The Walter - Issue 7 | Spring 2024

BUILDING A THRIVING COMMUNITY

2024

LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS

Highlighting the recipients and donors of the 2024 Walter Center Leadership Scholarships

THE WALTER CENTER THE WALTER CENTER LEAD LEADERSHIP TEAM ERSHIP TEAM

Dr. Jen Traxler Executive Director Director, Wandell Fellows

Amy Toth Director of Learning and Development

Dr. Amy Taylor-Bianco Director, Master of Science in Management (MSM)

Kim Jordan Director, Strategic Leadership Certificate

Steve Musser Assistant Director, Wandell Fellows

Shawnee Meek Director, HR Management Certificate, SHRM Chapter

Tom Marchese Co-Director, Emerging Leaders

Michael Spangler Co-Director, Emerging Leaders

THE WALTER CENTER STUDENT TEAM

THE WALTER CENTER STUDENT TEAM

Back Row From Left:

Jessica Wolfe - Senior

Ryan Koenig - Junior

Ryan Maidenberg - Sophomore

Kennedy Stana - Junior

Front Row From Left:

Morgan Cefaratti - Junior

Taylor Reigle - Senior

Lexie Vincenty - MBA

Grace Cantwell - Sophomore

Not Pictured:

Liz Dziubek - Senior

Maddi Raisch - Senior

Dan Rozin - Sophomore

TABLE OF CONTENTS

3 A NOTE FROM THE DIRECTOR

EXPERIENTIAL LEADERSHIP

2024 WALTER CENTER GRADUATE DATA

BEYOND THE BRICKS : ALUMNI STORIES

EMERGING LEADERS : 10 YEAR CELEBRATION

SENIOR SPOTLIGHTS

LEADERSHIP SCHOLARSHIPS

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Jen Traxler, D ODC

traxlerj@ohio.edu

DIRECTOR OF L&D, CHIEF EDITOR

Amy Toth, M Ed totha@ohio.edu

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

A note from the Walter Center’s Director, Jen Traxler.

MANAGING EDITOR, WRITER

Lexie Vincenty, GA ‘24

PHOTOGRAPHY

Dan Rozin ‘26

ASSISTANT EDITORS

Taylor Reigle ‘24

Kennedy Stana ‘25

Liz Dziubek ‘24

Grace Cantwell ‘26

ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT

Jessica Wolfe ‘24

GRAPHIC DESIGN

Morgan Cefaratti ‘25

RESEARCH

Ryan Maidenberg ‘26

Ryan Koenig ‘25

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!

SHARE YOUR LEADERSHIP STORY

UPDATE YOUR CURRENT INFO

TAKE OUR READERSHIP SURVEY

REQUEST A MAILED COPY GET ADDED TO OUR MAILING LIST CONNECT WITH US

Painted on the side of Copeland Hall, home to the College of Business at Ohio University, are the words "Experience(s) Required: The Best Way to Learn Business is to Do Business," and in The Walter Center for Strategic Leadership, we offer a variety of experiential learning opportunities for students in the programs and certificates we LEAD.

This issue of The Walter highlights the unique and invaluable experiences offered during the spring semester. Many students participated in traditional networking trips to non-traditional locations and engaged in new programs like "LEAD LIVE…Where Leaders Unwind" and "Leader Games Challenge." Additionally, our ongoing support of the community through service-learning projects remains a testament to our commitment to experiential learning. You can read all about these enriching experiences in the pages that follow

We also welcomed a new Walter Center Leadership Team member – Mike Spangler – as CoDirector for Emerging Leaders alongside Tom Marchese beginning this semester. Mike brings a wealth of executive leadership experience at Nationwide Investment Management Group, Morgan Stanley Investment Management, and several other companies and is a true servant leader. He holds a BSBA from Elizabethtown College and an MBA from Lehigh University. Mike joined OU in the fall semester as an Executive in Residence and teaches Management in the Integrated Business Cluster He brings impressive knowledge, experiences, and connections to our EL students and is a great thought leader in our Center.

Additionally, I want to thank Amy Toth as she steps back from the Emerging Leaders CoDirector role and recognize her for all of her exceptional dedication to the program. I am also pleased to announce that Amy has been promoted to Director of Learning and Development in the Walter Center. In her new role, she will continue to lead the creative marketing and event coordination efforts while also focusing on enhancing and expanding our leadership development programs and outreach. Amy will prioritize aligning the Center's pedagogy and mission to strengthen current leadership programs and introduce new experiential learning opportunities for the students we serve.

Looking Ahead:

We hear from students, employers, alums, donors, and colleagues that the opportunities we offer our students within the Walter Center are unmatched at other institutions We will commission research to empirically support this statement this fall, so stay tuned. We are also revamping our mentoring opportunities, so if any of you are interested, please connect with me (traxlerj@ohio.edu). Coming this fall, which is hard to believe, we will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Emerging Leaders program and look forward to welcoming EL alums back to campus. Finally, we will be reaching out to alums of Walter Center programs and certificates to ensure we have accurate information and welcome you to share highlights of all the wonderful things you are doing in your lives and careers like the alums we highlight in this edition of The Walter – Chris Bellamy, Amanda Browning, Kaitlyn Haag, and Mike Prasad. We want to keep these stories coming, so if you have a story to share or want to connect with students, let us know.. We can make that happen!

Thank you for your unwavering support of all we do in the Walter Center for Strategic Leadership! We look forward to getting the students back on the bricks in the fall, but in the meantime, we will continue to plan and strengthen opportunities for them to Learn and Do Business!

EXPERIENTIAL LEADERSHIP

Empowering Leaders Through Experience

Written by: Amy Toth

TheWalterCenterForStrategicLeadershipisatrailblazerin developingleadersbyprovidingexperientialleadership opportunitiesthatareautomaticallybuiltintoourprograms. Ourphilosophyisthatleadershipisbestlearnedbydoing.Our programsaredesignedtoprovidepracticalandmeaningful hands-onexperiences,fosteringcreativethinkingand leadershipdevelopment.

Intoday'sfast-pacedworld,wherechangeistheonlyconstant, experientialleadershipchampionstheideaoflearningby doing,leadingbyunderstanding,andempathizingthrough sharedexperiences.Ourprogramsemphasizewalking alongside,hand-in-hand,throughthejourneyofgrowth, transformation,andsuccessratherthanleadingfromthe front.Thisallowsleaderstodevelopadeepunderstandingof theirstrengths,weaknesses,andleadershipstylesThrough experientiallearning,leadersidentifyblindspots,overcome limitations,andcultivateuniquestrengths.Thisselfawarenessiscriticalforeffectiveleadership,enablingleaders tobuildauthenticrelationshipswiththeirteamsandfostera cultureoftrustandcollaboration.

Ourexperientialleadershipprogramsrequirevulnerability, resilience,andawillingnesstoembraceuncertaintyThey demandcouragetoconfrontfailures,humilitytoacknowledge shortcomings,andempathytounderstanddiverse perspectivesByengaginginreal-worldexperiences,leaders canbetterunderstandtheirteammembers'diverse perspectivesandexperiences.Thisempathyand understandingareessentialforcreatinganinclusiveand supportiveworkenvironmentthatvaluesdiversityand fostersinnovation.

The Walter Center offers a variety of experiential leadership opportunities, including leadership development workshops, executive engagements through our LEAD Live series, coaching and mentoring with peers and executives, networking trips to connect with alumni, and signature events like the Lancaster Executive Speaker Series, Walter Center Etiquette Dinner, Leader Games Challenge, and the Eco Challenge. In experiential leadership, the most significant lessons are not taught but lived, and the most profound insights are not found in textbooks but rather in shared experiences and reflection

We are committed to developing our students to become global business leaders who will leave a legacy in leadership throughout their journey.

GET INVOLVED

Join us and become instrumental in developing leaders and providing unforgettable experiences.

EMBRACING EXPERIENTIAL EDUCATION

IGNITING CURIOSITY AND EMPOWERING MINDS OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM

Written by: Taylor Reigle

Experiential learning has become an essential aspect of modern education, as it helps bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical skills by immersing students in real-world scenarios The Walter Center offers two exemplary courses, MGT 3435, Leadership in Practice, and MGT 3300, Intro to HR Management, which embody the essence of experiential learning. The courses are taught by Walter Center Faculty Members Kim Jordan and Shawnee Meek. These courses provide students with hands-on experiences that help shape their understanding of sustainability, leadership, and human resources.

The Eco Challenge is a unique feature of the MGT 3435 course. It is a semester-long, cross-disciplinary, team-based simulation that focuses on sustainability. During the Eco Challenge, teams of five to seven students work together to tackle real-world sustainability issues within the Athens campus or the surrounding community. This initiative aims to encourage critical thinking, problem-solving, community engagement, and stakeholder collaboration.

The Eco Challenge stands out for its experiential approach. It's not just about coming up with solutions; it's about working hand-in-hand with community stakeholders, visiting relevant sites, and developing a sustainability project with measurable success criteria. The involvement of professionals from diverse fields like data science, banking, and engineering adds another layer of richness to the experience They provide tools and coaching to teams and help them develop robust criteria for measuring the impact and benefits of sustainability initiatives.

The Eco Challenge culminates in a final event where teams pitch their solutions to a judging panel. The judging criteria are comprehensive, assessing factors such as the validity and relevance of claimed benefits, practicality and risk implementation, ROI analysis rigor, stakeholder concerns, and overall professionalism. This rigorous evaluation ensures that students not only come up with innovative ideas but also learn to present them convincingly and professionally

To participate in the Eco Challenge, you can enroll in the MGT 3435 course, which also serves as the capstone for the Strategic Leadership Certificate

The Recruitment Business Planning Project in MGT 3300, takes experiential learning to another level by immersing students in real-life human resources functions with a client – in this case, Culinary Services.

Throughout the semester, students engage in various activities such as completing Culinary Services' orientation, meeting with managers and the executive team, touring facilities, and participating in recruiting events The weekly meetings with the student team are pivotal, allowing students to plan and execute recruiting strategies, promotions, presentations, and other creative efforts to enhance applicant and employee numbers

The final presentation in the Recruitment Business Planning Project course is a unique opportunity for students to showcase their recruitment approaches, results, and overall learnings to a live client. This hands-on experience not only sharpens their human resources skills but also fosters teamwork, creativity, and strategic thinking, crucial skills for their future careers. Students can sign up for MGT 3330 Intro to HR Management to participate in this course.

The Eco Challenge and Leadership in Practice courses offer more than just theoretical knowledge. They provide students with practical applications of what they learn, preparing them for the challenges of the professional world. The Walter Center is dedicated to expanding its list of experiential learning opportunities to ensure students are well-equipped for their future careers

R V I C E S e r v i n g o t h e r s p r e p a r e s y o u t o l e a d o t h e r s

DINING IN STYLE

A NIGHT OF ETIQUETTE, NETWORKING, AND FINE DINING WITH THE WALTER CENTER

Written by: Lexie Vincenty

On February 7th, The Walter Center hosted its annual Etiquette Dinner This event brought together students from the center's various leadership development programs to learn about proper dinner and cocktail party etiquette. The event, held in the Walter Rotunda, aimed to provide students with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the corporate business world and other professional settings.

Katie Thomson and Luke Edwards from the Business Academic Advising & Career Services office led the evening. The two career coaches provided step-by-step guidance on proper behavior and etiquette for networking, cocktail hours, and formal dinners. Topics covered included introductions, seating arrangements, eating utensils, table conversation, and other crucial details in professional settings. What made the event unique was the interactive and hands-on approach taken by the speakers. After teaching the students proper etiquette, they were allowed to put their newfound knowledge into practice immediately. The students were divided into tables, and each group was asked to simulate a professional dinner or cocktail party This approach allowed the students to engage with one another in a fun and interactive environment while also gaining valuable experience in a real-world scenario

Luke Edwards, Associate Director, Career Management and Employer Relations, emphasized the importance of the event, stating that "a lot of the things covered may not come

naturally to people, so being able to practice and understand them amongst their peers, with no pressure, was a great learning experience." The event was organized to prepare students for future interactions with potential employers. According to Amy Toth, Director of Learning & Development, dinner interviews are often included in the late rounds of the interview process, and the Etiquette Dinner provided students with the skills and knowledge necessary to make a good impression on potential employers. Associate Director of Career Management and Education Katie Thomson added that "learning best practices, tips, tricks, and proper etiquette can help students feel more confident entering those professional dining spaces. Our goal was to help inform students and provide them a safe and comfortable space to practice!"

I learned valuable skills and knowledge at the Etiquette Dinner, including conducting myself appropriately during a meal to impress potential employers. I loved learning about the history behind proper dining etiquette. The Walter Center and Emerging Leaders provide us with unique opportunities to differentiate ourselves and help us develop as students and leaders

The Walter Center's Etiquette Dinner was a unique and valuable experience for the students. The skills and knowledge gained from the event will undoubtedly prove useful in their future careers. The center would like to thank everyone involved in organizing the event, particularly Katie Thomson, whose dedication and research on the history and traditions surrounding dinner etiquette made the event much more personal and interactive. The center looks forward to continuing this tradition next year and providing future students with the same valuable experience.

Photography by: Dan Rozin

Collin Streuer, President of Emerging Leaders

RISE TO LEAD

THE FIRST ANNUAL WALTER CENTER LEADER

GAMES CHALLENGE

Written by: Taylor Reigle

Fiveexceptionalstudentleadershipchallengeteamsrepresentingthe CollegeofBusinessandthebroaderUniversitycommunitykickedoff theinauguralWalterCenterforStrategicLeadershipLeaderGames Challenge.Infusedwithstrategy,teamwork,andeffective communication,eachteamexcelledinallfourleadershipchallenges presented.Originatingfromanideaincubatedwithinthecenter,the WalterCenterteammeticulouslycraftedchallengestoassess quintessentialleadershipskills.

Themainevents SpottheDifference,RebusPuzzle,IndexCardTower Build,andEscapeRoom wereallintricatelythemedaroundtherich historyoftheWalterCenterandthespiritofOhioUniversity.Teams weregrantedabrief15-minutewindowtostrategizebefore approachingthefourchallengeswiththeallotted60-minutetime limit.

Asteamswereunleashed,theirstrategiesunfoldedinstantly.Some optedtostayunifiedandtackletaskscollectively,whileothers dispersedtoconquermultiplechallengessimultaneously.Thediverse arrayofstrategieswasfascinatingtowitness,withteamsnavigating swiftlybetweenchallenges,balancingtimeefficiencywithmaximizing pointaccrual.

TeamCanada,comprisedofstudent-athletesfromtheOhioUniversity DivisionIMen'sHockeyteamunderthementorshipofProfessorKim Jordan,securedthefirst-placepositionanda$500prize.Severalofthe athletesfromthewinningteamareenrolledinMGT2590Strategic LeadershipOnboarding,acourseinstructedbyJordan.Thepost-event debriefingsessionsbetweenstudentsandtheWalterCenterStaff Teamilluminatedvitalstrategicinsightsthatunderscoredtheessence ofeffectiveleadershipinaction.

in

Throughout the event, it became evident that successful teams strategically employed various leadership approaches, such as collaborative decision-making, agile task allocation, and adept time management Teams that effectively communicated and coordinated their efforts demonstrated the power of cohesive teamwork in overcoming challenges. Additionally, those who embraced adaptability and quick decision-making thrived in the dynamic environment of the competition, highlighting the importance of flexibility and resilience in leadership. Lastly, teams that exhibited a strategic balance between thinking outside of the box and calculated planning exemplified the art of strategic leadership, navigating challenges with confidence and foresight.

The Walter Center is thrilled about the success of this year's event and is deeply committed to its future growth and development. With plans to expand the games next year, the center aims to foster an enduring tradition that celebrates and cultivates strategic leadership excellence among students for years to come

Photography by: Dan Rozin & Bailey Martin

1st Place: Team Canada, Division 1 Men’s Hockey Team

Professor Kim Jordan with MGT 2590 Students / Team Canada Jack Glen, Tommy Kloepfer, Hollse Thompson

Participating

the Leader Games Challenge was an incredible opportunity for us to showcase our skills and strengthen our leadership capabilities It highlighted the importance of working as a team. We are already looking forward to defending our title next year!

Written by: Lexie Vincenty

Ohio University's Walter Center is thrilled to have introduced a unique addition to its program lineup, LEADLIVE – Where Leaders Unwind. This innovative chat series offers a refreshing departure from traditional sessions It provides a relaxed and informal setting where Faculty and Leadership from the College of Business and University, Alumni, and Executives can share their experiences with students. Unlike conventional formats, LEADLIVE creates a more casual and engaging atmosphere, allowing students to gain insights from seasoned leaders in a laid-back setting.

Key Takeaways

Most people have stumbled on their journey. So, when you stumble or fail, acknowledge those feelings and take the time to feel sorry for yourself It is part of the healing process However, it's important to then dust yourself off and keep going

The inaugural session of the LEADLIVE series was led by two standout leaders from the Walter Center, Maddi Raisch, President of Wandell Fellows, and Collin Streuer, President of Emerging Leaders. They were joined by Lori StewartGonzalez, President of Ohio University, and Jackie Rees-Ulmer, the Dean of the College of Business. The event was made even more special by the presence of two of the most influential women on campus. Their down-to-earth personalities, insightful wisdom, and great humor made the event unforgettable.

Leadership is to serve, especially to serve during trying times This is when your leadership is most needed, and this is when you learn to do better as an individual and as a leader

During the first session, President Gonzalez and Dean Ulmer talked about their evolving leadership styles, the vision and strategy for the University and College of Business, daily challenges, and ways they find helpful in dealing with stressful situations. The student feedback was positive and encouraging as they were able to share real life experiences and insights with these two powerful women.

Photography by: Dan Rozin

Jackie Rees Ulmer

Lori Stewart Gonzalez

The LEADLIVE program's second session was equally as successful, thanks to the expert curation of Dan Squiller, Executive Advisor to the Walter Center. The session featured former OU President Hugh Sherman and Neill Lane, serial entrepreneur, who shared invaluable insights from their distinguished careers. Their words resonated with the students, inspiring them to approach their challenges with renewed vigor Neill Lane, a seasoned leader with a wealth of experience in engineering and management, shared his journey to becoming a CEO at the age of 38, emphasizing that

“PROBLEMS ARE ACTUALLY OPPORTUNITIES IN DISGUISE.”

Former President Sherman shared his invaluable insights and wisdom acquired over years of experience in guiding institutions. He emphasized the importance of continuous learning and highlighted the shift in necessary skills and competencies that professionals require to advance in their careers. His insights were not just theoretical, but practical, equipping the audience with the tools they need to succeed "We have learned a great deal about the changing landscape of skills and competencies that are essential for your success in the future," he shared

During the session, Lane emphasized the significance of having the right people and tools to accomplish tasks in the workplace The discussion concluded with a focus on workplace culture and leadership. Lane enlightened the students on how to become a part of an organization's culture, while former President Sherman added that spending time building relationships is one of the most crucial things we need to do as leaders.

LEADLIVE proves to be a valuable experience for all attendees. The speakers shared their expertise and provided actionable knowledge to help students develop their leadership skills and make a positive impact in their organizations. The series is an excellent example of The Walter Center's commitment to providing its students with unique and enriching experiences that prepare them for success in their chosen careers.

Key Engagements

Laurent Debrue - CEO, Verkor

Deon Pohorille - COO, ASOE & Nuflow Technologies

Phil Walker - CEO, Aquam

Brian McNamee - Associate Consultant, Aquam

Allen Yurko - Chairman of the Board, Aquam

William Yurko - General Manager, The Snooty Fox

Michael Yurko - Government Research Officer

EUROPE

Allana Yurko - Analyst at JP Morgan

Cities & Landmarks

Berlin, Germany - Olympic Stadium

Lyon, France

London, England - Big Ben, The Shard

TRIP SPONSORS: Tim Holt & Dan Squiller

Company Visits & Alumni Hosts

Wells Fargo - Meg Quintana

Bespoke Sports & Entertainment - Bike Boykin

Clear Defense Pest Control - Chase Harrison

Alumni Dinner & Networking

NASCAR Hall Of Fame - Downtown Charlotte

TRIP SPONSOR: Chris Bellamy

Company Visits & Alumni Hosts

Truist Bank - Matthew Rusnak

Wells Fargo - Randy Buck, Erin James, Meg Quintana

Bank of America - Mary Abbood

A special thanks to Randy Buck for his support of $5,000 to the HR Certificate/SHRM Program

DINNER SPONSOR: Randy Buck

T H E B R I C K S

B E Y O N D

FROM BOBCAT TO BUSINESS LEADER

The messages and lessons originating from the Walter Center programs have reached a vast audience and continue to impact anyone willing to listen. While Chris Bellamy was never a member of the Walter Center or Emerging Leaders, he was inspired by the center's message and engagement. Bellamy noticed the enriching interaction between his company and these groups and decided to strengthen his relationship with the Walter Center, specifically, Emerging Leaders. He believes these foundations can help students emerge into the working world.

Ryan O'Connor, then the Director of Development for the College of Business, played a crucial role in Bellamy's introduction to the Walter Center. O'Connor demonstrated the center's capabilities and potential benefits for students and alumni, marking the beginning of Bellamy's involvement with the Walter Center

"It wasn't hard to notice the amount of time and energy put into these students and their future careers," Bellamy recalled.

Written by: Lexie Vincenty

"Everyone in the Walter Center goes above and beyond, and when I first met the students, it was hard for me not to support them. It’s also refreshing to work with Amy Toth, Tom Marchese, and all the other advisors within the center "

In addition to the generous praise given to the Emerging Leaders group and the Walter Center, Bellamy reflected on why he believes this is an essential student experience "One thing the university does well is its focus on experiential learning. This focus on the business community and student community is crucial. Over the years, it has become so important to me and my firm, and if we can help in any way, we are happy and willing to do so for these up-and-coming professionals."

As part of the immersive experience Emerging Leaders offers its students, groups of participants have been hosted yearly at Bellamy's company in Ohio. Despite its nationwide expansion, the firm provides this opportunity to young Business Bobcats to learn new things in a local and familiar environment.

Chris Bellamy's leadership at Cohen & Co. brings opportunities to Business Bobcats

Jessie Holtz, the current Director of Development for the College of Business, mentioned this when asked about the importance of Chris' involvement with this specific group: "Chris had the opportunity to host the EL group and loved the interaction. He realized how much value the executive engagements offer our students and wanted to ensure they continue to have access to those opportunities. Giving to Emerging Leaders allows him to ensure that highly motivated students from across the College have the resources necessary to grow as leaders."

Tom Marchese, the Co-Director of Emerging Leaders, reflects on his time collaborating with Bellamy and why he is such an essential aspect of their program and the Walter Center. "Chris has been integral to the success of our Emerging Leaders program He has given us his time, meeting with students and providing valuable and thoughtful advice on leadership. His financial contributions have enabled us to reach more students within our program and have enabled us to fund important initiatives, including alumni visits and training programs conducted by top leadership training professionals."

We asked Chris about the top five qualities that he observes in Business Bobcats, which are not quite developed in other incoming hires. Additionally, we asked him to narrow down his response to reflect the top five qualities that he specifically sees in Emerging Leaders Below, you can find his response

Over the years, it has become so important to me and my firm, and if we can help in any way, we are happy and willing to do so for these up-andcoming professionals.

Chris Bellamy

Besides generously donating to the Walter Center annually and hosting student groups, Bellamy also serves on the College of Business Executive Advisory Board, which he joined in 2020 after previously serving on the Finance Advisory Board. In 2018, the Finance Department awarded Bellamy a Distinguished Alumnus Award for his service to the College of Business and exceptional career beyond Ohio University.

When asked about his time serving on the board, he spoke fondly of the Ohio University community. He expressed that staying involved with the university is highly meaningful to him. Whenever he visits the campus and takes part in any event, he leaves feeling increasingly impressed He considers it a fantastic opportunity to maintain his connection to the university and hopes to find more ways to contribute.

Also, in 2018, Chris started a scholarship honoring his fatherin-law and founded the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Scholarship within the College of Business. As an OHIO alumnus, Bellamy takes pride in hiring many Bobcats postgraduation. Currently, over a hundred Bobcats are working in his firm

The Walter Center would like to thank Chris Bellamy for his continued support of Bobcats pursuing leadership development programs. His unwavering support is inspirational, needed, and much appreciated!

LEADING FOR GOOD

Making a positive impact through strategic thinking, creative innovation, and thought leadership

Written by: Lexie Vincenty

Kaitlyn Haag has a remarkable talent for transforming her passions into meaningful initiatives that positively impact the world. While at OU, Kaitlyn was in Select Leaders (now Wandell Fellows), pursued degrees in Business Administration and Marketing, and interned at Whirlpool. After completing her studies in 2017, Kaitlyn accepted a full-time position at Whirlpool and remained there for six years In December last year, she transitioned to a new role at NIVEA as an Associate Brand Manager.

As the Digital Brand Strategy Manager at Whirlpool, she ensured that brand goals aligned with e-commerce sales targets. She worked on various projects to enhance the brand websites of Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, and Amana, as well as the branded app, CRM/email, and Search Engine Optimization (SEO). In a highly strategic position, she managed external agency partnerships and the Digital Brand budget and was responsible for shaping strategies that improved brand performance.

"Embracing the values of Servant Leadership, I'm deeply committed to making a positive impact," Kaitlyn explained. In 2021, Kaitlyn co-founded the Feel-Good Fridge program with two other individuals. The community refrigerator initiative aims to tackle the hunger crisis sustainably. By repurposing returned Whirlpool fridges, they placed Feel-Good Fridges in over 300 locations nationwide. These fridges provide accessible opportunities for individuals to take home fresh food at no cost, which is a small step in the right direction towards ending food insecurity

Kaitlyn received an award for her outstanding contributions to the company for two consecutive years In 2021 and 2022, Whirlpool Brand Leadership recognized her skills in Straight Talk and Bias for Action. "It was an honor to be recognized for my ongoing dedication to fostering a culture of clear communication and taking swift initiative in dynamic marketing environments."

More recently, she collaborated with the team at Whirlpool to initiate a campaign called The Care Counts™ Laundry Program. This program donates laundry units to schools across the nation so students who might not be able to come to school with clean clothes have a space to wash and dry their clothes. Absenteeism rates in students have a direct correlation with dirty clothes, and this program is making a difference by helping underserved students.

KAITLYN HAAG ‘17

Kaitlynexplainshowservantleadershiphasimpactedherlife andcareer. "Oversixyears,mycareerjourneyacrosssales, shoppermarketing,andstrategicbrandmanagementhas shapedmeintoaresilientbrandleader,"sheexplained."My strengthsintersectstrategicthinking,creativeinnovation,and thoughtleadership.Ihaveaknackforcollaboratingcrossfunctionallytocraftstrategiesthatcaptivateconsumersand yieldimpactfulresults."

Kaitlynhasalwaysbeenamusicenthusiast,butthreeyearsago, shedecidedtotransformherpassionintoDJingatthepeakof COVIDandsocialdistancing Whatinitiallystartedasahobby becamehercherishedpursuit,whichshebrandedSouthpaw. Overthepastfewyears,shehashadtheopportunitytospin tracksforfourweddingsandseveralevents,including fundraisersandproductlaunchparties "Southpawhasbeenan incrediblejourney,andI'mexcitedforthefutureofmyDJ career!"

The Walter Center and Select Leaders (Wandell Fellows) have given me valuable insights into the professional world I often recall their core teachings while communicating with corporate leaders, managing conflict, or public speaking.

This center's professors, faculty, and peers are a gift for growing one's professional acumen before graduation

- Kaitlyn Haag

Associate Brand Manager NIVEA Creme & Soft Products

The following article is a personal recollection from Michael Prasad, an Ohio University alumnus. Michael Prasad, '87, was in the inaugural class of The Corporate Leadership Program, now the Wandell Leadership Fellows During his time at Ohio University, he was also the security director for SpringFest, served two years on the Ohio University Judiciaries Hearing Board, and was a member of Omicron Delta Kappa, the national leadership honors fraternity. He is researching and advocating nationally for big and small disaster issues affecting children, such as school safety, disaster pediatric feeding, and youth swimming safety Mr Prasad is currently Chair of the International Association of Emergency Managers-USA's Children and Disaster Caucus and is a Certified Emergency Manager®.

I have been writing the majority of my adult life. However, in high school (Athens High, class of 1983 - I'm a townie, too), I hated writing term papers because I had to do them by hand My dad was a professor at O.U. in the CBA, so I went to his office to use his IBM electric typewriter. He was a writer, too, and he has written or edited at least 16 books and hundreds of articles. Writing those high school papers started my formal typing education (QWERTY-style, six fingers, and two thumbs on the space bar).

After graduating, I started working full-time at Chase in New York City. I had interned there as part of my Select Leader fellowship. I wrote internal newsletters at Chase and H&R Block Financial Advisors from 2002-2008. In 2008, I joined the American Red Cross, where I had to handle more paperwork despite reduced writing responsibilities.

I started volunteering for the Red Cross in their disaster functions in 2006, which later became a full-time job This also involved supporting the Red Cross' International Services and Service to the Armed Forces. I helped with Holocaust tracing and family reunification Additionally, I supported our Veterans Affairs hospitals in New Jersey, assisting in getting service members home for leave when their family members needed medical attention.

When I left full-time employment with the Red Cross in 2017, I was the Regional Disaster Support Functions Director for the entire state. After a short stint as Assistant Director at the Office of Emergency Management at the New Jersey State's Department of Children and Families (which is a story yet to be written), I found myself out of work once again.

In both jobs, I wrote a lot of extensive planning documents for disasters, including a pandemic response plan for the Red Cross in New Jersey after the H1N1 outbreak in 2008, which we activated in 2014 for Ebola in the U.S."

In 2020, I returned to the Red Cross as a temporary manager in their National Headquarters. I worked for over a year on COVID-19related intelligence across the organization and helped them build a new case management system on the Salesforce platform.

After this stint, I returned to school to pursue a master's in emergency management. It had been 35 years since I had completed my BBA. I was lucky to find an affordable online school to complete my M.A., which required me to write many blog posts and papers. I even got to turn some course papers into journal articles and continue to write more.

I am still volunteering with the Red Cross and focusing on Emergency Management in my writing It is a relatively new field, and we are still figuring out what we can and cannot do. If you are interested in learning more about crises, disasters, and bears (oh my), you can read my articles, which cover a wide range of topics beyond what you see on TV

Written by: Michael Prasad

AMANDA BROWNING ‘16

Amanda Browning, a 2016 Walter Center graduate, has recently been awarded the 2024 Wandell Fellows Distinguished Alumni Award. Despite her many achievements, Amanda remains humble and grateful for the experiences that have shaped her into who she is today

LEADING WITH CONFIDENCE

A Story of Humility, Gratitude, and Success

Written by: Lexie Vincenty

During her time at Ohio University, Amanda was a member of the transformative Wandell Fellows program from Fall 2013 to Spring 2016. This selective leadership development program offers students the opportunity to learn from experienced professionals and engage in workshops and curriculum designed to help them become better leaders, a journey that Amanda still cherishes

Reflecting on her nomination for the award, Amanda expressed her deep gratitude, saying, "It's difficult to articulate how it felt to learn I was nominated because I don't feel worthy of it. At the same time, it put a smile on my face. My experience at OU was amazing, and being part of Wandell Fellows is a huge part of why my college experience was so positive " Her words reflect the profound impact the program had on her life.

Amanda credits the people integral to the Wandell Fellows program for its success Tim and Tammy Reynolds invested their time and effort in Amanda, helping her build excellent relationships The individuals who participated in the program with Amanda were incredibly impressive in terms of their emotional and intellectual intelligence. They pushed each other to become the best version of themselves personally and professionally

After graduating from Ohio University, Amanda began her career as an accounting and advisory professional with Ernst & Young LLP Today, she is the senior manager of the firm's advisory services practice. Amanda currently supervises three different project teams of varying sizes, collectively overseeing the work of 11 people in their day-to-day work Additionally, she supports five of the firm's professionals in their career development and feedback management.

Amanda has truly exceeded all expectations of alumni and their engagement within Wandell Fellows She has shown up for our organization as a mentor, as a contributing member of an alumni panel, and Amanda even attended Selection Day at 6am on a Saturday in Athens to help select our next generation of leaders. As a soonto-be graduate of this program, I really look up to Amanda because she has set the bar high for all recent alumni about to follow in her footsteps

Amanda'sWandellFellowsexperiencepreparedhertoleadwithinhercareer.She highlightedtheprogram's7HabitsofHighlyEffectivePeoplecurriculumandits contentonDifficultConversationsasparticularlyimportantinhelpingher managethedifferentneeds,careergoals,andcommunicationstylesofthepeople shesupervisesandsupports.The"SpeakasWellAsYouThink"curriculumhelped herdevelopherpresentationskills,whichshehasusedtogreateffectwhen presentingtotheBoardofDirectorsofapubliclytradedclientsheserves Shehas alsobegunleadinginpersonandonlinetraining,usingthe"SpeakasWellAsYou Think"contenttohelphernavigatetheroomwhileteaching.

Inadditiontohercareer,Amandaisheavilyinvolvedinhercommunity Shesits ontheColumbusZooandAquarium'sFinanceCommittee,istheErnst&Young PelotonCaptainforPelotonia,andvolunteersasafundraiserforcancerresearch initiativesattheJamesCancerHospitalatOhioState.

Amandaisamoreconfidentandhelpfulleaderinherworkplace,thankstothe WandellFellowsandWalterCenterexperience.Shehasdiscoveredmany opportunitieswithinhercareertoleadothersbyexample Herfavorite experiencehasbeenleadingtrainingthroughoutErnst&Young'sCentralRegion, wheresheteacheswithprofessionalsfromvariousbackgrounds.Sheisalso heavilyinvolvedinthefirm'srecruitingefforts,includingthoseofheralma mater,OhioUniversity.

Amanda'sjourneyisaninspiringexampleofwhatanywillingstudentcan accomplishduringtheirtimewithintheCollegeofBusinessandbeyondifthey wishtotakethatfirststeptowardbecomingabetterleader.TheWalterCenter congratulatesAmandaonwinningtheDistinguishedAlumnioftheYearAward andwisheshercontinuedsuccessinhercareerandcommunityinvolvement.

Maddi Raisch, President of Wandell Fellows

The Walter Center is excited to announce the upcoming celebration of the Emerging Leaders Program's 10th anniversary. Emerging Leaders has been instrumental in helping more than 350 students develop into confident and capable global business leaders. To commemorate this significant milestone, an exciting reunion event is planned for this fall to bring together alums from all ten cohorts, past directors, and other program supporters

Emerging Leaders will introduce a new annual tradition during the celebration by presenting an Emerging Leaders Distinguished Alumni Award. This award acknowledges the outstanding contributions of alums who have continued to lead and make a difference on campus, in their careers, and in their communities It is an excellent way to recognize and appreciate the efforts of alums who have gone above and beyond in their leadership roles and continue to support the Emerging Leaders Program.

The program's success is the result of the generous time and mentoring of alumni, as well as sponsorships and donor funds that have supported every student who has gone through the program. We are grateful for this support, which has enabled us to empower generations of leaders.

If you are an alumnus of the Emerging Leaders Program, we hope to see you back on the brcks of Athens in the fall as we celebrate the program's incredible achievements and continue to inspire the next generation of global business leaders. This is an excellent opportunity to reconnect with your fellow alumni, network with other cohorts, and celebrate the program's achievements over the past decade. We hope to see you in the fall!

PLEASE SIGN UP HERE IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO RECEIVE UPDATED INFORMATION ON THIS CELEBRATION.

PHILLIP TAYLOR

Philliphaspursuedadiverserangeofstudiesduringhisfouryears,includinga BachelorofBusinessAdministration(BBA)andaMasterofBusiness Administration(MBA)withafocusonManagementInformationSystems(MIS) andBusinessAnalytics,andhehasalsoearnedaCybersecurityCertificate PhilliphasbeenapartofWandellFellowsforthepast3years,servingasbotha networkingtripleadinhisJuniorandSenioryears,whereherecentlypilotedthe firstinternationaltriptoEuropewiththegroup.Hehasalsocompleted internshipsatCiscoSystemsandFiserv,gainingvaluableinsightsandhands-on skillsinthetechindustry.

Lookingahead,PhilliphasambitiousplanstopursueanIndividual InterdisciplinaryProgramPh.D.atOhioUniversity,abrand-newprogramfocused onorganizationalpsychology Hisgoalistodelveevendeeperintotheintersection ofbusiness,technology,andcybersecurity,aimingtocontributemeaningfullyto thesefieldsthroughresearchandinnovationwhilealsofocusingonpeople Phillip'sstoryisatestamenttothepowerofeducation,curiosity,and perseverance.Welookforwardtoseeingalltheincredibleachievementshewill undoubtedlyaccomplish. UP NEXT FOR PHILLIP UP NEXT FOR

PHILLIP

OLIVIA CASENHISER

Olivia'sjourneyatOhioUniversityhasbeenremarkable,markedbyher outstandingachievementsandleadershiprolesinManagementInformation Systems(MIS),BusinessAnalytics,andManagementandStrategicLeadership. Shehasdemonstratedadeepcommitmenttoexcellence,innovation,and societalimpactthroughoutherstudentlife.

Olivia'sexceptionalorganizationalskillsandprofoundunderstandingof complextechnologicalframeworkswereevidentnotonlyduringhertenureas theVicePresidentofOperationsforInformationSystemsandAnalytics Professionalsbutalsoasatestamenttoherremarkableabilitytobalanceher academicandsocialresponsibilities,reflectedinherroleasvicepresidentof PhilanthropyforEmergingLeaders.

Oliviahonedheradaptability,analyticalacumen,andprojectmanagement capabilitiesduringherGoodyearandJPMorganChaseinternships,whereshe workedonworkloadautomationandfraudscenarioanalysis Theseexperiences reinforcedhermultidimensionalskillset,positioningherasapromisingleader atthenexusofbusinessandtechnology

OliviawillgraduatewithatriplemajorinMIS,BusinessAnalytics,and Management&StrategicLeadership.Post-graduation,Oliviahassecureda positionasaCADPanalystatJPMorganChaseinChicago,whereshewill leverageherskillsandexperiencetofurtherhercareer.Shehasfondmemories ofnetworkingwithalumniduringhertimeatOhioUniversity.Olivia'sjourney atOhioUniversityservesasaninspirationforstudentswhoaspiretoexcelin businessandtechnologywhilemakingapositiveimpactonsociety.

AJ RAUSCH

AJ Rausch exemplifies academic and professional excellence. With a major in Communication Studies, a minor in Marketing, and certificates in Sales, Strategic Leadership, and Entrepreneurship, his educational pursuits have been distinguished by his dedication and commitment to growth

AJ's academic journey includes job shadowing at Callaway Golf and interning with the Athens Ohio Investment Alliance. He is also a student-athlete in baseball, a member of the Ohio Fellows Scholars program, and participates in the Ralph and Lucy Schey Sales Centre, demonstrating his multifaceted approach to personal and professional development.

Looking forward, AJ plans to return to Athens to pursue the MSM program while continuing his athletic pursuits in baseball. His dedication to lifelong learning and advancement is exemplified in his testimonial regarding the Strategic Leadership Certificate program:

"The Strategic Leadership Certificate program prepared me well for postgraduation life. The faculty was caring and dedicated, and the coursework was enriching and applicable. It allowed me to build meaningful connections and opened doors to opportunities like the accelerated graduate program for MSM I highly recommend this program to all Ohio University students. Go Bobcats!"

MASTER OF SCIENCE IN MANAGEMENT: STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP FOCUS

SALMA YOUSSEF

Salma Youssef, a communication major at Ohio University, has had a fruitful journey during her time at the university. With a keen interest in human resources management, Salma decided to pursue a certificate in this field alongside her major.

During her time at Ohio University, Salma has been an active member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) where she serves as the Vice President of Communications and Board Secretary. Her involvement with SHRM has provided her with opportunities to enhance her leadership and networking skills, and to develop her professionalism.

Salma's experiences have also included internships with the Human Resources Association of Central Ohio (HRACO) in Columbus, Ohio, and with the University Human Resources department at Ohio University. These internships have allowed her to gain practical experience in the field of human resources management and have provided her with valuable insights into the industry.

Salma's experiences have prepared her for a successful career in human resources

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