Board Members

We are so thankful to each one of our board members who dedicates their time and resources to help Habitat for Humanity of Summit County to continue to succeed and grow.

Thank you for all your hard work!

Patrick Miller - Board President

Patrick Miller - Board President

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.

Marie Brilmyer, CPA, MAcc - Immediate Past President

Marie Brilmyer, CPA, MAcc - Immediate Past President

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).

Jake Frego - Vice President

Jake Frego - Vice President

Bank of America

Jake Frego is a senior vice president of Bank of America and serves 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.

Michelle Molinet - Secretary

Michelle Molinet - Secretary

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

Thomas Orcutt - Treasurer

Thomas Orcutt - Treasurer

Huntington Bank

Thomas Orcutt is Vice President and Business Banking Community Banker for Huntington 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.

Reverend Ron Shultz

Reverend Ron Shultz

Family of Faith UMC

In addition to being the pastor of Family of Faith United Methodist Church since 2009, Pastor Shultz is a founding member of the Neighborhood Network.  His church, which is located at 800 E. Market Street, hosts the monthly Neighborhood Network meetings.  A native-born Akronite, Pastor Shultz has a deep passion for urban ministry which led him to become an active leader in the early development of the Neighborhood Network and continues to be the foundation for his work on the Core Team today.
Dave Woodburn

Dave Woodburn

Roetzel and Andress

EMERITUS – Dave currently works for Roetzel & Andress. He was a trusts & estates and real estate attorney with Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs. He primarily represents business owners, real estate developers and professionals with respect to their personal estate planning and real estate matters. As needed, Dave counsels individuals on dealing with homeowners associations and disputes between neighbors. He uses his estate planning experience and knowledge to contribute to Habitat for Humanity’s Board of Trustees.
John Gruneich

John Gruneich

Retired Pastor

John Gruneich is a retired Presbyterian Pastor, who has lived in Akron since 1986. The last 12 years of his ministry was spent serving various Presbyterian, UCC and Lutheran churches as their interim pastor. Since his retirement he has worked with the loyal volunteers building houses on the various work sites and hopes to use that experience as a Habitat board member.
Anthony Vacanti

Anthony Vacanti

Tucker Ellis, LLP

As a property rights attorney, I advocate on behalf of real property owners and developers in land use, zoning, eminent domain, real property tax and real estate transactional matters. I have a depth of experience representing property owners and developers in administrative and court proceedings concerning real estate and real property disputes. Such experience enables me to provide my clients with unique and comprehensive insight when negotiating real estate transactions. My clients benefit from my ability to cooperate with localities as it is often critical in completing real estate projects. No matter the issue, I provide clients with comprehensive representation by strategically advocating for your business objectives before numerous councils, boards, and courts across Northeast Ohio and beyond.
Brian Bender

Brian Bender

Charles Schwab

Brian oversees Relationship Management, Business Development & Consultant Relations for Schwab Retirement Plan Services.  Brian has more than 20 years of experience in the retirement plan services industry and began working with Schwab in 1997. Prior roles with Schwab included counseling individual investors, working as a relationship manager for corporate clients, and serving as the sales manager of the Central and East regions for Retirement Plan Services.

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.

Pastor Mark Frey

Pastor Mark Frey

The Bath Church, UCC

EMERITUS
David Oeschger

David Oeschger

Attorney, The Becker Law Firm

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.

 

Michelle Carano

Michelle Carano

CPA, self employed

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.

Lynda Nowak

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.

Michele Cicciari

Michele Cicciari

Wells Fargo Advisors

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

Carla L. Chapman

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

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 Breck

Catey Breck

Director Of Strategic Development, City of Akron

Catey Breck has spent the majority of her career serving the people of Northeast Ohio as a Congressional staffer in various positions for two Members of Congress. In 2021, Ms. Breck joined the City of Akron’s Office of Integrated Development, and in 2022 was appointed by Mayor Daniel Horrigan to serve as the Director of Strategic Development, a newly created position on his Cabinet. Ms. Breck directs and manages the City’s work within the Elevate Akron strategic plan, the Akron Financial Empowerment Center, and oversees the divisions of Downtown Operations, Recreation and Parks, and Small Business and Entrepreneurship, including leading the City’s submission to the Bloomberg Global Mayors Challenge in 2021.

Catey graduated from the University of Akron with her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science and earned her Master’s in Public Administration at the Levin College of Urban Affairs at Cleveland State University. Ms. Breck serves on the Executive Committee for the Downtown Akron Partnership, Catholic Charities – Diocese of Cleveland Board of Directors, and the Ohio Erie Canalway Coalition Associate Board, and is a 2021 recipient of the Greater Akron Chamber 30 For The Future Award. Catey resides in Akron with her young daughter and 16 year old cat named Frank.

Katrina Jackson

Katrina Jackson

Dept. of Veterans Affairs

E. Katrina Jackson is 19-year employee of The Department of Veteran Affairs. As a Federal Contract Manager, she develops acquisition policies, procedures, and strategies, ensures performance of all necessary actions for effective contracting, and safeguarding the interests of the United States in its contractual relationships. Currently, she is an administrator for a $16 billion Federal contract. Katrina is the President of the Zeta Theta Omega Chapter, a local chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc ®, and a long-time sponsor of Habitat For Humanity Summit County. She is the proud mother of two University of Akron students.

Vickie Person

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

Monica Vinay

Vice President, Investor Relations & Treasurer of Myers Industries

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