The Youngstown State University Foundation is delighted to announce the appointment of four new trustees to its Board of Trustees, with two-year terms that began on May 23rd, 2022.

Germaine Bennett, Capri Cafaro, Dr. Chander Kohli, and Dr. Kathleen Padgitt are those in the group.

The Foundation also announces former vice-chair Ed Muransky as the newly appointed chair of the Board of Trustees, having previously served as vice-chair for the past two years.

“The YSU Foundation has a rich history and tradition of outstanding leadership from the Board of Trustees. We are grateful to Germaine Bennett, Capri Cafaro, Dr. Chander Kohli, and Dr. Kathy Padgitt for agreeing to join the Board and share their knowledge and expertise to advance the Foundations mission,” said Mr. Ed Muransky, the new Board Chairman.

Germaine Bennett graduated from Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Missouri with her Bachelor’s in Science in Elementary Education. She then went on to receive her Master’s in Counseling from Youngstown State University and her Educational Specialist Degree in Elementary Administration from Kent State University. Her career has held many educational positions, including serving as the Harding Elementary School Principal. She is currently retired and serves on various community boards.

Capri Cafaro is a former Ohio Senator who held the position for nine years. She earned her BA in American Studies from Stanford University in 1997, and two master’s degrees from Georgetown University and the Ohio State University. She also previously served on the YSU Board of Trustees, and currently serves as a board member for the Girard Multi-Generational Center and the Ohio Association of Free Clinics.

Dr. Chander Kohli is a physician who is originally from India. Specializing in neurosurgery, Dr. Kohli has practiced at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital, St. Joseph Hospital, and Sharon Regional Hospital among others. He is also an active member of the Youngstown community, including being a founding member of the India Association of Greater Youngstown.  Prior to serving on the YSU Foundation Board of Trustees, he was previously a YSU Board member and a NEOMED Board member.

Dr. Kathleen Padgitt is a nephrologist at The Kidney Group Inc. She attended YSU for her Bachelor of Science in Medicine and attended NEOMED for medical school. She’s on the Board of Directors for the NEOMED Foundation, and a former board member for the Mahoning County American Heart Association.