Dr. Stephanie Covington – Education Pillar
Resourceful and Strategic Leader with 18 years of experience in higher education, spanning Academic
Affairs, Student Affairs, and Enrollment Management. Proven success in community engagement and
workforce development, forging partnerships that align educational outcomes with industry and
community needs. Drive millions in revenue through increased student recruitment and retention,
cross-functional collaboration, and innovative strategies targeting corporate, community, and
international audiences
 

Mrs. Terri Ellis – Health and Wellbeing Pillar
Terri Lynn Ellis is a Community Marketing Representative at CareSource with over 20 years of experience
helping underserved populations address the social determinants of health. She specializes in Medicaid
and uses that experience to educate community partners and individuals about CareSource Benefits for
the Medicaid population.

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Mr. Keith Nelson – Building Bridges and Cross-Sector Collaboration Pillar

Keith Nelson is a retired engineer with a 35-year career defined by passion, innovation, and leadership.
Over the decades, I’ve had the privilege of contributing to world-class organizations such as Sun Oil
Refinery, Ford Motor Company, and—most recently—BP America Refinery, where I spent 17
transformative years. From my early days as a Maintenance Engineer to my final role as a Project
Operations Specialist, I’ve always approached every challenge with energy, dedication, and a steadfast
commitment to safety and reliability.

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Ms. Donnetta Carter – Building Bridges and Cross-Sector Collaboration Pillar
Donnetta Maria Carter is an active community leader in Northwest Ohio and the surrounding areas. She
serves on the Lucas County Mental Health and Recovery Service Board for a 2nd Term Appointment by
the Lucas County Commissioner's Office. Also, she provides a platform for small businesses, non-profit
organizations, and health and wellness resources.

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Ms. Michelle Zarou ESQ. – Building Bridges and Cross-Sector Collaboration Pillar
Mechelle Zarou serves as Chief People and Culture Officer and Deputy General Counsel for the sisters of
St. Francis, a role she has held since February 2022. She brings extensive experience in labor and
employment law, organizational leadership, and governance.
 

Previously, Mechelle was a partner in the labor and employment practice group at Shumaker, Loop &
Kendrick, LLP in Toledo, Ohio, where she represented employers in matters including workplace
compliance, labor negotiations, discrimination claims, and complex employment litigation. She
continues to serve the firm in an of-counsel capacity.

 

Mechelle is recognized for her strategic leadership in people operations, culture development, and legal
oversight, helping mission-driven organizations strengthen internal systems while advancing long-term
sustainability and impact.

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​State Rep. Erika White – Health and Wellbeing Pillar
State Rep. Erika White serves as Ohio State Representative for District 41 and brings more than 30 years of
experience in the telecommunications industry, including extensive expertise in outside plant design
engineering with AT&T.
 

She has nearly two decades of service as an elected Union Officer and labor leader with the
Communications Workers of America (CWA), where she developed deep experience in contract
negotiations, grievance handling, mediation, FMLA and benefits administration, and labor relations.
 

Erika also brings over 10 years of experience in the health and wellness industry, with a strong
background in wellness design, program creation, media engagement, brand development, and
community-centered health initiatives. Her leadership reflects a commitment to workforce advocacy,
community wellbeing, and strategic collaboration.

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Mrs. Ashley Yoakam – Sports and Culture Pillar
Ashley Yoakam is the Philanthropic Services Advisor at the Greater Toledo Community Foundation,
bringing more than a decade of experience in marketing, nonprofit leadership, fundraising, and
community engagement. She is deeply committed to strengthening Northwest Ohio’s nonprofit sector
through strategic philanthropy, relationship-building, and compelling storytelling.

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Ms. Meg Ressner - Past Board Chair (Advisory)
Meg Ressner is a seasoned executive and strategic advisor specializing in organizational redesign,
change leadership, and aligning people, process, and technology to drive sustainable performance. She
serves as President of Meg Ressner & Associates, LLC, supporting both for-profit and nonprofit
organizations in strengthening leadership and operational effectiveness.

Meg continues to support the organization in an advisory capacity, providing strategic insight and
leadership continuity. She was recently honored by the YMCA of Greater Toledo as a YMCA Women of
Excellence recipient, recognizing her meaningful impact on leadership and community advancement.