Our Board of Directors

Brian Wollenberg

Founder and President

For me, the reason we are here is Love. We are here to love our fellow humans and do what we can to help them – without prejudice. I saw a real need around Thanksgiving to help individuals and families that are struggling. Everyone should get to enjoy a bountiful and happy Thanksgiving meal. I am very pleased with how we have been able to grow the effort to touch the lives of thousands.

Annette Neff

Vice President

Raised in Marion, Ohio, I was fortunate to witness my father’s active involvement in volunteer committee meetings, where his marketing expertise was utilized to promote events and festivals. The atmosphere was always filled with joy, as parents brought their children along, fostering a spirit of togetherness through volunteering. I was captivated by the camaraderie among the volunteers and the
shared sense of purpose and accomplishment.

My first experience volunteering with the Byron Saunders Foundation left a lasting impression on me. Witnessing kids, teenagers, and parents working together, enjoying themselves while making a positive impact, drew me in. I found myself consistently returning to contribute to the cause. After completing my studies at Ashland University, I found my calling in the nonprofit sector. I held various operational and administrative roles, gaining valuable experience at organizations such as MedFlight of Ohio and the American Association of Service Coordinators.

It was during this time that I discovered my passion for business process improvement, which led me to assume the virtual position of Director of Decision Support at NHE, Inc., a real estate management company specializing in
development and service coordination in Greenville, SC.

In 2019, leveraging my extensive background in operations, administration, and my unwavering desire to assist others in achieving their goals, I took a leap of faith and founded my own business, Let’s Work Virtual. As a Virtual Assistant (VA), I continue to utilize my skills and expertise to provide comprehensive support and make a positive impact in the lives of my clients.

I currently reside in the Powell area and enjoy gardening and traveling with my husband Kenny.

Aaron Bays

Treasurer

Aaron Bays is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) in Westerville, Ohio dedicated to tax and accounting solutions for small business owners, non-profits, and individuals. He is passionate about the creative problem-solving of accounting and applying those skills to improving the lives of the community members around him.

He was involved with non-profits at a young age due to their immense support for his family. His brother, diagnosed with cerebral palsy, has been given several opportunities thanks to the work of local non-profits. This includes flying on a private jet to Nebraska to compete in the Track & Field Special Olympics USA Games.

Brian Wollenberg has been an important mentor in the short time Aaron has known him. Brian’s ability to create meaningful relationships by communicating with integrity and sincerity has inspired his outlook on networking. Due to those efforts, Byron Saunders Foundation has built a strong team dedicated to utilizing their resources to make an impact on families’ lives during Thanksgiving and beyond.

In his free time, Aaron enjoys attending every Columbus Crew game and traveling to National Parks with his wife, Morghann.

Jessica Li

Secretary

“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted” – Aesop

I met Brian Wollenberg, Founder and President, through professional networking nearly 10 years ago. I was immediately inspired to contribute.  I started small through participation in events. I then began to organize food drives, volunteer to pack meal boxes or help with events.  Over the years it became clear to me that I have a passion for helping others, and The Byron Saunders Foundation was the perfect way to fulfill that passion.

As a Professional in the Banking industry, I bring a balance of business acumen and people-oriented practice.  With a degree in Applied Psychology and a minor in Human Resources Management, I specialize in identifying the root cause in areas of opportunity and creating a path forward.  My diverse leadership background and well-rounded skill set allow me to bring compassion, skill, and knowledge to serve this amazing organization.  

In addition to my banking career, I serve clients as an Empowerment Coach & Life Strategist.  I live in Dublin, OH with my youngest daughter and my yorkie-poo Charley.  My oldest daughter is a University of Cincinnati Alum and former Bearcat Cheerleader, and my Son is a former Ohio University Student with a successful career in Logistics. I’m one proud mama!

I could not be more excited to serve our community by being a part of an organization that cares so much for our fellow humans and serves with love. The holidays are a meaningful time of the year, and what a better way to give back to our community than to ensure that Thanksgiving is a day that those facing food insecurity do not have to go without.   

One meal at a time, one volunteer at a time. 

Chaz Freutel 

External Relations

Chaz Freutel is a visionary with a heart for serving and connecting people with their God-given purpose. Chaz has been blessed to serve many wonderful organizations and has a passion to bring people together to reach mutually beneficial outcomes. Chaz started his first “both-feet-in” business, Get-U-Connected LLC, in 2009 to connect small business owners with the products, services, and people they need to succeed. One of his early clients was the City of Dublin’s new Dublin Entrepreneurial Center (DEC). The facility is the largest entrepreneurial center in the US, serving over 125 small businesses, primarily start-ups. Chaz also has the honor to manage the Marysville Entrepreneurial Center “MEC” for the Union County CIC, and is on the Governing Board of the Ohio Christian University Business Innovation Center “OCUBIC.” 

In 2015 Chaz was approached by Union County to explore a national franchise program known as Young Entrepreneurs Academy “YEA!,” to help middle and high school entrepreneurs launch real businesses. In 2022, Chaz decided to take much of the curriculum and structure of the YEA! program and develop a new program, NOBLE Academy. NOBLE Academy (NA) is a Christian faith-based approach to entrepreneurship, bringing faith and business together. NA now includes adults and continues to provide a pitch competition and awards significant start-up money to graduates.

Chaz, and partner Rob Kopp, grabbed an initiative created by Oasis City Church, in Westerville, Ohio, known as a Network of Owners Business Leaders and Entrepreneurs “NOBLE” and turned that into a nationally/internationally growing 501c3 enterprise to serve The Kingdom of God thru business ownership. The NOBLE Vision is to Develop 1000 leaders with a clear Purpose and Vision for themselves, their families, their business, and their community within two years.

Chaz met a young college student at a DEC networking event that has turned into three new entities in the auto business, including a used car dealership, wholesale, and exotic rental operations. The mission of the wholesale company, We Buy Cars America, is to bless our investors and the communities we serve.

In his spare time, he loves to spend time with family, especially his new grandson, Callum. He competes in non-typical sports, including roller, figure and dance skating, racquetball, and showing dogs. He also loves attending OSU football games and watching movies.

Santina Graceffa

Santina is an attorney in Hilliard, Ohio and has been practicing since 2020. She focuses her practice on family/domestic law. She works with families and individuals going through some of the most difficult times in their lives and enjoys the opportunity to zealously advocate for her clients in custody, property, and financial disputes to ensure they are protected. 

Her involvement with non-profits and volunteering began at a young age and really developed during her undergraduate studies. She worked with the City of Dublin at a summer camp for children seeking to spend their time away from school volunteering for non-profits. She was so impressed by these young children’s desire to give back to their community and the greater Columbus area. 

Santina met Brian Wollenberg in 2023 and was immediately interested in being involved with the Byron Saunders Foundation after learning about the mission and values of the organization. She happily said “yes” to joining the board of the organization and is excited about the opportunity to volunteer her time.

Santina is originally from Rockford, Illinois where most of her family still lives. Since 2017, Santina has lived in Columbus, Ohio. She earned a bachelor’s degree in forensic psychology from Tiffin University and Juris Doctor from Capital University Law School. Santina enjoys working out, traveling, reading, and coaching soccer.

Niels Hansen

Marketing Committee Chair

Niels Hansen is the founder of Hansen Creative Services in Columbus, Ohio – a firm providing digital and print design for non-profits and commercial companies. He brings over 30 years of marketing and design experience to our board working for Fortune 500 companies and non-profits in Central Ohio and New York City. His specific insights bring creativity and a seasoned perspective on branding that he hopes will serve the Byron Saunders Foundation well in the near future. 

He has a BS in Visual Communication from the Ohio State University and a Master of Public Administration from Baruch College in NYC. He has supported the Byron Saunders Foundation as a volunteer since 2015.

Feeding the hungry is important and personal for Niels. He has experienced food insecurity firsthand, Some years ago he had to abandon a cart of groceries at the store because he didn’t have enough in his bank account to cover it. He has strived ever since to make it his mission to ensure everyone has food on their plates. This mission has brought him to the board of directors of the Byron Saunders Foundation to support the amazing work done by Brian and his team every year.

In his spare time, Niels enjoys building complex LEGO sets, solving puzzles, cooking homemade meals, and spending time with wife Mary, their two basset hounds, and their three cats. 

Katy Tombaugh

Volunteer Coordinator

I believe that life is about the people you meet and what you create with them.

I initially became involved with Bryon Saunders about two years ago upon meet its founder, Brian, and learning about the mission. It’s easy to get to “yes” when the mission is making certain that every family has the food they need for Thanksgiving.

Being in the health and wellness industry, I know that part of my well-being is satisfied by being active in the community and making a difference. My business was founded on the values of people first, positive impact and live your passion. The mission and people at Byron Saunders align perfectly with these values and I can’t wait to see what’s possible in the years ahead!

Families. Food. Philanthropy. I’m all in!

Michelle Haslinger

Fundraising Chair

I was lucky to grow up with a service first family. The service and love of all was instilled in me at early age so “service above self” is less of a motto for me and more of lifestyle.

I was introduced to the Byron Saunders Foundation in 2021 when I was nominated as a “local celebrity” therefore dancing in the “Dancing with the Columbus Stars” annual fundraising event. It was through this experience that I absolutely fell in love with this organization, its mission, and founder.

I grew up in West Virginia (sorry no Buckeye fan here) and attended the University of Kentucky, majoring in psychology. In 2002 I moved to Louisville Kentucky and “accidentally” became a banker. The psychology major who did not like math was hired as a personal banker and her professional life began in a field, she never really knew she was interested in.

Banking has turned from what started as an “accident” to an extremely rewarding career for me. Since 2002, I have worked in multiple different capacities and various roles. Today I am a Vice President and Commercial Relationship Manager at Heartland Bank, providing a high level of service and expertise to my clients.

While there are many reasons I love my career and industry, I am truly enthusiastic about economic development in central Ohio, supporting women in business, and serving and volunteering with many local non-profits. Michelle’s dedication shows through her volunteer efforts and long-standing board memberships with several local non-profits, specifically organizations that support women and women owned businesses such as NAWBO and WELD.

When Michelle is not working, she is a self-proclaimed “dance mom’ and “baseball mom.” She travels with her 17-year daughter for competitive dance and travels with her 13-year-old son for baseball, basketball, and golf. When Michelle is not traveling for her kids’ sports, you will find her working out, running, and attending as many sporting events and concerts she can get to.