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.

The Conversations podcast is revisiting a compilation of a few of our favorite conversations that bring a local perspective from the past year. Each guest brings a unique viewpoint, but together they tell a larger story about what makes northwest Ohio so special. They remind us that strong communities are built when institutions, leaders and people invest in one another. It's a belief that shapes so much of the work we do at Owens.

The lineup:

• Vince DiPofi, SSOE CEO (episode originally aired March 12, 2026)
• Neil MacKinnon, Rossford Mayor (episode originally aired February 12, 2026)
• Dr. Brian Treece, President and CEO, Findlay-Hancock County Community Foundation (episode originally aired November 13, 2025)
• Dr. Veronica Motley, Retired Superintendent, Sylvania Schools (episode originally aired April 9, 2026)
• Jami Williamson, Owens Professor, Therapeutic Services (episode originally aired October 9, 2025)

Five years ago, Dr. Dione D. Somerville became president of Owens Community College. Since then, Owens has continued building on its long history of serving students, employers and communities across Northwest Ohio.

In this special episode of the award-winning Conversations podcast, 13abc Anchor Kristian Brown turns the tables, interviewing Dr. Somerville about the lessons she has learned during her first five years as president, the evolving role of community colleges and what lies ahead for Owens.

From workforce development and healthcare education to student success and community partnerships, this conversation reflects on the progress of the past five years - and the opportunities ahead.

Episode Guest: Dr. Dione D. Somerville, President, Owens Community College

Host: Kristian Brown, Anchor, 13abc

Owens Community College has celebrated 60 years of service to our students and our region during the 2025-26 academic year. As we wrap up our celebrations, we have brought together voices from across our institution and our community to share the Owens story. Listen for a reflection on the values that have guided Owens and continue to shape our future.

Guests in this episode:

• Randy Gardner, former Chancellor, State of Ohio
• Mary Beth Hammond, Vice Chair, Owens Community College Board of Trustees
• Dr. Denise Smith, Owens Community College Provost and Vice President, Academic Affairs
• Jeff Ganues, an Owens grad who is CFO and Vice President, Business Affairs
• Dr. Steve Culbertson, Owens Community College Professor, Humanities
• Jen Hazel, Owens Community College Professor, English
• Jim Welling, an Owens grad who is the former Owens Express men’s basketball coach and Hall of Famer
• Jennifer Strauss, an Owens grad who is Executive Director and Vice President, Nationwide Children’s Hospital – Toledo

Dr. Veronica Motley is originally from northeast Ohio. She attended the University of Akron, where she earned her bachelor’s, master’s and later her doctorate in educational administration. She has served students and their families for 35-plus years.

Dr. Motley has served in four culturally and economically diverse school districts, which has allowed her to hone her skills and expertise. She has also continued to educate and inspire future educational administrators by serving as an adjunct instructor at the University of Akron, Kent State University and the University of the Bahamas, and by earning the prestigious title of Professional Fellow at Ashland University. She has also presented for multiple local, state and national organizations.

Dr. Motley has stated on many occasions that she feels it is a privilege to serve as Superintendent of Sylvania Schools. She feels honored to lead a district that truly believes in "Excellence Through Opportunity as we continue the legacy of investing in our number one asset…our children."

As a seasoned educator, Veronica has devoted her career to public education and the sense of pride and tradition it creates for the community and future generations. Dr. Motley enjoys spending time with her partner, Johnny, and her furbaby, Cricket the Cavapoo.

Vince DiPofi, PE, is the Chief Executive Officer of SSOE Group, a nationally ranked architecture and engineering firm headquartered in Toledo, Ohio. ENR ranks SSOE as one of the Top 5 firms in the country, in the design of Manufacturing, Automotive and Semiconductor facilities. In 2025, Fortune Magazine named SSOE as one of the Top 25 professional service organizations in the country.

With over 40 years of professional experience, Vince has built a career defined by strategic vision, operational excellence, and a deep commitment to innovation. Under his leadership, SSOE has launched a technology-driven strategic plan that positions the firm as a thought leader in artificial intelligence and design automation.

Vince is widely respected for his collaborative leadership style and his focus on developing the next generation of leaders. He’s passionate about helping organizations navigate change, strengthen their culture, and connect their success to the communities they serve. Whether he’s talking about strategy, innovation or the power of great teams, Vince brings a grounded, real-world perspective shaped by decades of hands-on leadership experience.

A licensed Professional Engineer in Ohio and Michigan, Vince holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Toledo, where he was named a Distinguished Alumni in 2019. He was honored as the Toledo Society of Professional Engineers’ Engineer of the Year in 2022 and received the Ernst & Young Regional Entrepreneur of the Year award in 2024.

Beyond his corporate achievements, Vince is deeply engaged in community service. As a survivor, he has been a passionate advocate for the American Heart Association, including serving as chair of the 2026 Toledo Heart Walk campaign. He is also a board member of the United Way of Greater Toledo, and ConnecToledo economic development organization.