Two new BGSU trustees appointed by governor

Gov. John Kasich has appointed alumni Marilyn Eisele of Cleveland and David O’Brien of Westlake to the BGSU Board of Trustees.

Eisele’s term runs through May 17, 2023. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting from BGSU in 1979 and is president of NDI Medical, a hybrid venture and commercialization firm that funds and develops innovative neurodevice technologies. She also serves as vice president of finance and chief financial officer for NDI’s three portfolio companies, SPR Therapeutics, Checkpoint Surgical and Deep Brain Innovation, all neurodevice companies spun out of NDI.

She started her career at Price Waterhouse Coopers (formerly Coopers and Lybrand) and served both public and private companies with a specialization in mergers and acquisitions and high-growth businesses. She has participated in raising more than $100 million in private equity placements, multiple initial public offerings and secondary offerings and over 30 acquisitions.

Eisele serves on the finance and audit committees of Shaker Heights City Schools and Laurel School and on the boards of several not-for-profit organizations.

“I am extremely pleased to accept the appointment to the Bowling Green State University Board of Trustees,” said Eisele. “BGSU is indeed changing the lives of its students. I am excited to be part of the energy and transformative programs at the university, and to partner with President Mazey and the board to contribute to advancing the University’s educational mission and impact.”

O’Brien’s term runs through May 17, 2024. He earned a bachelor of science in business administration with a double major in finance and risk management/insurance from BGSU. He is chairman of the board and controlling owner of Risk International Holdings in Fairlawn, Ohio. He acquired Risk in 2012 after a long corporate career of serving the risk management and insurance brokerage needs of Fortune 1000 companies.

He has held numerous nonprofit board positions including Junior Achievement (1997-99), Louisville Orchestra (1997-99), Economics America (2001-05), Center for Families and Children (2004-10) and the American Red Cross (2008-10). Currently, O’Brien and his wife, Lisa, serve as capital campaign co-chairs for the Women’s Recovery Center of Greater Cleveland.

“I’d like to thank Governor Kasich for the opportunity to serve my alma mater,” he said. “I look forward to helping Bowling Green State University continue to meet and exceed its goals.”