Board of Directors
Roger Wilson (President) I retired after 19 years at The Ohio State University, where I was responsible for the financial management and reporting of seven revenue-generating business units. Before that, I spent over 30 years in the hospitality industry, with the majority of my career focused on financial management.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business management from Franklin University and have served in leadership roles within the International Association of Hospitality Accountants.
I’ve been involved with House of Hope since 2001, serving as treasurer, vice president, and president over the years. I’ve also participated in fundraising, capital campaigns, and our annual Celebration of Hope dinners. My professional background in financial analysis and management has allowed me to contribute meaningfully to the financial oversight of the organization.
My commitment to House of Hope is deeply personal. I’ve experienced the impact of addiction within my own family, and I’m passionate about giving back to a community that has played a role in my own success. It’s an honor to support the mission of House of Hope and the individuals we serve on their path to recovery.
Michael Krause (Vice President) Michael J. Krause serves as the Executive Director of Ohio Peer Recovery Organizations (OhioPRO). He has served OhioPRO in this capacity since June 2021 and is its inaugural Executive Director. Michael is a tireless advocate for all individuals in, or working towards, recovery. His work allows him to be an advocate for peer organizations throughout Ohio and the peers they serve while ensuring those individuals are given a voice. Under his leadership, OhioPRO has enjoyed much success in its many strategic initiatives. His accomplishments over that time include developing a mobile application to be used by certified peers, creating funding opportunities for peer run organizations, and engaging the peer community through learning opportunities. He has a personal passion for recovery because he, too, is a person with a lived experience and is in long-term recovery. Michael has served in a variety of executive level positions throughout his professional career; a majority of that service was within the affordable housing industry. Michael currently lives in Columbus, Ohio. He received a Juris Doctor from the University of Akron School of Law and a Bachelor of Science from Westminster College.
Marci Ryan (Secretary) I have more than two decades of experience leading community-based programs that support personal growth, mental health, and youth development. From 1999 to 2014, I served as Director of Camp Mary Orton, where I helped develop experiential programs and team-building experiences for individuals and groups. I went on to hold leadership roles as Chief Program Officer at Godman Guild Association, Associate Director at Central Community House, and most recently, Assistant Vice President of Programs at Big Brothers Big Sisters from 2021 to 2024.
I hold an associate degree in Mental Health from Columbus State Community College and am a Certified Trauma Trainer through Finding Hope Consulting. I’m passionate about helping people heal and grow, especially through experiential methods like adventure therapy. One of my favorite ways to stay involved with House of Hope is by providing outdoor group sessions and team-building activities through Camp Mary Orton. With a strong background in people management, trauma-informed care, and program development, I’m proud to support House of Hope’s mission.
W.C. Benton (Treasurer) W.C. Benton, Jr. is the Edwin D. Dodd Professor of Management and Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management at Fisher. He teaches courses in the business of health care to undergraduates, MBAs and doctoral candidates and along with courses in purchasing/supply management, manufacturing planning and control, operations analysis, and facility design.
Dr. Benton’s vast research and writing accomplishments include more than 185 articles that have appeared in The New England Journal of Medicine, Annals of Thoracic Surgery, American College of Physician Executives, and many more.
He serves on the board of directors for the Healthcare Colloquium, The Sleep Medicine Foundation, The House of Hope and The Supply Chain Research Group and is a member of the Decision Sciences Institute, The Institute of Management Sciences, The Institute of Supply Management, The Production and Inventory Control Society, the Operations Management Association, American Society for Quality Control, Society of Logistics Engineers, The Mathematical Association of America and others.
Dr. Benton served with the Third Marine Aircraft Wing, MCAS, El Toro, California, and the III Marine Amphibious Force West Pacific.
Ed Sargus Edmond Sargus Jr. is a United States district judge of the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
In 1993, Sargus became the United States attorney for the Southern District of Ohio. In this role, he headed the office which prosecuted all federal crimes, which includes the cities of Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton. In 1995, Sargus was nominated by President Bill Clinton to a seat on the United States District Court for the Southern District of Ohio. Sargus was confirmed by the United States Senate in 1996 and received commission on August 1, 1996. The district includes 48 of Ohio’s 88 counties. Notable matters which he has handles include several major Clean Air Act cases brought by the United States government and several states against Ohio utilities regarding emissions from coal-burning power plants. He served as Chief Judge from January 1, 2015, to September 16, 2019.
Since 2005, Sargus has taught trial practice and a seminar in evidence in trial practice at the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.
Dr. Brad Lander I’ve dedicated my career to the field of psychology and addiction recovery for over four decades. I earned my B.A. with highest distinction in Psychology from Purdue University in 1978, followed by both my M.A. and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from The Ohio State University. Since 2001, I’ve served as a Clinical Director and Clinical Psychologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
I hold multiple professional credentials, including Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, and Internationally Certified Clinical Supervisor. I’ve also had the honor of contributing to the field as a board member and faculty of The Ohio State University Addiction Studies Institute.
I’ve been a proud member of the House of Hope Board of Trustees since 2006. My commitment to evidence-based treatment and community-based recovery services has driven my work and advocacy over the years. I’ve been fortunate to be recognized with several honors, including the 2005 President’s Award from the Prevention Council of Central Ohio and the 2010 Excellence in Community Health Education Award from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Throughout my career, I’ve authored and contributed to numerous publications on addiction, treatment, and recovery. I’m passionate about promoting education, clinical excellence, and compassionate care for all those impacted by addiction.
Bob Cochran I’ve been practicing law since 1991, with a career that’s focused on healthcare litigation, regulatory compliance, and public service. Since 2001, I’ve worked as an attorney with Schottenstein, Zox & Dunn, where I represent healthcare providers in complex civil and criminal litigation, including medical staff disputes, fraud investigations, and commercial litigation. I also advise clients on a wide range of regulatory issues, including compliance with state and federal fraud and abuse laws.
Before entering private practice, I spent six years at the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, where I served as Assistant Attorney General and Assistant Section Chief. My work there included prosecuting healthcare fraud and abuse, environmental crimes, and workers compensation fraud cases. I was proud to secure Ohio’s first RICO conviction in a workers’ compensation fraud case, and led multiple environmental jury trials and grand jury investigations.
I earned my B.A. in Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs, magna cum laude and Phi Beta Kappa, from Miami University in 1988. I received my Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law in 1991.
Jim Vutech I bring a background in branding, marketing, and real estate to my role on the House of Hope board. I was formerly a principal at the branding and marketing agency Conrad Phillips Vutech, and I now work in commercial real estate with the Vutech-Ruff team at Cutler Real Estate, where I focus on land sales.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Journalism from Ohio University and have continued my education with graduate-level coursework at both Capital University and The Ohio State University. I’ve previously served on the boards of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Ohio and the Athletic Club of Columbus.
At House of Hope, I lead the marketing committee, applying my professional experience to help share the organization’s mission and impact with the community. I’m also passionate about historic preservation, especially when it comes to the restoration of historic barns—a personal interest that aligns with my work in real estate and my appreciation for legacy and transformation.
Doyle Rausch I’ve dedicated my career to the field of psychology and addiction recovery for over four decades. I earned my B.A. with highest distinction in Psychology from Purdue University in 1978, followed by both my M.A. and Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from The Ohio State University. Since 2001, I’ve served as a Clinical Director and Clinical Psychologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
I hold multiple professional credentials, including Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, and Internationally Certified Clinical Supervisor. I’ve also had the honor of contributing to the field as a board member and faculty of The Ohio State University Addiction Studies Institute.
I’ve been a proud member of the House of Hope Board of Trustees since 2006. My commitment to evidence-based treatment and community-based recovery services has driven my work and advocacy over the years. I’ve been fortunate to be recognized with several honors, including the 2005 President’s Award from the Prevention Council of Central Ohio and the 2010 Excellence in Community Health Education Award from The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.
Throughout my career, I’ve authored and contributed to numerous publications on addiction, treatment, and recovery. I’m passionate about promoting education, clinical excellence, and compassionate care for all those impacted by addiction.
Steve McFarland I’m the Owner and President of Batata Doce, LLC and Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Market Brothers, LLC—both focused on wholesale produce distribution. My career has spanned several industries, with a strong foundation in sales and finance, including banking, mortgage lending, and auto finance. Earlier in life, I also worked as a professional chef, which ultimately led me to where I am today.
While I bring experience in business development, sales, and food distribution, the most relevant part of my background is personal—my journey through addiction and into recovery. Through AA, working the steps, and staying actively involved in the recovery community, I’ve found purpose in helping others do the same. That’s what brought me to House of Hope. In addition to my work with House of Hope, I volunteer regularly with organizations like The Driven Foundation, Special Olympics of Ohio, the Salvation Army, and Seton Parish in Pickerington. I’m also a longtime participant in Pelotonia, raising funds for cancer research at The James.
Gina Russo I currently serve as a Franklin County Municipal Court Judge, where I’m honored to preside over the LINC Mental Health Docket. Through this specialized docket, I work closely with individuals to identify and address underlying mental health issues—promoting social justice, reducing future court involvement, and supporting long-term stability. I’m committed to holding individuals accountable while protecting victims’ rights and ensuring every person who enters the courtroom is treated with fairness and respect.
Before joining the bench, I gained valuable experience in both civil and criminal litigation—as a civil litigation associate and later as a criminal prosecutor. I’ve managed complex caseloads and consistently worked to resolve matters thoughtfully and equitably. I take pride in my judicial temperament, objectivity, and commitment to public service.
I earned my Bachelor of Science in Political Science from Bowling Green State University, graduating summa cum laude, and went on to receive my Juris Doctorate from Wake Forest University School of Law. I’m an active member of several professional organizations, including the Ohio State Bar Association, Ohio Women’s Bar Association, Columbus Bar Association, Women Lawyers of Franklin County, Ohio Women in Government, and the Chief Justice Thomas J. Moyer Inn of Court. I’m also a member of the Athletic Club of Columbus.
Elizabeth Gleason I am a family law attorney and handle cases throughout Ohio. I graduated from DePauw University with a major in religious studies, then attended Capital University Law School in 2021, graduating with honors in pro-bono work. I am also involved in the Magical Moments Foundation, a non-profit in connection with Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
During law school, I interned with the Franklin County Recovery Court, which is a specialized docket in Juvenile Court that assists parents who are involved with children’s services due to their addiction to drugs/alcohol. I also interned with the Franklin County Juvenile Recovery Court that assisted teens in relation to any criminal/drug charges.
My passion for House of Hope’s mission is personal. With both a brother and father in long-term recovery, I have witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of addiction and the importance of accessible treatment and mental health support. I am a strong advocate for dual-diagnosis care and believe deeply in supporting individuals on their journey to recovery with empathy, dignity, and respect.
Sherriff Jeff Balzer With over 40 years of law enforcement experience at both local and federal levels, I’ve dedicated my career to public service. From my early days as a Deputy Sheriff and Police Officer to my role as a Deputy U.S. Marshal, it has been an honor to serve and protect the people of Delaware County. Today, I continue that commitment as Sheriff.
I hold a Bachelor’s Degree from Ohio University and have completed numerous law enforcement and leadership certifications throughout my career. I’m proud to bring a collaborative and compassionate leadership style to every role I serve.
In addition to my work in law enforcement, I serve on the Delaware County 911 Board and the Volunteer Peace Officers’ Dependents Fund. Supporting those in recovery is deeply meaningful to me, and I’m honored to be part of House of Hope’s mission to help individuals reclaim their lives from addiction.