The 33 directors of the Ball State University Foundation Board of Directors guide the direction and oversee the fiduciary responsibilities of the Foundation. Dedicated, diverse, and distinguished, these volunteers bring years of business expertise, community involvement, and loyal support in their role as advisors and visionary leaders.
Recently, the Foundation Board of Directors welcomed four new members.
Vince M. Bertram
Vince M. Bertram is the president and CEO of Project Lead the Way (PLTW) in Indianapolis, a nonprofit that provides STEM education programs to thousands of schools nationwide. A well-respected speaker and educator, Bertram has traveled extensively across the U.S. and internationally to speak on STEM-related issues in addition to education, the workforce, and the economy. Bertram is a Ball State alumnus with a BS (1991), MAE (1998), EdS (2001), and EdD (2006).
Jo Ann M. Gora
Jo Ann M. Gora facilitated more than $520 million of new construction on Ball State’s campus during her 10-year tenure as president of Ball State University (2004-2014). Under her leadership, the University raised more philanthropic dollars in a decade than it had in its previous 86 years. The “Ball State Bold” Capital Campaign supported the full implementation of the “Education Redefined Strategic Plan” which made community-based experiential learning projects the cornerstone of a Ball State undergraduate education. Gora holds a BA from Vassar College and a MA and PhD from Rutgers University.
Randy D. Phillips
Randy D. Phillips has 35 years of experience in the investment industry and is currently a private investor. He retired as a senior vice president/portfolio manager for Hillard Lyons Trust Company in Louisville, Kentucky. He additionally served as managing director/portfolio manager with Gradison McDonald Asset Management in Cincinnati, and City Securities Corporation in Indianapolis. Phillips graduated from Ball State University in 1980 with a BS in finance.
Kyle J. Williams
Kyle J. Williams is currently a Midwest regional sales manager at Sebia, Inc., based in Parise, France. Sebia is an analytical laboratory equipment manufacturer and Williams works out of the Georgia branch. Williams graduated from Ball State in 2000 with a degree in elementary education. He went to Bethel College and graduated with an MBA in 2013.
With national representation, each board member serves on a committee that best utilizes their area of expertise, including finance, investments, philanthropy, organizational operations, and government. To read more about all of the Ball State University Foundation Board of Directors, visit the Ball State Board and Committee’s website.