St. Bonaventure University recognized the successful completion of the inaugural BonaLeads: President’s Leadership Academy cohort in May during a full-day capstone leadership retreat focused on communication, crisis response, and values-driven decision making.

Launched in 2024 by President Jeff Gingerich and his wife, Betsy, BonaLeads aims to develop the leadership potential of faculty and staff members. It prepares them to support the university’s mission and strategic vision more deeply and effectively by fostering connections across campus and increasing transparency and collaboration.

“Already, I witnessed the fruits of this program in a multi-department meeting this week. The program broke barriers and created real momentum,” one participant commented.

That kind of feedback was common throughout the first year of BonaLeads.

“Year one of BonaLeads truly exceeded expectations,” said Dr. Gingerich. “Betsy and I loved getting to know this first group of leaders, whose energy and ideas were inspiring. They reminded us just how fortunate we are to work alongside such talented and committed colleagues. We’re excited to keep the momentum going with the next cohort and continue building leadership across campus.”

Inaugural participants of BonaLeads: President’s Leadership Academy:

• Dr. Pamina Abkowitz, School of Education
• Marty Blind, University Advancement
• Dr. Derien Braxton, Dennis R. DePerro School of Health Professions
• Ryan Clingan, Athletics
• Mary Coombs, School of Business
• Rob DeFazio, Student Affairs
• Melissa DeRose, University Advancement
• Beth Eberth, Marketing & Communications
• Dr. Kaplan Harris, School of Arts & Sciences
• Fr. Steve Kuehn, O.F.M., University Ministries
• Kyle Leslie, Human Resources
• Steve Mest, Athletics
• Adriane Spencer, Student Success Center
• Dr. Christine Uhl, School of Arts & Sciences
• Alexis Watson, Athletics
• Caitlin Webster, Events & Conferences
• Dean Whitcomb, Enrollment
• Tara Zak, President’s Office

As year two begins, the university will not only welcome a new group of emerging leaders but also focus on further developing leadership skills and connections for alumni of the program to build on the momentum established in year one. Feedback and data collected from year one will assist in the ongoing improvement of the program.

Participants in the 2025-26 BonaLeads: President’s Leadership Academy cohort include:

• Chris Cartmill, Financial Aid
• Dr. Adrienne Foos, School of Business
• Tim Geiger, Technology Services
• Seth Johnson, Athletics
• Dr. Darla Kent, DePerro School of Health Professions
• Dr. Matt King, School of Arts and Sciences
• Jonathan Mascaut, Student Success Center
• Molly Moretti, Career & Professional Readiness Center
• Angela Nelson, Alumni, Donor, & Family Engagement
• Dawn Parisella, Human Resources
• Gary Segrue, Safety & Security
• Jared Smith, Finance & Administration
• Sarah Wolcott, Athletics

BonaLeads participants take part in a series of sessions, each focusing on a different aspect of the university’s administration, while integrating crisis communication tactics into each session. The program concludes with a capstone retreat that features a comprehensive group leadership scenario.

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About the University: The nation’s first Franciscan university, St. Bonaventure University is a community committed to transforming the lives of our students inside and outside the classroom, inspiring in them a lifelong commitment to service and citizenship. Out of 167 regional universities in the North, St. Bonaventure was ranked #6 for value and #14 for innovation by U.S. News and World Report (2024).