NEOCA Founding Board
The NEOCA Founding Board began its formation in early 2021 as a vision of Board President Bob Anthony. What began originally as a Board of five (5) members has now grown to eight (8) individuals, and one open member position, for a total of nine (9). They are listed below in chronological order of their acceptance to the Board, along with a brief bio for each.
Robert E. (Bob) Anthony, BS, MS, MBA – President
Bob has over 45 years of senior-level management and business “startup” experience in the medical industry. As an entrepreneur, his real-life skills, knowledge, and expertise are utilized to coordinate, manage, and launch NEOCA.
Jeffrey Daniels, BS – Treasurer
Jeff has 43 years of experience as a financial advisor, managing assets for long term investors. As a licensed (SEC and FINRA) Insurance and Stockbroker he has held multiple positions in the investment industry culminating with his appointment as Vice President – Investments with a large, national stock brokerage firm. Jeff’s experience is being used to manage NEOCA’s assets and fiscal responsibilities.
Jon S. Owens, BS, MAAP – Community Affairs Oversight Committee Co-Chair
Jon is a long-tenured sales and marketing executive whose experience and skills are being utilized to help NEOCA create awareness and build enrollment. Jon is an Executive Committee Board Member for an industry foundation (Aftermarket Charitable Foundation) and has a long history of Board participation and assignments.
Julie A. Schafer, Esq. – Secretary
Julie is a long-tenured judge and court administrator and is a judicial and legal expert. Her experience and skills in serving the public through our nation’s justice apparatus are being utilized to direct NEOCA’s legal affairs and help the school navigate and adhere to government regulations and requirements.
Thomas Harvey, DBA – Capital Expansion Oversight Committee Chair
Tom spent more than 20 years in the banking industry in Finance, and upon retirement became Chair of the Finance Department at Ashland University where he also taught for 13 years. Tom’s wealth of experience in finance, banking, and education will be utilized to ensure professional oversight of NEOCA’s capital needs and expenditures.
Charles (Chuck) Cline, BA – Operational Oversight Committee Chair
Chuck retired from Ford Motor Company after a 30-year career working as a production and quality control manager in their engine and transmission manufacturing division. With this background and experience, Chuck is the perfect operational expert to assess NEOCA’s facility requirements and manage ongoing facility performance.
Lisa Woods, Education Oversight Committee Chair
Lisa is a former member of the Ohio State Board of Education and currently serves as the co-founder of Medina County Friends and Neighbors (McFAN), a nonpartisan, grassroots organization serving the public with open forum speakers and discussion. Her skills and experience will be used to plan and organize NEOCA’s Head of School and Faculty recruiting along with curriculum oversight and implementation.
Elizabeth (Liz) Griffiths, BA – Community Affairs Oversight Committee Co-Chair
Liz is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) and highly regarded financial life advisor and wealth manager with strong leadership, organizational, and interpersonal communication skills. Together with fellow Board member Jon Owens, she will drive NEOCA’s community outreach efforts to build awareness and enrollment.
Michael D. (Mike) Dovilla, BA, MPA, MA, EdD – Governance Committee Co-Chair
Mike Dovilla is a nonprofit executive, naval officer, consultant, and scholar with over 25 years of experience in public policymaking, strategic planning, and higher education. He has served as a state legislator, federal agency chief of staff, Presidential appointee in two administrations, and U.S. Senate professional staff member. His experience in launching new initiatives and inspiring teams to achieve their best will be leveraged in support of NEOCA’s mission.
