College Leadership

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, and clinical support services. She also supports healthcare workforce development and partnerships with higher education institutions.

Ms. Cunningham earned her Master of Science in Nursing from Western Governors University, Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Chamberlain University, and Associate of Science in Nursing from Rhodes State College.

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 development, optimizing operational efficiency, and fostering cultures of trust, collaboration, and high reliability across interdisciplinary teams.

Ms. Jacobs earned her Master of Business Administration from the University of Northwestern Ohio, Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Bowling Green State University/Medical College of Ohio, and Associate Degree in Nursing  from Owens Technical College.

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 of the John Keller Foundation. He is also actively involved with the Lima Shawnee Alumni Legacy Scholarship Fund. In addition to his Board leadership, Mr. Kirk previously served as the College’s trustee liaison to the Rhodes State College Foundation Board.

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 at The Ohio State University, and has done graduate study at several other institutions. He has been involved in a number of local public service initiatives including Ottawa River Coalition, Allen County Healthy People 2000 and 2010, Allen County Health Advisory Council and Cheryl Allen Southside Center.

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 of the College through the Dr. Wilfred Ellis Multicultural Scholarship. In 2007, Dr. Ellis was inducted into the Hall of Honor at Archbishop Carroll High School in Washington, D.C., and was awarded the Minority Businessman of the Year by the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce in 2006. Dr. Ellis served as Board Chair from 2007-2019.

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 from the Institute of Business Appraisers, the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and the National Association of Certified Valuation Analysts.