First Responders’ Bridge Team

Hugh has worked in the technology sector most of his career, leading both public and private companies. He has guided his companies into acquisitions, two IPOs, and a host of growth and financing initiatives.

He currently serves as Chairman and CEO of ChromoCare, a leader in genetic testing for patients that focuses on medication compatibility for individuals having problems finding the appropriate drugs for medical conditions.
Hugh is also a 20-year board member of LifeCare Alliance, the largest provider of Meals on Wheels to Central Ohio seniors and the disabled.

Hugh lives in Dublin, OH, and is married with three children.

As assistant prosecuting attorney for Franklin County, Becky gained extensive experience prosecuting a wide variety of Juvenile delinquency, traffic, and bind over cases, as well as Abuse, Neglect and Dependency cases. Additionally, she worked at the Family Drug Court Prosecutor and was appointed to the drug court board. Her areas of specialty include: Family Law, Juvenile Law, Guardian Ad Litem work, and Criminal Law.

She joined Painter & Associates, LLC to represent juveniles in delinquency and traffic cases, to serve as a Guardian Ad Litem, and to represent clients involved in Abuse, Neglect and Dependency cases. Additionally, she handles Victim of Crime Compensation, wills and trusts, estate planning, divorces, and child custody cases.

A very active member of the Central Ohio law enforcement community, Becky holds a JD, Capital University Law School and a BA-Communication, Cleveland State University. She is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police Auxiliary and the Franklin County Drug Court Board.

Brian is an experienced leader with over 20 years in the healthcare industry. He currently serves as Regional Director of Community Health & Wellbeing for Mount Carmel Health System. Brian has tertiary care nursing clinical experience in the cardiac intensive care, mobile intensive care, emergency and prison settings. Brian served in the United States Army and Ohio Army National Guard for 12 years as a flight medic and forward area surgical team specialist. Brian received his master's degree in business psychology accompanied by undergraduate degrees in nursing and organizational leadership. In addition, Brian is a Certified Health and Wellness Coach from the American College of Sports Medicine and an emergency medical technician.

John Householder currently serves as President of Kokosing Construction Company, a Heavy Highway general contractor working in Ohio, Kentucky and West Virginia. Kokosing Construction has capabilities including the construction of bridges, mass excavation, underground utilities, concrete paving and asphalt paving. John started with Kokosing out of college in 1991 as a Project Engineer. John ran his first project as Superintendent in 1994 and has since had roles as Lead Estimator, Project Manager, Area Manager and Vice President. John has served on both the Kokosing Advisory Board and more recently on the Kokosing Inc. Board of Directors.

John is a graduate of the University of Cincinnati with a BS in Construction Management. He is also a graduate of Harvard Business School’s AMP 190. John lives in Delaware, Ohio and is married with two children.

Jeff is a Partner at Clarus Partners and brings over 22 years of tax planning, incentives, audit defense, refund claims and tax compliance experience.  Jeff’s primary responsibilities include: tax planning; refund claims and audit defense in State and local tax.

Jeff previously worked at Honda for 17 years providing tax planning, incentives and audit defense in the Federal income, State income, sales tax, property tax and various miscellaneous taxes in both the US and Canada.  Prior to this experience, Jeff has worked in the tax groups of various companies.

Jeff has saved more than a billion dollars in taxes through his unique and creative solutions in incentives, planning and refund claims at these various companies over the past 20 years.

Gary began his restaurant career as a dishwasher at age 15, eventually ascending to managerial and operational roles in multiple restaurant companies, most notably with the 55 Restaurant Group and Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR), both based in Columbus, Ohio. While serving as general manager of Martini Modern Italian restaurant in downtown Columbus, the concept for “Rusty Bucket” was born. It’d be a tavern—with a twist. Serving up fresh, American favorites and a huge beer selection, in an inspired, pub-like atmosphere.
Gary opened the first Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern (sister company of CMR) in the Columbus suburb of Dublin, Ohio in 2002.

Since then, The Bucket has grown from a single restaurant to 23 locations in six states—and counting.
“Reflecting a long record of giving back to the hospitality industry, Callicoat serves on the board of the Ohio Restaurant Association (ORA) and is equally committed to supporting charitable causes of the communities in which he does business. He is on also on the board of the ORA’s Education Foundation. Callicoat encourages and leads his team to give back in many ways with numerous activities throughout the year including raising funds and basic supplies for underprivileged school children, coat drives in the winter, and providing Thanksgiving meals to the Salvation Army, not to mention, partnering with organizations like Canines for Companions and Toys for Tots.

According to Gary, “Serving great food and giving back. That’s what the Bucket Life is all about.”

Jason Profitt has been working in the technology field for the past 12 years, being involved in wide range of services from network infrastructure to custom software development. He was previously the Director of Technology at Chepri Interactive, where he led a team of software developers, and participated in the acquisition of new clients, and support of existing. He is currently the Vice President of Technology at Piada Italian Street Food. At Piada, he is responsible for using his technical expertise to improve the digital infrastructure, research new and evolving technology trends, and furthering data analysis.

Jason graduated from The Ohio State University in 2007 with a Bachelors of Science in Computer Science & Engineering, with a minor in Business.

Nancy Whetstone is a seasoned marketing and development professional currently serving as philanthropy director at Canine Companions. Since 2019, she has raised over $6M, secured 20+ planned gifts, and excelled in donor stewardship and moves management. With a bachelor's degree in journalism and interpersonal communication from Central Michigan University, Nancy has 15+ years in digital/print communication, marketing, PR, and community relations. She has nearly 20 years of nonprofit leadership, serving on the boards of the Mount Carmel Foundation and Ohio Business Week Foundation.

Nancy's achievements include National Down Syndrome Congress' National Parent Group Award, a PRism Award from PRSA, and a commendation from Ohio Governor Ted Strickland.

Stan Partlow joined AEP in October 2005. Stan recently retired as the Vice President and Chief Security Officer and had responsibility for Cyber Security, Physical Security and Aviation. During his AEP career, Stan has also had responsibility for the AEP motor vehicle fleet, the enterprise procurement function and business continuity.

Prior to joining AEP, Stan served the Law Enforcement community for over 25 years. Stan served the Columbus Division of Police for over 21 years and retired as the Commander of the Detective Bureau. Prior to that Stan served in numerous roles in Patrol, Narcotics, Professional Standards and Training during his tenure as an Officer, Sergeant and Lieutenant.

Stan served as a Special Agent with the Federal Bureau of Investigation from 1984-1988 where he was responsible for conducting a variety of criminal investigations. In his law enforcement career, Stan has supervised dignitary protection details, and has been a member of the protection staff of two Columbus Mayors. He has been a SWAT team member for the Charlotte Division FBI Team, and a member of the Columbus Division of Police Underwater Search and Recovery Team. Stan also served as a Hostage Negotiator for the Columbus Division of Police.

Stan is a graduate of the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police Executive Leadership College. Stan holds the designation of Certified Law Enforcement Executive from the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police. Stan completed the FBI Domestic Security Executive Academy. Stan earned the Certified Protection Professional certification from ASIS, a worldwide security organization. Stan completed the AEP/OSU Leadership Program and the Executive Level Targeted Development program.

Stan holds a Juris Doctor degree from the Capital University School of Law (1995), a Master of Science degree in Administration from Central Michigan University (1990), and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Bowling Green State University (1980).

Stan is a member of the Board of Trustees of Franklin University and he serves on the Board of Directors of The Center for Family Safety and Healing. Stan is a founder of the Columbus Police Foundation and serves on the Board of Directors for the Bridge an organization dedicated to mental healing for first responders.

Doug Vance is an owner and the Vice President of Vance Outdoors, Inc, a leading company in both the outdoor sporting goods and the law enforcement equipment distribution industries. Doug has been leading Vance Outdoors for 22 years and previously worked in the audit division of the KPMG Peat Marwick Columbus office for five years. His current business has led to many meaningful relationships with members of the law enforcement community throughout the Midwest, which drives Doug’s desire to support the mission of the First Responder’s Bridge.

He currently serves as a board member for the River Radio Ministries (parent company of 104.9 The River, 89.3 The River, 90.9 The River and LoveCbus). In addition, Doug serves as a board member for the Clinton-Grandview Heights Joint Economic Development Zone.

Doug is a graduate of the Miami University with a BS in Accounting. He lives in Galena, Ohio and is married with three children.

In 1987, Dan founded Signature Control Systems LLC a company specializing in Parking and Access Control Systems service as President/CEO until selling the company in 2012 and retiring.

Dan is a lifelong resident of Columbus, graduated from Eastmoor High School and attended The Ohio State University. Today, Dan spends much of his time with his large family that includes three children and nine grandchildren.

Amy Coppola took over as Director of Program Management in 2022 for International Towers, LLC, where she leads teams managing communications infrastructure projects that support the systems necessary for first responders to effectively support their communities. This tribally owned commercial and government contractor provides turn-key design-build construction and infrastructure solutions for government, cellular, and broadcast customers.

Prior to this, she spent more than two decades working in the infrastructure space that first responders and their communities rely on. Her previous experience includes leading engineers, system technologists, and project managers for Motorola as the Federal Systems Integration Director. She has also managed projects with some smaller, entrepreneurial companies.

Her commitment to first responders is also reflected in her non-profit, Call To Purpose, which gives back to people, including first responders, who were impacted by the pandemic and who may have gotten off track. The organization offers coaching and provides inspiration to people and families to help them find hope, prosperity, and a positive outlook on life. She is excited to bring her skills to the First Responders' Bridge.

Kathy recently retired after 16 serving years on Westerville City Council and also 8 years as Mayor. She is a 40-year resident of Westerville who also served on the Boards of Concord Counseling, and the Westerville Public Library and is currently serving on the Board of the Westerville Fund, the Westerville Historical Society and Uptown Inc. She is also founder of Neighbor2neighbor, a kindness initiative in Westerville. Prior to her Council service she was the Director of Safety City and attended both the Citizens Police Academy and Citizens Fire Academy. Kathy is the recipient of the Sertoma Service to Mankind Award. She resides in Westerville with her husband David. She has three children and four grandchildren.

Sam’s purpose in life is striving to make the world a safer place to live, work and play^®

Sam is the Director of Digital Identity and Physical Security for American Electric Power. He is responsible for leading Physical Security and Identity Registration for the corporation, which includes the protection of people, information, and assets. Since joining the company in 2008, Sam has served as a Region Security Coordinator, Security Operations Center Manager and Critical Infrastructure Security Manager. Prior to joining AEP, he served as a National Account Manager for The Wackenhut Corporation, Security Project Manager for Bank of America, and Security Manager for DeGraff Memorial Hospital. Sam has over 25 years of experience in the Security industry with expertise in Utility, Financial, Health Care, Security Operations Center, and Contract Guard Service. Sam is the creator of “Best Friend Friday” a framework to drive change and improve relationships at work and beyond.

Sam holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and is a Certified Protection Professional, board certified in security management from ASIS, the largest international security organization. Sam is an NRA certified Firearm Safety, Pistol and Personal Protection instructor, Stop the Bleed instructor and an Emergency Medical Responder. Sam currently serves as chairman of the Edison Electric Institute Security Committee and is a member of the Board of Trustees for the First Responders’ Bridge.

Dr. Michael Wagner is a clinical psychologist. He received his doctorate degree from Ohio University, interned at UMASS/Worcester State Hospital, and completed fellowship training at Harding Hospital.

He has provided services for the past 25 years, in private practice, corrections, inpatient care, and community mental health.

Dr. Malinky received his Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology from John Carroll University in 1971, his Master of Arts degree in psychology from John Carroll University in 1973, and his Ph.D. in psychology from Akron University in 1980.

Research interests include Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity decision making, malingering in civil and criminal cases, and risk assessment for firefighters. Areas of practice include in-house consultation for the Bureau of Disability Determination for 20 years, providing psychological evaluation for Social Security Disability for employers and attorneys, psychological evaluations for the Industrial Commission of Ohio, psychological evaluations for Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation, psychological evaluations for private attorneys, Fitness for Duty evaluations for employers and attorneys, court ordered NGRI evaluations due to Battered Women’s Syndrome, evaluation of mitigating circumstances for the first capital punishment case in the Southeast District Federal Court, and providing EMDR treatment to first responders. He also did court ordered evaluation of NGRI through Netcare and in private practice and court ordered evaluations for competency to stand trial through Netcare and in private practice.

Dr. Malinky has practiced psychology for over 30 years. He was a staff psychologist at Columbus Area Community Mental Health Center, United Behavioral Health and Harding Hospital providing him a knowledge base in both private and insurance driven care settings. Dr. Malinky is currently in private practice.

Dr. Warren is a Professor of Clinical Nursing at The Ohio State University College of Nursing, Director of the Psychiatric Nursing Program and Affiliate Faculty for the Kirwin Institute for Race and Ethnicity at The Ohio State University. Dr. Warren served as the Interim Director of the Doctor of Nursing Practice Program from 2013-2014. She has extensive experience in leadership positions within mental health settings and within nursing.

Having published numerous articles and book chapters on practice, theoretical, and research issues regarding mood disorders and healthcare disparities, she is considered a national expert and consultant in areas of culture, diversity and inclusion within mental health organizations and systems. Dr. Warren is a National Institutes of Mental Health Racial/Ethnic Minority Fellow and Postdoctoral Fellow, a Fellow in the National Academies of Practice, and is a Fellow in the American Academy of Nursing.

Dr. Warren is active in the American Psychiatric Nurses Association (APNA) where she served as its National President. Dr. Warren pioneered the Executive Nurse position for the Ohio Department of Mental Health. In this position, she developed policy regarding mental healthcare in the context of recovery and culturally and linguistically appropriate strategies for use within acute and primary care settings. In 2016, she received both the ANA Board of Directors Hildegard Peplau and the APNA Psychiatric Nurse of the Year.

Dr. Warren also has a private practice in which she provides psychotherapeutic, evidence-based interventions for individuals, couples and families.

Lisa Callander has been with the City of Columbus EAP since 1989, providing program administration, clinical services, consultations, trainings, and administering the City EAP. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Ohio University, and a Master’s of Social Work from OSU. She has independent licenses in the State of Ohio as a Supervisory level Social Worker, and Supervisory level Chemical Dependency Counselor. Prior to working with the City EAP, Lisa worked in inpatient and outpatient chemical dependency treatment programs.

Lisa has extensive experience in working with first responders, and in the area of critical incident stress response. She serves as a member of the Mid-Ohio and CFD CISM teams and is the Mental Health Advisor for the CPD Peer Assistance Team (PAT).

Asst. Chief Bodker joined the Columbus Division of Police in 1994, as a member of the 90th Recruit Class. As an officer he worked in the Linden community within the Patrol Bureau. He also served as a field training officer and was assigned to the Detective Bureau, prior to being promoted to the rank of sergeant in 2005.

As a Sergeant, Asst. Chief Bodker supervised the officers of 2 precinct-C company, in the North Linden community. While serving as a sergeant, Chief Bodker also had the privilege of being selected as a hostage negotiator for the Columbus Division of Police. He also served on the Hostage Negotiation Team and was a member of the Midwest Crisis Negotiators until his promotion to the rank of Lieutenant in 2010.

Chief Bodker served as a Division Lieutenant in the Patrol, Detective and the Professional Standards Bureaus. As a lieutenant, he served as the Incident Commander for special events such as Ohio State Football games, Presidential visits, and protests throughout the City of Columbus. It was also during his time as a lieutenant, that he, along with a core team of law enforcement and mental health professionals formed the Peer Assistance Team.

In 2015, Asst. Chief Bodker was promoted to the rank of commander. He was assigned to lead the Professional Standards Bureau and was honored to represent the Columbus Division of Police in 2017 as it was awarded “Accreditation with Excellence” by the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement (CALEA). In 2016, Chief Bodker was proud to join with Deputy Chief Michael Woods and Commander Mark Lang to lead nearly 200 Columbus Police Officers to Cleveland, Ohio, to address safety concerns, during the Republican National Convention. In 2017, Asst. Chief Bodker was appointed by the Chief of Police to head the Internal Affairs Bureau.

Asst. Chief Bodker grew up and attended high school in Atlanta, Georgia. After high school, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He is a graduate of the United States Postal Inspector Training Academy, the 64th session of the Police Executive Leadership College, the Force Science Institute, and the 275th session of the FBI-National Academy. Chief Bodker has received the designation as a Certified Law Enforcement Executive by the Ohio Association of Chiefs of Police.

Asst. Chief Bodker and his wife Karen are proud to be the parents of three daughters Bailey, Grace, and Morgan.

Ron McMillin was born and raised in the Columbus area and graduated from Hilliard High School in 1987. He is married with two adult children and two grandchildren. 

Ron retired after 34 years law enforcement experience as the Assistant Chief with the Westerville Division of Police where he served since 2000. His law enforcement career began as a U.S. Army Military Police officer and continued as a police officer in Illinois for nearly 9 years, prior to his appointment with Westerville. He has been fortunate to have served in a wide variety of specialized positions over the course of his career to include; honor guard member, field training officer, bomb technician, SWAT member and team leader, and supervisory roles in all three bureaus at Westerville PD. 

Ron is active in his church and is involved in a youth mentoring program. He received Law Enforcement Chaplain Training through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and Critical Incident Stress Management training through the ICISF. He has a unique appreciation for those who willingly put themselves in harms way to protect and serve others and is humbled by the opportunity to serve them. 

Ron also serves as Chaplain for First Responders' Bridge. 

Thomas C. Ullom, is a life-long resident of Westerville and retired from the Westerville Fire Division in 2015. He served as a firefighter for 39 years — 27 of those years assigned to the medic. He was a member of IAFF Local 3480 where he spent eight years as Union President.Following the death of a fellow firefighter, Tom founded the Westerville Fighters’ Memorial which later became First Responders’ Park in Westerville in 2010. Following 9/11, he worked with the New York/New Jersey Port Authority, over the course of seven years, to obtain a piece of steel from the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) that was part of the federal investigation of the collapse of the World Trade Center Towers. The piece of steel, known as C-40, now stands at First Responders Park.

Tom was inducted into Westerville South High School Alumni Hall of Fame in 2011. He received Westerville Sertoma’s Service to Mankind Award for significant and meritorious service in 2009, Westerville Sunrise Rotary’s Service Above Self award and The American Legion’s Firefighter Certificate of Commendation for Outstanding Public Service in 2011. Tom was the City of Westerville’s 2009 Employee of the Year. Additionally, Tom was recognized as Sunny 95/CME Federal Credit Union/ThisWeek’s Hometown Hero in 2014. He is a member of the Central Ohio Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM), a member of the Heritage Christian Church’s Safety & Security Team and was a co-facilitator of their 13 week Grief Share Program. Tom was called to New York City by The History Channel to be interviewed for the episode, 9-11: “15 September’s Later,” in 2016.

In retirement Tom loves playing Pickleball.

Mike DeFrancisco retired from the Columbus, Ohio Division of Fire after proudly serving for over 33 years. Mike also served as a law enforcement officer within the division of fire, fire and explosive investigation unit, where he had been assigned for 21 years and has conducted in excess of 2500 fire or explosion investigations. Mike also served as a specialist with the division of fires, bomb squad.

He has an Associate’s Degree in fire science from Columbia Southern University and currently sits on the boards of the Ohio chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators, the Ohio Arson School, and the National Association of Computer Voice Stress Analysts in addition to First Responders' Bridge.

AJ has been a sworn member of the Columbus Division of Police since 2013. He currently serves as an active member of the Honor Guard, Officer Support and Peer Assistance team. AJ is currently a member of Humanizing The Badge where he travels across the country speaking and creating events to bridge the gap between Law Enforcement and the communities they serve. AJ has well over a million followers on social media. In 2017 AJ was selected by the Ohio Governors Office to serve on the Ohio Collaborative where he helps create standards and policies for police agencies across Ohio.

Rhonda Grizzell is a Columbus native and graduate of Hamilton Township High School, who went on to attend Wittenberg University, graduating in 1993 with a Bachelor of Arts degree. She entered the Columbus Division of Police in November of 1994 and spent the next 26 years with the Division, retiring at the rank of Commander. While at CPD, Rhonda attended the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command, as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy. She held numerous assignments in CPD as a Bureau Commander, including Patrol, Training, Property Crimes, Wellness, and Community Response Bureau. One legacy she is particularly proud of was her involvement in leading the Columbus Peer Assistance Team to combat the effects of stress and traumatic experiences that officers must face.

In October 2020, she assumed the role of Deputy Chief of Police for Chief Curtis Baker with the Reynoldsburg Division of Police. DC Grizzell has focused on growing RPD’s community service by collaborating with Starfish Assignment Licking County and joining the organization as a board member. Additionally, she has recently joined with several other Columbus suburbs to form the new Metro Peer Team to bring additional mental health resources to suburban agencies. DC Grizzell is excited to continue supporting first responders by joining the board of the First Responders' Bridge.