After completing engineering studies in Brazil, Renato Esteves continued his executive education at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University. Today, he serves as Senior Director of Operations for Whirlpool Corporation, where he leads manufacturing operations in Northwest Ohio and oversees one of the company's largest U.S. manufacturing footprints.

Renato brings more than two decades of global manufacturing and operations leadership experience. Throughout his career with Whirlpool, he has held leadership positions in Brazil and across the United States, including assignments in Tennessee, Michigan, Ohio and São Paulo. His responsibilities have spanned manufacturing, operations, continuous improvement and plant leadership, giving him broad experience in leading complex manufacturing organizations, developing talent and implementing operational excellence initiatives.

In his current role, Renato is helping lead Whirlpool's continued investment in Northwest Ohio, including the company's new advanced manufacturing facility in Perrysburg and ongoing transformation of its Findlay operations. Under his leadership, Whirlpool continues to invest in automation, advanced manufacturing technologies and workforce development while strengthening its domestic manufacturing capabilities. He is also a strong advocate for partnerships between industry and education, recognizing that developing a skilled workforce is essential to the future of American manufacturing.

Throughout his career, Renato has championed continuous improvement, innovation and people development. He believes world-class manufacturing begins with investing in employees, empowering teams and creating opportunities for lifelong learning. His leadership philosophy emphasizes collaboration, operational excellence and building cultures where people can thrive while delivering exceptional results.

As Senior Director of Operations, Renato continues to help shape Whirlpool's manufacturing strategy while supporting the company's mission to improve life at home through innovation, quality and a highly skilled workforce.

Jo Alice Blondin, Ph.D., became the interim president of the Arkansas Colleges of Health Education in Fort Smith, Arkansas, in July 2026. Prior to this position, Dr. Blondin served as the fifth president of Clark State College from July 1, 2013, to June 30, 2026, and was granted the title of President Emerita for her outstanding service. She also held the positions of Chancellor and Professor English, Chief Academic Officer and Chief Student Officer at Arkansas Tech University – Ozark, and Department Chair of English, Communication, and Social Sciences and Associate Professor of English at the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith. She holds a Ph.D. and M.A. in English from Arizona State University and a Bachelor of Arts from Purdue University, majoring in English.

Dr. Blondin is known nationally for her leadership in strategic planning, workforce development, accreditation, board and shared governance, financial stewardship, safety preparation, program and technology alignment, and intentional marketing and communication plans for the colleges she has served. At Clark State, Dr. Blondin led the implementation of five successive strategic plans, the development of employee wellness, safety, and mentoring programs, the establishment of four baccalaureate degrees and numerous workforce programs, a reorganization of the campus to increase student success and completion that has resulted in an increase of more than 70 percent in state funding, secured $ 30-plus million in state funds for capital and community improvement projects, and received grant funding for Manufacturing, Precision Agriculture, Cybersecurity, Addiction Studies, Mental Health, scholarships, and youth programs totaling more than $26 million. Under her leadership, the Clark State Foundation grew from $13 million to more than $35 million.

Dr. Blondin is past chair and member of the Higher Learning Commission Board of Trustees, a past president (two terms) and board member of the National Council for Workforce Education, past chair of the Presidents for the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, and past chair and board member for the Community College Alliance for Agricultural Advancement and the American Association of Community Colleges. She and her husband, Andy Fox, live in Springfield and have one daughter, Dr. Helena Fox, who is a veterinarian.

Dr. Genesis Downey is Honors Program Director and Professor of English at Owens Community College, where she has served students since 2002. A nationally recognized educator, she is known for creating engaging learning experiences that challenge students to think critically, communicate effectively and become thoughtful, civically engaged citizens.

In 2026, Dr. Downey received the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) Dale P. Parnell Distinguished Faculty Recognition, one of the nation's highest honors for community college faculty. The award recognizes educators who demonstrate excellence in teaching, make a lasting difference in students' lives and are deeply committed to their colleges and communities. She also received Owens Community College's 2025 Presidential Teaching Award, the College's highest faculty honor, recognizing her quality and innovation in teaching, commendable service to the College and profession, and exceptional commitment to student success. Colleagues praised her strong connection to students, her ability to help them grow as critical thinkers and communicators, and her mentorship of fellow faculty. She is especially recognized for her creativity and collaboration in assessing student learning and academic programs, as well as her support of both new adjunct faculty and experienced instructors working with honors students.

Dr. Downey teaches courses in composition, literature, creative writing, fiction, popular culture and interdisciplinary studies. Throughout her career, she has been committed to fostering intellectual curiosity, encouraging meaningful dialogue and helping students discover the confidence to express their ideas through writing.

She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Toledo, a Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing from the University of Michigan and a Doctor of Philosophy in American Culture Studies from Bowling Green State University.

As an educator, mentor and academic leader, Dr. Downey exemplifies Owens Community College's mission of changing lives through the power of education and continues to inspire students and colleagues through her dedication to teaching, scholarship and service.