Jessica Cunningham, Chair, Rhodes State College Board of Trustees
Appointed to the Rhodes State College Board of Trustees in 2023, Jessica Cunningham was named Chair in 2026. A Rhodes State alumna, she brings more than a decade of progressive nursing leadership experience and a strong commitment to excellence in healthcare and workforce development. Ms. Cunningham serves as Executive Director of Nursing at Lima Memorial Health System, where she provides strategic leadership in clinical operations, patient safety, quality improvement, and patient-centered care. Her experience includes cardiovascular care, education, patient access, […]
Jill A. Jacobs, Vice Chair
Jill Jacobs was appointed to the Rhodes State College Board of Trustees in 2025. She was elected by the Board to serve as Vice Chair, a leadership role she assumed in 2026. Jacobs serves as Chief Operating Officer at Mercy Health–St. Rita’s Medical Center, where she oversees operations for the 400-bed regional hospital. In this role, she directs initiatives that enhance quality, improve patient and staff experiences, and strengthen organizational performance. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing service line […]
Everett “Butch” Kirk III
Appointed to the Rhodes State College Board of Trustees in 2009, Everett “Butch” Kirk III served as Board Chair from 2023 through September 2026. He and his grandfather, Everett S. Kirk Sr., founded International Tank Service, Inc., in 1977. As President, he focuses on business development and marketing. A Lima-area native, Mr. Kirk earned his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Bowling Green State University. He serves as Vice Chair of the Lima Community Foundation and as a Trustee […]
Sam Bassitt
Former Allen County Commissioner, Sam Bassitt was appointed by Governor Kasich in 2013. Mr. Bassitt served as the College’s first Vice President of Academic Affairs. He was elected six times as a Bath Twp. Trustee serving over 20 years. Prior to his term as county commissioner, he was Director of College Tech Prep for the West Central Ohio Tech Prep Consortium housed at Rhodes State College. Mr. Bassitt received his bachelor’s degree from Ohio Northern University, Master of Arts degree […]
Wilfred J.G. Ellis, M.D.
Dr. Wilfred J.G. Ellis has served on the Board since 1996. He is the CEO of Infectious Diseases, Inc., Chair of Infection Control, Medical Director of the Wound Care Center at Lima Memorial Health Systems and Medical Director of Superior Home Healthcare, LLC. Dr. Ellis received his Doctor of Medicine degree from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri and his Bachelor and Master’s of Science degrees in Biology from the University of Dayton. He supports the mission […]
Robert Sielschott
Robert Sielschott was appointed to the Board in 2023. Sielschott is president and founding partner of Sielschott, Walsh, Keifer, Regula & Sherer CPA’s of Lima, Ohio. He is a certified public accountant, certified valuation analyst, holds certification in financial forensics, and has over 30 years of leadership and forensic accounting experience. Sielschott received his BA in Accounting and Business Administration from Bluffton College; completed graduate courses at Ashland College in business law, marketing and management; and completed professional education courses […]