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The Ohio University Foundation Board of Trustees is honored to welcome three new trustees who are committed to accomplishing the Foundation’s mission of “Philanthropy in Service and Education.”
The three people appointed to The Ohio University Foundation Board include Thomas W. Parfitt, an OHIO alumnus and certified public accountant; Dan Squiller an OHIO alumnus and distinguished leader in the field of innovative technology; and Ty Votaw, an OHIO alumnus and retired PGA Tour executive.
The Ohio University Foundation was established in 1945 by supporters of OHIO. The Foundation is an institutionally-related, tax-exempt nonprofit, serving as the repository for all private gifts to OHIO through annual giving programs.
“The Ohio University Foundation Board of Trustees is an opportunity for the University to engage our community and include committed partners in our advancement efforts,” said Lyn Redington, president and CEO of The Ohio University Foundation. “Tom, Dan, and Ty each bring unique perspectives and esteemed expertise to our board. We are grateful for their dedication to serving the Foundation and the University.”
THOMAS W. PARFITT BBA ’75Thomas Parfitt has worked as a certified public accountant for more than 40 years and is founding partner of Parfitt, Cooley and Associates LLC. He diversified his business ventures when he purchased a motorcycle dealership with two additional partners. This Athens-based dealership initially only sold two brands of motorcycles, ATVs and water products, and then eventually grew into three separate dealerships selling 10 diverse brands. This experience led to more expansion in the form of multiple tractor dealerships selling Kubota, Cub Cadet, Stihl, Honda and assorted mower brands. He retired from those businesses but remains engaged with his Ford dealerships in Waverly, Ohio, as well as his commercial real estate development partnership in southern Ohio.
Outside of his business ventures, Parfitt is a member of the Ohio Society of CPAs and the American Institute of CPAs. He also serves on the boards of the First National Bank of McConnelsville, Ohio, and Appalachian Children Coalition and as Chairman of the Board for The First National Bank of Waverly, Ohio.
Parfitt serves on the Ohio University Board of Trustees and serves as chairman of its Audit Committee.
He enjoys racing motorcycles, hunting, and of course, attending Ohio University Homecoming with his two daughters who are also alumnae.
DAN SQUILLER BSEE ’79, MA ’84Dan Squiller has a long tenure in growing technology companies and working with non-profits in operational, advisory, and board capacities. Squiller is currently the CEO of Amionx, a company that has developed a novel technology significantly increasing the safety of Li-ion batteries and is vice-chairman of Aquam Corp., a company specializing in technology solutions for pipe infrastructure rehabilitation.
He previously held leadership positions at Verengo Solar, Densei-Lambda, GT Advanced Technologies, PowerGenix, Invensys plc, St. Bernard Software and Scientific Atlanta. Squiller also consults to venture capital and private equity firms where he specializes in technology commercialization, international expansion, turnarounds, and Asian supply chain development.
Squiller graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering and a Master of Arts in Communication. He was inducted into the Russ College Academy of Distinguished Graduates, the highest honor the college can bestow upon its alumni, in 2016. He has served on and chaired various boards for technology companies, trade organizations, universities and nonprofits. He currently serves on numerous OHIO boards, including Cutler Scholars, College of Business Executive Advisory Board, Russ College of Engineering and Technology Board of Visitors and Scripps College of Communication Dean's Advisory Council.
He resides in San Diego, has two daughters, and enjoys triathlons and ultra-running.
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TY VOTAW BSJ ’84Ty Votaw retired from an illustrious 30-year career within the golf industry in 2022.
Votaw joined the LPGA as its first general counsel in 1991. He went on to serve as vice president of Business Affairs (1995-1998) and then as commissioner – the youngest in the organization’s history. Votaw developed and executed a Fans First strategic business plan, designed to enhance the fan experience and increase the marketability of the association and its players. The plan produced record increases in tournament attendance, television viewership and prize money for LPGA players. International television coverage and the LPGA’s international tournament portfolio also increased significantly under Votaw’s leadership.
He worked at the PGA TOUR from 2005 until his retirement in 2022, holding several senior positions including Chief Marketing Officer and President, International.
Votaw is credited as the driving force to golf’s return to the Olympics, starting in 2016. Previously the sport appeared in only the 1900 and 1904 games. That work continued with the successful staging of the men’s and women’s golf competitions at the Tokyo Olympics in 2021.
He is a former board member for the World Golf Foundation, the International Golf Federation and USA Golf. Votaw also previously served on the Ohio University Foundation Board from 2011 to 2017.
He earned a Bachelor of Science in Journalism in 1984 and a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina in 1987.
Votaw and his wife, Kelli, reside in Ponte Vedra Beach, Fla.