Advisory Council
College of Business
The College of Business Advisory Council represents stakeholders – such as corporate executives, managers, and entrepreneurs – from firms employing, or potentially employing, graduates and successful, outstanding alumni. The Council serves as a resource of guidance and support to the College of Business.
Mrs. Maribeth Berman
Mrs. Berman most recently served as Chair of EKU’s Foundation Board through their Make No Little Plans campaign, which raised $61 million dollars, far exceeding the $50 million dollar goal. She was also instrumental in formalizing the university’s Annual Giving Day, a one-day event in the spring that raised approximately $430,000 in 2023. The Berman Center for Professional Sales was established with a $1 million gift from Maribeth and her husband Louis.
Dr. Cynthia F. Bohn
Owner of Equus Run Vineyards
Eastern Kentucky University, ’80 BA Speech & Theater, AS Broadcast Engineering. ’81 MA Industrial Technology, University of Kentucky. ’96 EdD Educational Technology. EKU Department of Technology Distinguished Alum 2000. EKU College of Business and Technology Distinguished Speaker 2010.
Mr. Dale Cooper
Founder, President and CEO
Xact Communications
Mr. Matthew A. Evans
President and CEO
Bankers Service Corporation.
Eastern Kentucky University, ’91 BBA Finance. EKU Department of Accounting, Finance and Information Systems Distinguished Alum 2012.
Ms. Lisa DeVaughn Foley
Baldwin CPAs, PLLC.
Council Chair
Eastern Kentucky University, BBA Accounting
Mr. Jim Guice
Executive VP, Corcentric, Inc.
EKU 1969. BS in Business and Technology
Mr. Scott M. Northcutt
Senior Vice President, Human Resources
Bacardi & Company, Limited
Eastern Kentucky University, ’84 BA Speech Communication. EKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni 1994. EKU College of Business and Technology Distinguished Speaker 2005. EKU Department of Communication Distinguished Alum 2002.
Mr. Andrew Page
Mr. Page is the Chief Financial Officer for Amer Sports, a global sport and outdoor brand company based out of Helsinki, Finland. Previously he was CFO of Under Armour and Foot Locker where he led explosive growth and M&A efforts, exceeding $2 billion dollars. He earned his BBA in Accounting from EKU and his MBA from Georgetown University.
Mr. Don Perry
Senior VP, Investments Manager
Kentucky Farmers Bank
Eastern Kentucky University, ’86 BS Industrial Technology. ’95 MBA.
Ms. Tracy L. Wilkerson Geiger
Technology Security Assurance Manager, Enterprise Information Protection (EIP), Corporate Assurance Humana, Inc. Eastern Kentucky University, BBA Accounting, Computer Information Systems.
Mr. Taylor Davis
Founder and CEO
DFG Advisory – Northwestern Mutual
EKU, 2016
BBA in Business, Marketing major
Mr. Dennis D. Doggett
President and Founder
New Initiatives, LLC.
Eastern Kentucky University, ’73 BBA Marketing. Morgan State University, MBA; EKU Hall of Distinguished Alum 2007. EKU College of Business and Technology Distinguished Speaker 2000. EKU Department of Management, Marketing & Administrative Communication Distinguished Alum 2001.
Ms. Brandie Dawson
Senior Director, Talent Acquisition & Recruitment Marketing, Valvoline. Brandie joined Valvoline from Saks Fifth Avenue in April 2017, as Talent Acquisition for Valvoline’s core North America segment, before being named Senior Director. Brandie is active in the Lexington community, working with Big Brother Big Sisters of the Bluegrass, and Habitat for Humanity and mentoring college students to success. A Kentucky native, Brandie holds a BBA degree from Eastern Kentucky University.
Dr. Will McIntosh
Global Head of Research
Affinius Capital
Eastern Kentucky University, ’77 BBA Business Education. ’79 MBA University of North Texas. ’87 PhD Finance & Real Estate. EKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni 2003. EKU College of Business and Technology Distinguished Speaker 2002.
Mr. John McPhearson
Chief Executive Officer
Lectrodryer, LLC.
University of Kentucky
Mr. Dale Morgan
Investment Analyst, Lexington-Fayette County Urban Government
President and CEO, Foundation 47, LLC.
Eastern Kentucky University, ’09 Accounting
Ms. Carolyn Reynolds
Vice President
Reynolds Insurance Agency, Inc.
Eastern Kentucky University, 1995-1999.
Mr. Jerry Rickett
Chief Executive Officer
KY Highlands Investment Corp.
Cumberland College, ’72 BS Geography. Eastern Kentucky University, ’73 MS Geography; ’75 MA Recreation.
Mr. George Ridings
Founder and Vice President
Ridings Insurance & Financial Services, Ltd.
Eastern Kentucky University, ’64 BS Commerce. EKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni 1993. EKU Department of Accounting, Finance & Information Systems Distinguished Alum 2004. Life Member, Million Dollar Round Table. Kentucky State Association of Life Underwriters Medal of Honor, 1986.
Finance Advisory Board
Matthew A. Evans
President & CEO
Bankers Strive Corporation
Bill Herrell
Principal
D.A. Davidson Companies
Charles A. Vice
Commissioner
Kentucky Department of Financial Institutions
Jodi Stacy
Executive Vice President
Bank of the Mountains
Lisa DeVaughn Foley, CPA
Member, Baldwin CPAs, PLLC
Don Perry
Vice President & Investments Manager
Kentucky Farmers Bank
Tony Whitaker
Chairman
Kentucky First Federal Bancorp
PGA Golf Management Advisory Board
Jack Barber, PGA
PGA Retired Life Member
Eastern Kentucky University, ’72
EKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni 2011
Bruce Brown, PGA
Head Golf Professional
Frankfort Country Club
Frankfort, Kentucky
Kevin Cumiskey
Instructor of Marketing
Department of Management, Marketing and International Business
Eastern Kentucky University
Pittsburg State University (Bachelor’s in Business Management and Economics)
Kansas State University (MBA)
Jason Eberle, PGA
Head Golf Professional
Gibson Bay Golf Course
Richmond, Kentucky
Ferris State University, ’92 PGA Golf Management
Scott Sedgwick, PGA
Head Golf Professional
Louisville Country Club
Louisville, Kentucky
University of Cincinnati, ’91 (Bachelor of Science in Business Administration)
Dr. Tom Martin
Dean of the College of Business
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky University, ’01 (MBA)
University of Kentucky, ’08 (Masters and Doctorate in Political Science)
Kelly Williams, PGA
Club Manager
Greenbrier Golf and Country Club
Lexington, Kentucky
University of Kentucky, (Bachelor’s in Communication/Sports Organizations)
Dick Bradow, PGA
PGA Retired Life Member
Michigan State University
EKU Hall of Distinguished Alumni 2011
Keith Clark, PGA
Director of Golf
Hillcrest Country Club
Indianapolis, Indiana
Logan Duderstadt, PGA
Leadership Player Services Representative
Acushnet Company
Eastern Kentucky University, ’13 Marketing/PGA Golf Management
Dr. Norb Elbert
Professor Emeritus and Chair of the of Department of Management, Marketing and Administrative Communication (retired)
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
University of Kentucky, ’76 DBA Organizational Behavior; University of Louisville, ’71 MBA, ’70 BS Business
Gene Powell, PGA
Director of Instruction
Four Bridges Country Club
Liberty Township, Ohio
PGA Master Professional
Corey Stith, PGA
Head Golf Professional
Lakeside Golf Course
Lexington, Kentucky
Eastern Kentucky University, ’11 Marketing/PGA Golf Management
Dr. Kristen Wilson
Assistant Professor
Department of Management, Marketing, and International Business
Eastern Kentucky University
Richmond, Kentucky
Risk Management and Insurance Advisory Board
Duran Hall
As President & Managing Partner at Maverick Insurance Group, Duran leads a dynamic team serving commercial clients throughout Kentucky. With over two decades of experience in Property & Casualty insurance, he specializes in developing customized solutions for businesses. Duran also serves as the Chair of the EKU Risk Management & Insurance Advisory Board, bringing valuable leadership to both his agency and the university.
John Bell, CPCU, CIC, TRIP
John is a Territory Director at Acuity Insurance, overseeing agency operations and strategic growth across multiple states. With more than 30 years in the industry, he holds the CPCU, CIC, and TRIP designations and has a deep commitment to advancing agent education. John’s role at Acuity allows him to shape the future of insurance sales and operations in his region.
Louis Berman
As Senior Vice President of Mergers and Acquisitions at AssuredPartners, Louis drives the company’s national expansion strategy. He focuses on acquiring and integrating top-performing agencies, helping to enhance AssuredPartners’ national footprint. Louis is a key player in growing the firm’s capabilities and ensuring that new acquisitions align with the company’s long-term goals.
Jerry Goble
Jerry is the Owner of Jerry Goble State Farm Agency, where he specializes in providing personalized insurance solutions for both individuals and businesses. With decades of industry experience, Jerry’s commitment to his clients and community has earned him a reputation as a trusted agent. He continues to foster strong relationships and offer exceptional service to his loyal client base.
Josh Haines
Josh, an Agency Field Sales Leader at State Farm, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his role, where he coaches and develops agents across the region. He has a strong background in running State Farm agencies and focuses on business development and performance improvements. Josh is passionate about building high-performing teams and driving sales in a competitive market.
Carolyn Reynolds
Carolyn has decades of experience in personal and commercial insurance as the President of Reynolds Insurance Agency. A former Chair of the Kentucky Young Insurance Professionals, she has received multiple awards, including the KY YIP of the Year Award. Carolyn is deeply involved in industry leadership and currently serves on both the EKU RMI Advisory Board and the EKU College of Business Advisory Board.
Jody Rhude
Jody is a Field Director at The Cincinnati Insurance Companies with over 35 years of industry experience. He supports agents in the field with underwriting and operational guidance, ensuring optimal outcomes for clients. Jody’s extensive knowledge of the insurance industry makes him a valuable asset to both his company and its agents.
Bart Rowland
As Vice President and Co-Owner of Rowland Insurance Agency, Bart specializes in providing a wide range of personal and commercial insurance solutions. He has particular expertise in small business insurance and workers’ compensation. Bart’s hands-on approach to client service and insurance solutions has contributed to the agency’s continued success and growth.
Angie Phelps-Sells
Angie serves as the Director of Human Resources at Kentucky Farm Bureau Insurance, where she leads HR operations, talent management, and organizational development. She’s dedicated to enhancing employee engagement and supporting the company’s overall growth through effective leadership and strategic HR practices.
Britt Roarx
Britt is the Director of Risk at Texas Roadhouse, where he manages enterprise-wide risk management, insurance placement, and claims strategies. He played a pivotal role in introducing a Captive insurance structure to the company’s insurance framework, a key move in optimizing risk management. With over 15 years of experience, Britt continues to drive innovative solutions in risk management.
Tara Purvis
Tara is the president and CEO at Big I Kentucky, overseeing events, membership programs, and operations for the entire organization. She works to connect independent agencies and provide valuable networking and educational opportunities that enhance their success in the industry.
Jeremy Terry, CPCU
Jeremy is the Vice President of Policyholder Services at KEMI, where he leads the client services and policy operations teams. He is responsible for delivering top-tier customer service to Kentucky’s leading workers’ compensation provider. Jeremy’s deep industry knowledge is backed by his CPCU designation and years of hands-on experience.
Lisa Switzer, CPCU, AU
As Senior Sales Manager for Kentucky at SECURA Insurance, Lisa manages relationships with independent agencies while driving business development efforts. Her expertise in commercial underwriting, coupled with her CPCU and AU designations, makes her a trusted leader in regional insurance markets.
Clark Sigmon
Clark serves as Regional Director at Auto-Owners Insurance, where he is responsible for supporting agencies and managing operations across Kentucky and neighboring states. His focus is on underwriting and business development, ensuring that agencies have the tools and resources they need to succeed in a competitive marketplace.
David Schawe, CLCS
David is an Executive Vice President and Market Leader at Newfront, where he leverages over 20 years of experience in commercial insurance to guide clients through complex risk management challenges. His expertise in strategic planning and consulting helps businesses reduce their exposure and improve overall risk profiles.
Bryan Raisor
Bryan is the Agency President at AssuredPartners. With a background as a Commercial Lines Producer, he now leads the agency with a strong focus on Property & Casualty insurance. In addition to Commercial Insurance, Employee Benefits is also a key area of focus. Bryan specializes in Workers’ Compensation and helps businesses manage risk through strategic planning and the reduction of experience mods.