VIPS
Board of Directors
Meet the people who are helping make a difference in Kentucky and Indiana.
The Board of Directors is a dedicated group of individuals with diverse backgrounds, working collaboratively to fulfill the VIPS mission today and ensure its sustainability for the future.
Board Officers
Taylor Gehring
President
Biography
Taylor Gehring lives in Louisville with her husband, Ryan, and two young children. Her youngest child has a visual impairment, among other special needs. Taylor attended Indiana University for undergraduate study, and University of Colorado for her post-graduate MBA. She is active in various volunteer groups at GEA, and also serves on the Emerging Tocqueville Leadership Committee for Metro United Way. Taylor is passionate about advocating for her son, who has multiple special needs. She was the keynote speaker for the VIPS gala in May of 2020, sharing Wells’ story and the wonderful work that VIPS has done to contribute to his visual improvements, development and ability to thrive in a school setting.
Mike Johnson
Vice President
Biography
Mike and his wife, Caroline, live in Louisville with their three children. Their youngest child, Michael Patrick, has multiple special needs including a visual impairment. Michael Patrick was in the first graduating class of the VIPS preschool in 2009. This experience combined with the family services that their family had received forged their commitment to the VIPS organization. Mike & Caroline have served on the VIPS Board of Directors since 2009. He began serving as the board’s president in July of 2017. Mike continuously works to advance the mission of VIPS and advocate for the children and families that are affected by blindness and visual impairment.
Mike is the founder and President of Data Management Solutions in Louisville, KY. DMS offers custom software solutions to its customers in the automotive industry. Mike holds Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Master of Business Administration degrees from the University of Louisville.
Loren Prizant
Secretary
Biography
Loren Prizant lives in Louisville with his wife, Jane, and two children. While just joining the board in July 2023, Loren is excited to help support VIPS’s mission. Being a third-generation board member, as his grandmother Maud Fliegelman was a founding board member and first President of the Board of VIPS, Loren is well acquainted with VIPS and its facilities. Loren graduated with his Bachelor of Arts from Boston University and his Juris Doctor from the University of Louisville Brandeis School of Law. Loren is an active member of the community as he currently serves on the Louisville Bar Foundation Board, Project Friendship Board, and on the host committee of The Legal Aid Society’s annual fundraiser.
Loren works as an in-house corporate counsel for Manna, Inc., Manna Capital Partners, and Ebony and JET Magazines. When not at work, Loren enjoys spending time with his family, cheering on the UofL Cardinals, managing his short-term-rental units built out of shipping containers, and drinking craft beer.
John Anders
Treasurer
Biography
John Anders retired from PNC Bank in 2018 as Executive Vice President Territory Executive after 30 years of service. Anders held positions in retail management, business development, credit underwriting, and customer relationship management. Leadership roles within the US marketplace in commercial as well as small business banking were his primary focus over the past 18 years. Anders first joined the VIPS board in 1998 and is a past Board President.
Board Members
Jennifer Arington
Board Member
Biography
Jennifer Arington is a Customized Brokerage Service Manager for UPS Supply Chain Solutions. Jennifer has been with UPS for 32 years, majority of her career has been within US Imports and Customs Clearance. She is currently the Executive Sponsor for UPS Brokerage Women’s Leadership and Development Business Resource Group and a member of the UPS LGBTA Business Resource Group.
Jennifer joined the board in 2022 and is excited to help support VIPS mission.
Jennifer lives in Louisville with her husband Jay, they have three children who have all grown up and moved out- replaced with 2 pit bulls and a lab mix. Jennifer and Jay love traveling, camping and music festivals.
Leslie Bender
Board Member
Aaron Benson
Board Member
Biography
Aaron Benson is an Environmental Scientist at WSP USA Environmental and Infrastructure Inc. As an Assistant Vice President and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager, he manages the Louisville Environmental Staff and several local projects for clients. Aaron received a Bachelor of Science in Geography with focus on Environmental Studies from Western KY University in 2000 and has held previous positions in consulting, service, and manufacturing. Aaron and his wife, Heather, have two sons who both attended VIPS as part of its sighted peer program.
Jennifer Bratton
Board Member
Dr. Rowan Candy
Board Member
Biography
Dr. Rowan Candy received her Membership of the British College of Optometrists (1990) after completing her B.Sc. (Hons) in optometry at the University of Wales, Cardiff (1989). She then practiced optometry for two years. Dr. Candy received her Ph.D. in vision science from the University of California, Berkeley (1997) and completed her postdoctoral work at the Smith-Kettlewell Eye Research Institute in San Francisco (1997–2000).
She joined the faculty of Indiana University School of Optometry in 2000 as assistant professor of optometry. Dr. Candy has achieved the rank of associate professor of optometry, and she was associate dean for research from 2007 through July 2011.
Her research involves studies of normal and abnormal visual development in human infants. She is developing an infant clinic at the School of Optometry where she supervises optometry students as they learn to work with infant patients. Dr. Candy is a fellow of the American Academy of Optometry, and a member of the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology and the Optical Society of America.
Dr. Candy has been a generous supporter of VIPS since 2012 giving of her time, talent and treasure when she joined the VIPS Indiana Advisory Board and then joined the Indiana Community Council. We are thrilled to have her voice of experience and expertise in service to our children with blindness and low vision.
Steve Deeley
Board Member
Biography
Steve Deeley graduated with a master’s degree in public administration from the University of Louisville, his undergraduate degree is also in public administration. He began working for the Kentucky State Government in December of 1980 as a benefits specialist for the Kentucky Personnel cabinet. He spent 16 years as an employment specialist with vocational rehabilitation and 15 years with the Office for the Blind as operations manager at the McDowell Rehabilitation Center.
Steve lives with his white golden doodle Jack and is a huge University of Louisville fan. He especially loves following basketball and football. He enjoys working out in his home gym.
Dr. Craig H. Douglas
Board Member
Biography
Dr. Douglas was born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky. After attending medical school at the University of Louisville, he took a residency at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia, where he was selected as chief resident. Following this, he completed a pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus fellowship. He returned to Louisville in 1978 and joined Ophthalmology Associates, specializing in the care of pediatric eye patients and adult strabismus patients.
In addition to his private practice, Dr. Douglas has been teaching residents at the University of Louisville as an associate professor on the Gratis faculty and has received numerous teaching awards. Dr. Douglas has served as the president of both the Louisville Academy of Ophthalmology and the Kentucky Academy of Eye Physicians and Surgeons. He has given multiple presentations on pediatric ophthalmology and strabismus and has participated in several studies on retinopathy of prematurity in premature infants.
Dr. Douglas has been involved with VIPS since its founding in 1985 when he originally joined the Board of Directors. He has generously contributed his time, talent and treasure over the years but most importantly has been a leader serving VIPS children and their families.
Jena Fahlbush
Board Member
Biography
Jena Fahlbush is a Technical Assistance Specialist II for the National Center on Accessible Digital Educational Materials & Instruction (NCADEMI or “n-cademy") at the Institute for Disability Research, Policy & Practice (IDRPP) at Utah State University. Ms. Fahlbush is a passionate advocate for creating accessibility. Ms. Fahlbush has a degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University.
Dani Fowles
Board Member
Biography
Dani lives in Louisville with her husband, Justin, and son, Leo. Her daughter, Grace, was a VIPS student from 2021-2023 before she passed away. Because of the joy and enrichment that VIPS brought to Grace’s life, Dani and Justin want to support VIPS in any way they can, most recently through Dani joining the board in 2024. Dani is a graduate of the University of Louisville School of Law and currently serves as Trust Counsel for Baird Trust. During her spare time, Dani enjoys spending time with her family, practicing yoga, and attending concerts and musicals.
Alejandro Franco
Board Member
Biography
Family man, mentor, and Chief Information Officer of the American Printing House (APH), an organization dedicated to breaking down barriers to access for people with blindness or low vision, Alejandro Franco is a force of nature in the most pleasant of ways. Whether it’s creating and managing brilliant technical strategies, watching a mentee develop new skills, or trying to replicate his mother’s authentic Mexican recipes for his wife Miriam and his two college-age daughters, Alejandro is all in for all the right reasons. In addition to leading the transformation of APH’s new AAA accessible website, he routinely transforms strategy into impactful solutions in order to help enhance APH’s ability to break down barriers to accessibility wherever they arise.
Paul Frazier
Board Member
Biography
Paul is a VIPS graduate who is a first-hand testimony of the importance of the services provided at VIPS. He is currently the Head of Sales at Cliff Cherry Machine Company. He is married with one son. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing golf, and is an avid University of Louisville fan.
Ken Gould
Board Member
Biography
Ken Gould is a Strategic Client Executive focused on fortune 1000 clients at WTW, a global advisory insurance broking, and solutions firm. Ken has been a broker in the insurance industry for 40+ years.
Ken lives in Flower Mound, TX with his wife Sharon (also a VIPS board member), they have two grown children, Bobby (Dallas) and Billy (Brooklyn). Both boys were diagnosed with Keratoconus in their early years, and have had successful procedures to stem further deterioration.
Ken joined the board in 2024 and is excited to help support VIPS mission.
Sharon Gould
Board Member
Biography
Sharon Gould lives in Flower Mound, TX with her husband Ken (also a VIPS board member). They have two grown children, Bobby (Dallas) and Billy (Brooklyn). Both boys were diagnosed with keratoconus. At the time of Billy’s diagnosis, his vision had declined substantially and relies on one eye. Both boys have had a successful procedure to stem further deterioration.
Sharon is the owner of Good As Gould Embroidery, a small custom embroidery shop.
Sharon joined the board in 2024.
Brandi Hitzelberger
Board Member
Biography
Brandi Hitzelberger is the Treasurer for the National Family Association for DeafBlind Board of Directors, dedicated to empowering families with individuals who are DeafBlind. Active in community initiatives, she serves as a Family-to-Family Communities Self-Care facilitator. She has been Chair and Secretary of the Kentucky School for the Blind Advisory Council. Brandi is a founding board member of Twisted Pink, she has served on the Kentucky State Advisory Council for Exceptional Needs, and the Regional Advisory Council for the US Dept of Education. Brandi is also a member of the Kentucky Fillies, supporting scholarships and community programs.
Wm. Nathan Holladay
Board Member
Biography
Nathan’s long career in banking has included work at Fifth Third, PNC and BB&T.
Nathan Holladay, was just recognized by Business First Louisville as one of 20 People to Know in Wealth Management for 2025. In 2021, Nathan was honored by Louisville Business First's Forty Under 40 program which recognizes up and coming leaders in the area. He has been an active member of the Louisville Theatrical Society Board of Directors and a Philanthropic member of the Honorable Order of Kentucky Colonels.
Nathan and his wife Holly have three children. As a former collegiate soccer player, he spends time following my children’s soccer careers with Mockingbird Valley Premier Soccer Club. I’m still very active in my marathon and triathlon schedules and play golf with my children. When all else fails, I’m happy to have a free weekend on the lake.
Nathan is very familiar to most of VIPS’ Board of Directors because he has been involved at VIPS since its start when his mother, Pam, served as one of our first teachers. Nathan has given generously of his time, talent and treasure for many years; first serving on the VIPS Board of Directors from July 1, 2015 until he rotated off June 30, 2024. He most recently served as the President of the VIPS Board of Directors from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024
Shari House
Board Member
Biography
Shari House is a 20 year veteran of the insurance profession and McGriff Insurance. As a dual-licensed professional, she oversees both the property & casualty and employee benefits relationships for many of her clients. Her success is the result of her passion for helping her clients achieve their maximum potential, building strategic partnerships and often becoming an integral member of their team. Her strong belief of the importance of being engaged in the community is reflected in her love for the VIPS organization.
Dr. Donna Brostek Lee
Board Member
Biography
Dr. Donna Brostek Lee is a Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Early Childhood, Special Education, and Counselor Education at the University of Kentucky (UK). She oversees the Visual Impairment Program and has a background as a Teacher of the Visually Impaired and Orientation and Mobility (O&M) Specialist. Dr. Lee received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Western Michigan University, followed by her doctoral degree from the University of Louisville.
Dr. Lee is deeply committed to improving educational services for children who are blind and visually impaired in Kentucky. She established the Teacher Preparation Program in Visual Impairments, which began at UK in 2013, and the O&M program in 2020. While working on her doctoral degree, Dr. Lee worked as an early interventionist for VIPS. She is proud to continue to support VIPS' mission as a past Central Kentucky VIPS board member and current board member.
Dr. Lee has been happily married to her husband, Brian, since 2008. Their son, Charlie, was born in 2013, and most recently Benny (a Beagle/Blue Heeler pandemic pup) joined the family in November of 2020.
Jennifer Merrick
Board Member
Biography
Jennifer Merrick has worked for Mercer since 2013 focusing on overseeing the creation and management of global social media campaign strategies, with marketing expertise that includes digital marketing, direct response marketing and online advertising. She holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Entrepreneurship from the University of Louisville and a Bachelor of Science in Marketing/Finance from Georgetown College.
She spends her free time outside running, biking, or hiking. She also enjoys traveling, live music, and attending sporting events, especially the Louisville Cardinal football/basketball.
Dr. Melissa Rice
Board Member
Biography
Dr. Melissa Rice is an assistant professor on faculty at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center (CCHMC). She graduated from Indiana University School of Optometry in 1999 and completed a residency in pediatric optometry and binocular vision at The New England College of Optometry the following year. She is the pediatric optometry residency director and serves as the medical director for the CCHMC Clear Clinic providing care for children with cerebral visual impairment (CVI) and cerebral palsy. Her research interests include CVI, myopia, amblyopia, and strabismus.
Andy Steinbach
Board Member
Biography
Andy Steinbach is the Director of Global Risk Finance for YUM! Brands, Inc. During his 15+ year career in the risk management and finance fields he has held positions in claims, loss prevention, corporate security, captive management and insurance placement. During the last 10 years, he has worked extensively in the international risk & insurance areas. In addition, Andy has oversight for global supply chain strategy and vendor counterparty risk. He is a frequent lecturer at industry conferences.
YUM! Brands develops, operates, franchises, and licenses a system of restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, and Taco Bell brands. There are ~ 42,000 restaurants in 130+ countries and territories in the Yum portfolio.
R. Joseph Stennis
Board Member
Biography
Joe is a Partner at Wyatt, Tarrant and Combs and a seasoned litigator, with over sixteen years of experience defending clients in the courtroom. Known for his strategic thinking and tenacious advocacy, Joe has successfully represented and advised a diverse range of clients, including Fortune 500 companies, startups, nonprofits, education institutions, family owned businesses, franchises, and individuals in high-stakes legal matters. He specializes in employment law, insurance defense, premises liability and personal injury defense, commercial disputes and torts, real estate litigation, and medical malpractice defense to name a few. Joe is recognized for his ability to navigate multifaceted legal challenges with precision and insight. His approach combines thorough legal research, innovative strategies, and a commitment to achieving favorable outcomes for clients.
Joe’s focus is always what is in the best interest of his clients to resolve a dispute as efficiently and effectively as possible. He finds it very helpful and beneficial to treat each case with the upmost importance and urgency. Additionally, Joe speaks and writes frequently on current and relevant employment topics. Joe is dedicated to providing exceptional legal representation and committed to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity in his practice.
Outside of the courtroom, Joe is passionate about community service and mentoring young lawyers. He also enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, and playing golf during his free time.
Missy Varga
Wm. Nathan Holladay
Immediate Past President
Biography
Wm. Nathan Holladay is Vice President and Wealth Advisor at Old National Bank. Mr. Holladay serves as the primary point of contact for the delivery of many Wealth Management services to his clients. He works with a team of Old National Bank professionals to understand the client’s complete financial picture and create customized solutions to help achieve their goals. Mr. Holladay holds an Associates Degree in Business Administration from Saint Catharine College, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Samford University and is an Accredited Wealth Management Advisor from the College of Financial Planning. Nathan is an active member of the community as he currently serves on the board of directors for VIPS, the Louisville Theatrical Association (Louisville Broadway Series), and the Louisville chapter of the Samford University Alumni Board. Mr. Holladay is a 2021 honoree of Louisville Business First Forty under 40 and a graduate of the Leadership Louisville class of 2021. Nathan and his wife, Holly reside in Louisville with their three children.
Founding and Honorary Board Members
Sharon Bensinger
Founding Board Member
Biography
Sharon is the Founder of VIPS, and served as Executive Director from 1985 until retiring in 2009. Prior to VIPS, Sharon worked in the Research Department in the area of Early Childhood Blindness at the American Printing House for the Blind in Louisville. Sharon received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Louisville. She is married, with 4 children, and four grandchildren. Now that she is retired, if she isn’t volunteering, she and her husband love traveling the US and abroad.
Glen E. Stuckel
Honorary Board Member
Biography
Glen Stuckel is the representative to the VIPS Board from Kosair Charities. He is an award-winning Builder/Remodeler with over 40 years experience and winner of numerous awards from the local, state, and national home building industry. He has received countless awards over the span of his career including a Lifetime Achievement Award, and his most coveted award is as an “Honored Graduate of Washington University, St. Louis School of Engineering”. Mr. Stuckel also serves as the Louisville Metro Councilman from the 17th District and resides in Indian Springs.