Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. Somerville

Conversations with Owens Community College President Dr. Dione D. Somerville

di Dr. Dione D. Somerville

Stagione 1

Toledo Tomorrow President Bob Savage

Toledo Tomorrow was founded in 2018 as the northwest Ohio region’s first College & Career Access Group, and has worked to build broad and diverse educational & community partnerships, and achieved good changes and progress. Toledo Tomorrow’s mission is to eliminate barriers to student success and ensure that all students and adults, regardless of race, ZIP code or life circumstance, have a pathway to complete a meaningful education and enter the workforce. President Bob Savage has strong ties to the regional community's education, nonprofit, government, business and philanthropic sectors. Savage is a member of the Ohio College Access and Success Network, Ohio Attainment Coalition and Ohio Cradle2Career Network. He has served on the Toledo Community Foundation Investment Committee, Toledo and Lucas County Plan Commissions, UTMC Provost Advisory Committee and the Downtown Toledo Rotary Chapter. Savage is the Founder and President of Savage Consulting, which has been in business for over 20 years. Savage raised capital for the first local private-public venture fund under the State’s Third Frontier program, and then northwest Ohio’s first private venture fund in over 20 years, and its most successful fund, CoreNetwork Fund. At the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School, Savage majored in Finance and Entrepreneurial Management.

TARTA CEO Laura Koprowski

Laura Koprowski is the chief executive officer of the Toledo Area Regional Transit Authority (TARTA). She has amassed more than 20 years of leadership in transportation, strategic planning, communications and public policy. Her career is marked by successful collaborations with public officials, civic organizations and businesses, driving partnerships that fuel organizational growth and regional transformation. Laura holds a Master of Public Administration from Bowling Green State University and a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Ohio University. Her educational background in public service has been foundational to her success in developing innovative programs and leading organizational change. Before becoming CEO in 2021, Laura served as TARTA’s deputy chief executive officer and chief communications and customer experience officer, where she implemented strategic marketing and communications plans and cultivated a customer-centric culture. She has also served as executive director of the Ohio Public Transit Association (OPTA) and vice president of Government Affairs and Communications at the Central Ohio Transit Authority (COTA). With a proven track record in policy advocacy, organizational transformation and brand development, Laura is committed to advancing public transportation and improving mobility options for the Toledo region. She continues to lead TARTA with a focus on innovation, collaboration, and service excellence, positioning the agency as a leader in the transit industry. Laura’s passion for sustainable transportation and her forward-thinking leadership make her a key advocate for public transit at both the state and federal levels.

Retired KeyBank President, Former RGP Chair Jim Hoffman

Jim Hoffman, retired president of KeyBank in Ohio, has made a lasting impact on the financial industry and the broader Ohio community over his distinguished career. His leadership and dedication to fostering economic growth in the region have earned him a reputation as a trusted figure in banking and finance. Jim's educational background laid the foundation for his successful career. He attended the University of Toledo, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in business administration. His academic pursuits equipped him with the expertise needed to navigate the complexities of the financial sector. He is also the past Regional Growth Partnership (RGP) Chair. Throughout his career with KeyBank, Jim held various leadership roles that showcased his ability to drive growth and foster strong relationships with both clients and colleagues. As president of KeyBank’s Ohio operations, he played a pivotal role in enhancing the bank’s presence in the region while supporting numerous community and economic development initiatives. Under his leadership, KeyBank became a key player in Ohio’s financial landscape, contributing to business growth and the local economy. Even in retirement, Jim remains committed to his community, serving on various boards and lending his expertise to initiatives that support economic development, financial literacy, and educational advancement. His legacy is one of leadership, innovation and an unwavering dedication to the well-being of his community.

Northwest Ohio Innovation Consortium President Roger Smith

Roger Smith has been a key figure in the glass industry of Northwest Ohio for more than 20 years. His journey began with an associate degree from Owens Community College, followed by a bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from the University of Toledo. Roger then went on to earn his MBA from Bowling Green State University. Throughout his career, Roger has held various influential roles, including more than two decades with O-I Glass Incorporated, a leader in the advanced manufacturing industry. His roles ranged from leading packaging technology research and innovation to emerging technology leadership, bringing significant advancements to the glass container industry. His wealth of experience in research, innovation and management positions him as an expert in advanced manufacturing and packaging technology. Roger currently serves as the president of the Northwest Ohio Innovation Consortium, an organization dedicated to fostering collaboration among private sector industry, education, workforce development and economic development in Northwest Ohio. His leadership and vision continue to make a significant impact on the region's competitiveness and technological growth. Roger’s contributions to the industry are recognized by his deep knowledge of continuous improvement and innovation, as evidenced by several patents he holds in the field of packaging and manufacturing.

Owens Community College Dental Hygiene Instructor Nicole Buchanan

Nicole Buchanan is a dedicated and accomplished professional in dental hygiene. A 2013 graduate of Owens Community College in dental hygiene, Nicole earned her bachelor’s degree from Bowling Green State University and a master’s degree in public health from the Northwest Ohio Consortium for Public Health. Nicole began her career at Owens as an adjunct faculty member in 2014 and was promoted to dental assisting coordinator in 2018. By 2021, she was hired as a full-time instructor in dental assisting, and in 2014, she moved to her current position as a dental hygiene instructor. In addition to her role at Owens, Nicole works for dental practices in Perrysburg and Toledo. Her dedication to the field and her students has not gone unnoticed. In 2023, she received the Owens School of Nursing and Health Professions Teaching Excellence Award. In 2024, she was honored with the American Association of Community Colleges Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Award. This prestigious national award is given to select faculty members who make significant contributions to community college classrooms and demonstrate a profound commitment to their students' success. As an alumna of Owens, Nicole constantly employs innovative ideas to enhance student learning outcomes. She understands that each student faces unique challenges and tailors her instruction to meet their individual needs. Nicole Buchanan exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated educator and professional, consistently striving to improve the educational experiences and success of her students.

First Solar Plant Manager and Director of Operators Jason Mesteller

In this episode of the Conversations podcast, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Jason Mesteller, a seasoned plant manager and director of operations with more than 17 years of experience at First Solar, a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions. His professional journey began with a solid educational foundation. He holds an Associate of Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies from the University of Toledo. Jason has held several key positions within First Solar, progressively taking on more responsibility and leadership roles. Since July 2021, Jason has served as the plant manager at First Solar's Perrysburg, Ohio facility, where he oversees operations and ensures the plant meets its production goals. In addition to serving as plant manager, Jason is director of operations, a role he has held since April 2019. In this capacity, he is responsible for the strategic oversight of the manufacturing processes, driving operational excellence, and leading initiatives to improve plant performance. From March 2017 to April 2019, he served as Manager of Global Manufacturing Control, where he coordinated manufacturing activities across multiple international sites, demonstrating his capability in handling global responsibilities and international relations. Jason's earlier roles at First Solar included Manager of Operations Engineering, Manufacturing Specialist, Production Supervisor and Production Team Lead. His hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing process have been instrumental in his ability to lead teams effectively and implement process improvements. In addition to his practical experience, Jason is PMP certified and trained in Theory of Constraints (TOC), Six Sigma and Critical Chain Project Management. He is proficient in MS Excel, PowerPoint and analytical software such as JMP and SQL. His commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence is evident in his Six Sigma Green Belt certification. Jason Mesteller's dedication to manufacturing excellence, coupled with his leadership skills and technical expertise, makes him a respected figure in the industry and the community. Jason also serves as a member of the Owens Community College Foundation Board of Directors.

Blanchard Valley Health System President/CEO Myron D. Lewis

In this episode of the Conversations podcast, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, the president and chief executive officer of Blanchard Valley Health System in Findlay. Blending clinical expertise with strategic and operational leadership, he has served in many leadership capacities and provided direct patient care as a social worker and counselor. Lewis specializes in organizational planning, leadership development, innovation and process transformation. Passionate about healthcare and the community, he is driven by collaboration, transparency and the convention that quality care starts with a commitment to the organization’s associates. Myron’s journey began at Michigan State University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in industrial and organizational psychology. He went on to earn his Master of Science degree in clinical social work from Western Michigan University and later a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives. With 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Lewis began his current role at Blanchard Valley Health System in January 2021. His previous positions include serving as president of Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital, Network Executive Leader of the Community Health Network in Indianapolis and roles at Indiana University Health Saxony Hospital and McLaren Northern Michigan Regional Hospital. Lewis is active in the community, serving as a board member of Findlay Hancock County Economic Development and the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio, as well as a member of the Findlay Rotary Club and a committee member of the Ohio Hospital Association.

TMACOG Executive Director Sandy Spang

In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Sandy Spang, Executive Director of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG). Spang plays a crucial role in steering Northwest Ohio toward a brighter future through her commitment to economic development, community empowerment, and regional planning. A graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Sandy has blended her business insight with her passion for economic and community development. With more than 19 years of experience in the economic workforce, Sandy took her current leadership position at TMACOG in May 2023. Her tenure is distinguished by her innovative approach to bridging gaps in community needs, fostering opportunities for economic growth, and strengthening the community fabric of Northwest Ohio. Before taking the helm at TMACOG, Sandy had a diverse career that included significant contributions to the City of Toledo, both as the Deputy Director of Economic Development and as an elected member of the Toledo City Council. During this time, she spearheaded the development of the Permit Planner, a tool simplifying the permitting process for businesses and residents alike, and played a pivotal role in the Forward Cities E3 program, enhancing the local entrepreneurial ecosystem. In addition to her public service, Sandy is a successful business owner, having launched Plate 21, a coffee shop that has remained a beloved community staple since 2009. Her business acumen and firsthand experience in entrepreneurship further inform her approach to economic development. Sandy Spang's leadership at TMACOG is a testament to her dedication to not only enhancing economic opportunities but also enriching the lives of the community members she serves. Her strategic vision, rooted in collaboration and innovation, continues to move Northwest Ohio toward sustainable growth and prosperity.

Findlay Hancock County Economic Development Director Dan Sheaffer

Listeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey! In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Dan Sheaffer, director of Findlay Hancock County Economic Development. Sheaffer has a pivotal role in shaping Northwest Ohio’s future by attracting new investments, supporting business expansion and fostering a vibrant economic landscape. A multi-generational native of Findlay, Dan graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University. With more than a decade at Findlay Hancock County Economic Development, Dan was promoted to his current role in November 2022. His tenure in economic development is marked by a keen focus on managing and implementing strategic projects that promote sustainable growth and prosperity in the region. Before dedicating his career to economic development, Dan was deeply involved in the business sector. As the general manager of Garden-Aire LLC, he led efforts in consumer product innovation, development and distribution, focusing on enhancing environmental and home and garden experiences. Prior to this, he served as the general manager of Tax & Financial Strategies Inc. for over 15 years, where he specialized in client investment policy and asset management as a Registered Investment Advisor in Northwest Ohio. Throughout his career, Sheaffer has demonstrated a commitment to fostering economic development, innovation and strategic growth. His leadership at Findlay Hancock County Economic Development is a testament to his dedication to enhancing the economic well-being and quality of life for the residents and businesses of Findlay and Hancock County, Ohio.

Knight Insurance Group Talent Management Director Tom Daniels

Listeners, please tell us about YOU by taking our four-question Listener Survey! In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Tom Daniels, director of Talent Management for Knight Insurance Group and Owens Community College alumni and member of the Owens Community College Foundation board of directors. Daniels has carved a niche in Northwest Ohio as a trusted coach, adviser, speaker and volunteer. His passion lies in empowering leaders to make a significant impact in their communities, which he believes starts with recognizing everyone's innate leadership potential and desire to contribute positively. Tom's academic achievements, including a master's in Organizational Development from Bowling Green State University, a bachelor's in Liberal Arts from the University of Toledo, and an associate degree in Marketing and Sales from Owens Community College, provide a solid foundation for his professional endeavors and community engagement. Before his tenure at Knight Insurance Group, he served as the Associate Director of Graduate & Executive Programs in Business at Bowling Green State University, shaping the future of business education and executive training. His career also includes significant roles at MRops Inc. and TNS, where he focused on executive interviewing services and learning & development, respectively. Daniels is also heavily involved in his community, serving as chair of Alumni Connections for Owens Community College; a board member for Avenues for Autism; a board member of Leadership Toledo; and chair of Networking for the Northwest Ohio Human Resource Association.

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