Sarah Wilds combines deep clinical expertise with strategic leadership in her role as CEO of PRC-Saltillo. Her commitment to inclusive communication began early, through research and presentations on AAC systems that shaped her evidence-based approach. Starting her career as a speech-language pathologist, Sarah worked in pediatric and adult clinics across New Zealand, Washington, D.C., and central Illinois. On January 1, 2025, she became PRC-Saltillo’s fourth CEO, and the first speech-language pathologist to hold the position, underscoring her unique perspective and vision. Her previous leadership roles, in marketing and product development as well as Chief Operating Officer, reflect a career defined by innovation, impact, and a passion for empowering communication.

Megan Pando is the founder of Columbus’ Makers Social, an interactive makerspace and bar that allows guests to work on DIY projects, like jewelry-making, leatherwork and woodworking.  Pando grew up in Cincinnati and also lived in Pittsburgh before moving to Columbus in 2014, where she opened her first business, Studio 614, a paint-and-sip studio in Clintonville. She says the experience of opening Studio 614 was instrumental in her later venture, Makers Social.  Here's her story and more from entrepreneur to appearing on "Shark Tank".

On this episode of CEOYSK, Boxer sits down with Dr. Matthew J. Smith, PhD, Dean of OSU-Newark, and Dr. John Berry, PhD, President of COTC(Central Ohio Technical College). and explore the current state of higher education, the cost, the demand in the workforce, and what our future workforce looks like with AI.  

Matthew J. Smith, PhD assumed the role of dean and director of Ohio State Newark on Aug. 1, 2024. With his appointment, Smith will spearhead efforts at Ohio State Newark to align campus priorities and further strengthen the university’s commitment to student success, innovation in teaching and learning, research opportunities, and community engagement.  Smith formerly served as dean of the College of Humanities and Behavioral Sciences at Radford University, a comprehensive public university in Radford, Virginia, where he was also a professor of communication. In his deanship at Radford, Smith led the university’s largest college, which includes about 120 full-time faculty and up to 2,200 students. The college includes a school, eight departments, four interdisciplinary programs and Army ROTC.

John M. Berry, PhD, assumed the role of COTC president on January 1, 2019, and is the college’s second sole president. He was unanimously selected by the COTC Board of Trustees after a nationwide search.Having previously served as director of student life at COTC, Berry returned to the college after positions at Cape Fear Community College in Wilmington, North Carolina; Rhodes State College in Lima, Ohio; and most recently, BridgeValley Community and Technical College in Montgomery, West Virginia.After starting his own education at a community college, Berry went on to earn a doctoral degree in higher education administration from The Ohio State University.

Ray Shealy is a seasoned technology executive and entrepreneur with more than 25 years of experience building, scaling, and leading high-growth software companies. As CEO of InnerActiv, he drives the company’s vision for real-time risk intelligence, insider risk prevention, and zero-trust endpoint protection, guiding product innovation and market expansion. Ray has a proven track record of raising capital, growing companies, and partnering with global enterprises to deliver mission-critical software solutions.

Jamie & Jonathan Wilcox are not just brothers, they are managing partners at Columbus based Wilcox Communities. A family-owned, award winning company is a premier builder and developer of for-rent maintenance-free communities. Our communities offer an easier lifestyle without the hassle of exterior maintenance, and many luxurious amenities such as clubhouses, heated pools, walking trails, and more. At Wilcox Communities, we are passionate about building neighborhoods for an active and carefree lifestyle. Since our first new community in 2002, our unique home designs have given thousands of residents a place to experience life to its fullest.

Brad Kaplan is the entrepreneurial force behind Lion Cub’s Cookies, a gourmet cookie

company based in Columbus, Ohio. His journey began while studying at The Ohio State

University’s Fisher College of Business, where he started experimenting with cookie

recipes in his kitchen treating it like a science lab, tweaking ingredients one at a time to

perfect texture and flavor.

Originally trained as an engineer, Brad left his day job to pursue his cookie business full-

time. What started as a solo venture quickly grew into a full operation with bakers, recipe

developers, and delivery drivers. His early success was fueled by Instagram buzz and word-

of-mouth, and he leaned heavily into delivery during the pandemic.

Brad named the company “Lion Cub’s Cookies” based on childhood memories and a

desire for something unique and memorable. The brand is now known for its six-ounce

gooey cookies, and has become a local favorite in Columbus, with a storefront in

Grandview and plans for expansion.

Beyond business, Brad is deeply involved in the community donating thousands of cookies

to causes like Ronald McDonald House, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Pelotonia. He

was also named to the Columbus CEO Future 50 Class of 2022, recognized for his

leadership and commitment to inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Sen Siva, MD, is the Chief Executive Officer for MedOne Healthcare Partners and has more than 15 years of medical experience. In his role as CEO, he oversees more than 160 clinicians across numerous care sites, partners with hospital and practice leaders to develop and implement strategic initiatives and fosters a collaborative environment in which MedOne can deliver on its mission to make healthcare better. Prior to his current role, Sen served as medical director at Genesis Hospital in Zanesville, Select Specialty Hospital in Columbus, and OhioHealth Rehabilitation Hospital in Columbus. He earned his Doctor of Medicine at St. George’s University School of Medicine and completed his internal medicine residency at Wright State University Boonshoft School of Medicine. Fun fact: Sen played competitive tennis growing up, including on his college team at Tufts University, and continues to play recreationally.

CEO & Co-Founder | R. RiveterLisa Bradley, a trailblazing entrepreneur and staunch advocate for military spouses, co-founded R. Riveter with a vision that transcends business success. Her journey epitomizes resilience, determination, and a profound commitment to service.Under her leadership, the brand has evolved from a small startup into a nationally recognized company that provides mobile, flexible income opportunities for military spouses — through assembly work, entrepreneurship grants, and community empowerment.Lisa has represented R. Riveter on national platforms, from Shark Tank to Good Morning America, championing employment opportunities for military spouses and shedding light on the challenges faced by working mothers. Her leadership has been recognized widely: she was named one of the 25 individuals reshaping the future of retail by the National Retail Federation and honored as one of Central Ohio’s remarkable women in 2023.Today, R. Riveter’s handbags and accessories — American assembled and often crafted from upcycled military materials — fuse fashion with purpose. Every bag tells the story of resilience and community, carrying forward Lisa’s unwavering belief that business can be a powerful force for good.

A first Gulf War Veteran, Keith brings three decades of experience managing assets and investor capital, including acquisitions, for NiSource, Security Capital Group, and Case & Associates. Keith was responsible for growing the Southwestern territory, including Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona before relocating to Ohio with NiSource. He serves as secretary on the Move to Prosper board of directors. Keith has served on boards for the Institute of Real Estate Management, the Texas Apartment Association, and several nonprofits including Dream Weavers, Omega Vision, and Destiny Family Christian Center. He holds a B.S. in Accounting and an M.B.A. from Webster University. He maintains his Certified Apartment Leasing Professional (formerly NALP), Certified Apartment Manager (CAM), Associate in Risk Management (ARM), and Certified Property Manager (CPM) designations.

Dr Mary Lou Luebbe-Gearhart, Au.D is an experienced Board Certified Doctor of Audiology, Hearing Aid & Tinnitus Specialist & CEO of Luebbe Hearing Services with offices in Columbus, Circleville & Canal Winchester, a family business established by her father that she has led for 52 years with integrity & innovation.  Graduated with 2 degrees from Ohio State & a Doctorate from U of Florida. ”You’ll Hear What You’ve Been Missing!”