Board of Governors

The 26-member Bexley Education Foundation Board of Governors includes representatives from the Bexley Board of Education, Bexley City Council, Bexley Schools Faculty and Capital University. Community members elected as Regular Members to the Bexley Education Foundation Board of Governors can serve up to three consecutive three-year terms. Special Members serve one-year renewable terms. Board Officers are elected to one-year, renewable terms except for the Board Chair who serves a two-year consecutive term. The Board has an overall goal to build a more diverse and inclusive Foundation Board of Governors, recognizing the importance and value of a board composed of individuals with a variety of skills, perspectives, backgrounds and resources in advancing the Foundation’s mission.

  • Adam Eisenberg is a Principal of Sokol Eisenberg Insurance, a boutique agency that advises both families and businesses in Central Ohio and beyond. Adam is a member of the Bexley Class of 1991 and attended the University of Cincinnati. He serves on the Boards of the Jewish Community Center of Greater Columbus, as well as Congregation Tifereth Israel (Past President) and is currently the President of the Columbus Jewish Historical Society. Adam and his wife Jill are the parents of two Bexley graduates and a current BHS sophomore.

  • Mike Agriesti is a Co-founder and Partner of Bluestone Wealth Partners. He is a 1987 graduate of Bexley High School and earned a BA in Journalism from The Ohio State University. Mike earned his Certified Financial Planner™ certification in 2004. Prior to co-founding Bluestone Wealth Partners, Mike was with Steinhaus Financial Group as well as a registered representative with Capital Analysts. Mike is an active member of the Financial Planning Association and currently serves in a variety of community and professional activities. Mike and his wife Tanja are the parents of one Bexley graduate and one current Bexley student.

  • Alex Marsh is an Investment Specialist and Commercial Sales and Leasing Agent for The Robert Weiler Company. He provides national, regional, and local clients expert knowledge on the Ohio commercial real estate market. Alex graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Entrepreneurship. Alex is deeply passionate about the community. He serves on the American Red Cross Young Professionals Board, the Center of Science and Industry (COSI) Young Professional Board and captains the Robert Weiler Company Pelotonia Team. Alex and his wife, Katie are both members of the Bexley High School class of 2010.

  • Angela Mugler is a Bexley graduate and holds a Bachelor's degree from Ohio University. Her work experience includes merchandising at Abercrombie & Fitch, Levi’s and Gap, Inc as well as market research at A&F. She is the Co-Founder of Redress wardrobe styling company, and creator of Off the Record jewelry brand. Angela has volunteered with the Ronald McDonald House and Harpers Corner organizations and is currently involved with Mother Funders giving circle. Angela and her husband Jonathan are the parents of four Bexley students.

  • Joy Walker is a vascular surgeon specialist with the OhioHealth Physician Group. She graduated from Cornell University with a BS in Financial Management prior to completing a post baccalaureate Premedical Program at Columbia University in 2004. A Texas native, Walker graduated from the University of Texas Southwestern Medical School with her MD in 2009 and completed her residency in general surgery and a fellowship in vascular surgery at the University of California School of Medicine. Joy and her husband Kumi are the parents of two Bexley students.

Jeff Schellhaas, Bexley Education Foundation Board Member

  • Jeff Schellhaas is a CPA and Partner in the firm of Kagay and Schellhaas. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University and a member of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants and the American Institute of Certified Accountants. Jeff was introduced to the work of the Bexley Education Foundation when his wife Kim chaired the Foundation’s BRAVO! event in 2017. Jeff and Kim have lived in Bexley for 14 years and are the parents of a Columbus School for Girls graduate and a current Bexley High School student.

  • Sommer L. Sheely is a Partner with Bricker & Eckler LLP, where she focuses on Energy development & sustainability and chairs the Firm’s Energy Litigation Practice. Sommer is a graduate of The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and Ohio Wesleyan University. She previously served on the Board of the Columbus Children’s Theatre and as President of the Federal Bar Association and Ohio Women’s Bar Association. She chaired the Foundation’s BRAVO! Fundraiser in 2020. Sommer and her husband David are the parents of two Bexley students She enjoys traveling and camping with her husband and two sons (grades 6 and 4), as well as supporting their sports and music activities. She previously served as Chair of the Bexley Education Foundation’s BRAVO! fundraiser.

  • Sarah Saxbe is a Project Manager for Health Education at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, focusing on creating and implementing programming surrounding teen reproductive health education in schools. Sarah is a 1993 graduate of Bexley High School. She earned her BA in Psychology from Miami University and a Masters Degree in Social Work from The Ohio State University. Over the past eight years Sarah has served as Secretary and Vice Chair for Grants and Vice Chair for Alumni Relations on the Foundation’s Board of Governors. She and her husband Andy Bartz are long-time Bexley residents and are the parents of one Bexley graduate and a current high school student. In her free time Sarah likes to read, run, and spend time with her high maintenance vizsla, Buda.

Jason Fine, Bexley Education Foundation Board of Governors

  • Dr. Jason Fine became the Bexley City Schools Superintendent in July of 2021. Dr. Fine has been an educator since 2002. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Ohio University, a Masters in Education from Cambridge College, a Certificate in Educational Leadership from Salem International University, and a Doctorate in Education from Miami University. Prior to becoming Bexley Schools Superintendent, Dr. Fine was the principal at both Jones Middle School and Barrington Elementary School in Upper Arlington. He and his wife Meredith are the parents of an Upper Arlington graduate and a current Bexley High School student.

Katie Bucco, Bexley Education Foundation Board of Governors

  • Judge Chris Brown grew up in Columbus, Ohio, where he graduated from Columbus South High School. He attended THE Ohio State University, majoring in political science, before receiving his juris doctor from Capital University Law School in 2005. In November 2014, at age 34, he became one of the youngest judges in the state to be elected to the Common Pleas bench.

    Prior to his election, Judge Brown worked six years as an assistant prosecutor for Franklin County, primarily in the Special Victims Unit, prosecuting sexual assault offenses and crimes against women and children. In 2012, he left that position to work as a criminal defense attorney throughout Ohio, defending individuals charged with offenses ranging from Aggravated Murder to traffic citations.

    Judge Brown is licensed in the State of Ohio, United States Federal Court for the Southern District of Ohio, and the Sixth Circuit Federal Court of Appeals.

    When not on the bench, Judge Brown enjoys spending time with his wife Jennifer and their two daughters, doing puzzles, gardening, cooking, playing basketball, and coaching youth sports.

  • Katie Bucco is an active volunteer within the Bexley School community and has served as a substitute counselor at Maryland Elementary. She holds a BA in psychology from Denison University and a Masters in Education from the University of Dayton and has worked as a school counselor in both the Amanda Clearcreek and Olentangy School Districts. Katie and her husband Aaron are the parents of three Bexley students.

  • Francisco is Director of Nuveen Green Capital. He has extensive experience across commercial real estate as a lender, developer and through roles in private equity.Francisco started his career as a resiliency planner for large cities, so he is passionate about improving sustainability in the built environment. He enjoys working with clients to identify the best sustainable financing options for their unique projects. Francisco holds an MBA from Duke University, a MS from the University of Chicago and a BS from Georgetown University. He and his wife, Erin have four children, three of whom attend Cassingham Elementary.

  • Heidi Dorn is Assistant General Counsel for the law firm of Dinsmore & Shohl. Her practice focuses on legal ethics and risk management as well as assisting lawyers outside of the firm with ethical issues. She also represents healthcare clients in licensure matters. Heidi regularly presents at seminars on ethical issues for lawyers and law students throughout the United States. She serves as a member on the Bexley Board of Zoning Appeals, is an assistant coach for U-12 Barcelona United Soccer Club and is a past PTO Board Member. Heidi holds a JD from Capital University Law School and a BS in Finance from the University of Dayton. She and her husband Ted have two daughters who attend Cassingham Elementary.

  • Brent Foley is a Principal at Triad Architecture, having started with the firm in high school as an intern in 1998. He is currently a Partner whose focus is on building the vision and culture of the firm. Brent holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati.. He is a self-proclaimed “huge nerd” with a love of comics. Brent is an advocate for the Columbus community, serving through various organizations including the Center for Architecture and Design, Mt. Carmel College of Nursing Board, German Village Commission, Bexley City Schools Facilities Advisory Committee, the Harmony Project, and others. He enjoys spending his spare time with this amazing wife and brilliant, fun kids.

Courtney Hanna, Bexley Education Foundation Board of Governors

  • Bayardo Gonzalez is a Consultant at Nationwide Insurance, specializing in forecasting and analyzing agency performance and compensation. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from Columbia University and a Master’s in Public Policy from Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government.

    Bayardo and his wife, Carrie Sheehan, have been residents of Bexley for nearly 20 years. They are proud parents of a Bexley High School graduate and a 9th grader at Bexley High School.

Larry Helman, Bexley Education Foundation Board of Governors

  • Courtney Hanna is the President/Principal Attorney of the law firm, Joseph & Joseph & Hanna where she works on complex domestic/family law cases and intricate real estate transactional and litigation matters. She is a 1999 graduate of Bexley High School and holds a BS from Miami University and a JD from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Courtney is active with the Bexley Women’s Club and is a girl scout troop leader. She has served on the Women’s Board for the March of Dimes, was a founding member of Strike Out Thyroid Cancer and was a member of ArtNetwork through the Columbus Museum of Art. Courtney and her husband Drew are the parents of two Bexley students.

  • Larry Helman was a partner at NBBJ where he managed an extensive number of major global planning projects. He received a BS degree in 1970 and a Master’s of City and Regional Planning in 1972 from Ohio State. He and his wife Kay are the parents of two Bexley High School graduates and the grandparents of two current students. Larry currently serves on the Architectural Review Board for the City of Bexley.

  • Linda Hodge has taught third and fourth grades at Montrose Elementary in the Bexley City School District for the past 27 years. From 2008 - 2011 Ms. Hodge was the building Teacher Leader during the transition from Literacy Collaborative to Impact Literacy.She holds an undergraduate degree in economics and business management from Hartwick College and earned her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and Teaching from Fairleigh Dickinson University. In addition she holds the Gifted Endorsement. Linda and her husband Scott Hoyer are the parents of three Bexley graduates. In her spare time Linda enjoys traveling, cooking and finding new books for her classroom and students.

  • Dave started his career as an actuary with Connecticut General and then as a financial analyst with Capital Holding Corporation. He joined Motorists in 1986 and has served in several leadership roles, including appointed actuary, mergers and acquisitions, commercial lines and information technology. Dave joined the Motorists executive leadership team as senior vice president and CIO in 2000. He was elected executive vice president by the Motorists Mutual board of directors in 2010 and then was named executive vice president for all companies in the group in 2011. Dave was elected president and COO in 2012 and became president and CEO for all companies in the group a year later.

    Dave earned bachelor’s degrees in mathematics and economics, graduating cum laude from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1981. He was captain of the varsity basketball team and active with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

    After graduation, he earned the ACAS designation and is a member of the American Academy of Actuaries. Dave received the Lifetime Achievement Award presented by the Griffith Insurance Education Foundation and is a member of the CEO Action for Diversity and Inclusion.

    As co-chair of the Insurance Industry Resource Council (IIRC) formed by Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Dave led the development of insurance and risk management programs in 12 universities across Ohio. Encova established a robust internship program and a call center staffed by students at Ohio Dominican University. 

    After retiring from Encova, Dave was named interim president of Capital University on June 2, 2020. On July 26, 2021, the Board of Trustees announced he would become Capital’s permanent president.

    Locally, Dave has served as a board member of the Columbus Partnership, the Ronald McDonald House, and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. He is the founder of Future Possibilities, a nonprofit organization that partners with the Columbus City Schools to provide life skills coaching to youth in under-served communities. His community service includes past or present board positions with the American Association of Insurance Services, American Property Casualty Insurers Association, TrustedChoice.com, NAMIC Property and Casualty Conference Board, Ohio Insurance Institute, Columbus Partnership, the Ronald McDonald House, and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce.

    Dave and his wife, Nan have with three daughters, two sons-in-law, and one granddaughter. The Kaufmans are active members of All Saints Lutheran Church in Worthington and Dave has served on the board of trustees of All Shepherds Lutheran Church in Lewis Center. He enjoys all sports and actively golfs, skis, and plays platform tennis.

  • Katie Kaufman, a 1989 graduate of Beley High School, is a community volunteer and philanthropist who has served on boards and committees throughout Columbus. She is a former educator who still enjoys service in the realm of helping at-risk youth. Katie and her husband Brett are the parents of two Bexley graduates and one current Bexley high school student.

  • In 2019, Mr. King was co-leader of the school levy campaign and has been in continued service to Bexley Schools as a member of the Treasurer’s Finance Advisory Council and a member of last year’s strategic planning subcommittee on diversity, equity, and inclusion. He also was a candidate for the Board of Education in 2021.

    Mr. King works in public finance and has expertise in financing for public entities, including public school districts. He has served on multiple boards, including SWACO and the Columbus Montessori Education Center. He also is a member of Bexley’s Board of Zoning and Planning Committee.

  • Amy Lauerhass started her own business, Lauerhass Architecture, specializing in renovations and additions to older homes, in 2014. She graduated from the University of Cincinnati with a Bachelor of Architecture. She is a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners Roundtable, a member of the Bexley United Methodist Church community, former secretary for the Bexley Music Parents, and a member of the Bexley City Schools Facilities Advisory Committee. Amy and her husband Dave are the parents of two Bexley graduates. In her spare time, Amy enjoys gardening, reading, scrapbooking and traveling.

  • Carl Lewis is an Engineering Manager, TechOps/SRE at Corelight Inc. A self-described “recovering lawyer” Carl Lewis is an experienced senior software developer with a demonstrated history of working in the financial technology industry. Carl received his JD from Case Western Reserve University School of Law and holds a BS in Management and Technology from Rensselaer Polytechnic institute. Carl has two children who attend Bexley Schools.

  • Alison Merzel is the founder of AHM Advising LLC, an independent educational consulting practice focused on helping high school students and families find their best-fit post-secondary educational options. Prior to launching her business in 2019, Alison was at The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business for 15 years, most recently as the Senior Director of Graduate Recruiting and Admissions.

    Alison holds a BS from Northwestern University in Communications and Spanish and a Master of Labor and Human Resources from The Ohio State University. She has a certificate in Independent Educational Consulting from the UC Irvine Division of Continuing Education. In the summer of 2024, Alison became the 6th education professional in the state of Ohio to earn the designation of CEP (Certified Educational Planner). Alison is a Wow Writing Workshop Certified College Essay Coach and completed the Gap Year Association’s 2022 Counselor Institute.

    Alison is a professional member of IECA, the Independent Educational Consultants Association, where she serves as co-chair of the Jewish IEC Affinity Group and member of the College Tour subcommittee. She is also a member of NACAC, OACAC, and OASFAA and serves as an Advisory Board Member for College Planner Pro, software that is designed exclusively for IECs.

    Locally, Alison is a member of the Bexley Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Board of Trustees of Congregation Tifereth Israel where she serves as the Co-Chair of the synagogue’s Personnel Committee.

    Alison and her husband, Jeff, have lived in Bexley for 17 years and have three children in the Bexley school district - one at Cassingham Elementary and two at Bexley High School. The Merzel family is not complete without mention of Marvin, an Australian Labradoodle, and Toby, a Cavapoo.

  • Lori is Founder and Principal Consultant at LGR Consulting as well as a Senior Consultant with Metis Associates, where she has dedicated over two decades to enhancing outcomes for youth and communities through her expertise in education, research, evaluation, and advocacy. She has extensive experience in program evaluation in diverse content areas, such as educational technology, out-of-school time, equity, arts, STEM/STEAM, health, and high needs schools. She works closely with program personnel on federal, state, and locally-funded initiatives to assess outcomes and provide technical assistance to develop programs. Lori has also worked as a public school teacher and technology coordinator.

    She holds a doctorate in Instructional Technology and Media from Teachers College, Columbia University, a master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Cincinnati, and a bachelor’s degree in Special Education from Miami University. She and her husband Jason are parents of one Bexley graduate and a current high school student.

Jessica Saad, Bexley Education Foundation Board of Governors

  • Kathleen is a 1986 graduate of Bexley High School. She and her husband Michael are the parents of two Bexley graduates.

  • Jessica Saad was elected to Bexley City Council in 2020. She currently serves as Chair of Bexley Park & Recreation and is the liaison to Park and Recreation Board and the Bexley Education Foundation. Jessica received her BA in Telecommunications and Political Science from Indiana University. She has 15 years of experience in private, public, start-up, and owner and operator business. Jessica has taken on many leadership roles with community organizations in Bexley including chairing the Foundation’s BRAVO! fundraiser in 2019. Her passions include tennis, running, the Columbus Blue Jackets, coaching youth sports, and waterskiing. She and her husband, Adam are the parents of three Bexley students and an energetic goldendoodle named Lucky.

  • Steve Werman serves as their Chief Financial Officer for HOMAGE, a retro and vintage apparel brand and retail company founded in 2007. Steve graduated from Bexley High School in 2001. He earned his degree in Accounting and Finance from Indiana University and an MBA from The Ohio State University. Steve worked for KPMG in Chicago prior to returning to Columbus and teaming up with his longtime friends at HOMAGE. Steve enjoys cooking and playing sports such as soccer, basketball and golf. He and his wife Sherry, a teacher in the Upper Arlington School District, are the parents of three Bexley students.