Ball State University recently welcomed five alumni to its Foundation Board of Directors.  Jim Fields ‘97, Brian Haynes ‘96, Lou Hensley ‘91, Dan Molinaro ‘68, and Natalie Vega O’Neil ’98 were elected to serve three-year terms, starting November 1, 2024.  

Jean Kramer Crosby ‘96, in her role as President of the Foundation and Alumni Association, expressed her enthusiasm about the newly appointed members to the Foundation Board of Directors, “As a fellow alumna and President of the Foundation and Alumni Association, I am privileged to collaborate with Jim, Brian, Lou, Dan, and Natalie as we further our comprehensive campaign Our Call to Beneficence: The Campaign for Ball State University.  The Foundation is fortunate to have the opportunity to work with engaged alumni with a deep commitment to our University who are willing to leverage their expertise and dedication to enhance the Ball State’s mission and its impact on future generations.” 

The Foundation Board also re-elected Katherine Arbuckle ‘80, Eric Foss ‘80, Jo Ann Gora, Jill Lacy ‘92, Betsy Ross ‘72, and Michelle Ryan ‘81 each for another three-year term. These members will continue to serve on the board, bringing their expertise and dedication to the organization. 

Additionally, the Foundation Board elected new officers for two-year terms including Chair Patrick Alderdice ‘92, Vice Chair David Heeter ‘83, Immediate Past Chair Michael Ray ‘83, and Secretary Jill Lacy ‘92.  Continuing in their roles as Ex-Officio Officers are Vice Chair Geoffrey Means, Foundation President Jean Kramer Crosby ‘96, Treasurer Stephen Wachtmann, and Assistant Secretary Beth Alexander ‘89 MA ‘90. With this strong leadership team, the Foundation Board is well-positioned to continue its important work, supporting the mission of the Ball State University and making a difference in the lives of those it serves. 

About the new board members: 

 

Jim Fields ‘97

Jim Fields is a Partner in Oliver Wyman’s Health Strategy & Digital Practices.  Jim has spent his career helping companies solve hard problems to improve healthcare.  He brings the lens of a healthcare expert (20+ years in the industry), an operator (having launched and sold a successful healthcare analytics business), and an advisor (working with leadership teams and Boards of America’s largest and smallest healthcare companies). 

Jim has held many leadership roles at Oliver Wyman, including leading the Midwest Market across all Practice Groups and leading the Global Health Services practice.  He is the founder and an ongoing Advisor to Practicing Wisely, a business focused on improving the appropriate use of medical care.  Jim currently leads Oliver Wyman’s relationship across Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans and co-leads OW’s growth at the intersection of Health and Digital.  Jim is a Board member of Junior Achievement of Chicago, focused on improving financial literacy for young people, and serves on the Board of Evaluators for Ball State University’s nationally ranked Entrepreneurship Program. 

Brian Haynes ‘96 

Brian Haynes serves as the Vice President of Security for the Atlanta Braves charged with ensuring a safe and secure environment for the players, fans, and employees of the Braves organization.  

Before joining the Braves Brian began his career as a police officer and then had an extensive career with the FBI as a Special Agent for 20 years where his federal law enforcement experience spanned executive leadership, complex investigations, and security management. He investigated a broad range of program threats including organized crime, public corruption, cyber-crime, and counterintelligence. During his tenure with the FBI Brian led the Counter Terrorism Taskforce in Indianapolis.   

Prior to earning his degree from Ball State, Brian served in the US Army where he deployed with the 1st Infantry Division in support of Operation Desert Shield/Storm. 

Lou Hensley ‘91

Lou Hensley serves as the CEO and President of Aspida Holdings Ltd. (“Aspida”), a life insurance and annuity group representing over $18 billion in total assets. Aspida is backed by Ares Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES), a leading global alternative investment manager. With more than 30 years of experience in the insurance industry, Lou has a proven track record in building and leading high-performing teams, driving strategic growth, and successfully executing complex business initiatives. 

Under Lou’s leadership, Aspida has rapidly expanded, leveraging advanced technology to streamline operations and enhance customer experiences. Aspida’s focus on innovation and digital solutions has enabled it to adapt quickly to market changes and deliver tailored products, positioning it as a tech-driven leader in the insurance industry. 

Before joining Aspida, Lou was President of Life & Annuities at Genworth Financial, where he had full P&L responsibility for the life, annuities, and run-off businesses. He also spent a decade as a Senior Vice President at Wells Fargo & Co., where he served as Executive Vice President of Union Hamilton Reinsurance, Ltd., Wells Fargo’s Bermuda-based reinsurance subsidiary. In this role, he played a pivotal part in scaling Union Hamilton from a start-up to a multi-billion-dollar reinsurance company. Lou joined Wells Fargo and Union Hamilton following Wells Fargo’s acquisition of Pivot, an insurance-focused technology and financial information services company that he co-founded. 

Additionally, Lou has held various corporate development roles in the insurance industry, focusing on strategic growth and business development. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science and Accounting from Ball State University and has completed executive training at the London Business School. 

Dan Molinaro ‘68 

Dan Molinaro graduated from Ball State University’s Miller College of Business in 1968. He retired after a lengthy career with United States Steel Corporation, where he served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer at DistributionNOW, a $35 billion energy corporation. 

Prior to this role, he served as Chief Financial Officer of DistributionNOW from May 2014 to February 2018. Previously, he became Treasurer of National Oilwell Varco in 1987 and Vice President in 2003. Prior to the 1987 merger of National Supply Company (Armco Inc.) and Oilwell Division (USX Corporation), he was Comptroller of the Oilwell Division of USX Corporation in Dallas, Texas. He started with U.S. Steel Corporation (USX) in 1968, and has held various managerial positions in Auditing, Accounting, and Finance in Chicago, Pittsburgh, Boston, Dallas, and Houston. 

Dan also serves on the Our Call to Beneficence: The Campaign for Ball State University Executive Campaign Council, the Miller College of Business Executive Advisory Board and has been honored with a MCOB Award of Distinction in 2019.  Additionally, Dan serves as Chairman, CASA de Esperanza Foundation, Member, Archdiocese of Galveston-Houston Investment/Pension Committee, and led multiple Top-Five United Way Fundraising Campaigns for National Oilwell Varco.  

Natalie Vega O’Neil ’98  

Natalie Vega O’Neil is the President & CEO of Junior Achievement of Washington, the largest organization dedicated to giving young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their futures, and make smart academic and financial choices. With over 25 years of experience in nonprofit leadership and a commitment to breaking the cycle of poverty, Natalie is a relentless advocate for marginalized, underserved, and vulnerable communities. As a dynamic Latine leader steeped in youth development and educational programs, Natalie is the first female and first person of color to lead Junior Achievement of Washington in its over 70-year history. Under her leadership, JAWA developed a visionary strategic plan with the goal to reach over 90,000 students per school year by 2027 and launched groundbreaking initiatives such as JA Mobile Finance Park to bring financial literacy programs to communities across Washington State. 

Natalie has a rich background in nonprofit leadership as the associate vice president of Save the Children, founding staff member at Thrive by Five Washington, and co-founder and director of early childhood education for a public charter school in Los Angeles, California. This background has charged her mission and resolve to provide access and equity to education for all families. 

Natalie’s team of over 600 at Save the Children, a global humanitarian agency, executed domestic programs focused on early childhood education and grade-level reading across 38 states, reaching more than 300,000 children. While at Thrive by Five Washington, Natalie co-led the development of a statewide Quality Rating & Improvement System and the state’s work on developing kindergarten readiness indicators. 

Natalie holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Child Development from the Erikson Institute. Natalie was named a Reign FC Legend in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the Seattle community and featured by Seattle ALPFA (Association of Latino Professionals for America) as a Latina Trailblazer. Natalie is passionate about supporting nonprofits, particularly those led by women of color. Natalie serves on the boards of Leadership Tomorrow, KABOOM!, and NAEYC.