Columbus, OH (June 2023) – The Ohio State Bar Foundation (OSBF) is pleased to announce the induction of 25 attorneys to its Fellows Program. The new class of OSBF Fellows was welcomed by Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy at a ceremony at the Supreme Court of Ohio on June 13, 2023. The 2023 Fellows Class includes lawyers from private firms of every size and kind of practice, as well as prosecutors, public defenders, judges, and community leaders.
“We are delighted to welcome a fresh set of Fellows into the Foundation community,” said Judge David Hejmanowski, OSBF President. “This is a diverse and inspirational group of lawyers with a strong dedication to service, poised to make significant contributions to the Foundation's goal of strengthening the justice system in Ohio through outreach and education.”
As the Professional Honorary of Ohio Lawyers, the OSBF welcomes a new class of Fellows each year, a group of attorneys who exemplify the highest standards of professionalism and are committed to serving their communities. Since its inaugural Fellows Class in 1998, the OSBF has inducted over 1,000 Fellows.
Each class of OSBF Fellows designs its own year-long experience, centered around a topic they choose after discussing important issues in the justice system that they might impact by using their resources as lawyers to research, plan, network, and educate. Fellows enjoy this opportunity to make a difference in a way that they may not be able to execute through their job or on their own.
Over the years, OSBF Fellows have developed 26 community service initiatives focused on issues such as human trafficking, immigrant/refugee citizen education, prisoner reentry into communities, access to justice for developmentally disabled youth, news reporting on the legal system, and more.
Earlier this year, the 2022 Fellows Class hosted the Color of Justice: Racial Inequities in the Justice System, a symposium focused on race-based disparate treatment in the justice system. The discussions addressed barriers in the justice system, the populations being affected, and opportunities for change on an individual and systemic level. For more information, or to watch the symposium, visit www.osbf.org/color-of-justice.
Meet the 2023 Class of OSBF Fellows:
- Daniel S. Albrecht, Cincinnati, is a graduate of Bowling Green State University and earned his law degree from Capital University Law School. He currently serves as Senior Counsel for Proctor and Gamble. Albrecht has volunteered for numerous organizations throughout his career, including the Capital University Law School Alumni Association, the Legal Aid Society of Columbus, and the Volunteer Lawyers Project at the Legal Aid Society of Greater Cincinnati. Albrecht has also dedicated his time to serving immigrants and refugees through the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center. Albrecht was nominated by Charles Hollis, Founder of Hollis Law Firm, LLC and an OSBF Life Fellow.
- Elizabeth B. Bostdorff, Toledo, is a graduate of the Ohio State University and earned her law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law. Bostdorff is the partner and owner of Bostdorff Legal, LLC. She is a dedicated volunteer who devotes her time to several organizations in Wood County including the Wood County Relay for Life and the Wood County Historical Museum. She is a member of the Toledo Jr. Bar Association and the AG Incubator Foundation. Bostdorff was nominated by Emily Samlow, a Staff Attorney with the Sixth District Court of Appeals in Toledo and an OSBF Life Fellow.
- Brandon E. Brown, Cleveland, is a graduate of Oberlin College and earned his law degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. He currently serves as an Associate at Calfee, Halter, & Griswold LLP. Prior to joining Calfee, Brown served as the Assistant Law Director for the City of Cleveland. Brown is a dedicated volunteer who has contributed his time to several organizations in the community. He serves as the Chair of the Louis Stokes Scholars Program and Vice President of the Norman S. Minor Bar Association, and as a board member of the May Dugan Center and the Center for Arts-Inspired Learning. Brown is also a coach for the City of Cleveland High School Mock Trial Competition. Brown was nominated by Drew Odum, Legal Counsel, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and an OSBF Trustee.
- Crystal L. Bryant-Agyemang, Cleveland, is a graduate of Cleveland State University and earned her law degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. She is the Executive Director of the Cleveland Branch of the NAACP. Bryant-Agyemang is a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and serves on the Cuyahoga County Diversion Center Board, the Cuyahoga County Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board, and the Racism as a Public Health Crisis Committee. She dedicates her time to Legal Aid of Cleveland, the Food Bank of Greater Cleveland, and the Norman S. Minor Bar Association. Bryant-Agyemang previously served as the Director of the Cuyahoga County Office of Reentry, and an Assistant Prosecutor for the City of Cleveland. Bryant-Agyemang was nominated by Velda Hofacker, OSBF Past President.
- Joseph K. Cole, Toledo, is a graduate of Western Michigan University and earned his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law. Cole is a partner with Brouse McDowell. Cole is a dedicated volunteer with Advocates for Basic Legal Equality and the Islamic Food Bank of Toledo. He is also an active member of the legal community and serves as a board member of the Toledo Bar Association where he participates in their Expungement Clinic. Cole was nominated by Andrew Miller, a partner with Shumaker, Loop & Kendrick, LLP.
- Ayesha L. Cotton, Akron, is a graduate of Howard University and earned her law degree from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. Cotton is the Managing Attorney with the LeBron James Family Foundation’s I Promise School and Network where she assists families in navigating the legal system. She is actively involved in several volunteer organizations, including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Akron Urban League Young Professionals, Akron Torchbearers, Akron-Canton Barristers, Mid-Ohio Food Bank, and Harmony House. Cotton was nominated by Velda Hofacker, an OSBF Past President.
- Cynthia A. Cunningham, Mount Vernon, is a graduate of Kenyon College and earned her law degree from Capital University School of Law. Cunningham has remained involved in the Kenyon College community, serving on the Kenyon Alumni Association. She is a passionate advocate for social justice and healthcare reform. She has served in leadership roles for several organizations, including Ohio Covering Kids and Families, Have a Heart Ohio, and Advocate for Ohio's Future, where she was an Executive Committee member and Chair of the Outreach Committee. Cunningham was nominated by Magistrate Joseph E. Wenger of the Tenth District Court of Appeals and an OSBF Trustee.
- Wendi Fowler, Mount Vernon, is a graduate of Earlham College and earned her law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. She currently serves as the Assistant Vice President and Trust Officer at Park National Bank in Ohio. In addition to her career in banking and finance, Fowler is a member of the United Way of Knox County's Women United Affinity group and volunteers with the Kiwanis of Mount Vernon. Fowler is also a board member of the College Hills Retirement Campus in Wayne County and the Ohio State Bar Association.
- Hanne-Lore M. Gambrell, Akron, is a graduate of the University of Akron and earned her law degree from the University of Akron School of Law. She is the Founder and Managing Partner of The Law Office of H. Gambrell, LLC. Hanne-Lore actively engages in various leadership roles and serves on numerous boards, including the North Hill Community Development Corporation, the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and the Akron Bar Association. Previously, she held the position of President at the Akron Urban League Young Professionals and served as Chair of the Akron Bar Association's Diversity Committee. She is also the law school liaison and a fundraising committee member for the Akron-Canton Barristers Association. Gambrell was nominated by Drew Odum, Legal Counsel, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and an OSBF Trustee.
- Natalia S. Harris, Columbus, is a graduate of Central State University and earned her law degree from the University of Dayton School of Law. She currently serves as Delaware City Attorney. Harris serves as a Trustee on the Central State University Board and the Cincinnati Bar Association. She has chaired the Annual Awards Banquet for the Black Lawyers Association of Cincinnati. She gives back to the legal profession as a mentor in the Supreme Court of Ohio Lawyer to Lawyer Mentoring Program. Throughout her career, Harris has been a dedicated public servant, serving as City Prosecutor for the City of Delaware, City Prosecutor for the City of Cincinnati, Columbus Assistant City Attorney, and Montgomery County Assistant Prosecutor. Harris was nominated by Judge Nicole Sanders, Hamilton County Common Pleas Court and a 2022 OSBF Fellow.
- Valissa Turner Howard, Cleveland, is a graduate of the University of California at Irvine and earned her law degree from Case Western Reserve University School of Law. She also holds an M.A. and Certification in Diversity Management from Cleveland State University. She currently serves as the Vice President of Talent and Legal Affairs at the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. Howard served as the First Assistant Deputy Inspector General and Chief Diversity Officer at the Cuyahoga County Agency of the Inspector General. She is the VP of Inclusion and Diversity at the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association and serves as Immediate Past President of the Norman S. Minor Bar Association and Parliamentarian of the Top Ladies of Distinction Greater Cleveland Chapter. Turner was nominated by Drew Odum, Legal Counsel, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, and an OSBF Trustee.
- Brenden P. Kelley, Cleveland, is a graduate of Washington & Jefferson College and earned his law degree from Cleveland Marshall College of Law. He is the founder and attorney at Brenden Kelley Law. Kelley has volunteered with various organizations including the Volunteer Lawyers Program at Cleveland Legal Aid. Additionally, he has contributed his time and support to his high school alma mater, Gilmour Academy, and has volunteered as an Ohio High School Mock Trial Judge through the Columbus Metropolitan Bar Association.
- Amy Luck, Findlay, is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa and earned her law degree from the University of Iowa College of Law. Luck currently serves as an attorney at Robison Curphey & O'Connell. Beyond her professional obligations, Luck volunteers her time to the Woodland Parents Club and Woodland Elementary School. Luck also volunteers for the Perrysburg School District and serves as a board member of Leadership Toledo, the Perrysburg Schools Foundation, and the Toledo Women's Bar Association. Luck was nominated by Sarah Skow, Partner, Spengler Nathanson Law and an OSBF Trustee.
- Judge Jeffrey D. Mackey, Columbus is a graduate of the Ohio State University and earned his law degree from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. For 38 years, he ran a successful private practice focused on Estate Planning, Probate Law, and Probate Litigation. Judge Mackey was elected as a Franklin County Probate Judge in 2020. Throughout his career, Judge Mackey has been deeply involved in community organizations including the Legacy Fund and the Legal Aid Society. He is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and the Columbus Bar Association.
- Rujeko “Jessica” Manungo, Columbus, is a graduate of the University of Zimbabwe and earned her law degree from Capital University. She currently serves as an Assistant State Public Defender at the Office of the Ohio Public Defender. Manungo volunteers her time and skills with various organizations, including the YMCA, Northland Community Council, Columbus All Nations SDA Church, and Columbus Ephesus SDA Church. She previously worked as a Contract Compliance Specialist at the State of Ohio, Department of Medicaid and served as Program Manager at the Association for the Developmentally Disabled. Manungo was nominated by Jane Messmer, Assistant State Public Defender, Office of the Ohio Public Defender, and a 2021 OSBF Fellow.
- Judge Jaiza Page, Columbus, is a graduate of Georgetown University and earned her law degree from the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. She currently serves as a Franklin County Court of Common Pleas General Division Judge. Prior to her current role, Judge Page served as Counsel at the law firm of Eastman and Smith. She also served as a member of the Columbus City Council. Judge Page volunteers with various organizations including the Columbus Bar Foundation, Columbus Early Learning Centers, Legal Aid Society of Columbus, Franklin County Parks and Recreation, Christian Legal Society, and Ohio Neighborhood Preservation Association. She was nominated by Brian Kelso, Staff Attorney, Tenth District Court of Appeals and a 2022 OSBF Fellow.
- Sarah C. Perez, Columbus, is a graduate of the Ohio State University and earned her law degree from Hofstra University School of Law. She currently serves as the managing partner of Perez Morris, the largest woman-owned law firm in Columbus. Perez launched the Overcomer Foundation, which provides crucial support and resources to economically disadvantaged single mothers. She is involved in organizations such as the National Association for Minority and Women-Owned Law Firms, the National Association of Women Business Owners, and Women for Economic Leadership Development. She also serves as a Trustee-At-Large for the Ohio Women's Bar Association. Perez was nominated by Velda Hofacker, an OSBF Past President.
- Andrew R. Pratt, Troy, is a graduate of the Ohio University and earned his law degree from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Pratt currently serves as a Partner with Lopez, Severt, and Pratt Co. He volunteers with numerous organizations, having served as the Past President of the Miami County Foundation and as a board member for the Piqua Area United Fund. Additionally, Pratt volunteers with the YMCA Leaders Club, Sigma Chi Fraternity, and is a member of the Ohio Association for Justice. Pratt was nominated by Tom Guillozet, Partner with Hanes Law Group and an OSBF Trustee.
- Scott M. Robe, Athens, is a graduate of Ohio University and earned his law degree from Regent University. He is the founder and principal of Robe Law Office. In addition to his legal work, Robe volunteers with the Good Works Homeless Shelter and is involved in various youth sports programs, including Athens City Recreation Youth Basketball, Youth Baseball, and Youth Soccer. He contributes his time and expertise to organizations such as the Athens Soccer Academy, Greater Athens Soccer Association, and the Ohio Center for Law Related Education High School Mock Trial program. He is a Past President of the Athens County Bar Association. Robe was nominated by Mary Augsburger, CEO, Ohio State Bar Association.
- Samantha M. Salamon, Cleveland, graduated from Cleveland State University and earned her law degree at Cleveland Marshall College of Law. She currently manages the Domestic Violence/Sexual Assault Department at Asian Services in Action, Inc. (ASIA). Salamon volunteers with the Cleveland Legal Aid Society and the Ohio Access to Justice Foundation’s Justice Bus. Additionally, she serves as Vice President at the Cleveland Ibn Sina Foundation, focusing on healthcare and education for underserved communities. Salamon was nominated by Amanda Smith, Advocate Supervisor at ASIA.
- Jennifer Sitterley, Lancaster, is a graduate of the Ohio State University and earned her law degree from the University of Akron College of Law. She currently practices law as a Certified Elder Law Attorney at Sitterley Law, LLC. She served as President of numerous organizations including the Ohio Chapter of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys (NAELA), the Fairfield County Bar Association, Southeast Ohio Sight Center, the Fairfield County United Way, and the AHA! Children's Museum. She also serves as a Trustee of the Fairfield County Meals on Wheels program. Sitterley was nominated by Lee Thompson, Attorney, The Law Office of Lee A. Thompson.
- Addison Spriggs, Columbus, is a graduate of Kent State University and earned her law degree from the University of New Hampshire Franklin Pierce School of Law. Spriggs currently serves as an Assistant Public Defender at the Office of the Ohio Public Defender. She volunteers her time with several organizations including the National Lawyers Guild and the Ohio Center for Law-Related Education. Spriggs also participates in driver's license reinstatement clinics and is a guest lecturer at the Ohio State University.
- Anastasia (Stacey) Tipler, Centerville, is a graduate of Grand Valley State University and earned her law degree from Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School. Tipler is an attorney at Hollingsworth & Washington LLC. Outside of her professional endeavors, she actively volunteers at Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church the Springfield Human Resource Management Association, and the Springboro Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, Tipler is passionate about education volunteers for after-school programs at her children's schools. Tipler was nominated by Jonathan Hollingsworth, Attorney with Hollingsworth & Washington, LLC and an OSBF Trustee.
- Kaileigh B. Vermillion, Lima, is a graduate of Wittenberg University and earned her law degree from Ohio Northern University Pettit College of Law. Vermillion serves as an attorney with Smith, Smith, Montgomery & Chamberlain, LLC. She volunteers with the United Way of Logan County Lunch Buddies Program and serves as a board member for the Logan County Chamber of Commerce. She also dedicates her time as a board member for the Bellefontaine Joint Recreation District, focusing on enhancing recreational opportunities for residents. Vermillion was nominated by J. MacAlpine Smith, Partner, Smith, Smith, Montgomery & Chamberlain, LLC.
- Carasusana (Cara) B. Wall Toledo, is a graduate of the University of Michigan and earned her law degree from the University of Michigan School of Law. Currently, Wall is a partner at Zoll & Kranz, LLC. Wall is deeply committed to giving back to the community and volunteers with the Toledo Bar Association, Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, and Legal Aid of Western Ohio. Additionally, Wall is an active member of the Toledo Junior Bar Association, where she engages with fellow young attorneys, fostering professional growth and community engagement among the legal community's youngest generation. Wall was nominated by Michelle Kranz, Founding Partner of Zoll & Kranz and Ohio State Bar Association President.