Meet the Goering Center Team

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Carol Butler

President

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Carol is a former Fortune 500 Executive with 30 years of experience successfully leading profitable, global businesses within the manufacturing and distribution industries. As she stepped into her second act – management consulting, executive coaching and board service – she also became a volunteer at the Goering Center. This volunteer experience transitioned to her current role as president of the non-profit organization that is affiliated with the Lindner College of Business at the University of Cincinnati where she has also served as an adjunct professor. Carol - having grown up in a family business – is dedicated to making a distinct difference in the success of the family and private business member companies and in the Greater Cincinnati region. Carol serves on the Life Learning Center Board along with 3 for profit boards – Wright Brothers Global Gas, R B Tool & Manufacturing and New Riff Distillery. She is a member of the National Association of Corporate Directors.

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Jim Bax

Program Director

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Jim joined the Goering Center in December 2022 as Program Director. In his role, Jim produces and coordinates the Center’s offerings, engaging regional experts to develop programming focused on intergenerational business transition, leadership development, strategic planning, advisory boards, communication, and culture building. As Program Director, Jim has oversight of 24 peer advisory groups serving nearly 200 leaders of family and private businesses.

Prior to joining the Goering Center, Jim owned two businesses in the publishing and manufacturing industries and was Vice President of Program Development for the International Code Council. He has developed training programs for Ford, GE Aviation, Proctor & Gamble, and many smaller companies. He holds Bachelor's degrees in Marketing and Journalism and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Ohio University.

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Brandie Ellery

Operations Manager

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Brandie joined the Goering Center in August 2022. Brandie will serve as the Operations Manager ensuring smooth operations of the center by overseeing critical member and employee functions. A mother of four children, Brandie brings very strong organizational, strategic planning, and assessment skills. Brandie is a long-time Cincinnatian, currently residing in East Westwood. Most recently, she was the Social Service Lead at St. Vincent de Paul.

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Susan Heilmayer

Accountant

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Sue joined the University of Cincinnati Economics Center in 2012 as the Business Manager, and later that year, expanded her role to include the Goering Center. Sue's responsibilities include all accounting functions, as well as strategic long and short range forecasting and budgeting. Sue received her Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1990 from the University of Cincinnati. She is also a Certified Public Accountant.

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David Miller

Membership Director

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David joined the Goering Center in February 2018 as the New Member Engagement Director after spending over 30 years in various leadership roles in the local media space under both public and private business ownership structures. Most recently, he was a managing partner and COO with CBD Media & Kith Media, serving small, private business enterprises in the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky region. David’s passion is education-based enterprises and working with small businesses and individuals to improve business outcomes. David and his wife, Kathy, have three young adult children and reside in Cincinnati.  

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Nancy Schreiner

Membership Development Manager

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Nancy joined the Goering Center in April 2023 as Membership Development Manager, primarily responsible for new Member recruitment and Member lifecycle management. Nancy brings extensive experience in business development, sales, and fundraising in the Corporate, Community, and Non-Profit sectors. Most recently, she was Philanthropy Officer at Meals on Wheels Southwest OH & Northern KY. Nancy’s passion is connecting to build meaningful relationships. She is a graduate of the University of Kentucky. Nancy and her husband David have four adult children, six grandchildren, and reside in Lebanon where she is a member of Rotary Club of Lebanon.

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Nita White

Executive Administrative Assistant

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Nita joined the Goering Center in November 2022. She has extensive experience from her former role as US Postal Service Executive Assistant for 25 years. Originally from Pickerington, Ohio, Nita settled in Cincinnati after attending Miami University. She has two grown children, twin toddler granddaughters, and a pair of French Bulldogs. Her interests include growing flowers, travel, and football. Nita is essential in supporting the Goering Center's president, directors, and staff.