Board Members

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).

Patrick has served in this capacity since November 2007. 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.

Thomas Orcutt is Vice President and Business Relationship Manager for JP Morgan Chase Bank. Tom has more than 27 years of banking and financial services experience.  Tom lives in Akron, Ohio, with his wife and their 4 children. He enjoys outdoor activities with his family and spending time with his wife working on their century home.

Michele Cicciari is a Senior Vice President Market Manager and Financial Advisor with Wells Fargo Advisors’ Akron, OH office.  Michele is dedicated to helping her clients meet their financial goals, backed by the vast resources of her firm.  Michele graduated from Lehigh University with a degree in Business and Economics in 1989 and has earned the prestigious Certified Financial Planner certification.  In addition, she is on the Board of the Fairlawn Area Chamber of Commerce where she has held various positions including Secretary, President Elect and President.  Michele and her two boys live in Medina, OH. Branch Contact Information: Wells Fargo Advisors | 3800 Embassy Parkway, Suite 100 | Akron, OH 44333 Tel 330-668-7735 | Toll-free 800-621-1164 | Cell 330-242-3206 | Fax 330-668-7795 michele.cicciari@wfadvisors.com | https://wfadvisors.com/cicciari-batu

Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC/Member SIPC

Now, as Mayor Horrigan’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Deputy Mayor for Administration, she serves as the lead on City communications, branding and messaging, oversees the Communications staff, government and community relations, and manages any Mayor’s Office strategic initiatives deemed appropriate by the Mayor.

A long-time volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Dr. Verstraete was elected to the Board in 2016 and is returning to active volunteering with the organization. In her now abundant free time, Dr. Verstraete will focus on her passion for philanthropy, photography, travel and golf.

Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing from Miami University.  He enjoys sports, boating & travel and resides in Brecksville with his wife and two children.

Michael has been with Oswald Companies for 5 years.  He is involved with the Knights of Columbus, St. Bernards Church and Hoban High School.  He also volunteers with Akron Children’s, Akron Canton Food Bank and the Football Hall of Fame.  He is pursuing his MBA from Ohio State and believes in Habitat’s mission.  His strengths include leadership skills, critical thinking, and execution of plans.  Oswald specializes in non profit Employee Benefits and Property Casualty Insurance.

Dave is an alumni of Torchbearers in Akron, and a 2009 University of Akron law school graduate. He has been with Roetzel and Andress for 10 years, where he primarily practices in the area of personal injury defense, with a specific focus on medical malpractice and products liability. 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 volunteers with Akron Children’s Hospital, and he is 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.

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.

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.