Oglethorpe University has appointed four accomplished business and nonprofit leaders to its Board of Trustees, adding expertise from some of Atlanta’s most influential business, nonprofit and cultural organizations. The appointments reflect Oglethorpe’s commitment to connecting students with leaders who shape industries, communities and public life.
The university’s newest members of the Board of Trustees are Tom Collens ’05, partner at Ernst & Young; Barbara Frano, corporate senior director of food service for Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED; Beth Schiavo, executive director and board president of the Center for Puppetry Arts; and Jennifer Whyte ’99, chief accounting officer for Global Payments Inc.
“Oglethorpe’s strength has always come from bringing together people with different experiences, perspectives and areas of expertise,” said Tammy Pearson ’86, chair of the Oglethorpe University Board of Trustees. “These new trustees represent leadership across business, the arts, philanthropy and civic life. Their insights will help Oglethorpe strengthen opportunities for students while deepening the university’s connections to Atlanta and the communities we serve.”
A board shaped by broad expertise
The appointments further strengthen a board that draws expertise from across business, healthcare, law, technology, communications, education and the nonprofit sector. Oglethorpe trustees include leaders from organizations such as Chick-fil-A, The Coca-Cola Company, Porsche Cars North America, Global Payments, Grady Health Foundation, Atlanta Gas Light, the Cox Family Offices and Jackson Spalding, creating a network of perspectives that reflects the complexity of the communities and industries Oglethorpe students will help lead.
As Oglethorpe advances its strategic vision for the future, trustees provide guidance informed by experience in corporate leadership, entrepreneurship, public service, philanthropy and higher education. Their collective expertise helps strengthen the university’s ability to prepare graduates for meaningful careers, engaged citizenship and leadership in a rapidly changing world.
New trustees bring leadership across industries
Among the new trustees are two accomplished Oglethorpe alumni.
- Tom Collens ’05, partner at EY, earned his accounting degree from Oglethorpe and competed as a student-athlete. His career also includes experience with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. He previously chaired Oglethorpe’s President’s Advisory Council.
- Jennifer Whyte ’99, chief accounting officer of Global Payments, has held senior finance and accounting roles with the company since 2007. She previously served on the Hammack School of Business Advisory Board and the board of Dress for Success Atlanta.
- Barbara Frano, corporate senior director of food service for Coca-Cola Bottling Company UNITED, brings more than 25 years of experience in consumer goods, strategic sales, customer engagement and operations.
- Beth Schiavo, executive director and board president of the Center for Puppetry Arts, is a certified public accountant and former EY audit partner with extensive corporate, nonprofit and civic board experience.
Leadership for key advisory groups
In addition to the trustee appointments, Oglethorpe announced Stacey Chavis ’06 as the new chair of the President’s Advisory Council and recognized Heather Staniszewski ’02 as she continues to lead the Oglethorpe Alumni Board as its president.
Chavis is managing director of Campaigns Academy, where she trains leaders to run for office and advises nonprofits on public policy and advocacy. Her experience spans nonprofit leadership, government relations and civic engagement, and she currently serves on several nonprofit boards across Georgia.
Staniszewski is the Director of Operations at Georgia Estate & Elder Law and former Oglethorpe staff member who previously served as associate director of the university’s Center for Civic Engagement. A graduate with a degree in communications and business, she has remained an active advocate for community engagement, volunteerism and alumni involvement.
“These trustees and advisory leaders have distinguished themselves across a wide range of professions and industries, said Oglethorpe President Kathryn McClymond, Ph.D. “Their guidance, connections and commitment to Oglethorpe will help strengthen the educational experience we provide and expand opportunities for students long after they graduate.”
Looking ahead
The appointments come as Oglethorpe continues expanding opportunities for students through partnerships with business, civic and cultural organizations throughout Atlanta and beyond. Guided by an engaged Board of Trustees and advisory leadership, the university remains focused on delivering a transformative liberal arts and sciences education that prepares graduates to make meaningful contributions in their professions and communities.
