In this episode of the Conversations podcast, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Jason Mesteller, a seasoned plant manager and director of operations with more than 17 years of experience at First Solar, a leading global provider of comprehensive photovoltaic (PV) solar energy solutions. His professional journey began with a solid educational foundation. He holds an Associate of Science degree in Aviation Maintenance Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Florida and a Bachelor of Arts in Individualized Studies from the University of Toledo.

Jason has held several key positions within First Solar, progressively taking on more responsibility and leadership roles. Since July 2021, Jason has served as the plant manager at First Solar's Perrysburg, Ohio facility, where he oversees operations and ensures the plant meets its production goals.

In addition to serving as plant manager, Jason is director of operations, a role he has held since April 2019. In this capacity, he is responsible for the strategic oversight of the manufacturing processes, driving operational excellence, and leading initiatives to improve plant performance. From March 2017 to April 2019, he served as Manager of Global Manufacturing Control, where he coordinated manufacturing activities across multiple international sites, demonstrating his capability in handling global responsibilities and international relations.

Jason's earlier roles at First Solar included Manager of Operations Engineering, Manufacturing Specialist, Production Supervisor and Production Team Lead. His hands-on experience and in-depth knowledge of the manufacturing process have been instrumental in his ability to lead teams effectively and implement process improvements.

In addition to his practical experience, Jason is PMP certified and trained in Theory of Constraints (TOC), Six Sigma and Critical Chain Project Management. He is proficient in MS Excel, PowerPoint and analytical software such as JMP and SQL. His commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence is evident in his Six Sigma Green Belt certification.

Jason Mesteller's dedication to manufacturing excellence, coupled with his leadership skills and technical expertise, makes him a respected figure in the industry and the community. Jason also serves as a member of the Owens Community College Foundation Board of Directors.

In this episode of the Conversations podcast, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Myron D. Lewis, MSW, MBA, FACHE, the president and chief executive officer of Blanchard Valley Health System in Findlay. Blending clinical expertise with strategic and operational leadership, he has served in many leadership capacities and provided direct patient care as a social worker and counselor. Lewis specializes in organizational planning, leadership development, innovation and process transformation. Passionate about healthcare and the community, he is driven by collaboration, transparency and the convention that quality care starts with a commitment to the organization’s associates.

Myron’s journey began at Michigan State University, where he pursued a Bachelor of Arts degree in industrial and organizational psychology. He went on to earn his Master of Science degree in clinical social work from Western Michigan University and later a Master of Business Administration degree from Indiana Wesleyan University. He is also a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives.

With 30 years of experience in the healthcare industry, Lewis began his current role at Blanchard Valley Health System in January 2021. His previous positions include serving as president of Spectrum Health Zeeland Community Hospital, Network Executive Leader of the Community Health Network in Indianapolis and roles at Indiana University Health Saxony Hospital and McLaren Northern Michigan Regional Hospital.

Lewis is active in the community, serving as a board member of Findlay Hancock County Economic Development and the Hospital Council of Northwest Ohio, as well as a member of the Findlay Rotary Club and a committee member of the Ohio Hospital Association.

In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Sandy Spang, Executive Director of the Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments (TMACOG). Spang plays a crucial role in steering Northwest Ohio toward a brighter future through her commitment to economic development, community empowerment, and regional planning. A graduate of Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Sandy has blended her business insight with her passion for economic and community development.

With more than 19 years of experience in the economic workforce, Sandy took her current leadership position at TMACOG in May 2023. Her tenure is distinguished by her innovative approach to bridging gaps in community needs, fostering opportunities for economic growth, and strengthening the community fabric of Northwest Ohio.

Before taking the helm at TMACOG, Sandy had a diverse career that included significant contributions to the City of Toledo, both as the Deputy Director of Economic Development and as an elected member of the Toledo City Council. During this time, she spearheaded the development of the Permit Planner, a tool simplifying the permitting process for businesses and residents alike, and played a pivotal role in the Forward Cities E3 program, enhancing the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.

In addition to her public service, Sandy is a successful business owner, having launched Plate 21, a coffee shop that has remained a beloved community staple since 2009. Her business acumen and firsthand experience in entrepreneurship further inform her approach to economic development.

Sandy Spang's leadership at TMACOG is a testament to her dedication to not only enhancing economic opportunities but also enriching the lives of the community members she serves. Her strategic vision, rooted in collaboration and innovation, continues to move Northwest Ohio toward sustainable growth and prosperity.

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In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Dan Sheaffer, director of Findlay Hancock County Economic Development. Sheaffer has a pivotal role in shaping Northwest Ohio’s future by attracting new investments, supporting business expansion and fostering a vibrant economic landscape. A multi-generational native of Findlay, Dan graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University.

With more than a decade at Findlay Hancock County Economic Development, Dan was promoted to his current role in November 2022. His tenure in economic development is marked by a keen focus on managing and implementing strategic projects that promote sustainable growth and prosperity in the region.

Before dedicating his career to economic development, Dan was deeply involved in the business sector. As the general manager of Garden-Aire LLC, he led efforts in consumer product innovation, development and distribution, focusing on enhancing environmental and home and garden experiences. Prior to this, he served as the general manager of Tax & Financial Strategies Inc. for over 15 years, where he specialized in client investment policy and asset management as a Registered Investment Advisor in Northwest Ohio.

Throughout his career, Sheaffer has demonstrated a commitment to fostering economic development, innovation and strategic growth. His leadership at Findlay Hancock County Economic Development is a testament to his dedication to enhancing the economic well-being and quality of life for the residents and businesses of Findlay and Hancock County, Ohio.

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In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Tom Daniels, director of Talent Management for Knight Insurance Group and Owens Community College alumni and member of the Owens Community College Foundation board of directors.

Daniels has carved a niche in Northwest Ohio as a trusted coach, adviser, speaker and volunteer. His passion lies in empowering leaders to make a significant impact in their communities, which he believes starts with recognizing everyone's innate leadership potential and desire to contribute positively.

Tom's academic achievements, including a master's in Organizational Development from Bowling Green State University, a bachelor's in Liberal Arts from the University of Toledo, and an associate degree in Marketing and Sales from Owens Community College, provide a solid foundation for his professional endeavors and community engagement.

Before his tenure at Knight Insurance Group, he served as the Associate Director of Graduate & Executive Programs in Business at Bowling Green State University, shaping the future of business education and executive training. His career also includes significant roles at MRops Inc. and TNS, where he focused on executive interviewing services and learning & development, respectively.

Daniels is also heavily involved in his community, serving as chair of Alumni Connections for Owens Community College; a board member for Avenues for Autism; a board member of Leadership Toledo; and chair of Networking for the Northwest Ohio Human Resource Association.

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In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Bryan Ashton, the chief strategy and growth officer of Trellis and head of Trellis Strategies. Trellis is a nonprofit corporation with a mission to develop and advance initiatives that grow individual economic mobility and expand community prosperity. Bryan's career trajectory has been marked by a deep commitment to enhancing the financial literacy and success of college students.

Ashton’s journey began at Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business, where he pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in accounting. He went on to get his Master’s of Education with a focus in Higher Education from Harvard’s Graduate School of Education.

Before starting with Trellis more than eight years ago, Ashton had spent six years working in financial wellness and student affairs at Ohio State, where he developed a keen understanding of the challenges students face in financing their education.

Ashton is also co-founder of the Higher Education Financial Wellness Alliance, a network of professionals dedicated to bringing together post-secondary organizations to inform national conversations that impact the financial wellness field, public policy and educational support services.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Ashton is a sought-after speaker and advocate for higher education reform. His work is driven by a belief in the transformative power of education and the importance of equitable access to financial resources. His commitment to student success is reflected in his leadership at Trellis, where he continues to champion initiatives that empower students to navigate the financial complexities of higher education with confidence and resilience. His approach combines data-driven research with community engagement, fostering collaborations that lead to meaningful policy changes and support services for students.

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In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Jen Hazel and Jane Berger, the dynamic duo leading Owens Community College’s BIG Read program designed to foster understanding and appreciation of diverse perspectives through literature and related activities. Their combined experiences and passions make them an exceptional team to promote literacy and community engagement.

Jen Hazel, a professor of English at Owens Community College for over 16 years, is known for her dedication to student success and educational innovation. She holds a Master of Arts in English from Eastern Michigan University and a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Toledo. Jen was awarded the American Association of Community Colleges' Dale P. Parnell Faculty Distinction Recognition in April 2022. She has significantly contributed to the college through various roles, including revamping the advising program, creating new student orientation experiences and developing campus student mentoring programs. Jen's commitment to accessible education is evident in her work with Open Educational Resources (OER), for which she has authored several Creative Commons Licensed materials.

Jane Berger, the director of Library Services at Owens Community College, brings her extensive experience in library sciences to the BIG Read. Berger's career in library services includes roles as a reference librarian, serials assistant and part-time circulation supervisor before becoming the library director. Her passion for literacy and sharing books was kindled during her time on the college’s Literacy Committee. Berger holds a Master's degree in Library and Information Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Communication and Public Relations from Wayne State University. Her previous experiences as a reference book editor and school librarian enrich her contributions to the college's library services.

Together, Hazel and Berger synergize their expertise and enthusiasm to lead the BIG Read, creating a platform that encourages the exploration of diverse perspectives through literature. This initiative under their guidance not only enriches the Owens Community College environment but also extends its impact to the surrounding communities.

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In this episode, Dr. Dione D. Somerville sits down with Alex Boylan, the creator, executive producer and host of the TV series The College Tour. After winning CBS’s The Amazing Race shortly after graduating from Jacksonville University with a B.S. in International Business, Alex’s sense of adventure catapulted him into the limelight, creating a successful and dynamic entertainment career both in front of and behind the camera.

For nearly two decades, Alex has been a sought-after onscreen personality, having hosted the #1 food series on PBS At The Chef’s Table, the #1 animal series on PBS Animal Attractions, and over 100 segments for The Travel Channel. Additionally, Alex was Rachael Ray’s sidekick hosting Rach to the Rescue for her syndicated talk show, circumnavigated the world without a penny in his pocket as the star and creator of Around the World for Free, and spent two summers as the ‘National Ambassador’ on the CBS Buzz Tour.

Behind the lens, Alex has kept just as busy, garnering himself an Emmy nomination for producing The Steve Harvey Show. His creative talents have been recognized throughout the industry, and he has won multiple Webby Awards for his groundbreaking work on Around the World For Free, as well as an ADRIAN Award for his work on DreamJobbing.

With a passion for storytelling and an affinity for globetrotting, Alex has filmed in every U.S. state and over 60 countries around the world. His latest adventure has been exploring higher education through the American landscape, as creator, host and executive producer of The College Tour, for which he has gained recognition as a college expert, most recently being named one of Ed Tech Magazine’s Top 30 IT Higher Education Influencers to Follow in 2022.