Democracy and Public Policy Research Network at BGSU forms inaugural advisory board
Estimated Reading Time:
Nine-member board consists of business leaders, elected officials, policymakers and prominent alumni
The Democracy and Public Policy Research Network in the Department of Political Science at Bowling Green State University has formed its inaugural advisory board comprised of nine appointed members consisting of business leaders, elected officials, policymakers and prominent alumni, including former U.S. and state representatives and senators, Ohio's first female attorney general and cabinet-level leaders in the Ohio governor's administration.
Chaired by Randy Gardner, former state senator and chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education, the network's advisory board will meet throughout the year to provide insight and expertise on network research, develop community events focused on nonpartisan, civic engagement and connect with BGSU students for experiential learning opportunities.
"Bowling Green State University is grateful for the time and dedication of this incredibly talented advisory board, which includes longtime public servants, business leaders, prominent alumni and students," BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. "As a public university for the public good, the Democracy and Public Policy Research Network is providing students who are interested in policymaking and civic engagement with active learning experiences and opportunities. We look forward to the leadership of this advisory board in elevating this innovative work, as well as the meaningful and relevant research generated by this network.”
“BGSU, through President Rogers’ vision and leadership, is now positioned to support enhanced civic discourse in unique and intentional ways," Gardner said. "I’ve always believed public universities should be engaged in this kind of effort.”
"I am excited to have such an esteemed group of civic leaders who are willing to offer their experiences to support our mission to promote citizenship, innovation and the public good," said Dr. Robert Alexander, BGSU professor of political science and the network's founding director. "Their involvement ensures we will connect our work to students and the larger community in relevant and consequential ways, making us a leader among those seeking to improve civic literacy in the country."
Inaugural members of the Democracy and Public Policy Research Network advisory board include:
Jan Allen is former deputy chief of staff for former Ohio Gov. Richard Celeste and cabinet secretary for former Ohio Gov. Ted Strickland. Currently, she is an executive life coach at Business of People Consulting and Jan Allen Executive Coaching and Life Strategy. Allen received her bachelor’s, master’s and juris doctor degrees from Ohio State University.
Leo Almeida currently serves as government relations director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. Almeida previously served as senior policy associate for The Nature Conservancy of Ohio and senior legislative aide to the Ohio Senate Minority Leader. He received his bachelor’s degree from BGSU in 2010.
Samantha Conrad is a fourth-year political science major at BGSU and intern for the Democracy and Public Policy Research Network. Conrad's work at BGSU includes political science-based research and hosting of the network's podcast, "Democracy Exchange With the DePo."
Randy Gardner serves as the network's advisory board chair and is former chancellor of the Ohio Department of Higher Education. Previously, Gardner was a member of the Ohio Senate and Ohio House of Representatives, rising to the position of Senate President Pro Tem, House Speaker Pro Tem and House Majority Leader. Gardner was a high school history and government teacher prior to his career in government and received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from BGSU in 1981 and 1987, respectively.
Betty Montgomery is a former Ohio Attorney General, Ohio State Auditor and Ohio senator. Currently, Montgomery serves as counsel at MacMurray & Shuster LLP in New Albany, Ohio, near Columbus. Before her state service, Montgomery was elected twice as Wood County Prosecuting Attorney. Montgomery received her bachelor’s degree from BGSU in 1970 and her juris doctor from the University of Toledo. She was also awarded an honorary doctorate degree in public service from BGSU in 2023.
Tim Ryan is a former U.S. representative and Ohio senator. As an elected official, Ryan served 20 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing northeast Ohio after two years in the Ohio Senate. He was the Democratic Party nominee for the U.S. Senate in 2022 and was a candidate for president briefly in 2019 before deciding to run again for re-election to Congress. He earned his bachelor’s degree in 1995 from BGSU and his juris doctor from the University of New Hampshire College of Law.
Thomas Snitch is director of federal relations for BGSU and CEO and co-founder of GeoQuera. Snitch received a bachelor’s degree from BGSU in 1975 and was awarded an honorary degree from the University in 2015. He also holds master’s degrees from American University and Reitaku University and a doctoral degree from American University.
Pat Tiberi currently serves as president and CEO of the Ohio Business Roundtable and chairman of Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's Executive Workforce Board. Previously, Tiberi served in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing central Ohio, and the Ohio House of Representatives, attaining the position of House Majority Leader. He received his bachelor’s degree from Ohio State University.
Ronald C. Todd serves as chief of social impact and opportunity at the Ohio Department of Development. Previously, Todd served as Minority Affairs Liaison for Gov. DeWine. He attended BGSU and earned his bachelor’s degree from Ohio Dominican University.
Founded in fall 2024, the Democracy and Public Policy Research Network at BGSU conducts nonpartisan research, polls and policy briefs that educate and inform the learning and greater community and policymakers in Ohio and beyond. The network also provides BGSU students with real-world, hands-on experiential learning opportunities and creative activities, including faculty-guided research projects, podcast productions, speaking engagements and workshops.
Related Stories
Media Contact | Michael Bratton | mbratto@bgsu.edu | 419-372-6349
Updated: 12/11/2024 01:04PM