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YSU Foundation announces new trustees and officers
Published: July 2, 2020
YOUNGSTOWN––The Youngstown State University Foundation has appointed Frank Hierro as chairman of the Board of Trustees along with three new board members including Sergul Erzurum, M.D., John Moliterno and Elba Navarro.
Hierro, whose experience spans over 40 years in the banking industry, is a YSU business and finance graduate, and the Home Savings EVP and Mahoning Valley Regional president. His tenure on the YSU Foundation Board began in 2001.
Hierro’s appointed chair position follows Rick Schiraldi, formerly of Cohen and Company. Hierro notes that “Rick displayed many strong leadership skills while Chair of the Board the last two years, and his transparency and inclusion resulted in a very active board and governance process.”
The Foundation, like many nonprofits, faced a plethora of organizational changes. What never wavered is the board’s commitment to building on the Foundation’s mission to help support YSU students.
“Rick’s long-standing dedication and service to the Foundation, the university and most importantly the students, is readily evident in many accomplishments the past two years, along with his recent role in the Foundation’s approval of emergency scholarships for students impacted by COVID-19,” said Hierro. “It is an honor to follow him as chairman of the board.”
Erzurum, an ophthalmologist and Eye Care Associates partner in Youngstown, joins the Foundation board with roots in the nonprofit sector and higher education. In 2016,
Dr. Erzurum co-founded and is the current president for Sight for all United, a 501 (c) 3 whose mission is to help all members of our community see, regardless of their ability to pay.
Dr. Erzurum received her graduate education from Northeast Ohio Medical University, where she is also a full professor of surgery. Additionally, she is a proud Penguin, graduating from YSU in the 6-year BS/MD program.
Moliterno is the executive director of the Western Reserve Port Authority. Moliterno, who earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology at The Ohio State University, was also a past president at Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, and the Youngstown Chamber of Commerce.
Moliterno’s community involvement includes the Youngstown State University Penguin Club, board member for the Youngstown Symphony and on the Board of Directors for the Better Business Bureau of the Mahoning Valley.
Local philanthropist and former educator, Navarro graduated from YSU, earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Spanish, reading and education.
Navarro retired from Youngstown City Schools, where she taught at Chaney High School and Roosevelt Elementary. Navarro and her husband, Shorty, generously fund numerous scholarships for YSU students through the YSU Foundation. She has an impactful history of serving the Mahoning Valley and Youngstown State University.
Remarking on the three new trustees, Hierro said, “The Board of Trustees welcomes Sergul, John, and Elba. They bring many years of expertise in business, health, education, and philanthropy. Their experience and passion for helping YSU and its students will enhance the future and mission of the YSU Foundation and Board of Trustees. Their willingness to serve during such an important period for our University is very much appreciated.”
The entire Foundation board encompasses a broad range of abilities.
“We are blessed to have such a talented and engaged Board at the Foundation. I am honored and humbled to serve as Chair. Each of our Board members uses their talents to develop scholarships and educational resources for our YSU students,” said Hierro. “The sound values and mission as set by prior Board’s at the Foundation has put the Foundation in a position to offer more support to YSU students than any other time in our past, and it’s most needed as we face unprecedented challenges.”
The 2020-2022 Foundation officers include Mr. Frank Hierro, chair; Ed Muransky, vice chair; Mary Beth Houser, secretary; Pete Asimakopoulos, treasurer; Nader Atway, assistant secretary; and Doug Sweeney, assistant treasurer
About the YSU Foundation
Founded in 1966, the YSU Foundation is the nonprofit philanthropic entity of YSU. In the upcoming 2020-2021 academic year, the Foundation will provide a record $9.9 million in scholarship and program support for YSU students.