Connecting students with experience, opportunity, and mentorship
The Entrepreneurship Advisory Board at Marietta College consists of an external group of professionals with a diverse range of knowledge, skills, and abilities that guide the program director in creating and maintaining timely and relevant curricular, co-curricular, and extra-curricular programs that aim to accelerate entrepreneurship education at Marietta College and facilitate the development of an entrepreneurial mindset among all students.
By sharing industry insights, mentoring students, identifying career opportunities, and helping shape programs and experiences, board members ensure that entrepreneurship and career development opportunities remain relevant, practical, and connected to today's workforce.
How the Advisory Board benefits students
The Advisory Board:
Provides guidance and feedback on:
- Curriculum
- Relevance and quality of the Associate of Arts and Bachelor of Arts in Entrepreneurship, as well as the Minor and Specialty programs in Entrepreneurship.
- Co-curricular and Extra-curricular
- Relevance and quality of co-curricular and extracurricular initiatives such as the PioBiz Competition and the BIG Workshop.
- Direction
- The strategic direction of the Entrepreneurship Program
Assists and supports the Entrepreneurship Program by:
- Funding Sources
- Identifying funding sources for various program initiatives.
- Financial Contribution
- Personally making a financial contribution of at least $250 toward the Entrepreneurship Program and/or engaging in fundraising activities.
- Role
- Personally serving as judge, menors, guest speakers and workshop leaders for the program's initiatives and/or recruiting other individuals to fulfill those roles.
Promotes and advocates for the program by:
- Visibility
- Actively aiming to increase the visibility of the program off campus.
- Networks
- Using personal and professional networks and contacts to publicize the program.
- Opportunities
- Identifying and suggesting opportunities for students to enrich their education through internships, service-learning opportunities, shadowing, research, and other practical work experiences.
The Advisory Board helps strengthen the Landmark Experience by connecting classroom learning with real-world application. Through mentorship, networking, hands-on experiences, and career exploration, students gain the confidence, professional connections, and practical experience needed to pursue their goals.
The board consists of external professionals, Marietta College faculty, and alumni who share a common commitment: helping students discover their strengths, explore opportunities, and build meaningful careers. Together, they help create an environment where students can learn, grow, and turn their ambitions into action.
Robin Ambrozy (First Term Ends 2027-28)
Michael Branch (First Term Ends 2028-29)
Elizabeth Godfrey '09 (First Term Ends 2028-29)
Elizabeth is an Assistant Professor of Instruction in Marketing at the Ohio University College of Business, the Nonfiction Editor for West Creek Journal, and Senior Content Manager with OffWhite Marketing. She brings two decades of professional experience spanning higher education, strategic marketing, and professional writing, translating complex concepts into compelling brand narratives and pedagogical frameworks. Deeply committed to civic engagement, Elizabeth is an active member of the Marietta Noon Rotary Club where she serves as Membership Chair. She holds a B.A. in English with a creative writing certificate from Marietta College and an M.A .in English Literature with Merit from the University of Westminster, London, UK
Alex Hogan ’18 (First Term Ends 2027-28)
Alex Hogan is the Co-Founder and President of FlexCrew, President of 3PLS, and part-owner of Thunderbolt Running and Timing. FlexCrew is the “Indeed” of skilled construction recruitment, while 3PLS is referred to as the best masonry staffing agency in the United States, with over 140 employees working in more than 30 states. Thunderbolt Running is a local 5K timing company that offers comprehensive race timing for nearly forty local charity events a year. Alex holds an M.B.A .from Northern Kentucky University, a B.A. in Management from Marietta College (2018), and a professional certificate from MIT for the usage and implementation of generative AI. He mentors student entrepreneurs and speaks at industry events on leadership, technology, and labor trends.
Max King ’26 (First Term Ends 2026-27)
Max is the event and conference ervices coordinator in the Office of Advancement at Marietta College. In this role, he supports the planning and implementation of advancement events, conferences, and campus programs, while coordinating with internal departments and external partners. Max was born in Columbus, Ohio, and attended Granville High School, where he played soccer, basketball, and ran track. After high school, Max spent three months training at the ALERT academy, which is a physically demanding skill training facility for firefighters, EMS, and high-ropes emergency response teams in Texas. In 2022, Max enrolled at Marietta, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Biology and minored in entrepreneurship. As a student, he was involved in men’s soccer, track and field, Greek life (ATO), residence life, and campus leadership. These experiences continue to influence his work and connection to the College. Max's entrepreneurial experiences include studying the subject as a minor at Marietta College, competing in multiple PioBiz competitions, starting and running an online circular fashion resale store, and currently starting a greenhouse business.
Jeremy May (Faculty Member, Term Ends 2025-26)
Jeremy serves as an assistant professor in the Department of Biology and Health Sciences at Marietta College. Prior to his appointment at Marietta College, Jeremy served as an assistant research professor at Florida International University and has 18 years of research experience. His academic credentials are a Ph.D. in Biology from Florida International University (2016), M.S. and B.S. from Grand Valley State University (2011 and 2008).
Kristin Meeks ’04 (Chair, Second Term Ends 2026-27)
Kristin Meeks is a 2004 graduate of Marietta College with a B.A .in Marketing and a 2007 graduate of West Virginia University with a master's degree in integrated marketing communications. She has taught small business entrepreneurship, marketing, and communication courses since 2005 at the graduate and undergraduate levels at Marietta College, West Virginia University, Washington State College of Ohio, and WVU-Parkersburg. Meeks is the owner and founder of WV Social Media a niche marketing firm based out of the Parkersburg, WV area. She is actively involved in the area Chamber of Commerce, sits on the downtown PKB Board of Directors, and is a past president of the Belpre Chamber of Commerce. She was also a part of the 2015 class for Generation Next 40 under 40 by the West Virginia State Journal. Meeks is an active 4-H volunteer. She resides in Williamstown, West Virginia, with her husband and daughter.
Rocky Peck ’88 (First Term Ends 2028-29)
Rocky is the operations managing member of Rocky Peck Sales and Marketing LLC. (RPSM LLC) A licensed auctioneer since he was 15 years old, Rocky leads RPSM LLC's daily operations and has helped to create a growing company that specializes in selling estates and business inventory reduction. Together with his wife, Dee, he resides on the family farm in Wood County, West Virginia. Rocky is involved in several statewide and local organizations.
Tres Ross ‘97 (First Term Ends 2026-27)
Tres is the president & CEO of Woodcraft Supply LLC, one of the nation's oldest and largest suppliers of quality woodworking tools and supplies, proudly serving customers from 118 countries who have a variety of skill levels, from craftsmen to novices. The retail locations and website feature more than 20,000 items for a wide range of woodworking pursuits, offering free demos, classes and knowledgeable advice from on-site, experienced woodworking staff. Tres has taken the reins of Woodcraft after spending 19 years developing The Ross Foundation from an idea to implementing the organization. The foundation funded and, in some cases, implemented various initiatives that strengthen the MOV through areas of education, community / economic development, arts, disabilities, and animals. Several key initiatives have been Discovery World on Market, a children’s museum in Parkersburg, lead investor in the new technology center for West Virginia University-Parkersburg, called WVUP ITC (Innovation & Technology Center), several initiatives in investing in makerspaces / entrepreneurship initiatives, downtown development initiatives to revitalize communities, among many other initiatives. He has a B.A. in Management with a minor in economics from Marietta College and a M.B.A. from West Virginia University.
Jesse Roush (First Term Ends 2026-27)
Jesse is a regional economic development leader focused on sites and infrastructure, housing, and strategic partnerships. After a decade in oil and gas, he transitioned into economic development in 2016 and has since advanced more than $250 million in project development, including the repositioning of two former coal-fired power plant sites for new industrial use. He holds a M.S. in Project Management from Ohio University and maintains multiple professional certifications. Roush also serves as president of the Warren Local Board of Education and is a member of the Ohio River Commission.
Amanda Sutphin (First term Ends 2027-28)
Amanda Sutphin serves as the regional talent coordinator for Ohio Southeast Economic Development (OhioSE), where she plays a key role in strengthening the region’s workforce and supporting business growth through strategic talent solutions. Backed by over 21 years of experience in public service and workforce development, Amanda brings deep expertise from prior roles at COAD, Washington County Job and Family Services, and Area 15 OhioMeansJobs. A proud resident of Washington County for over 30 years, she is passionate about creating opportunities for Southeast Ohioans. At OhioSE, Amanda works closely with project managers and workforce partners to help businesses thrive and ensure the region is equipped with a skilled, future-ready workforce.
Jeff Welch ’77 (First Term Ends 2028-29)
Jeff Welch, CPA, M.B.A., brings decades of leadership experience in banking, finance, accounting, technology, and higher education. He began his career with Ernst & Young, where he was trained as a computer systems auditor, developing expertise in financial controls, risk management, and information systems. He subsequently held executive leadership positions with both regional and community banks, serving as treasurer of a bank holding company, vice president of business services, vice president of employee benefit services, and later senior vice president. In addition to his corporate career, Jeff taught Marietta College courses in money and banking, accounting information systems, and business information systems, sharing practical business knowledge with future professionals. He concluded his career as chief financial officer of Marietta College before retiring. In retirement, Jeff has remained actively engaged in his community through volunteer service with several local nonprofit organizations. He is passionate about helping entrepreneurs and business leaders apply sound financial strategy, strong governance, and practical business experience to achieve sustainable success.
Bill Wilkinson (First Term Ends 2027-28)
Bill Wilkinson is the Owner of Wilky’s Sports Bar, Wilky’s on the Water, and co-owner of Mid-Ohio Valley Employment (MOVE), which currently has four locations. He graduated from Muskingum University with a bachelor's in accounting and business and has completed master's level coursework at Ohio University in finance/business. He previously worked at Perry and Associates CPAs for 16 years in various roles. He resides in Marietta and has four adult children. He is very active in the community, serving on several boards and committees. He enjoys playing sports of all types and has officiated numerous high school and college sports, most notably basketball for 32+ years.
Mike Williams (First Term Ends 2028-29)
Mike is a local entrepreneur who resides in Belpre, was born and raised in the Mid-Ohio Valley, and is an Ohio University graduate. He has three children and two grandchildren. He has grown iTech, a managed technology solutions company, over the last 30 years through multiple acquisitions and is involved with many local non-profits and chambers of commerce.
Mike Workman (Second Term Ends 2027-28)
Mike Workman is the founder of Contraxx Furniture, co-founder of the Morgan Community Fund, and past director of the Morgan Community Improvement Corp. He is an entrepreneur at heart and loves to help others find their way through business start-ups and give back to their local communities.
“Entrepreneurs are curious, creative, and compassionate people,” Mike says, “I enjoy listening to their towering ideas and helping make their dreams come true!”
Advisory Board Structure and Responsibilities
The Advisory Board membership shall consist of the Program Director (Director) and 6 to 15 external members made up of individuals who have an interest in fostering the growth of an entrepreneurial mindset and professional development programming. In addition, each year, a faculty member and a current or recent graduate of Marietta College will serve on the board for one year without financial contributions. The membership in the Entrepreneurship Program Advisory Board is voluntary and uncompensated.
Advisory Board Members are elected to a three-year term and can serve up to two consecutive terms after which a member must be off for at least one year before consideration for another term. New members are appointed by the Director in consultation with the existing members of the advisory board. Nominations are accepted.
The Chair is appointed by the Director and will be responsible for:
- Preparing meeting agendas
- Presiding over all meetings unless otherwise delegated
- Appointing standing committees and subcommittees, and delegating tasks and follow-up work
The Secretary is appointed by the Director in consultation with the board chair. and will be responsible for:
- Keeping records of the board's actions, including at all meetings, sending out meeting announcements, distributing copies of minutes and the agenda to each Advisory Board member, and assuring that corporate records are maintained.
The Director shall be in contact with the Advisory Board members electronically, periodically bringing questions to their attention and seeking their advice or requesting their assistance in certain areas. Special Meetings may be called by the Board’s Chair or the Director.
Occasionally, internal stakeholders such as the President, the Vice Presidents, the Provost, the Associate Provosts, and Grant Officers shall be invited to participate in advisory board meetings.
