In order for First Responders' Bridge to fulfill its mission, we have put together a team of committed professionals that represent excellence and integrity in their chosen field.
Leadership
Mick Yinger
Executive Director
Mick has more than 21 years of Law Enforcement experience working for both the Clinton Township (OH), Police Department and City of Columbus (OH) Division of Police.
While working for the City of Columbus, Division of Police, Mick worked in the Patrol Bureau, Narcotics Bureau, and spent the majority of his career as a covert Detective in the Strategic Response Bureau.
Mick served as an unarmed self-defense and boxing instructor for new cadets at the Columbus Police Training Academy.
Mick was a recipient of the Columbus City Council Officer of the Month, The Mayor’s Award of Excellence and 2 Mutual Aid awards.
After retiring from the City of Columbus, Division of Police, Mick served as Vice-President of Safeguard Risk Solutions from 2013 – 2017.
Mick attended Defiance College where he studied Criminal Justice.
Mick serves as Executive Director of First Responders' Bridge and oversees all day-to-day activities.
Mike Pavolino
Vice President
Michael Pavolino graduated from Urbana University (Urbana, OH) where he played football and baseball while obtaining a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Education.
His military career spans from 1990 - current in the United States Army Reserves as a Military Policeman and as a Criminal Investigation Agent. He progressed through the ranks from Private First Class to Chief Warrant Officer 3. He has been deployed four times, been the Unit Commander during an OCONUS deployment, and was the PSO for the Chairman of the Joints Chiefs of Staff.
He began his civilian law enforcement career in 1992 - 2017 with the Westerville Police Department. He graduated from the Ohio State Highway Patrol Academy. He attended numerous other training courses emphasizing special weapons and tactics and investigations. Mike has worked or been involved with: uniform committee, awards committee, all three shifts, Westerville’s first school resource officer, bike patrol, physical fitness coordinator, honor guard, dive team, and he retired as a detective. In 1995-2017 he was selected as a member and then eventually into the leadership of the multi-agency SWAT team, Delaware Tactical Unit.
Mike has been presented several awards from the military, such as the bronze star and combat action badge; and from law enforcement, such as the Delaware County Sheriff award and gallantry star.
Mike is active socially with the Veterans of Foreign War, Moose Lodge International, AmVets and American Legion.
Maureen Kocot
Director of Development
Maureen Kocot is the Director of Development for First Responders' Bridge after serving as the Outreach and Media Relations Manager at Franklin County Sheriff's Office and the Outreach and Media Specialist at the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. Prior to that, Maureen was a member of the 10TV News staff since 1995, and is an Emmy, Associated Press, and Edward R. Murrow award-winning journalist.
Kocot's career at 10TV took her from the glamour of the red carpet at the Grammy Awards to the tragedy at Ground Zero. She grew up in Maryville, Ill., a small town not far from St. Louis. She graduated from the University of Illinois in 1992 with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism.
She was partnered with 10TV’s Angela An to produce Crime Tracker 10, a franchise that tracks crime patterns and trends, promotes safety, and aids law enforcement in capturing wanted criminals. As a crime reporter, Kocot provided extensive coverage of the Pike County massacre, the murders of CPD SWAT Officer Steve Smith, and Westerville Officers Tony Morelli and Eric Joering.
Board of Trustees
Business Leaders
Hugh Cathey, Board Chair
Chairman & CEO Chromocare
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.
Becky Muncy-Brooks, General Counsel
Attorney, Painter & Associates
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 Pierson
President and COO, Mount Carmel Grove City
John Householder
President, Kokosing Construction Company
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.
Jason Profitt
Vice President of Technology, The Piada Group
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
Philanthropy Director, Canine Companions
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
Vice President and Chief Security Officer, AEP (retired)
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.
Dan Floyd
President/CEO, Signature Control Systems LLC (retired)
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.
Sam Queeno, CPP
Director of Digital Identity and Physical Security, American Electric Power
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.
Marie Silver Keister, AICP, APR
President & CEO, MurphyEpson
Marie Silver Keister is president and CEO of Murphy Epson, Inc., a Columbus-based marketing, public relations and engagement firm celebrating its 35th anniversary. Marie is a certified planner with the American Planning Association, accredited in public relations by the Public Relations Society of America, and named one of the top 50 women in public relations in the U.S. by PR News.
Marie provides strategic counsel for popular and controversial initiatives to build public support and secure funds for complex public policy initiatives. During her career spanning over three decades, Marie has designed and facilitated 1000+ stakeholder and public meetings, advisory committees, strategic planning sessions and discussion panels to help public and private sector clients build a better world.
Marie is a graduate of The Ohio State University.
Mike Fickell
Co-founder and Chief Investment Officer, PC Wealth Solutions
As co-founder and Chief Investment Officer of PC Wealth Solutions, Mike brings real-time investment management experience to clients. Prior to forming FC Wealth Solutions, he spent 15 years working on Wall Street as a trader and portfolio manager for some of the industry’s most well-known firms. His previous experience at Morgan Stanley, Royal Bank of Canada and Hutchin Hill Capital gave him valuable experience in institutional money management. His focus on continual research helps him identify macro trends and strategic investments for client portfolios. His research has enabled him to develop many of the rule-based investment strategies the firm uses for managing client assets and monitoring the markets.
Mike was born and raised in the Columbus area. He earned a bachelor of science in economics from the Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania. He is an avid follower of the markets and enjoys researching and developing new investment strategies. He also enjoys exercising, spending time with his family and volunteer coaching. He currently lives in Galena with his wife and five kids.
Cardale Jones
Co-Founder, The Foundation
Cardale Jones graduated from Ohio State in 2017. During his college career, he led the Buckeyes to the inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship during the 2014-2015 season. His performances against Wisconsin in the Big Ten Championship game, Alabama in the college football semifinals and Oregon in the National Championship are some of the most iconic wins in Ohio State’s coveted history. Cardale played several seasons in the NFL with the Buffalo Bills and San Diego Chargers.
Cardale is a founding partner of The Foundation, a non-profit that raises money to support Ohio State University student athletes through Name, Image and Likeness (NIL), and connects student athletes with local charities.
He is also the Chief Talent Officer for Ten Talents NIL and a football analyst at CBS “Inside College Football.”
Tom Balliett
Co-Founder & CFO, International Center for Creativity
Tom Balliett is a creative professional with experience in marketing, business administration, and operations across a wide range of industries, including healthcare, medical devices, education, motorsports, technology, and publishing. His expertise in exploring and implementing innovative ideas is rooted in design thinking methodologies, marketing strategy, and process optimization.
Tom earned a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design with a specialization in product design from The Ohio State University, complemented by a certificate in Design Thinking and Innovation from the Online Harvard Business School.
As the co-founder and Chief Financial Officer of the International Center for Creativity (ICC) in Dublin, Ohio, Tom oversees business operations and plays a leadership role in shaping the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs. Under his collective leadership, the ICC delivers a Bachelor of Arts in Industrial + Innovative Design, a Master of Arts in Innovation + Entrepreneurship, and an MBA concentration in Innovation + Entrepreneurship.
Tom's dedication extends beyond the business world. Inspired by the events of September 11, he has served as an EMT/Paramedic in 9-1-1 emergency response in Central Ohio for nearly two decades. He remains an active paramedic, paramedic instructor, and he volunteers at the Grace Clinic. Tom has also held healthcare leadership roles in marketing and EMS product management at Sarnova and Bound Tree Medical. His multifaceted career highlights his commitment to innovation, education, and service, establishing him as a respected leader in both the business and emergency services sectors.
Clinicians
Dr. John (Jack) Malinky
Clinical Psychologist
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. Barbara Jones Warren
Professor and Director of Psychiatric Mental Health, The Ohio State University
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
Director EAP, City of Columbus
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).
Ra’Shawd Davis
MEd, LPC, CDCA
Ra’Shawd is a native of Youngstown, OH and currently resides in Columbus, OH. He holds a master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Youngstown State University. Ra’Shawd is a licensed Professional Counselor certified through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, Marriage and Family Therapist Board. He has over 13 years of direct care experience working with adults, adolescents, small children, first responders, family units and couples.
Prior to his role as an EAP counselor with the City of Columbus, Ra’Shawd served as Associate Director for a local charter school, Counselor Supervisor at a residential treatment facility for adjudicated youth, Program Manager for maternal-child health fatherhood initiatives, and provided individual and intensive family therapy for a number of years. In his work he emphasizes the importance of being trauma-informed and understanding multi-cultural competence in clinical service.
First Responders
Greg Bodker
Asst. Chief, Columbus Police
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
Assistant Chief, Westerville Police Dept. (retired), Chaplain, The Bridge
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.
Tom Ullom
Retired Westerville Firefighter, member of Critical Incident Stress Management(CISM) team
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
Arson Investigator, Columbus Fire Dept. (retired)
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.
Rhonda Grizzell
Deputy Chief of Police, Reynsoldsburg Division of Police
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.
Steve Cesaro
Deputy Chief of Police, Perry Township Police Department
He is currently the Chief of Police for Perry Township Police Department in Dublin, Ohio and is in his 26th year. Starting as a patrol officer in 1998 he was promoted to sergeant, lieutenant and then chief. He has served in a variety of positions during his career to include honor guard, field training officer and coordinator, investigator, shift supervisor and patrol operations supervisor.
Steve has worked many years in the private sector in security, executive protection, firearms instructor to civilians, security, law enforcement and military. He was also a basketball coach for The Hidden Gems basketball organization for seven years mentoring youth players from 13 – 17 years of age.
Since becoming the chief of police in 2021, he has started an officer wellness program, got the department to join the Metro Peer Support Team and expanded the police department’s chaplain program. Steve is honored and excited to be a part of the First Responder’s Bridge to support their mission and goals to help all first responders.
Emeritus Board Members
Gary Callicoat
Anthony Johnson
Amy Coppola
Jeff Stonerock, Treasurer
Doug Vance
Dr. Mike Wagner
Volunteer With First Responders' Bridge
Are you looking for a way to give back and support those who serve our communities every day? First Responders' Bridge offers meaningful volunteer opportunities for individuals who are passionate about making a difference in the lives of first responders and their families. We have volunteer opportunities for our Retreats & Events, where you can help create spaces for healing and connection, as well as for Chaplain roles, providing spiritual support to those in need. Whether you have experience or are simply looking to get involved, your time and compassion can have a profound impact. Learn more about how you can volunteer and be part of this important mission by reaching out to us today.