New Members of OUAA Board of Directors

Top left Mary Jo Ahern, CAS ’63; top right Ashley Chambers, SHS ’13; bottom right Leonard Magro, SECS ’01; bottom left Chiara C. Clayton, CAS ’98

The Oakland University Alumni Association is proud to announce the election of four distinguished alumni to its board of directors. Their diverse experiences and deep connections to Oakland University will undoubtedly enhance the board's efforts to support the university community. Please join us in welcoming Mary Jo Ahern, Ashley Chambers, Chiara C. Clayton and Leonard Magro.

Mary Jo Ahern, CAS ’63
Mary Jo Ahern was accepted into the Charter Class of Michigan State University Oakland in 1959 at the age of 17. She majored in Russian language under Professor Helen Kovach-Tarakanov, performed in the Slavic Folk Ensemble and was a member of one of the first singing ensembles at the school. Her commitment to Oakland University has continued throughout the years, with both of her daughters, Heather and Shannon, graduating from OU. Mary Jo and her husband, Owen Ahern, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary at Meadow Brook Hall and their granddaughter, Norah Armijo, was awarded the Gold Presidential Scholarship. The Ahern family has generously donated funds for a collaborative study room in Kresge Library. Mary Jo remains active in the OU
community and is a strong advocate for continuing her family’s legacy at the university.

Ashley Chambers, SHS ’13
Ashley Chambers brings extensive experience in financial management as the vice president of business development at Chief Financial Credit Union. With over 15 years in the field, she is dedicated to enhancing financial education and independence. Ashley actively contributes to community initiatives, serving on various boards and committees, including the Rochester Community Schools Foundation and Inforum Troy chapter. She is also a dedicated volunteer with HAVEN Oakland County and LGBTQIA+ groups. Ashley has received numerous awards, including CORP! Magazine's Most Valuable Young Professional of the Year and MichBusiness Shooting Star Honoree. She mentors Oakland University students and inspires her niece and nephew – demonstrating leadership and advocacy in both her professional and personal life.

Chiara C. Clayton, CAS ’98
Chiara C. Clayton serves as the director of communications for the Detroit Rescue Mission Ministries, (DRMM) where she oversees media relations, website content and social media management. She promotes interagency partnerships and connects community resources to DRMM departments. Chiara, a graduate of Regina High School, holds a degree in communications and public relations from OU and a certification in social media for business from Macomb Community College. She is an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and serves on the board of Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) – Detroit Chapter. Recognized with the Spirit of Detroit Award in 2017, Chiara is a passionate advocate for her community and enjoys live concerts, pop culture and performing with her band Elevation.

Leonard Magro, SECS ’01
Leonard Magro grew up in Malta and earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Malta before moving to the United States. He received a master’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from OU and an MBA from Duke University. Leonard transitioned from engineering to finance, holding various roles in forecasting, budgeting, financial modeling and analysis. He currently serves as vice president of finance & controlling at Veoneer Safety Systems – managing the financial performance of a business with an annual turnover exceeding $900 million. Leonard enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife Julie who is also an OU alum, and
their two children, Matthew and Maria.

We are thrilled to have these accomplished individuals join the Oakland University Alumni Association Board of Directors and look forward to their contributions in supporting the university’s mission and community.