Kansas City, MO — Avila University is pleased to announce the recent actions of its Board of Trustees, including the election of seven new trustees, the appointment of a new slate of board officers, and the renewal of terms for ten sitting trustees, for terms ending June 30, 2028.
New Board Officers
The Board of Trustees has elected the following officers for terms ending June 30, 2028:
Chair: Ibraheem T. Badejo, Ph.D.
Vice Chair: Stuart Lindeman
Secretary: Matthew Mellor
Treasurer: Rick Weller
Renewed Trustee Terms
The Board also renewed the terms of ten trustees. In the Class of 2028 (term ends June 30, 2028): Thomas Burns, Kenneth V. Hager, Sr. Mary Frances Johnson, CSJ, Stuart Lindeman, Larry Marsh, Gary Smith, and Rick Weller. In the Class of 2029 (term ends June 30, 2029): Sr. Marie Joan Harris, CSJ, Sr. Mary Margaret Lazio, CSJ, and Christine Ojile.
New Trustees
Avila University also welcomes seven new members to its Board of Trustees:
Dr. Vishal Adma is a physician executive with more than 23 years of leadership experience in mental health care. He completed his residency in psychiatry at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City and has dedicated his career to improving care across hospital, academic and international settings. Dr. Adma has served as Medical Director at Camber Mental Health, part of KVC Health Systems, for over two decades. As the founding member and President of Integrated Psychiatric Consultants, he has been recognized throughout his career for his contributions to education and clinical excellence.
Jane Brown has over forty-three years as a trial attorney, judge, author and mediator. She’s been an assistant U.S. attorney in Kansas City, specializing in tackling fraud and corruption cases. She served as General Counsel to the Mayor of Kansas City during Covid, then lead the Kansas City Housing Authority for the last few years before her retirement. She is a member of the KC Plaza Rotary Club and serves on multiple boards. She is an alum of the UMKC School of Law and St. Teresa’s Academy.
Merrill Eisenhower is Vice President of Business Development at Clarkson Construction, where he leads strategic growth and infrastructure development initiatives. His career has been centered around development, operations, and strategic planning, with a focus on supporting complex infrastructure projects and organizational growth. Merrill holds a Bachelor of Science from Missouri Western University and an MBA from Baker University. His honors include Ingram’s 40 Under 40 and the FAA Impact Award.
L.A. “Skip” Gast is a visionary global human resources executive and board candidate with over 45 years of experience transforming people strategies into high-impact business outcomes. He is currently Senior Vice President and Principal at Insight Consulting. His governance history includes leadership tenures as Board Chair for the Vibrant Health Advisory Board and Turner House Children’s Clinic, along with board service for Menorah Medical Center and the University of Kansas Workforce Development Board.
Doug Krebs is Senior Advisor for BERKS Group, working with its Education Technology businesses. His career includes 14 years with Cerner Corporation, including serving as President of Cerner Global based in Europe, and 15 years with IBM in a variety of executive positions. Doug is active in mentoring entrepreneurial organizations and was an executive at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, which is focused on global entrepreneurship.
Claudia Mandato (Avila 2021, Master’s in Psychology) is a retired Executive Vice President from Lockton Companies, where she built a career spanning 40 years as an Operations Executive and mentor. In 2025, she was celebrated as Lockton’s first-ever “Woman of Influence.” She is also a leader and organizer with Avila Women in Leadership and holds a Master of Science in Organization Development.
Larry Ryan is Owner and Founder of Ryan Lawn and Tree, which he started in 1987, and serves as Chairman of the Board. He obtained a degree in forestry from the University of Montana. His passion for Ryan Lawn and Tree is to provide great careers for employees while creating healthier, more beautiful communities for the clients it serves.
About Avila University
Avila University is a Catholic institution of higher education in Kansas City, Missouri, dedicated to the education of the whole person. Founded by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet, Avila emphasizes service to the dear neighbor, academic excellence, and leadership rooted in purpose.