We are so thankful for all the dedicated board members who donate their time and leadership to support our affiliate in serving our mission to build a world where everyone has a decent place to live.
Michelle Molinet - Board President
JW Didado
Michelle L. Molinet is chief financial officer for J.W. Didado Electric, LLC. In her role as CFO, Michelle serves as a strategic partner to the president and helps shape overall financial strategy and direction. She is responsible for all financial and accounting functions within the company and works directly with executive leadership to support operations.
Prior to joining J.W. Didado in 2015, Michelle held a senior financial position for a privately held company and was a Sr. Manager in the Audit and Assurance Division at a regional public accounting firm where she specialized in Construction Accounting.
Michelle is a graduate of Malone University and a Certified Public Accountant. She is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Ohio Society of CPA’s
Jake Frego - Immediate Past Board President
Retired
Jake Frego retired as senior vice president of Bank of America and served on the Ohio Market President Board for Business Integration. Before joining Bank of America, Jake spent seven years as a director with the Milwaukee Brewers Baseball Club.
Jake is married to Janet, and they have four children. He serves on various boards at Archbishop Hoban High School, the University of Notre Dame, and Habitat for Humanity Summit County.
David Oeschger - Vice President
Attorney, The Becker Law Firm
Dave is an alumni of both Leadership Akron and Torchbearers, and he is a 2009 graduate of the University of Akron School of Law. He currently practices with The Becker Law Firm, where he primarily focuses on the area of medical malpractice. He grew up in a Christian household, and he has strong connections with several local churches and pastors. He is currently a member of Grace Church in Bath, and he has also had previous involvement with Habitat. Additionally, Dave has volunteered with Akron Children’s Hospital and the Akron Zoo, and he is still a coach for the University of Akron law school’s nationally recognized mock trial team. Dave has a passion for people, and is always willing to help those in need. As a member of the Board, he will use both his legal knowledge and community ties to further the interests of Habitat.
Michelle Carano - Board Treasurer
True Digital Communications
Michelle previously was with Meaden & Moore and was our auditor for nearly 10 years. She brings a strong understanding of our financials and a commitment to Habitat of what we do. In addition to her technical abilities in accounting and finance, she is dedicated to being present and engaged and has an overall passion to serve others and make a difference in their lives. Michelle is a graduate of the University of Akron and involved in as the secretary of her condo association board, Leadership Akron alumni, and the Athena events for Akron Community Foundation and the Women’s Endowment Fund.
Kelli Shultz - Board Secretary
Shultz Construction & Design
Kelli Shultz is excited to join Habitat in making a difference in Summit County and beyond! She believes knowledge is power and is committed to spreading equality of opportunity for all. Kelli is resident of the City of Green and graduate of University of Akron (’13). She currently owns and operates Shultz Design & Construction, a second generation building firm, together with her family as well as serving as Principal Broker for Shultz Realty. She currently serves on the Advisory Boards of Green Family YMCA, Great 8 Race Series (City of Green), and is a member of the Homebuilders Association Serving Portage and Summit Counties.
Marie Brilmyer, CPA, MAcc
Partner, Assurance Cohen & Company
Marie has close to 20 years of experience performing assurance services to closely held businesses. She helps private companies of all sizes work through a variety of technical issues and provides consulting services to assist clients with special projects. Although she works with clients in a number of industries, an additional focus area for Marie lies in working with not-for-profit organizations. Her significant background gives her the necessary credentials and knowledge to perform audits in accordance with the Uniform Guidance.
Marie lives in Akron, Ohio, with her husband and their three children. When she is not cheering on her kids at swim meets, baseball games, or soccer matches, she volunteers her time on a local, state, and national level. She is an avid volunteer in the Akron community, currently serving on the Boards of Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, Victim Assistance Program, and Firestone Akron Swim Team. In addition, she volunteers for committees for the Ohio Society of CPAs (Women’s Initiatives Committee) and the American Institute of CPAs (Technical Issues Committee).
Dave Woodburn
Western Reserve Trust Company
EMERITUS – David joined Western Reserve Trust Company in 2024 after nearly 27 years in private law practice where he focused primarily on estate planning, wealth transfer and succession planning, probate and trust administration, inheritance controversy litigation, and real estate law. As the Relationship Manager and Director of Business Development for WRTC, David focuses his attention on providing concierge level service to clients and collaborating closely with clients’ other professional advisors to make sure the needs and goals of the clients are constantly being addressed. David works closely with professional advisors throughout the state and prides himself on working collaboratively to find the best solutions for the clients. Prior to joining WRTC, David worked with Roetzel & Andress, LPA in their Cleveland and Akron offices and, over the course of his career, has served in multiple leadership positions within his law firms. Over the years, David has been a frequent presenter and author on a wide array of estate planning and real estate related topics. David and his wife, Christine, live in Bath, Ohio and have three daughters. In his free time, David enjoys coaching volleyball, playing golf, running obstacle course races, and supporting the professional Cleveland sports teams.
Brian Bender
Principal Financial
Pastor Mark Frey
The Bath Church, UCC
Patrick Miller
Retired
Patrick Miller retired from Reliance Standard Life Insurance Company, a member of The Tokio Marine Group.
He worked for Standard Insurance Company for two decades where he held various roles of increasingly responsible sales & management positions in both home office and the field environments. Prior to joining Reliance Standard, Mr. Miller was President of Client First Group of Ohio which provided employee benefit consulting for clients which employed 1,000 plus employees. Mr. Miller holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from University of Oregon.
Lynda Nowak
Senior Vice President Huntington Bank
Lynda is our new relationship manager for Habitat for Humanity. She has 27 years in the banking industry with an MBA from Baldwin Wallace and well as an undergrad in finance. She is passionate about helping people especially those who need access to fundamental basics needs like food, clothing and shelter. She has an objective eye and makes clear decisions as well as being a quick learner and is a strong negotiator. She is active in the Medina and Wadsworth Chambers of Commerce, the Medina Economic Development Fund and attends church at Bethel Cleveland. She volunteers with United Way and the Battered Women’s Shelter.
Carla L. Chapman
Akron Public Schools
Chapman began her career with Akron Public Schools in 1995. Recently appointed as the district’s Chief Diversity Officer, she works to promote equity and inclusion across the district, staff and community engagement. Her recent work includes a focus on diversity training and coaching for teachers, school leaders, families and other professionals. An Akron native, Chapman has dedicated her career to advocating for urban families and children.
Chapman earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University in 1985 and a Master of Arts degree from The University of Akron in 1994, both degrees in the study of Family and Consumer Science. She holds a number of certifications including social services coordination, divorce & community mediation, adult experiential learning, diversity and trauma training. She is currently pursuing her doctorate in Interprofessional Leadership with a Cultural Foundations focus.
In her first job with APS, Chapman worked as the Enterprise Community Family Services Liaison for several inner-city schools in low-income neighborhoods. She coordinated student and family support services, including: after-school programs, health services, academic interventions, and case management.
In 1997, Chapman became a Social Services Specialist for the district. She coordinated several local, state and federal grant projects serving students in grades K-12, bringing many organizations together in creative partnerships with APS.
Then, from 2003-2009, she became a Special Projects Coordinator. In this role, Chapman developed a nationally recognized after-school model called Perkins Activities Central. PAC brought community partners together from throughout Summit County to address barriers to academic achievement.
WKYC-TV highlighted the program as a best practice in its 2006 documentary, “Making the Grade: Helping our Kids Achieve.”
In her current position, Chapman serves on several community boards and advisory councils, including Akron Community Foundation, Alchemy, Inc., Habitat for Humanity and Portage Path Behavioral Health and the Akron Community Foundation.
She is also a Child and Family Leadership Exchange (CFLE), Class II graduate and a Leadership Akron (LA), Class XXV graduate.
In 2003, the YWCA named Chapman a Woman of Achievement for becoming the first female in Akron to be named the head coach of a boy’s basketball team and was awarded the Athlete of the Millennium award by the Akron Beacon Journal.
Brian LaPolla
Vice President, Facilities Operations & Logistics Akron Children's Hospital
Brian Lapolla is Vice President of facilities operations and logistics at Akron Children’s Hospital. He oversees planning, construction, space allocation, facilities maintenance, emergency preparedness, supply chain, public safety, and parking for the organization. Brian earned his Bachelor and Master of Architecture degrees from The Ohio State University and a Master of Business Administration in Kent State University’s Executive MBA program. Brian is a licensed architect in the State of Ohio and is LEED accredited from the United States Green Building Council.
Brian is active in the community, serving on the Silver Lake Planning Commission, Safety Committee for the Boys and Girls Club of the Western Reserve, board member of the Summit Choral Society and Habitat for Humanity of Summit County and previously as a board member of the American Institute of Architects Akron Chapter and as an adjunct faculty member at Kent State University.
Catey Scanlon
Director of Economic Development, inSITE Advisory Group, LLC
After more than a decade of public service to Northeast Ohioans, Catey Scanlon joined inSITE Advisory Group as the Director of Economic Development. Catey most recently served as the Director of Strategic Development for the City of Akron where she co-led the Office of Integrated Development and served on the Mayor’s Cabinet. As Director of Strategic Development, Catey was responsible for the Divisions of Downtown Operations, Recreation & Parks, and Small Business & Entrepreneurship, and led the City’s investment of its American Rescue Plan funding into key capital improvements and the small business and entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Catey serves on the Board for the Catholic Charities – Diocese of Cleveland, Habitat for Humanity Summit County, and the Ohio Erie Canalway Coalition Associate Board, and is a 2021 recipient of the Greater Akron Chamber 30 For The Future Award. She resides in Copley with her husband and children.
Robert Seaman
Senior Vice President - Investment Officer
I started in the financial business with my father and now have 39+ years of experience and knowledge to help my clients at the Seaman/McKinney Wealth Management Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, a third generation of investment planning practice. I feel my current clients know they can count on me when they need information regarding everything from wealth management and asset allocation to retirement strategies. I work to assist them in meeting short- and long-term goals and over the years, I’ve built solid relationships which continue to grow with my business.
For me, investing is not just a single track. I help people look at the 360º picture and approach decisions this way. Clients often run ideas by me as a chance to get a different point of view and they know I will give them my honest opinion. I make sure that I am available to my clients and keep in touch with meetings and checkins. I believe when I can help with questions or issues, I know I’m making a difference in a client’s life. I’m also excited to work with the new generation of investors. It’s energizing to see them starting out with careers and families. I want to assist them as they look to achieving their financial goals and dreams through strategic use of tools and products that can help them now and serve them in the future. I believe in contributing to my community through volunteering and financial support. I am currently on the board at St. Peter’s Catholic Church, Habitat for Humanity and the Louisville YMCA. I am surrounded by my loving wife, Jill and my family, including 6 grandchildren.
Vickie Person
Akron Public Schools
Dr. Vickie is an educator, motivational speaker, author and administrator. Before relocating to Ohio on 2017, she worked in south suburban school districts of Chicago for over 15 years in various positions, including classroom teacher, director, coordinator and principal. She was instrumental in changing the culture and climate in many of those schools. Dr. Vickie has a passion to encourage, educate, empower and equip children and adults in as many urban communities as possible.
In 2002, Dr. Vickie obeyed the voice of the Holy Spirit and left Corporate America after 17 years of work to enter the Public School System for service. Since that time she completed an accelerated program at Governors State University and received her Illinois Teaching Certificate in 2003. She attended Olivet Nazarene University and graduated May 2007 with a Masters in School Improvement Leadership. She has served as a classroom teacher, building principal and district administrator in various Chicago public school districts. Dr. Vickie enrolled again at Olivet Nazarene University and on May 8, 2010 she became the 1st African American, male or female, to receive a Doctorate Degree in Ethical Leadership in the history of the university. She was the commencement speaker. Dr. Vickie went on to become a Professor and Coordinator of the Master of Arts in Urban Teacher Education Program at Governors State University.
Dr. Vickie is happily married to Rev. Dr. Booker J. Person, Pastor of Greater Bethel Baptist Church of Akron, Ohio. Together, they are the proud parents of three wonderful, productive children. Jamella, Stephen, Brooke and is “Glamorous GiGi” to Jaloni and Journey. Most of The Person Family resides in Akron, Ohio (Stephen is currently in Dallas) and they enjoy watching movies, making music and taking vacations together.
Monica Vinay
Chief Financial Officer at Visual Edge It, Inc.
Monica is the Vice President, Investor Relations & Treasurer of Myers Industries. She began her career at Myers Industries in March of 2010 as the Director of Finance & IT for the Distribution Segment. In March 2011, she became Director of Investor & Financial Relations, and in December 2012, she was promoted to Director of Investor Relations & Communications. Prior to joining Myers, Monica worked at Barnes Group, Inc., in various financial roles including Controller, Barnes Distribution N.A., and Director of Finance, Logistics and Manufacturing Services. Before that, she held various finance and accounting roles at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and OfficeMax.
Monica holds a Bachelor of Science in finance and accounting from The University of Akron and an MBA from Ashland University. She was a member of the Leadership Akron class XXIX and is past President of the Board of Trustees of Habitat for Humanity of Summit County. She currently is an advisory board member of the Women’s Endowment Fund of the Akron Community Foundatio
Rick Dodson
ID Images
Rick is the Chief Financial Officer at ID Images and has extensive financial management and entrepreneurial experience.
Rick holds a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Akron and an MBA from Kent State University.
Having grown up in Summit County, Rick has a passion for the community and the mission of Habitat for Humanity. Rick serves on the board of Habitat for Humanity of Summit County and First Tee of Greater Akron. He lives in Silver Lake with his wife and has two grown children.
Annie McFadden
Chief of Staff, Impact & Communications, United Way of Summit & Medina Counties
As Chief of Staff, Impact and Communications, Annie McFadden works closely with the CEO, organizational staff and community leaders to help develop and execute strategies to fulfill the mission and vision of United Way of Summit & Medina. She oversees the areas of policy and advocacy, communications and community impact – which includes 211, housing, financial empowerment, health and education. As Chief of Staff, she works directly with the president and CEO and as a key strategic leader, fosters collaborative and meaningful relationships with community leaders and partners in Summit and Medina counties.
Prior to joining United Way, Annie served as Deputy Mayor for Administration and Chief of Staff to Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan. She oversaw the day-to-day operations of the Office of the Mayor, Cabinet priorities and functions, as well as strategic initiatives and special projects as designated by the mayor. Annie also managed the City’s communications staff, which oversees public relations, press relations, and social, digital and traditional media communications.
Annie started her career in 2004 at the Summit County Board of Elections as a Ballot Layout Manager, playing an integral role in the switch of Summit County’s voting system from punch cards to a Precinct Count Optical Scan System in 2006. She has served in numerous leadership roles in our local community, including acting as campaign manager or lead strategist on over a dozen public awareness campaigns for non-partisan ballot issues in Summit County since 2012. She worked as an account manager at TRIAD Communications, Inc., before creating her own campaign management firm, 5eleven Consulting, in 2015.
Annie is a graduate of the Bloomberg Harvard City Leadership Initiative, a Greater Akron Chamber 30 for the Future Awardee, a member of Leadership Akron Class 37 and a Board Member Emeritus at Habitat for Humanity Summit County. She is a native of Akron and a 2000 graduate of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communication Studies & Advertising from Saint Mary’s College in Notre Dame, IN. She currently lives in West Akron with her husband, son and labrador retriever.
Eric Green
The University of Akron
Eric Green is the Director of Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety at the University of Akron. He provides leadership and oversight for environmental and occupational compliance, emergency management, fire safety, COVID-19 protocols and assist in planning major events for the university. Eric has been involved in a leadership role with Neighborhood Network since its inception and has served on the Executive Core Team since it became a program of Habitat for Humanity of Summit County. He has participated in Neighborhood Reborns, artistic board-ups, multiple park improvement projects and assisted in installing solar powered security lights in University Park and Middlebury neighborhoods.
Eric has been active with Rotary District 6650 for 20 years as a lead facilitator for the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards conference and previously served as a youth soccer coach in his community. Eric is an avid bicyclist and supporter of active transportation and served on the iTowpath steering team. He is also an active gardener and helped establish the Adolph Community Garden in University Park.
Lashawrida L. Fellows, MHRM
Deputy Director Department of Human Resources County of Summit | Ilene Shapiro, Executive
Lashawrida Fellows is the Deputy Director of Human Resources for the County of Summit, serving under County Executive Ilene Shapiro where she manages a team of two and is responsible for providing total HR support while specializing in the areas of talent acquisition and performance management for four departments under the County Executive and compliance officer for five Appointing Authorities.
Lashawrida earned her Bachelor degree from Kent State University and holds a master’s degree in Human Resource Management from Capella University. She is a graduate of Leadership Akron Class 36.
Lashawrida has a rich history of working and volunteering in the community. She currently serves on the board of the Women’s Endowment Fund, Co-Chair of the Annual Celebration; Past Board member of AAA – Akron Auto Club and is an alumna and past board of director for Torchbearers. Lashawrida has also participated over the past three years on the review and selection committee for the Greater Akron Chamber, 30 For the Future Awards.
Lashawrida is an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and is involved on the scholarship committee and is an Advisor for the Kent State Collegiate Chapter. She has also served on membership services, nominating and internal audit committees.
Lashawrida is very engaged within her community. She seeks to help connect, develop, and encourage other individuals, specifically, young women to become more involved in their community and understand the importance of giving their time, talent and treasure.
Melissa Haskins
Chief Diversity Officer at Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority
Melissa is the Chief Diversity Officer at Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Master of Public Administration, both earned from The University of Akron. She is also a graduate of Leadership Akron’s Diversity on Board Program and holds a Certified Diversity Professional (CDP) designation.
Melissa has over twenty years of experience in determining and assessing ongoing eligibility for public assistance and social service programs. She has been a member of AMHA’s Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee since its inception in 2020, and has been instrumental in AMHA’s DE&I journey. In recognition of her quality work, dedication to the business, and extraordinary efforts in the workplace, Melissa received the Goodwill Industries of Akron “Employee of Distinction” award in 2014 and again in 2022.
Melissa is a lifelong resident of the Akron area, and she calls herself a “foodie” who likes to travel to experience unique dining adventures. She also enjoys spending time with her children, family, and friends, and reading a good book.
Kelli J. Saucerman-Howard
Treasurer of the Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research
Kelli J. Saucerman-Howard, DNP, RN, has over 25 years of experience in nursing, nursing leadership and healthcare operations. Dr. Saucerman-Howard joined Cleveland Clinic in 2023 and currently serves as the chief nursing officer (CNO) at Cleveland Clinic Akron General. Prior to joining Cleveland Clinic, Dr. Saucerman-Howard served as vice president of patient care services and CNO for four years at Creighton University Medical Center – Bergan Mercy. Dr. Saucerman-Howard holds a Clinical Assistant Professor position at Creighton University College of Nursing, belongs to many professional nursing associations, and is the current Treasurer of the Friends of the National Institute of Nursing Research.
Jennifer L. Geyer
Director of Administrative Services, FirstEnergy
Geyer joined FirstEnergy in 1996 and held a series of corporate, back-office and sales roles before being promoted to Manager of Business Analytics in 2008. She was named Manager, Corporate in 2011, with responsibility for equity compensation plans, insider trading compliance, related regulatory filings and governance matters.
Geyer was promoted to Assistant Corporate Secretary in 2015, where in addition to her previous responsibilities, she also acted as a liaison for the company’s Board of Directors and handled subsidiary management.
In her current position, Geyer leads FirstEnergy’s centralized Facility Operations, Facilities Planning & Projects and Mail & Food Services teams across five states.
She earned a Bachelor of Science in sales and marketing from The University of Akron and a Master of Business Administration from Malone University. In addition, Geyer currently serves on the board of Adventure Place – an outreach ministry organization in Ohio that provides childcare services – and she is a member of the Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio Golf Committee.