Meet Our Team
Randy J. Ulses
Interim President & CEO
Randy J. Ulses
Interim President & CEO, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Currently leading the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation team, Randy continues his work of assisting students reach their educational goals after having been a first-generation college student himself. Randy recently retired from 38 years in higher education that began in the admissions office while an undergraduate at the University of Northern Iowa. He went on to get his master’s degree at Miami University while employed in student housing and then worked at The Catholic University of America. Randy returned to Ohio for a fulfilling career at the University of Cincinnati where he spent most of his time working in financial aid. In roles from financial aid advisor to director, he enhanced student service and award processes, developed the website and online access for students, lead campus-wide scholarship programs, and directed federal compliance. Randy also served as president of the Ohio Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators and was honored to receive its Alex Murdoch Service Award, named after one of his UC mentors.
Vanessa Kurtzer
Associate Director, CSF
Vanessa Kurtzer
Associate Director, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Vanessa serves as CSF’s Associate Director and is responsible for outreach and collaboration efforts with High Schools, Colleges, Universities, community non-profit partners and corporations. Her strengths are strategic relationship management, fundraising development and building donor relationships and has years of experience in the Greater Cincinnati community non-profit sector. She has a natural ability to connect with High School students and young adults. Vanessa is passionate in partnering with youth and helping them with see their full potential to thrive in either college, career of life. Outside of work, she enjoys being outside in nature, working out, spending time with her family.
Jack Miner
Board of Trustees
Jack Miner
Board of Directors, Board chair, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Jack is dedicated to developing and leading university enrollment, retention, and graduation as the Vice Provost for Enrollment Management at the University of Cincinnati and is a proud member of the Board of Directors. Jack graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts, before earning his Master of Arts at the same university. He boasts over twenty- five years of experience providing strategic vision and achieving results in student services, academic administration, student success and enrollment management.
Adrienne Montgomery
Member of Finance Committee
Adrienne Montgomery
Board of Directors, VICE CHAIR, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Adrienne Montgomery is the Director of Financial Aid at Xavier University. She has twenty- two years of experience in the financial aid profession, previously having served as the director of Financial Aid at Merrimack College, Pine Manor College, and Stevens Institute of Technology. Adrienne is a recipient of the NJASFAA Arthur E Richmond Distinguished Service and Young Leaders, and the EASFAA Volunteer of the Year Award for her service with the Tuesdays at Two Webinar Series.
William Lampkin
Board of Trustees at the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
William Lampkin
Board of directors, secretary, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
William E. Lampkin III is a proud Cincinnatian. William graduated from Withrow University and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration from the University of Cincinnati. Currently, William works for the E.W. Scrips Company as a Digital Advertising Campaign Manager. Prior to this, he was a Marketing Specialist for the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative for over four years. William is dedicated to giving back to the community, having received scholarships from the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation and being a former member of the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative. William has served as a member and staff liaison of the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative’s Young Professionals Board for over four years. He has also joined the Cincinnati Works Young Professionals Board.
Chad Kolde
Member of Financial Committee
Chad Kolde
Board of Directors, Treasurer, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Chad Kolde is the Chief Financial Officer at the Bartlett Wealth Management. He graduated from Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master of Accounting. From there, he spent a significant portion of his time performing fraud investigations and forensic accounting services. In his professional career, Chad acknowledges the importance of marketing vigilance, being sure to adapt and grow as new trends and technologies emerge.
Melanie Burden
Board of Trustees at the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Melanie Burden
Board of directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Melanie’s professional career in Human Resource Management began over 20 years ago. An experienced practitioner and leader for over two decades, Melanie has given general oversight and direction to the organization’s most valuable assets – its people. She ensures that Human Resources serves employers with the highest level of customer care, and laterally supports the mission, vision, and strategy of organizations through successful HR engagement. She currently works at Boys Hope Girls Hope as their Vice President of People & Culture. Melanie has invaluable experience in investing in human capital in the for-profit and nonprofit sectors. She has served at the executive level in Human Resources for several years, and in 2019, she established her own consulting firm Creative Path Solutions, LLC. Melanie believes that organizations are “All interconnected, and every great company requires all of its talents to work in a collaborative effort for long-term success”.
She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics, and a Master of Arts degree in Labor and Employment Relations from the University of Cincinnati, a Master of Science degree in Leadership and Organizational Change from Northern Kentucky University and is certified in LEAN Systems from the University of Kentucky. A resident of the Lexington, Kentucky area, she is driven and energized by helping people and building collaborations. She believes in giving back through volunteering and being of service to those in need. She has spent her career being engaged in various community efforts throughout Greater Cincinnati. She served as an effective board member for the Ensemble Theatre, Boys Hope Girls Hope Cincinnati Affiliate and Keep Cincinnati Beautiful Board. Melanie is a proud military spouse to her husband Maurice, a Retired Army Veteran of over 20 years and real estate investor.
James Cullen
Executive Committee Advisor and Nominating & Goverance Committee Co-Chair
James Cullen
Board of Directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
James is the current Academic Program Director at the University of Cincinnati and has been providing his skills and educational insight to the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation Board of Trustees for over twenty years. James graduated from Mount St. Joseph University with a BS before earning his MA in Education from the University of Cincinnati, James is passionate about his work with the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation, encouraged by his pride in the organization and its commitment to student achievement throughout the past 100 years.
Dr. Leah Frierson
Board of Directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Dr. Leah Frierson
Board of directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Dr. Leah Frierson is currently the Sr. Manager for Leadership Development Programs at Fidelity. In her current role, she leads and supports the strategy for leadership development programs and the overall talent development pipeline. Prior to Fidelity, she had a 22-year career in higher education including a 10-year stint as a collegiate women’s basketball coach. Her career includes stops at UNC-Chapel Hill, Duke University, North Carolina Central University, Washington University-St. Louis and the University of Richmond. She has served in various leadership capacities in her roles including Assistant Dean of Advising, Director of Advising, Director of Student Academic Affairs, Associate Dean of Advising, as well as time spent leading and supporting competitive scholar programs such as the McNair Scholars Program at UNC-Chapel Hill and the Robertson Scholars Program at Duke University. Leah is also currently serving as a mentor for the Fidelity Scholars Program, as well as the Fidelity Athletic Internship program.
She holds a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership with a focus in Higher Education Administration from the University of North Carolina Wilmington. As a first-generation undergraduate and graduate college student, earning this degree was not only important to her and her family, but also to helping students see someone like them from a similar background as encouragement and motivation to keep pursuing their dreams. Leah firmly believes that education is a critical key to unlocking economic mobility and building the next generation of leaders.
Meghan Hollowell, EdD
Board Member
Meghan Hollowell, EdD
Board of Directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Dr. Meghan Hollowell is a dedicated leader in higher education, currently serving as the Dean of Student Affairs, Associate Professor, and Title IX Coordinator at The Christ College of Nursing and Health Sciences. In her role, she oversees student engagement, compliance, and equity, ensuring a supportive and inclusive academic environment.
Dr. Hollowell is an active contributor to institutional development, serving on key committees such as the CARE Behavioral Intervention Team and the Technology Council. Her work has been instrumental in advancing compliance measures, strategic enrollment initiatives, and the creation of impactful policies and procedures.
With a passion for education and a wealth of experience, Dr. Hollowell brings invaluable expertise to the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation (CSF). Her commitment to fostering success in higher education aligns seamlessly with CSF’s mission to empower students and expand opportunities for academic achievement.
Michelle Hopkins
Board of Trustees at the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Michelle Hopkins
Board of directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Michelle recently found her way back to television and WCPO specifically after spending the last five years doing community relations and communications at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center. She also worked at Mercy Health and the Hamilton County Community Action Agency after her time at WCPO-TV in the 90’s and WLWT-TV from 2000 to 2010. Michelle’s connection with and passion for her community is apparent in the projects she has been driven to work on.
For example, while serving as Community Engagement Director at Mercy Health, she facilitated projects such as the Greater Cincinnati Outdoor Gym located in Roselawn; a partnership with Cincinnati Bell to connect Bond Hill residents to high-speed internet; Farmer’s Markets located on the campus of Mercy Health- bringing locally grown, fresh produce to a neighborhood that has historically lacked equal access. During her time in Community Relations at Cincinnati Children’s Medical Center, Michelle developed and implemented a successful flu shot campaign; managed a monthly outreach program for parents called Ages & Stages and oversaw large community initiatives such as the Reds Community Makeover Day, bringing together over 60 Volunteers to complete transformational projects. Michelle’s return to WCPO is just one more way for her to meaningfully and impactfully continue her connection with Cincinnati Residents.
Olivia Kentner
Board Member
Olivia Kentner
Board OF DIRECTORS, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Olivia Kentner serves as the Communications and Community Engagement Manager for the Mason/Deerfield Chamber of Commerce, where she excels in fostering connections and driving impactful communications and marketing strategies. Her career is further distinguished by her expertise in public policy, gained during her tenure in the Office of Mayor Aftab Pureval for the City of Cincinnati.
In addition to her professional achievements, Ms. Kentner is the founder and board president of Ready Set Graduate, a nonprofit organization dedicated to collaborating with the Ohio Board of Education to enhance career planning opportunities for high school students. Her deep commitment to community engagement is reflected in her involvement with organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sisters, Girls on the Run, Grad Cincinnati, and her tutoring work at Oyler Elementary School.
A proud graduate of the University of Cincinnati, where she earned her BA, Ms. Kentner is passionate about empowering individuals and building stronger communities through her work and volunteerism.
Matt Lake
Board Member
Matt Lake
Board of Directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Matt Lake is the Tax and Nonprofit attorney at Thompson Hines at Thompson Hine LLP while serving as the Secretary for the Board of Trustees for the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation. Matt is the chair of the Cincinnati Bar Association nonprofit Committee. Matt has been married to his wife Katie for 27 years. Together they have two children, Kevin, who is a senior at Indiana University and Colleen who is a freshman at UNC-Chapel Hill. Matt has two dogs, Sandy and Shadow. Matt enjoys taking walks with his wife and hanging out with his kids.
Dr. Nikela Owens
Board of directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Dr. Nikela Owens
Board of directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Dr. Nikela Owens focuses on designing interactive programs to increase positive school culture through her work as an Educational Consultant for Cincinnati Public Schools. Additionally, Nikela is a proud member of the Scholarship Selection Committee at the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation. Nikela is the owner of Mint Yoga Studio and the Executive Director of Project Yoga.
Shannan Schmitt
Board Member
Shannan Schmitt
Board of Directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Shannan Schmitt leads the communications and grant-making efforts at The Health Collaborative and has served as the Vice Chair for the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation Board. Throughout the years, Shannan has greatly assisted CSF with marketing efforts and continues to work with CSF in better developing our marketing strategy. Shannan graduated from Valparaiso University with a degree in Journalism and psychology. She is a twenty-year veteran of creating and managing content to build relationships for organizations. Shannan is a mom, snack enthusiast, Yogi, and an avid reader. As a first-generation college entrant, she is dedicated to helping young people pursue post-secondary opportunities.
Audley Smith
Board of Trustees at the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Dr. Audley Smith
Board of directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Dr. Smith has over 30 years of experience in Education, where he served as a Teacher, Counselor, and Administrator. He is a proud product of Cincinnati Public Schools with many great memories. After high school, he received an Athletic Scholarship to Miami University, Ohio, where he received a Bachelor’s Degree in Education.
Later, he continued his education at Xavier University, earning a Master’s Degree in Guidance and Counseling. As a result of encouragement from several mentors, he decided to pursue a Doctoral Degree in Educational Leadership at Miami University. He is a High School Counselor and mentor in the Cincinnati Public Schools. Dr. Smith’s passion for learning and sharing knowledge has resulted in many success stories of students over the years. His belief in education has guided his philosophy, “All students have the right to receive a quality Education.”
Excelling in school creates opportunities for success and generates possibilities beyond the walls of a building. “Doc” (as he is called by many) surmises that academic exposure only increases the level of maturity as it prepares students to adapt to any situation.He believes all educators are responsible for creating exposures that stimulate their minds.
Serving on the Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation Board is an honor and pleasure. The organization recognizes the “value” of education and access to financial possibilities. The monetary opportunities can be a dream and goal that can be achieved, regardless of the financial challenges.
Brian Talbert
Board of Directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Brian Talbert
Board of directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Brian Talbert is a College Readiness Coordinator with GRAD Cincinnati, serving at Oyler High School for the past six years. In this role, Brian supports students throughout the college access journey — guiding them through college applications, organizing campus visits, and assisting with FAFSA and scholarship submissions. Brian is deeply committed to empowering students to realize their full potential. His work goes beyond paperwork and deadlines by mentoring students to help them choose post-secondary paths that align with their goals, interests, and strengths. Brian believes in building long-term relationships with his students and offering support that extends beyond high school graduation. He continues to engage with alumni on their college campuses helping them navigate challenges and stay on track toward degree completion.
Rachel Weber
Board of Directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Rachel Weber
Board of directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Rachel Weber is an Institutional Services Relationship Manager at Fifth Third Bank. She partners with portfolio managers to provide investment management solutions for all institutional clients but specializes in the nonprofit sector. Rachel graduated from Miami University with a Bachelor of Science in Education. Rachel has served on CSF’s Scholarship Selection Committee since 2023. She is a proud Cincinnati native who enjoys exploring the city with family and friends.
Sherry Wymer
Board of Directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Sherry Wymer
Board of directors, Cincinnati Scholarship Foundation
Sherry Wymer is assistant vice president, marketing engagement for Western & Southern Financial Group and holds more than 25 years of leadership experience across management, marketing, and financial services. She holds an MBA from Thomas More University and a Bachelor of Science in business management from Northern Kentucky University. A lifelong resident of Greater Cincinnati, Sherry is committed to helping others in the community and is actively involved in philanthropic and mentorship organizations, including Impact 100, United Way and Adopt A Class.