-8 school district. Her board service has afforded her the opportunity to work on the Executive Board of ED-RED, an educational lobbying organization, and to lead development workshops with the Illinois Association for School Boards. She is the Secretary for the Schaumburg Education Foundation and serves on Habitat for Humanity’s Women Build Initiative. Mary Kay is a 1993 graduate of Hiram College with a degree in History. She credits Hiram with giving her the tools to pivot from working in a neighborhood bakery to non-profit fundraising to running for office.
Rick Giesen
Hiram College Trustee
Rick was a fiduciary investment adviser serving the small cap value equities investment management needs of individual, institutional, and mutual fund clients
Chris Szell
President Council, Village of Hiram; Director Conservation Projects, Western Reserve Land Conservancy
As Director of Project Management for the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, Chris is responsible for managing complex land acquisitions. Chris directs the closing of all land acquisitions to ensure the Land Conservancy’s yearly $5M operating budget is met. Since 2018, Chris has proudly served as a member of Hiram Village’s Council and in his second term was nominated to serve as Council President and Chair of the Finance Committee. He has a passion for conservation and community involvement. As a highly dedicated and skilled professional, Chris is committed to making a positive impact in every role undertaken. In his time off, Chris loves to canoe and hike and spends many summers in Wyoming and Utah with his family.
Rasheen W. Sinclair
Agent, Primerica
Rasheen completed his Management degree at Hiram College in 2001 and currently resides in Dallas, Texas, having originally come from Cleveland, Ohio. With an extensive professional journey spanning two decades, Rasheen has developed expertise in sales and finance, excelling in diverse industries such as banking, investments, and automotive. Currently, he serves as an agent at Primerica and holds the position of Business Development Representative at UPS Capital. Rasheen takes immense joy in his marriage and the privilege of raising his one son and two daughters alongside his spouse. Actively involved in his community, Rasheen dedicates his time to organizations like the Hiram College Board of Visitors, Advisory Board for 6 Stones, and the Lions Club. During leisure moments, he indulges his passion for fused glass art, nurturing his creative spirit. Notably, Rasheen’s four-year tenure as a batboy for the Cleveland Indians forged lasting connections and deepened his love for the team.
Jennifer Long Morehart
University Archivist, Bowling Green State University
Jennifer Long Morehart currently serves as University Archivist at Bowling Green State University’s Center for Archival Collections, where she is responsible for university-related collections and the university records management program. With over 15 years of experience as an archivist, Morehart has collected, preserved, and shared stories in religious and higher education settings. She is particularly interested in archival advocacy, outreach, and empowering voices whose stories are not always represented in the historical record. The love of stories led Morehart to earn a B.A. in history and English, M.A. in Religion, and a Master of Library and Information Science. In her spare time, Morehart continues her lifelong exploration of stories through music, travel, language, and conversation.
Chris Giddings
Sr Manager, Process Architect, CVS Health
Chris Giddings is a passionate technology leader with 29 years of experience in technical and non-technical roles, most recently joining CVS Health in 2022 to drive improvement in employee experience for 360,000 colleagues. His journey covers diverse industries including retail; healthcare; transportation; logistics; textiles; consumer electronics; and finance.
Chris is collaborative in seeking solutions to complex problems, and successfully architecting and delivering on the promise of those solutions. He is energized by engaging with others wherever challenging problems are tackled, and unique solutions are welcomed.
Becca Dyer
Subrogation Specialist, Progressive
Becca Dyer began her career with Progressive Insurance in 2016 and has held several roles within the claims organization. She graduated from Hiram College in 2014 with double major in Political Science and History. During her time as a student she was a scholar in the Garfield Institute Center For Public Leadership. She participated in study abroad programs to Cuba and Panama. Becca also interned for members of the Ohio House of Representatives.
Samantha Franco
Democracy Fellow, Cuyahoga Community College
Samantha Franco is a nursing student at Cuyahoga Community College in Cleveland, Ohio. Samantha will earn her Associate’s Degree in Nursing in spring of 2024. While working towards her degree, Samantha has spent her time at Tri-C leading students as the Board Student Scholar, President of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and as the Ohio Student Representative at Campus Vote Project. Samantha’s passion for philanthropy is evident through her work as a Safe Zone Ally and Nurse Extern at the Cleveland Clinic. While spending most of her time studying, Samantha enjoys free time with her family and dog, Butter. As a future RN, Samantha will continue to be a mentor for her peers and an advocate for her patients.
Lauren Mason
Managing Director, Komera
Lauren is a passionate girls’ education advocate with eight years of nonprofit experience supporting community-led development for women and girls in rural Rwanda. A collaborate and driven nonprofit leader, Lauren has expertise in organizational growth, capacity building, operations, strategic partnerships, and working with a global team. After five years of supporting Komera in communications and development roles, Lauren joined the all-female leadership at Komera in her current role as Manager Director in 2020. She has seen firsthand the profound impact that investing in women and girls has on families and communities, especially as a pathway out of poverty. Lauren is a graduate of Hiram College with B.A. in Political Science and Sociology, and brings past nonprofit experience working in the microfinance, fair trade, and social justice sectors to her work. Lauren lives outside of Boston, MA with her husband David and their two children, Coetta and Kwame. She is active in her community in book clubs, community garden, and volunteering.
Ted Hellmuth
VP Strategist Portfolio Manager
Ted Hellmuth started out as an industrial salesman in Upstate NY. He joined Roulston and Co. — a stock market research firm — in Cleveland Ohio in 1982, where he traded stock for the firm, then he became an Institutional Salesman and Analyst following Midwest companies. Following this, he joined Carnegie Capital, an Investment Advisory firm in Cleveland. Later, he joined Boyd Watterson Asset Management, a larger Investment Advisory firm. Today, Ted continues to serve institutional and retail clients in stocks, bonds and government real estate. Ted is heavily involved in Faith Based Investing as Fixed Income Sub Advisor to the Eventide Funds of Boston. Ted is also on the Hiram College Board of Visitors, and has been involved with Hiram’s Garfield Institute.
Jeffrey Phillips
Student, Cuyahoga Community College
Jeffrey Phillips is a diligent healthcare professional possessing excellent customer service, interpersonal and communication skills. He is currently employed in and skilled in a medical laboratory setting, and is looking to transition into the information technology field.
Andrew Sobhy
Student, Cleveland State University
Andrew Sobhy is an honors student who graduated from the Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Academy at Cuyahoga Community College in 2023 and has continued with the Mandel Foundation at Cleveland State University’s Honors College. A business major, he is considering a career as a lawyer in the public sector where he can serve the public interest day to day.
Khairun-Nisaa Hardy
Mandel Scholar
Khairun-Nisaa Hardy is a Mandel Scholar at Cuyahoga Community College. She is interested in participating in the Civility Leadership Institute in order to further her success in her career and in other development components.
Armetta A Denk
Speech Language Pathologist
Armetta Denk is a 2001 Hiram College alumni with a BA in Elementary Education with a concentration in Special Education. She pursued her Master of Science in Communication Science Disorders from East Carolina University in 2009. Presently, she practices as a Speech Language Pathologist for a virtual charter school serving students in grades Kindergarten through 12th grade. Ms. Denk began community, grass-roots advocacy in the fall of 2022 when the national conversation on transgender rights in schools entered her local school district.
Kate Chase
Recent College Graduate
Kate Chase, is a recent graduate of St. Lawrence University with a BA in Government. Through studying the current climate of the United States, she has recognized the importance of both our national and international relationships. Kate is interested in pursuing a career where she can make a positive impact to strengthen these relationships. Kate spent her Senior Spring in New York City as a Partnerships Intern at Concordia. This experience sparked her passion for supporting important conversations regarding the current climate of the United States. During the summer of 2021 Kate spent her time interning in the Office of Personnel at the Massachusetts State House under Governor Charlie Baker.
Katrina Branson
Industry Sector Coordinator / Louisiana Workforce Commission
Katrina L. Branson received her BBA in Finance at the University of Louisiana-Monroe and MPA in Human Resources Management at Grambling State University. She has 30+ doctoral hours in Higher Education Administration. She is a graduate of Monroe Chamber of Commerce Leadership Ouachita and Delta Regional Authority Leadership Institute.
Ms. Branson has over 15 years of experience as an HR professional and has served in leadership and consulting positions as Director of Human Resources, Title IX Coordinator, Regional Industry Sector Coordinator, Special Project Consultant and Community Engagement Liaison.
Ms. Branson owns an influential motivational brand, Holistic Vibes, which provides social support and encouragement by promoting holistic health and total wellness for the mind, body and spirit. Her organizational affiliations include: SHRM, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and Junior League of Monroe. She is a contributing writer in Ouachita Living magazine and serves on the City of Monroe initiative, Healthy Funroe.
Ms. Branson enjoys group fitness classes, tennis, and grocery shopping and has recently changed to a plant-based lifestyle. She believes “to whom much is given, much is required” as she is called to serve purposefully and intentionally, impacting lives and improving communities through her volunteerism and philanthropy.
William Recker
Chair Emeritus of the Energy Innovation Center and Chairman of the Board of the Pittsburgh Community Kitchen
Bill Recker is the Chair Emeritus of the Energy Innovation Center and Chairman of the Board of the Pittsburgh Community Kitchen. He is a founding partner and CEO of IronBridge Partners and a partner and co-founder of the Cranberry Business Park. He maintains a full schedule devoted to real estate investment, high tech start-ups and the advancement of the Pittsburgh region’s educational and training efforts to provide all elements of the energy industry with the optimum workforce for the 21st century. Bill earned his B.S. in Biochemistry from Duquesne University. In addition, he completed graduate studies and research in virology at the University of Pittsburgh, and is a graduate of Harvard Business School. Bill has been married for more than 60 years, walked across Switzerland, biked across France and Spain and enjoys skiing, tennis, sailing, furniture making, jazz, and being a grandfather.
