Speakers

Nathanael is a Funeral Director and also serves as the Executive Vice President & Treasurer of The Billow Co. Prior to working in the funeral profession, Nathanael worked for Ford Motor Company as a Senior Financial Analyst at Ford's Global Product Development Center in Dearborn, MI. He, along with his sister Stacy, are sixth-generation members of the family to serve at Billow's and Bissler's. Growing up in the family business helped shape his personal belief that working as a funeral director is not only a career but a life-dedicating vocation.

In 2018, Nathanael successfully led the merger of his family's 148 year-old business, The Billow Co. of Akron, with Bissler & Sons Funeral Home and Crematory. With the retirement of Mr. Rick Bissler, the move ensured that the community of Kent would continue to receive local family-owned care when faced with the loss of a loved one.

He is a graduate of Tallmadge High School, Grove City College (B.S. Business Administration, Summa Cum Laude, '11) and the Fisher College of Business at The Ohio State University (Master of Business Administration, '13). Nathanael is a parishioner at Saint Patrick Catholic Church in Kent and his Catholic faith taught him to embrace the philosophy of service above self. He generously gives of his time, talent, and treasure in service to Akron and since returning home in 2017, has been appointed to serve on the Board of Directors for many notable organizations, including the Akron Better Business Bureau, where he serves as Treasurer, the Rotary Club of Akron, where he serves as Vice-President and Chair of the Rotary International Foundation, Bluecoats Inc., of Summit County, where he serves as Treasurer, the Akron Roundtable, where he serves as Chair of the Development Committee, and the Pediatric Palliative Care Center at Akron Children's Hospital, where he holds the office of Vice-Chair and Treasurer. He is also a member of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians. In 2019, he was recognized by the Greater Akron Chamber and awarded their prestigious 30 For The Future Award, given to individuals who are trendsetters in their industry and who make an impact on the region through dynamic leadership and community service.

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Location will be 1201 East Market Street, Akron, OH 

Willy Kollman is a two-time graduate of The University of Akron and proudly serves as Vice President for University Engagement, Chief of Staff to President R.J. Nemer, and Executive Director of The UA Alumni Association. He and his wife, Caitlin—also a two-time graduate—reside in Twinsburg, Ohio, with their two daughters.

Forever a Zip,

                          Willy 

William R. Kollman '08 '10

Vice President, University Engagement

Executive Director, The UA Alumni Association 

The University of Akron | O 330-972-2575 | C 330-697-6403

Jane Christyson has more than 45 years of nonprofit administration and management experience with a concentration in strategic planning, partnerships and corporate sponsorships. She is currently Chief Executive Officer for Girl Scouts of North East Ohio (GSNEO) which serves almost 19,000 girl members and over 8,000 adult volunteers in 18 counties. With a budget of more than $14 million, GSNEO is focused on building girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place through unique programs and opportunities. Three Council-run camps of almost 1,000 acres serve as the anchors for outdoor adventures and leadership learning. Jane also served as Director of Marketing and Golf Clubhouse Services for Cleveland Metroparks and began her career at United Way Services of Cleveland.  She was also executive director of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. As a volunteer, she is currently a board member for the Beck Center for the Arts and is the Board President for North Pointe Ballet. 

John F. Garofalo was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Akron Community Foundation in July 2025. In this role, he provides strategic leadership to a team of 22 staff members and works in close partnership with a 24-member board of directors to advance the foundation’s mission and deepen its impact across the Greater Akron region.

John previously served as the foundation’s Vice President of Community Investment for 14 years, where he directed the allocation of more than $125 million in grants to nonprofit organizations and community initiatives throughout Summit County and beyond. His leadership in grantmaking and philanthropic strategy helped strengthen the foundation’s role as a trusted resource and catalyst for community change.

John brings a distinguished career in philanthropy and nonprofit leadership, with past roles at University Hospitals, Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital, United Way of Greater Cleveland, United Way of Greater Stark County, and the American Red Cross. His extensive experience spans nonprofit management, fundraising and development, grantmaking, strategic planning, and organizational capacity building.

He has successfully led major fundraising campaigns, secured multi-million-dollar grants, and cultivated strong partnerships with donors, foundations, and community stakeholders. John is recognized for his deep expertise in organizational strategy, donor relations, program development, and innovative grantmaking approaches that drive sustainable impact.

John holds both a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education and a Master of Education in Community Health Management and Administration from Kent State University. He has maintained the prestigious Certified Fundraising Executive (CFRE) credential since 2004.

He currently serves on the boards of ArtsNow, Leadership Akron, Akron Roundtable, Downtown Akron Development Corporation, and the Social Services Advisory Board (appointed by the county).
John resides in Northwest Akron with his husband, Matt.