Cincinnati, Ohio — The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center is thrilled to announce the appointment of six community leaders to its Board of Trustees. Bob Fregolle, Roger Heldman, Gloria Lipson, Rhonda Sheakley, Dr. Cady Short-Thompson, and Walter Spiegel join the Center’s board, bringing a wealth of expertise, vision, and commitment to the organization’s mission of promoting Holocaust education and humanity-centered action.
The new board members represent diverse backgrounds and professional accomplishments, each bringing unique perspectives and skills to support the Center’s mission and strategic initiatives. Their leadership will play an invaluable role as the Center continues to educate the public on the lessons of the Holocaust and inspire individuals to stand up against injustice and hate today.
“We are incredibly fortunate to have such an exceptional and diverse group of leaders to help guide the future of this organization,” said Jackie Congedo, Chief Executive Officer of the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center. “Their insights and commitment will enhance our efforts to ensure that the stories of the Holocaust inspire people to take action and make a difference in our world.”
The new board members include:
- Bob Fregolle is a seasoned business executive who retired from Procter & Gamble in 2014 after a distinguished 35-year career, culminating as the Global Sales Officer. He co-owns and operates the Daytona Tortugas, a Class-A affiliate of the Cincinnati Reds. Fregolle also serves on the University of Michigan Ross School of Business Advisory Board and on the Cincinnati Museum Center board. He and his wife Lori have supported the Dimensions in Testimony exhibit at the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, enabling the recording of local survivors’ testimonies. This innovative exhibit allows visitors to engage in virtual conversations with survivors, ensuring their experiences educate and inspire future generations.
- Roger Heldman recently retired as the President and Chief Executive Officer of H-M Company, a Cincinnati-based firm specializing in commercial and industrial laundry equipment. Alongside his wife, Julie, he has funded educational initiatives, including a partnership enabling Cincinnati Public Schools freshmen to visit the Holocaust & Humanity Center, reflecting their commitment to Holocaust education.
- Gloria Lipson is a retired clinical social worker who served as a senior caseworker for Jewish Family Service and maintained a private practice for two decades. She is ending a 9-year term as a trustee of the Jewish Foundation of Cincinnati and was honored as a 2023 Enquirer Woman of the Year for her efforts in combating extremism through initiatives like the Leaders in Light program. Gloria is currently the president of Midwest Centers, a commercial real estate company in Cincinnati.
- Rhonda Sheakley is a dedicated philanthropist and community advocate. She has played pivotal roles in numerous cultural and civic organizations, including Cincinnati Ballet, Cincinnati Opera, Cincinnati Art Museum, Boys and Girls Club, Lighthouse Youth and Family Services, and Jewish National Fund. In 2019, she was honored as one of the Enquirer’s Women of the Year for her extensive volunteer leadership work. Rhonda currently serves on the boards of Best Point, the Foundation Board of the Cincinnati Ballet, and Lighthouse Youth and Family Services. Rhonda was appointed by Governor Mike DeWine as a Commissioner on the Ohio Holocaust and Genocide Education and Memorial Commission in 2021.
- Dr. Cady Short-Thompson is the seventh president of Northern Kentucky University, assuming the role in October 2023. She previously served as CEO of Breakthrough Cincinnati, Provost at Hope College, and Dean of the University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College, and an award-winning professor of Communication at NKU. An alumna of the University of Cincinnati, she holds a Ph.D. in political communication and has over 25 years of experience in higher education.
- Walter Spiegel is a Cincinnati-based attorney with more than 40 years of experience in general and corporate law. Walter serves as Vice President/General Counsel & Chief Compliance Officer of Standard Textile Co., Inc. and is the Governance Committee Chair of the Jewish Council for Public Affairs. He is a past president of the Cincinnati JCRC, and has served in leadership roles in the Cincinnati legal community, including the boards of the Southwest Ohio Chapter of the Association of Corporate Counsel and the Immigrant and Refugee Law Center, as well as the International Advisory Committee for the University of Cincinnati College of Law.
“With the addition of these remarkable leaders, our board is uniquely positioned to advance our mission in meaningful new ways. I am excited to see how their experiences and perspectives will help us deepen our impact and build an even stronger, more resilient community,” said Nancy Frank, newly appointed Board Chair.
Their appointments to the board come at a pivotal time of growth for the Center. With a bold vision to become one of the most relevant and engaging Holocaust museums globally, the Center aims to transform its educational offerings while making a significant local impact. Recent initiatives have led to record-high museum attendance and national recognition for innovative approaches to combating antisemitism and promoting civic engagement.
As the Center continues to foster meaningful connections and collaborations, it remains committed to ensuring that the lessons of the Holocaust resonate powerfully in today’s society, addressing complex challenges through education and community engagement.
The Center is located inside historic Union Terminal, and the museum is open to the public Thursdays through Mondays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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ABOUT THE NANCY & DAVID WOLF HOLOCAUST & HUMANITY CENTER
The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center exists to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust inspire action today. Located at Cincinnati’s historic Union Terminal, HHC impacts more than 2.5 million people every year through digital and in-person events, museum tours, educational experiences, social media, and virtual content. From Australia to India, individuals from more than 25 countries and 30 states engage with our mission. For more information, visit www.holocaustandhumanity.org.
