“I’m excited to have this dynamic group of individuals join our Foundation Board of Directors,” said Toni Overholser, director of the Clark State Foundation. “Each of them has a very impressive set of skills that will be used to support our mission; to change lives through education and build stronger workforce and community.”
The Clark State Foundation works to support individual and community enrichment by engaging donors to remove financial barriers and increase college success through educational and cultural programs, according to a statement by the Foundation.
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The Foundation also seeks to ensure that a high-quality college education is accessible to all residents in the areas served by Clark State.
New members include;
Cindy Barnett of Springfield
Barnett serves as an attorney with Martin, Browne, Hull and Harper.
Barnett said she is looking forward to working with other board members to continue the Foundation’s work and help build upon its successful programs.
“The Foundation provides a variety of resources to help students in our community be successful with their educational goals,” Barnett said.
Shashi Chada of Springfield
Chada has been an adjunct faculty member at Clark State since 1978.
She previously served on the Foundation board for nine years and enjoyed the different ways the foundation was involved in Springfield community activities.
“I enjoyed being part of the scholarship committee and the Champion City Scholars program,” Chada said.
Joseph Monnin of Springfield
Monnin is a graduate of Villanova University School of Law. After 15 years in private practice in Clark County, he was elected judge of the Clark County Juvenile Court.
Monnin returned to Clark State in the 1980s as a adjunct professor in three different departments.
He brings experience in job readiness and college matriculation programs as well as establishing and managing educational trusts.
Ben Vollrath of Bellefontaine
Vollrath assumed the role of president of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce in August with the task of advancing the economic development efforts of the community.
Vollrath said the region has incredible job opportunities but a significant shortage of workers.
“The Clark State Foundation helps our local residents who want to learn, grow and prepare themselves to contribute in rewarding careers, making their dream a reality,” Vollrath said. “By removing financial barriers for education, our residents win, our employers win and our community wins.”
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Vollrath is most looking forward to learning more about Clark State’s initiatives, connecting Logan County to the Clark State network and being part of a workforce solution.
“Clark State has partnered with Ohio Hi-Point Career Center in our community for many years,” Vollrath said. “With my position on the board, I hope to build and expand on the relationship so Logan County can better utilize all that Clark State has to offer.”
Katherine Hoptry of Beavercreek
Hoptry is a senior recruiter at Riverside Research. Her career in recruiting spans several years and involves several different roles in the public, private and government sectors.
Hoptry said it is vitally important to have diverse people come together as a team to work towards engaging and inspiring the community to remove financial barriers for students who want an education.
“The Clark State Foundation board’s vision of ensuring high quality college education is accessible to all residents of this area,” Hoptry said. “I look forward to making a difference in our local community through serving on the board. Education is transformative tool that everyone should have access to regardless of socioeconomic and financial status.”
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