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Every Child Succeeds

Board Members

Every Child Succeeds is regional program designed to ensure an optimal start for children.

Every Child Succeeds receives guidance and support from a talented board whose members include:

  • Juliana J. Wales, Chairperson
    Executive Director, Neediest Kids of All
  • James M. Anderson, Vice Chair
    President and CEO, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
  • Robert C. Reifsnyder, Vice Chair
    President, United Way of Greater Cincinnati
  • Gwen L. Robinson, Vice Chair
    President/CEO, Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency
  • Michael Kremzar, Secretary
    Retired Executive, Procter & Gamble
  • Yvonne L. Gray, Treasurer
    Executive Vice President and COO, United Way of Greater Cincinnati

  • Success Story: Ronna

    Ronna smiles when asked how Every Child Succeeds has made a difference in her life.

    Ronna smiles when asked how Every Child Succeeds has made a difference in her life. "I would have been completely lost without it!" she says, as her two-year-old son, Jayden, chases a bouncing rubber ball across the room. "When I got pregnant, I was only 15. I wanted to take
    responsibility for Jayden, and I wanted to be a good mother. But I had no idea how to go about it."

    Every Child Succeeds matched Ronna with Jenny Berndsen, a home visitor employed by Family Services, which contracts with Every Child Succeeds to provide home visits. Jenny has been meeting with Ronna weekly since Ronna was eight months pregnant, sharing information with her about baby care, helping her create a positive home environment for learning and emotional
    growth, and encouraging her to finish high school.

    "No one in my family was there for me, so I really felt alone at first," explains Ronna, who now lives with Jayden in an apartment. "Jenny has taught me about the importance of reading to Jayden and about which games are good for his development and even how to get Jayden evaluated for his speech delays. She has helped me become a good mother and be more confident in myself."

    In June, Ronna will graduate from North College Hill High School, where she recently made honor roll. She plans to attend Cincinnati State and
    eventually become a social worker to help children who have experienced abuse and neglect.

    Judith B. Van Ginkel, PhD, President
    President, Every Child Succeeds
  • Kathy Aker
    Manager, Every Child Succeds
  • Thomas F. Boat, MD
    Professor of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
  • Christopher Bolling, MD
    General & Community Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
  • Walter T. Bowers, II, MD
  • Suzanne Burke
    CEO, Council on Aging of Southwestern Ohio
  • Cathy Caldemeyer
    Owner, Arte' Nouvelle
  • Lee A. Carter
    Retired Executive
  • Gyasi C. Chisley
    Vice President, University Hospital
  • David Clark
    Senior Vice President, Federated Department Stores
  • Mary Ellen Cody
    Community Volunteer
  • Ruby Crawford-Hemphill
    Assistant Chief Nursing Officer, University Hospital
  • Ardith Davis
    Director/Maternal Child Health, St. Elizabeth Medical Center
  • Verline Dotson
    Director, Head Start, Cincinnati-Hamilton County Community Action Agency
  • Timothy Elsbrock
    Senior Vice President, Investment Advisors
  • Dan Gahl
    COO, UC Physicians
  • Carrie Hayden
    Community Volunteer  
  • Bradley Jackson, MD
    Pedatrician, Premier Pediatrics
  • James M. Jones
    Retired Executive, Procter & Gamble
  • Lillian H. Jones
    Community Volunteer
  • John Luken
    Attorney, Dinsmore & Shohl
  • J. Gibbs MacVeigh
    Retired Executive, Western & Southern Life
  • Noble Maseru, PhD
    Health Commissioner, Cincinnati Health Department
  • Jill McGruder
    President and CEO, IFS Financial Services
  • Mary Ellen Meier
    ECS Manager, St. Elizabeth Medical Center
  • Rochelle Cooper Morton
    After School Program Director, YMCA of Greater Cincinnati
  • H.A. Musser, Jr.
    President and CEO, Santa Maria Community Services
  • Ernest L. Perry
    Senior Program Officer, Knowledge Works Foundation
  • Roger Schorr
    Retired Executive, Convergys Corporation
  • Digi Schueler 
  • Vivian Schwab
    Real Estate Agent, Sibcy Cline
  • Al Spector
    Retired Executive, Procter & Gamble
  • Jim Spurlino
    President, Spurlino Materials 
  • Arnold Strauss, MD
    Chairman of Pediatrics/Director of Research Foundation, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
  • Rev. Clarence Wallace
    Pastor, Carmel Presbyterian Church
  • Judith Warren
    Program Officer, Health Foundation of Greater Cincinnati
  • John J. Young
    President and CEO, Freestore/Foodbank

Ad Hoc Board Members

  • Carol Aquino
    Vice President, United Way of Greater Cincinnati
  • Thomas DeWitt, MD
    Medical Director, ECS, Professor of Pediatrics, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center

Contact Every Child Succeeds