OUAA Board of Directors

Chair
Judy Hegelund, SBA 1995
Managing Director, Deloitte Services LP

Vice Chair
Nicholas Kristock, SBA 2014, 2013                                                                        
Founder, Fleece and Thank You

Immediate Past Chair
Mark Guthrie, SBA 1991, SECS 1986
Information Technology Executive

Secretary
Rob Ray, SBA 2005
Senior Wealth Strategy Associate, UBS Financial Services Inc.

Treasurer
Napoleon Harrington, SEHS 2004, 2002
Founder and Therapist, Ambassador Counseling and Resource Group

Humam Alwan, SECS 2020, 2019
Global Quality Management Software XS and Electrical Engineering
Stellantis

Holly Franson, SON 2009
CRNA, Department Lead and Clinical Site and Educational Coordinator                  
John D. Dingell VA Medical Center

Brett Geschke, CAS 2010
Attorney
SmithAmundsen LLC

Renique Kersh, CAS 1999
Vice President for Student Affairs and Professor of Practice in Public Health   
Simmons University

Mike Lerchenfeldt, SEHS 2008
Teacher  
Iroquois Middle School

Lynne Lombard, SHS 1984
Physical Therapy Director   
Great Lakes Orthopaedic Center
                                           
Tara Michener, SEHS 2012
Therapist   
Michener Associates

Judy Pritchett, SEHS 2002, 1997, 1994, CAS 1988
Chief Academic Officer (retired)
Macomb Intermediate School District

Tim Shanahan, SEHS 1974 and CAS 1972
Professor Emeritus
University of Illinois at Chicago

Scott Shermetaro, SECS 2015
Technology & IP Transactions Associate
Kirkland & Ellis

Beth Talbert, Honorary Member
Faculty and Chief Adviser, Communication Program
Oakland University

Chris Van Dan Elzen, SECS 1997, 1996, 1995, 1994
Executive Vice President, Radar Product Area
Veoneer

Kaniqua Welch, CAS 2004
Communications Officer
The Kresge Foundation

Emeriti Board Members

Beth Benson, SBA 1981
Manager, VP Office-Service Operations (retired)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan

Joseph Gardella, Jr, CAS 1977
John and Frances Larkin Professor of Chemistry
University at Buffalo, SUNY

Julie Granthen, SBA 1987, CAS 1981
Economics Lecturer, Oakland University

ELEVATE: The Board will prioritize its role in enhancing the reputation of OU, thereby increasing impact and visibility of the board.

• We will actively and visibly represent the OUAA and Oakland University through our advocacy and participation.
• We will champion student recruitment and retention efforts.
• We will promote major university functions.
• We will prioritize information collection and share information with others.

ENGAGE: The Board will prioritize its role in fostering a sense of pride in OU by engaging current and future alumni, faculty, staff and university administration.

• We will lead by example to advocate for alumni participation in university activities.
• We will be actively involved with programs and initiatives in our “academic units” (schools and colleges) and other organizations and departments (e.g., Greek organizations, career services and athletics).
• We will expand our influence beyond Metro Detroit.

EMPOWER: The Board will prioritize its role in providing support for students, creating opportunities for networking and connecting with current and future alumni.

• We will promote and participate in initiatives which provide opportunities for interaction with students, recent grads, and other alumni.
• We will support philanthropic and revenue-generating efforts that impact the student experience.

EVOLVE: The Board will be forward thinking, innovative and dynamic, ensuring that the work of the Board evolves as the institution and world around us evolves.

• We will annually review and reaffirm our strategic initiatives, adjusting where appropriate.
• We will prioritize appreciation and celebration of OU’s history, while also blending past tradition with future progress.
• We will prioritize diversity, equity and inclusion.