Educational Foundation

Don Heinrich

Chairman

Donald M. “Don” Heinrich (Chicago 1974)

Brother Heinrich received a BA in economics and an MBA from the University of Chicago. His business career included 12 years in investment banking as a senior vice president at Lehman Brothers and 17 years in the senior management of industrial businesses as a senior vice president of A. O. Smith Corporation and president of two of its subsidiaries. Since retiring in 2013, Don’s emphasis has been on family, friends and contributing to his local community. Outside of his career, Don has served the Chi Upsilon Chapter as House Corporation Secretary and Vice President, and he has served on the Education Foundation Board since 2021 – previously serving as Vice Chairman. Additionally, a highlight of his life was receiving the Wilkinson Award in 1974 as the Fraternity’s most outstanding senior.

Ron Nelson

Vice Chairman

Ronald C. “Ron” Nelson (Richmond 1977)

Brother Nelson joined the Foundation Board in 2022, previously serving as Finance Committee Chairman. As an undergraduate, Ron served his chapter as President and Treasurer. He received his BS in business administration with a finance major from the University of Richmond and his MBA from Wesleyan University. He has also served the Rho Chi Chapter as Purple Legionnaire (1978- 79), Section Leader (1986-87) and BCA Chairman (2021-22), and he was IHQ’s Director of Programs (1979-83). Currently, Ron is the COO of Essex Financial Services in Connecticut.

Clark Robertson

Finance Committee Chairman

Clark A. Robertson (Nebraska 1982)

Brother Robertson has served the Fraternity in a variety of capacities, including Field Secretary (1982-84), BCA and house corporation member (1984-91), Director of Housing (2003-08), Archon Councilor (2014-16), Archon Vice President (2016-18) and Archon President (2018-20). In 2024, Clark retired professionally as Chief Operating Officer from the Port of Corpus Christi Authority, in Corpus Christi, Texas, with prior executive roles in other transportation and real estate firms. He has a BS in finance from the University of Nebraska and a MS in intermodal transportation management from the University of Denver.

Pete Rimsans

Board Secretary

A. Peter “Pete” Rimsans, II (Iowa State 1993)

Brother Rimsans works as a strategy consultant specializing in workforce development, infrastructure investment and public affairs. He served as the executive director for Indiana State Building & Construction Trades Council, acting as the chief spokesperson, strategist and lobbyist for the 75,000 members of Indiana’s Building Trades Unions. His involvement in the Fraternity includes serving as Section Leader and as Parliamentarian at several Ekklesiai.

Michael Ainsworth

Director

D. Michael Ainsworth (British Columbia 1987)

Jim Arnold

Director

James E. “Jim” Arnold (Illinois 1985)

Brother Arnold is the Vice President of Roofing & Waterproofing for Simiron, Inc. He earned his Bachelor of Science in civil engineering and his MBA from the University of Illinois. As an undergraduate, Jim served his chapter as Corresponding Secretary and Pig Dinner Chairman. He has also served as a member of the BCA and House Corporation for his chapter and as President of the Denver Graduate Chapter. Jim comes from a family of Phi Gam Sires and Sons including his grandfather, Willis J. MaGirl (Illinois Wesleyan 1924), father, Donald R. Arnold (Illinois 1961), and son, Michael W. Arnold (Kansas State 2023), who was the 2023 Wilkinson Award winner. He resides in Highlands Ranch, Colorado with his wife, Sherry.

Doug Banks

Director

Douglas H. “Doug” Banks (Maine 1982)

Brother Banks is the Senior Business Consultant for International Services, Inc., specializing in driving operational excellence, profitability and transformative growth for businesses across industries. Doug has a Master of Science in management and a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering. He has served his chapter as Purple Legionnaire, House Corporation President and BCA member. He lives in Plantation, Florida.

Jeff Downey

Director

Jeffrey M. “Jeff” Downey (California Los Angeles 1983)

Mitchell Henn

Director

Mitchell I. Henn, DDS (Case Western 1972)

Mike Lucas

Director

Michael A. “Mike” Lucas (Bradley 1983)

Brother Lucas has been actively involved with the Fraternity since his undergraduate days having served the Beta Pi Chapter as President (1981-83) and BCA Chairman (1986-88). He has also served as a Field Secretary (1983-85), Section Leader (1987-89), Archon Councilor (2010-12), Archon Vice President (2012-14) and Archon President (2014-16). He currently serves on the Educational Foundation Board of Directors, having most recently served as Chairman. Professionally, Mike is President & CEO of RegO Products, the premier manufacturer of gas control products to the industrial gas and liquefied cryogenic liquids industry worldwide. Previously, he served as President of Emerson Industrial Automation, President of Emerson Network Power, and President & CEO of Powell Industries. Mike also serves on the Board of Directors for the Compressed Gas Association and Team Industrial Services. Additionally, he was awarded the William A. Martin III Distinguished Fiji Award in 2022.

Kirk Walden

Director

Kirk D. Walden (Texas Arlington 1972)

Brother Walden’s business career spans decades in high-tech marketing. Kirk’s experience ranges from start-ups to multinationals, from back-room advisor to front-line spokesperson, and from strategy and research to advertising and public relations. His background includes senior positions at worldwide advertising agencies Ogilvy & Mather and Foote Cone & Belding, and global accounting firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, plus years as an independent consultant. He has also served the Fraternity in various capacities include several years as Section Leader. Additionally, he was awarded the William A. Martin III Distinguished Fiji Award in 2023.

Tyler Davis

Executive Director

(Oklahoma State 2011)

Tyler is the Executive Director of the Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation and The Phi Gamma Delta Foundation of Canada. His responsibilities include the day-to-day management of both foundations, directing all fundraising and development, and traveling to visit with brothers.

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Will Shier

COO & Chief Financial Officer

(DePauw 1988)

Will oversees all financial operations of the International Headquarters and Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation. He also directs the accounting staff in their preparation of the Fraternity’s and Foundation’s budget and monthly financial reports. He processes all scholarship applications, in addition to restricted and chapter payments.

Additionally, Will serves as the Chief Financial Officer of the International.

Key Position(s): Treasurer

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Dio Protopapadakis

Senior Director of Graduate Engagement

(Appalachian State 2017)

Dio manages the Fraternity’s graduate dues program, assists graduate chapters, supports undergraduate chapters with their graduate relations and leads graduate engagement efforts. He is the point of contact for chapters seeking Pig Dinner speakers from the International Fraternity, and he provides support to graduate volunteers. Dio also oversees graduate recognition efforts.

This position shares time (up to 50% on a fluctuating basis) with the Educational Foundation, with a focus on building relationships with current and potential donors, donor stewardship, and fundraising.

Key Positions: Section Leader, Purple Legionnaire, BCA members, house corporations, graduate chapter officers, Corresponding Secretary, Graduate Relations Chairman, Pig Dinner Chairman

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Apryl Taylor

Donor Services & Operations Coordinator

Apryl serves the Phi Gamma Delta Educational Foundation as Donor Services & Operations Coordinator. Her primary responsibilities include managing donor records and gifts; overseeing acknowledgment and stewardship communications; coordinating scholarship administration; and supporting the Foundation’s daily operational needs.

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Ben Robinson

Executive Director Emeritus & Special Fraternal Gifts Officer

(Hampden-Sydney 1986)

Ben works with brothers to create special gifts that can transform the Fraternity and help it meet its mission of Building Courageous Leaders.

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