Our Board of Directors

The team that makes dream happen!

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.

Katy Tombaugh

Development Chair

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.

Cynthia Sloan

 

Cynthia Sloan is a native of Columbus, Ohio. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and a Master of Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Accounting. Currently, she is a Credentialed Prevention Professional through the Ohio Chemical Dependency Board.

In her role as the Ohio Network Manager with Generation Rx at The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, Cynthia is dedicated to promoting safe medication practices. As the CEO of Off the Ground Ministries Consulting, she is passionate about helping individuals achieve business ownership and facilitating adult education courses.

Cynthia’s priorities include God, family, outreach, access to resources, and education. With over seven years of volunteer experience with The Byron Saunders Foundation, she has witnessed the profound impact on individuals, families, and organizations. This inspired her to take on a greater role in providing resources to further the foundation’s mission.

Resilient and compassionate, Cynthia has overcome numerous obstacles and brings her life experiences to the communities and individuals she serves. Bilingual since the age of five, she is fluent in Spanish. Cynthia is also a mother of six, and enjoys traveling, designing accessories, playing the violin, and finding ways to improve the lives of others.

Cynthia finds inspiration in her mother and in motherhood, appreciating the love and support her mother has given her and her children over the years. Her kids motivate her to set a positive example, and she finds joy in seeing others overcome life’s challenges. Her passion for nonprofit work stems from her own experiences receiving help from various organizations, giving her a deep understanding of the need for compassionate individuals to serve others. She considers her mother her hero, admiring her strength, resilience, and beauty. 

A lesser-known fact about Cynthia is her love for the first season of SpongeBob SquarePants—she’s confident she could win a trivia game on it. She also used to sing for seniors at Werner Heritage Village, accompanied by Sonia Modes Schottenstein on piano. In her spare time, she enjoys volunteering and helping others whenever she can.

Want to join the team?

We are always looking for ambitious, enthusiastic and entrepreuneurial people to join the Byron Saunders Foundation team. If this sounds like you, drop us a line with what you can bring to our company that sets you apart from anyone else.

Join Us!