Rise to the Challenge Summit 22

Dr. Reginald Turner is the Associate Dean of the School of Systems and Logistics, one of four schools that make up the Air Force Institute of Technology, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Dr. Turner is responsible for the daily operations of the school, which includes executing an annual operating budget of $12.5 M across three Professional Continuing Education departments and one Administrative department. These four departments develop and deliver defense-focused professional continuing education, research and consulting services in order to sustain America’s Air and Space Forces technological supremacy. Dr. Turner also serves as the school’s Chief Academic Officer and assumes the responsibility for the management and professional development of over 120 faculty and staff members, to include military, civilian and contractor personnel. To this end, the school provides more than 120 resident, on-site, virtual and both synchronous and asynchronous distance learning professional continuing education courses in acquisition management, logistics, contracting, systems management, software engineering and financial management. Approximately 18 thousand DoD personnel in 50 worldwide locations attend Systems and Logistics courses each year.

Dr. Turner has a diverse professional background, which spans nearly three decades of dedicated, exemplary military and civil service. After being commissioned into the Air Force from Tuskegee University as a 2d LT, he began a distinguished 22 year military career that included working in the intelligence, research and development, and education career fields, as well as program and technical management. Dr. Turner has been recognized by The Under Secretary of the Air Force for Acquisitions as an Acquisitions Subject Matter Expert and continues to serve the nation having brought that expertise to the civil service workforce.

Dr. Thomas

President, Central State University

Dr. Jack Thomas joined Central State University as president on July 1, 2020, bringing a long track record of success in several academic settings.

Dr. Thomas brings visibility and insights from experience in every aspect of academia. Roles he has held have included president, interim president, provost and academic vice president, executive vice president, executive assistant to the president, dean, department chair, and English professor.

Dr. Thomas was a Senior Fellow with the American Association of State Colleges and Universities. Previously, Dr. Thomas served as president of Western Illinois University (WIU), a state-run university where he served for nearly a decade. As president, he successfully managed a budget of nearly $224 million during a period of unprecedented state fiscal challenges.

At WIU, Dr. Thomas was responsible for a number of accomplishments, including increasing diversity, creating new academic programs, managing fiscal and cash flow issues brought on by the state’s financial crisis, investing in STEM and other academic programs, increasing funding for student scholarships, and establishing a presidential institute to foster and improve corporate, community and K-12 relations. Under Dr. Thomas’ leadership, the Institution constructed a new campus in Moline, Illinois, and achieved its multimillion-dollar capital campaign goal. WIU has been rated as a "Best in the Midwest College" by the Princeton Review and as a top tier Midwest Universities Master's institution by U.S. News and World Report.

Prior to WIU, Dr. Thomas spent more than 20 years serving in various capacities in several institutions of higher education. From 2004 until 2008, he served as senior vice provost for Academic Affairs and interim dean at Middle Tennessee State University. There, Dr. Thomas improved diversity, assisted with the design of new academic programs, coordinated the implementation of a new key assessment instrument, enhanced academic reviews, and mentoring.

From 1990 until 2004, Dr. Thomas served in several roles at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, including interim president, executive vice president, and associate vice president for Academic and Student Affairs. During his tenure, he enhanced fundraising, implemented new academic programs, and drove increased enrollment.

Earlier in his career, Dr. Thomas served as an English instructor at South Carolina State University and Johnson C. Smith University.

Dr. Thomas is a nationally and internationally recognized leader in higher education administration.

Dr. Thomas' influence on the academic community extends to his service on several distinguished boards including the Marguerite Casey Foundation Board of Directors; the Illinois Board of Higher Education; the Stillman College Board of Trustees; the American Association of Blacks in Higher Education Board; the American Council on Education Council of Fellows; the NCAA Presidential Forum; the Illinois Campus Compact Board; the Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the American Red Cross Board; and the Rutherford County YMCA Board.

Nationally, Dr. Thomas graduated from the Harvard Leadership Program, served as an American Council on Education Fellow, was a Kellogg-NAFEO Fellow, participated in the Salzburg Seminar in Salzburg, Austria, and participated in Leadership Middle Tennessee. He has also served as the chair of the NCAA Accelerating Academic Success Program (AASP) Selection Committee. He served as the chairperson of the (AASCU) Christa McAuliffe Award Presidential Selection, and as a committee member of the Middle States Visitation Team.

A native of Lowndes County, Alabama, Dr. Thomas holds a Ph.D. in English (Literature and Criticism) from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, a Master of English Education from Virginia State University, and a Bachelor of Arts in English from Alabama A & M University. He is a noted scholar and lecturer, as well as a highly sought-after keynote speaker presenting his research and inspirational messages locally, nationally, and internationally.

Dr. Thomas is a published researcher, and the focus of his research has been on black males in literature. Additionally, Dr. Thomas is the author of numerous publications and professional presentations including his most recent publication titled, Within These Gates: Academic Work, Academic Leadership, University Life, and the Presidency.  Dr. Thomas has been a committed advocate for diversity and inclusion. He has been recognized by Minority Access, Inc. and others for his work helping to provide meaningful and transformative opportunities for minorities through mentorship and access at various universities. Dr. Thomas has done further graduate work in theological studies at Liberty University and is an ordained Baptist Minister. Dr. Thomas' current body of work includes research on public institutions that have had to make transformative programmatic and human capital decisions due to decreased federal and state financial support and declining enrollment. The working title of Dr. Thomas’ latest book is "From the Segregated South to the Presidency."

A native of Birmingham, Alabama, Darrick Long is a Higher Education Advancement professional with nearly a decade of experience in Higher Ed, Marketing, Fundraising, Advancement Services, and Organizational Leadership. After completing his academic studies, Mr. Long went straight to work in higher ed. Throughout his career, Mr. Long has held several roles of increasing responsibility at multiple institutions in Marketing, Communication, Development, and Advancement Services. He is currently the Executive Director of Institutional Advancement at Central State University, which houses many University services, including Marketing, Branding, Development, Corporate Partnerships, Alumni Relations, and the University Website. Mr. Long’s latest career highlights include record-breaking fundraising with significant increases in individual and major gifts at multiple institutions; he provided considerable leadership in CSU’s marketing and rebranding campaign and led the redesign and implementation of a new University website. In addition to marketing and branding, Mr. Long has taken the lead on the University’s multi-million-dollar capital campaign. Mr. Long’s focus for the Center of Excellence for HBCU Corporate Engagement is to increase vital career pathways to business and industry and increase student capacity and readiness for the workforce.

Kimberly Jones is a native of Detroit, Michigan. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Central State University; she also holds a master’s degree in Early and Middle Childhood Education and a Principal Licensure from The Ohio State University. Ms. Jones has more than 30 years of education experience, including as an elementary and middle school teacher, program director, counselor, dean of students, and principal. She has proven successful during her tenure as principal, which includes raising her school’s report card score from continuous improvement to effective through innovative leadership and guidance.

She currently serves her Alma Mater, Central State University, as Director of Strategic Partnerships and External Affairs within the Division of Institutional Advancement. Kimberly uses her passion and talent for the youth to connect the corporate partners and students with unique experiences and opportunities through internships and special programming.

Ms. Jones serves her community by participating with several organizations that focus on education and uplifting people of color. She is the current President of the Central State University Columbus Alumni Chapter and a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.

She enjoys the opportunity to encourage, empower, connect, and uplift individuals, especially youth. When she works with young people, it is her goal to make sure that they feel loved and necessary and are given the tools to reach their full potential. Exposing and connecting young people to opportunities and preparing them for their future is a job she takes seriously and has dedicated her career towards.

Kim’s motto for teaching and learning for herself and others is “Education is your passport to the future.”

Dr. James made history by leading the institution to become the first HBCU to regain accredited status after a nearly twenty-year hiatus. He drew from his 22-year career as a higher education administrator, professor, executive business leader, and motivational speaker to fulfill his role as the Chief Executive Officer of the college. He is responsible for the leadership and management of all aspects of college operations. Dr. James is also responsible for the development and execution of the vision and strategic direction for the college, in concert with the Board of Trustees. To execute his preliminary vision of re-accreditation, he built a strategy around several core pillars: academic strength, governance, financial solvency, alumni partnership, and community engagement. Dr. James is committed to the legacy of Morris Brown, which empowers the community through education. He understood such empowerment could only be delivered through the pillars previously listed.

Dr. James announced a partnership that has people Rethinking what Morris Brown is capable of. On February 25, 2021, Hilton Hotels Worldwide and the global investment firm CGI Merchant Group agreed to partner with Morris Brown in developing a $40 million dollar hotel. A major component of the agreement was the ability to train students in the hotel and its restaurants. Construction begins fall 2022 on a 150-room hotel under the Tapestry Collection by Hilton.

As President, Dr. James has stabilized finances; increased fundraising; expanded and revised academic offerings; successfully guided the institution through TRACS accreditation; and led the College in reaching record-breaking enrollment increases in the past twenty years. Under his leadership, Morris Brown College has been completely transformed and revitalized.

Prior to his post as President, Dr. James served as Interim CEO of the 100 Black Men of America, Inc., internationally headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. The mission of 100 Black Men of America is to improve the quality of life and enhance educational and economic opportunities for all African Americans.

Dr. James has been featured on CNN, CBS, NBC, Fox, US News, Forbes, Black Enterprise, The Root, NewsOne, The GRIO, HBCU Times, Diverse Issues in Higher Education, Inside Higher Education, Atlanta Journal Constitution, Atlanta Business Chronicle, Atlanta Voice, Atlanta Magazine, and The Atlanta Tribune just to name a few.

In 2022, Dr. James was selected to Leadership Atlanta, Named Core 100 Most Influential Blacks Today, named one of 12 Prominent African Americans you should know by Upscale Magazine, named Honorary Chairman of The Walk Atlanta- National African American Male Wellness Initiative, named 22 to watch in 2022 by The Atlanta Business Chronicle, and named one of Atlanta’s Most Powerful Leaders by Atlanta Magazine. Moreover, he received the FACE of Influence Award and The Isaiah DeQuincey Newman Lifetime Humanitarian Award. In 2021, Dr. James was named College President of the Year by the Georgia Greater Black Chamber of Commerce and one of Atlanta’s Most Powerful Leaders by Atlanta Magazine. In 2020, he received the Winthrop University Alumni Professional Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to higher education. Additionally, he received the 4 Brighter Futures Foundation, Inc. Chairman Award, was a Georgia Leadership Character Award nominee, Mentor of the Year for 100 Black Men of Atlanta, Inc., and Morris Brown College was named Top 10 Smaller HBCU that is Rising #4 by the HBCU Campaign Fund. Moreover, he was selected and completed the Higher Education Leadership Foundation/United Negro College Fund Presidential Leadership Institute.

Christy Bertolo is the co-founder of UNITE and BridgED. UNITE is a consulting, training and technology company developed to help unite university and industry partners. UNITE is a licensed, Ohio State technology and Ohio State portfolio company. BridgED is a consulting company helping K-12 districts bridge the gap with companies while providing opportunities and exposure to career paths for teachers, parents, and students.

Prior to starting UNITE and BridgED, Christy led the first ever holistic corporate engagement effort for The Ohio State University. In this role she served as the single point of coordination and liaison between business partners and the university. She managed a portfolio of companies who partner with Ohio State and drove corporate engagement in the areas of philanthropy, research, student hiring and more. In the fall of 2020 Christy lead the campus re-open team and rolled out the operations of the single surveillance COVID-19 testing site that tests nearly 45,000 faculty, staff, and students weekly.

Prior to Ohio State, Christy worked as Vice President of Business Services at the Columbus Chamber of Commerce. In her role, Christy worked directly with over 600 companies and organizations throughout the Columbus Region in various industries. During her tenure, Christy helped members add $10m+ in new revenue, 300+ jobs and 200k sq ft in expansions.

Prior to joining the Chamber in 2011 she was the Director of Operations for 1400 Aveda Salon and Spa's located in Grandview, Downtown and New Albany. Christy was responsible for all company operations, new salon growth, the opening and build out of two new salon and spa locations as well as talent retention and acquisition.

Christy received her Bachelor of Science Degrees in Marketing and Business Administration at Franklin University. Christy lives in Upper Arlington and serves on the board for The Upper Arlington Community Improvement Corporation, Columbus Startup Week and is active with various organizations and her children’s school. She also served on the Board of Directors for Relā.

Chris Svec is the co-founder of UNITE and BridgED. UNITE is a consulting, training and technology company developed to help unite university and industry partners. UNITE is a licensed, Ohio State technology and Ohio State portfolio company. BridgED is a consulting company helping K-12 districts bridge the gap with companies while providing opportunities and exposure to career paths for teachers, parents, and students.

Prior to starting UNITE and BridgED, Chris led the first ever holistic corporate engagement effort for The Ohio State University. In this role he served as the single point of coordination and liaison between business partners and the university. He managed a portfolio of companies who partner with Ohio State and drove corporate engagement in the areas of philanthropy, research, student hiring and more.

From 2010-2017 Chris worked for Nationwide where he held the title of Director, Sports Marketing. He led a team who managed a portfolio of high-profile sponsorships which included NFL teams, the PGA TOUR, Diversity and Inclusion, Columbus Marathon, and Columbus Zoo properties. Chris also managed athlete endorsement relationships including Earvin Magic Johnson, Tavis Smiley, Hines Ward, Bill Haas, Jack Nicklaus, and USA soccer star Alex Morgan. During his tenure at Nationwide, Chris served as President of the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Championship, a Korn Ferry Finals tournament played at Ohio State’s Scarlet golf course. In this role he led a board of prominent central Ohio business leaders and the tournament which generated over $1.7M in donations to Nationwide Children’s annually. 

From 1996-2010 Chris was employed with Real Living, Inc., one of the top five real estate brokerages in the US. During this tenure he held various sales and marketing related roles and was instrumental in the firm’s explosive national growth. He was accountable and responsible for sales, merger/acquisition activity, marketing, and overall growth of the brand. Due in large part to this effort, Real Living experienced significant growth and penetration into new markets which ultimately led to Real Living being purchased by Berkshire Hathaway. The brand was named “Fastest Growing Real Estate Company in the US” by the Swanepoel Report for three consecutive years under Chris’ leadership.

Chris Svec is a graduate of Ohio University and resides in Powell, Ohio. He is an avid pickleball player and sports fan.

Marya Rutherford Long is a servant leader and trusted community advisor. She serves as the Vice President and Community & Economic Development Manager for the Dayton and Cincinnati Regions at Fifth Third Bank. She is a member of the senior leadership team for the Dayton market and manages the Community & Economic Development program to ensure the region’s compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act, while cultivating community partnerships and executing community development strategies. Focusing on impact, she looks for opportunities to strengthen our community in meaningful ways through partnerships with community stakeholders.

For more than 25 years Marya has served in various Community Development Management roles with PNC Bank, National City Bank, Provident Bank, and the Dayton View Community Development Corporation.

She is an active board and committee leader in the Dayton community, and currently serves as Chair of the Homeownership Center of Greater Dayton and is a member of the Dayton Business Journal’s Diversity Committee. Marya also serves on the Downtown Dayton Partnership Board, the University of Dayton/ West Dayton Initiative, Central State University’s College of Business Advisory Board, Homeownership Center of Greater Dayton Board, 6888 Kitchen Incubator Board, Fifth Third Bank’s HBCU Initiative and the Dayton Corporate Community Roundtable.  

Cheryl currently resides in Cincinnati, Ohio. She has been employed by the Procter & Gamble Company for 32 years. She was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, where she attended both Cass Technical High and Redford High School. She is a proud graduate of Central State University’s Ebony Class of 1990, where she obtained her BS degree in Accounting. She went on to earn her MBA in Entrepreneurial studies from Xavier University of Ohio in 2002. 

Her recent experiences include being the Pantene Product Supply Business Planer for North America.  In this role, Cheryl was one of the influential Product Supply Leaders that enabled the launch the “My Black is Beautiful” Hair Care line, which premiered at the 2019 Essence Festival in New Orleans, LA. Cheryl worked on the Pantene Gold Series line, the new launch designed by African American Scientists and Stylists for multi-cultural hair care needs.  Cheryl contributed to growth of that brand as she led the Gold Series Grass Roots Awareness Team. Cheryl enabled the 20,000-product sampling give-away at the Bayou Classic – Southern University vs. Grambling State in the first ever P&G Sponsored Half-Time Event. In addition to having responsibility for the largest brand in Hair Care (40%), she also owned the Category’s $35MM Cost Savings Program and Inventory Disposition Expense strategy.  In her tenure, she led the Product Supply Network Operations 70-member African Ancestry Leadership team, P&G’s Corporate AALN Employee Engagement team for the 2017 Cincinnati Music Festival and was the Single Point of Contact for P&G’s sponsorship of the 2017 Black Family Reunion. 

Today, Cheryl leads Historically Black College and University Recruiting for P&G, where she also serves as the Central State School Team Leader focused on Graphic Arts & Design Recruiting.  She sits on two African Ancestry Advisory Boards for the Beauty Business and for the Global Product Supply Leadership Team.

She is an active member of the 84-year-old, African American Family organization known as Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated.  An organization dedicated to nurturing future African-American leaders by strengthening children through leadership development, volunteer service, philanthropic giving, and civic duty.  She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated, a member of Cincinnati’s CSU Star Chapter, on the CSU National Alumni Association Board of Directors and is a Financial Lifetime Member.

She has been married to husband, Wayne Lavender, Sr, for 25 years.  They have three wonderful children, one daughter, Toni Sherall, son-in-love, Norman II, two sons, Wayne Jr (22) and Jason Lee (17) and two grandchildren Norman III (6) and Nyah Anne (2).  Her daughter & son-in-love are career Supply Chain Leaders and her two boys both love Basketball, Music and are big Drake fans. Cheryl enjoys party planning, singing in the choir, working with youth, and spending time with her family and friends.  Cheryl comes from a HBCU family, her oldest brother has 2 degrees from FAMU, her brother attended Southern University, her Centralian sister & Soror, Barvett Wright Everson attended CSU at the same time, and they graduated 2 years apart. The legacy continues at CSU, Cheryl’s son, sister-in-love, 3 nieces and 2 nephews are all currently enrolled at Central State University.  Her mom, Lily Wright turned 81 this year, though not an HBCU, she graduated Wayne State University at the age of 55 and is an honorary Centralian in every way.  My personal quote is “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” Philippians 4:13!

Her awards include P&G’s 2022 Beauty Equality & Inclusion Community Award for HBCU Talent Development, 2020 & 2017 Global Diversity, and Inclusion Awards for Enabling & Inspiring Innovation, 2018 Outstanding and Courageous Leader Award, and 2018 “All-In” Award Nominee.VP Platinum Award for lowest level Scrap in history of Hair Care, Global Award for #1 Cost Savings in all Regions.