Board Members
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David Drain, President
David Drain grew up on a farm in Wood County and is happily living once again in Bowling Green Ohio. His education included three degrees in Mathematics and Statistics at BGSU by 1980, and 20 years later, a PhD in Industrial Engineering at Arizona State University. After graduating from BGSU he worked as an industrial mathematician and programmer in Texas (5 years), Pennsylvania (3 years), Arizona (15 years), and then Missouri (16 years) - where he also taught for six years at a technological university. In his career he worked in some of the biggest factories in the US, wrote two books, and developed a deep and abiding respect for manufacturing and the people who work within that environment. After his retirement he and his wife Rose moved back to BG in 2019 to be near family.
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Winnie Rex, Vice President
Winnie brings a wealth of community dedication and experience to BG Save Our Neighborhoods. Retiring in 2018 from a distinguished career in the BGSU Computer Science Department, Winnie passionately joined fellow Bowling Green citizens in 2022 to contribute to proposed city zoning code changes, focusing on near downtown neighborhoods. Beyond her role as Vice President, Winnie is an active community volunteer, serving as treasurer for the MVUUC congregation, contributing to the University Women of BGSU's newsletter and website, and participating in the League of Women Voters BG's Voter Service Committee. A devoted reader and member of book groups, Winnie also enjoys knitting, walking, jogging, hiking, and biking. Married to Bob, she is a proud parent of three children, all graduates of Bowling Green High School and BGSU.
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Kathleen E Dennis, Community Development Committee Chair
Kathleen E. Dennis, Community Development Committee Chair, seamlessly combines her scientific background with passionate community activism. Formerly a research scientist specializing in neurobiology, environmental science, and watershed policy, Kathleen's journey shifted toward environmental advocacy and science education. Deeply valuing nature's impact on mental health, she earned her bachelor’s degree in Biology from UC San Diego and a Doctorate in Neuroscience from The George Washington University, Washington, D.C. After a distinguished career in biomedical research, Kathleen redirected her focus to community service. Volunteering with the Mill Creek Watershed Association (MCWA) in Nashville since 2015, she assumed the role of Director in 2019. Under her guidance, MCWA broadened its conservation efforts, emphasizing human health, clean water policies, and supporting social justice in Southeast Nashville. Returning to her childhood home in Bowling Green in 2021, Kathleen played a pivotal role in shaping fair, equitable zoning ordinances through grass-roots efforts.
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Tom Knox, Member At-Large
Tom, a Washington, DC native and a resident of Bowling Green for over 50 years, brings a wealth of experience to BG SONG. A USAF veteran and retired BGSU history professor with a doctorate from Yale University, his passion lies in housing and funding within the organization. Tom's engagement in housing issues traces back to the original City zoning code, where he played a pivotal role in establishing a Fair Housing Commission and served as the Chair of the Bowling Green Housing Agency for many years. His late wife, Judy, was a trailblazer in creating and leading one of the nation's first community-based child sexual abuse prevention programs. Their children, both BGHS graduates with degrees from various Ohio institutions, include David (Charlotte, NC), an executive with an international corporation, and Carolyn (Columbus, OH), a medical social worker associated with Riverside Hospital's advanced diseases clinic.
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Agatha Hickerson, Member At-Large
Agatha is a current student at Bowling Green State University studying Politics, Philosophy, Economics, and Law (PPEL), and minoring in Nonprofit Administration. She is a Cincinnati native but has found her place in Bowling Green and is passionate about interacting with and improving our neighborhoods. Throughout her time at BGSU. Agatha has gotten involved in and served in leadership positions with Resident Student Association, PPEL Club, Undergraduate Student Government, National Residence Hall Honorary, and Bad Genetics Improv. After she graduates, Agatha wants to work in Housing and Urban Development, and use her growing skills in communication, grant writing, and critical thinking to create stronger and more empowered communities.
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Val Kaba, Treasurer
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Teresa Siwajek, Secretary
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Kathy Newlove, Member At-Large
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Will Airhart, Member At-Large
Past Board Members
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Rose Drain
Rose grew up from the age of 13 in Bowling Green. When she graduated in 1976 from BGSU with a M.A. in French, she thought with relief “I don’t ever have to go to school again.” If you think of characters from Winnie the Pooh, Rose embodies Tigger’s audacity, Pooh’s loyalty, Piglet’s self-deprecating sweetness and Eeyore’s existential worry about life. Described by her daughter Catherine as “a crazy blue jay momma,” she’s tenacious in supporting the people and causes she embraces. Rose got her start in activism volunteering with the Sierra Club, LWVBG and OEFFA in the 1980’s and ‘90’s. During the 12 years that she worked for Wood Lane her understanding of and appreciation for people with differences grew exponentially. While living in Missouri for 16 years with husband David Drain, she worked for public radio, a winery, and a community partnership agency and served as a board member with the Newburg Children’s Museum and the Russell House Domestic Violence Shelter. Rose and husband David moved back to Bowling Green in 2019 and enjoy being close to family, renewing acquaintances and making new friends in the community.
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George Winters
George is devoted to preserving and enhancing the community. Together with his wife, Susan, he meticulously restored their 144-year-old Victorian home in BG. George's impact extends beyond his neighborhood, as he chaired the mayor's Historic Preservation Study Committee, laying the foundation for the city's Historic Preservation Commission. With an engineering degree from Cornell University and a master's from the Air Force Institute of Technology, George is a Registered Professional Engineer. His illustrious 29-year career in the USAF included leadership roles like Director of Program Management at Wright-Patterson AFB. Post-retirement, George contributed his expertise to Carnegie Mellon University and a national three-letter agency, specializing in cybersecurity post-9/11. A Wood County Master Gardener Volunteer and trustee for Friends of the Wood County Parks, George is also a distinguished graduate of Air Command & Staff College and a diplomate of Carnegie Mellon University's Executive Education program.
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Joyce Kepke
Joyce combines a wealth of experience with unwavering community commitment. Retiring as the Director of Conferences and Training Programs at BGSU's Office of Continuing Education, she also directed the State Fire School, showcasing her adept leadership. With two daughters in BG and Fort Collins, Colorado, and a son in Cary, North Carolina, Joyce is blessed with seven grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. In the realm of governance, she served on BG City Council for several terms as council president. Her influence extended to crucial roles in the City Finance Committee and a 12-year tenure on the Board of Utilities. Joyce's enduring commitment extends to over 50 years at First Presbyterian Church, where she currently serves as Financial Secretary, plays in the Bell Choir, and has been a dedicated Trustee. In the civic arena, her over five-decade involvement with the League of Women Voters has seen her hold roles such as treasurer, president, membership chair, and finance chair. Joyce's dedication to voter services is evident, notably contributing to The Voters Guide and VOTE411.