Paul J. Hooker Center Leadership

Experience:

Ebony Carter, CBA is the Vice President of the Minority Business Services at the Toledo Chamber and the Director of the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC). Prior to this role, Ebony was also a Financial Analyst at Launchpad Incubator.

Ebony is a Toledo native, has eight siblings, has no children, but is a proud Auntie! Her passions are traveling and mentoring, uplifting and encouraging youth. Learn more about Ebony on LinkedIn.

Education:

University of Toledo, Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance '12

Experience:

Kenny Farrar serves as Managing Director for Yellow Beet in Toledo, OH. Kenny has been dedicated to assisting businesses since 2015 and remains committed to his mission of making the biggest impact possible. Initially helping food service companies boost their revenue through online tools, Kenny quickly became a valuable resource for businesses spanning many industries.

Kenny is also the lead administrator of the Impact Program, a 12-week educational program for business owners, connecting them to educational resources and vital funding opportunities. To further support small businesses, Kenny created "Balancing the Books" in 2023, a program that connects high potential businesses to free accounting services.

Prior to Yellow Beet, Kenny worked with JumpStart Inc. to help entrepreneurs in his region gain easier access to capital, resources, and valuable connections. This experience broadened his understanding of the diverse needs of entrepreneurs and also fortified his ability to create impactful solutions for improving business landscapes. His work in the region has helped create nearly 400 jobs and he is committed to making Northwest Ohio a thriving hub for aspiring entrepreneurs. Connect with Kenny on LinkedIn.

Education:

Cleveland State University, Bachelor's, Urban Studies/Affairs '10

Experience:

Following graduation from Bowling Green State University in 1975 (B.S., Journalism), Steve Hanson began his career as a photojournalist. While working for a regional newspaper, he took on additional freelance work that was published by UPI, AP, Time, Newsweek, and Sports Illustrated. Hanson further honed his communication skills as Assistant Director of Public Relations for BGSU as the university photographer.

From public relations, Hanson segued into advertising and sales promotion as a producer for film, video & multimedia presentations at a Toledo advertising agency before becoming one of the founding partners at Packo, Mitchell, Hanson, & Comer, a leading regional sales promotions agency. In 1981 he founded Hanson Productions Inc, specializing in film and video production. In 1996 he renamed the company Hanson Inc, evolving it into a digital agency which continues to thrive on understanding, innovating, and delivering on the promise of strategic interactive communications. In 2009 he led a group that secured the film rights to The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran, one of the bestselling books of the 20th century.

While Hanson has grown Hanson Inc. from a local production company into a global digital agency, he continues to actively support the local community. He sits on the board of directors of several local businesses and contributes resources and professional services to Assistance Dogs of America, Kids Unlimited, The Arts Council of Greater Toledo, The Toledo Symphony, and Taste of the Nation. Connect with Steve on LinkedIn.

Education:

BGSU, Bachelor of Science, Journalism '75

Experience:

Mike Hart is CEO of Hart, one of Ohio’s largest independent, full-service marketing firms, with offices in Toledo and Columbus, Ohio, and Washington, D.C. Started as one-man shop by his father in 1965, today Mike guides a team of more than 80 strategic professionals, spanning seven marketing-communications disciplines. The agency grew by 65% each year from 2020 to 2022, and has an adjusted gross income of $13 million. Notable milestones include being named a Top Workplaces Winner by the Toledo Blade in 2023, the 2022 acquisition of MDB Communications, a full-service media-neutral agency based in Washington, D.C., and Hart I MDB being named Washington Business Journal’s 24th Fastest Growing Companies for 2022. Mike was inducted into the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership 2022 Hall of Fame at BGSU, and was an Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year® in the Multimedia, Marketing and Communications category for the Central Great Lakes Region in 2005. He also has served on the boards of the Press Club of Toledo, The University of Toledo’s Center for Family Business, the Toledo Area Small Business Association and the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Northwest Ohio. Connect with Mike on LinkedIn.

Education:

BGSU, Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing/Marketing Management, General '84

Dr. Rodney Heiligmann is the president of LifeFormations dba LF Studios, an Ohio-based design and fabrication company specializing in animatronics and sculptural scenic elements for use in attractions, exhibits and visitor-based installations around the world. 

The company is a pioneer and leader in the field animatronics and sculptures with integrated technology, and has worked with clients in more than 25 countries. Heiligmann started working at the company in 1993, became president and partner in 2001, and purchased it from fellow BGSU alumnus Dr. Gene Poor ’73 in 2009.

During his career at LifeFormations, Heiligmann has focused on exhibit design, media production, entrepreneurship, communication theory and theme park attraction development. He has consulted with dozens of start-up companies across the world and has co-written two books with Poor – “Animatronics: A Designer's Resource Guide” in 2003 and “The Entrepreneur's Journey: From Dreaming to Doing” in 2005.

From 2003 to 2008 Heiligmann was a faculty member in the Visual Communications Department at BGSU, and from 2009-2011, he served as the executive in residence and director of BGSU’s Dallas/Hamilton Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, later renamed the Paul J. Hooker Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership. 

Heiligmann is a three-time alumnus of BGSU. 

Education:
BGSU, Doctorate in Communication Studies '03
BGSU, Master of Education in Learning Design '96
BGSU, B.A. in film studies '94

Experience:
Mike is the Group President for Conduent an American business digital services provider. In his role Mike is responsible for commercial solutions portfolios, including Customer Experience Management, Automated Document Solutions, Finance, Accounting and Procurement, Commercial Healthcare and Bank and Lending offerings. Prior to Conduent, he was responsible for DXC’s Modern Workplace business, leading innovation and growth, managing all activities and a global staff, while achieving customers’ expectations. Before his time at DXC, Mike spent 15 years in several senior positions at Accenture. Most recently, he was Senior Managing Director for Accenture’s North America sales organization, active in sales origination, customer management, technology and innovation development, and C-suite engagement plans for major transformation programs. Learn more about Mike on LinkedIn.

Education:

BGSU, Master of Business Administration '01

University of Toledo, B.S. in Mechanical Engineering

Experience: 

Doug is a partner and national service line leader for Intellectual Property at Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP in Toledo, OH. He is a mechanical engineer and registered patent attorney licensed in the State of Ohio and before the United States Patent and Trademark Office. He counsels clients in a variety of patent-related matters, and has extensive experience in different technology areas. Prior to practicing law, Doug worked as an environmental engineer/manager and solvent recovery system manager for a chemical compounding facility and a project engineer in the chemical process group with a global engineering consulting firm. Connect with Doug on LinkedIn.

Education:

University of Toledo, Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering '90
University of Toledo - College of Law, Juris Doctor '99

Experience:

Luke joined Rally Cap Sports following graduation from BGSU in May 2015. During his time at BGSU, he interned at Promedica, Marathon Petroleum Corporation, and O-I, while working with founder Paul J. Hooker to expand RallyCap and begin the first university chapter. After graduation, he moved to New York City to begin working for RallyCap Sports. RallyCap has since expanded to seventeen chapters in six states, under Luke’s leadership as Executive Director. In 2015, Luke was awarded Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy by the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Luke has since moved back to his hometown of Maumee, Ohio and remains in his position of leadership with RallyCap Sports. Connect with Luke on LinkedIn.  

Education:

BGSU, B.S. Business Administration, Marketing, Entrepreneurship Minor '15

Experience:

Vontoba is Co-Founder of UI Global Brands LLC, the manufacturer and marketer of owned personal care brands Urban Hydration and Breath of Fresh Hair. Vontoba has 14 years of executive experience in the fashion and beauty industries, and prior to becoming a full time business owner, he spent 12 years in the corporate banking industry. Learn more about Vontoba on LinkedIn.

Education:

BGSU, B.S. Business Administration, Finance, '03
UNLV Lee Business School, M.A., Economics, '09

Experience:

Kati Thompson is a creative problem-solver who works with communities and organizations to achieve collaborative change and growth. As Executive Director of Bowling Green Economic Development, she is responsible for industry attraction, retention and expansion. Kati takes a wholistic approach in development to ensure an increased quality of life for all residents. With a focus on relationship-building along with strategic planning and partnerships, Bowling Green is poised for continued success.

With entrepreneurial and community development roles in her background, Kati brings a broad range of experience to BGED. She continues to own and operate Eden Fashion Boutique, a contemporary women’s clothing store in Downtown Bowling Green which opened in 2016. In addition, Kati’s husband Dave owns ACE Hardware and Thompson & Thompson Construction and they enjoy their entrepreneurial lifestyle. In her free time, Kati enjoys spending time with her husband and five children, traveling, reading and fitness. Connect with Kati on LinkedIn.

Education:

BGSU, Bachelor of Business Administration, Marketing '04

BGSU, Master of Organization Development '21