Governance & Leadership

Alan Bannister

Alan is the parent of Cranston Bannister ’26. He is currently Vice President of Business Development and Government Relations at The Remington Road Group. Alan earned a B.A. in Public Administration from Kentucky State University. He is a lifelong Toledoan and serves on the Toledo Fair Housing Board, the United Way of Greater Toledo African American Leadership Council, and is the President of his Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. graduate Chapter of Toledo.

His wife Patekka is the Commissioner of Plant Operations for the City of Toledo.

Kate Blake

Kate Blake brings a wealth of leadership experience and a deep commitment to community service to the Board of Trustees. She and her husband, Erik, are proud parents of Maggie ’30 and Ben ’33.

Beginning in 2021, Kate took on the role of president of the board for the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation, a Toledo-based organization dedicated to strengthening families and communities. Under her leadership, the foundation has partnered with regional nonprofits to address critical issues such as food security, housing stability, and educational access in the Greater Toledo Area. The Foundation also supports small, rural libraries in low-income communities across the United States, underscoring Kate’s deep commitment to education and community development.

Kate’s professional background includes nearly a decade in the education department at the Toledo Museum of Art, where she played a pivotal role in engaging teachers and students with the museum. Prior to that, she served as director of marketing at Midwest Tape in Holland, Ohio, where she honed her experience in team building and communication.

Kate holds a bachelor of science from the University of Georgia and a master of arts from Bowling Green State University. Her career reflects a passion for education, the arts, and creating lasting community connections.

Tyler Boehm ’01

As co-founder and co-CEO of Unapologetic Projects, Mr. Boehm oversees film finance and creative development for television. Prior to Unapologetic Projects, he served as vice president at Sobini Films, where he was in charge of development and production. His past film credits include “You Sing Loud, I Sing Louder” starring Ewan McGregor, “J.T. Leroy” starring Kristen Stewart and Laura Dern, “Mary Shelley” starring Elle Fanning, “Miles Ahead” starring Don Cheadle, “Good Kill” starring Ethan Hawke, and the British Independent Film Awards-winning “Filth” starring James McAvoy.

He is a graduate of New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where he was also a member of the men’s basketball team. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons.

Dr. Arjun Das

Dr. Arjun Das is a practicing nephrologist and physician partner at Nephrology Consultants of Northwest Ohio, where he also serves as medical director of two local dialysis units. Born and raised in Kerala, India, he moved to the United States following medical school. He completed his medical training in both internal medicine and nephrology in Chicago.

He and his wife Sarada met in Chicago and have lived in the Toledo area since 2010. They both love the sense of community, often calling Toledo “The Jewel of the Midwest.” They have two children at Maumee Valley: Aarav ’28 and Ishana ’34.

Dr. Das has served in many leadership roles, including as chair of internal medicine for ProMedica’s Metro Hospitals Division (Toledo, Flower, and Bay Park) since 2020. In this role, he works closely with ProMedica leadership on strategic planning, clinical oversight, and policy development initiatives. And in 2018, he helped to found and later served as president of Toledo Physicians of Indian Origin (TOPI), a nonprofit professional networking and philanthropic organization. The group and its members raise and donate money to local Toledo charities.

He is a passionate, lifelong learner, and enjoys tennis, sailing, and traveling.

Christa Dewire

Christa Dewire has more than 30 years of experience with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP (“PwC”), and has served clients in the banking and higher education sectors wherein she has had primary responsibility for leadership of multi-disciplined and multi-national audit engagement teams. She also serves as PwC’s MidCentral Banking & Capital Markets Team Leader, where she is responsible for driving the firm’s strategic priorities and leading the banking and capital markets teams across the Midwest and central regions of the United States.

Ms. Dewire is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and is a Certified Public Accountant in Ohio and New York. She received her bachelor of science degree in accounting (Summa Cum Laude) from Miami University. She and husband Tony live in Toledo and have two children at Maumee Valley Country Day School.

Tim Foster ’83

Tim Foster ’83 operates several laundromats in the Toledo metro area. Additionally, he maintains an office in Perrysburg and manages private investments with a focus on the Midwest. Tim is an MV alumnus (1983), donor, parent (Tyler ’24, Wesley ’22, and Alaina ’20), and current chair of the Board of Trustees’ Buildings and Grounds Committee. He also serves on the board of the nonprofit Diabetes Youth Services. His past service as a trustee includes the boards of Stranahan Foundation, YMCA Fort Meigs Branch, and The Victory Center.

Nihal Kattar ’13

Nihal Kattar ’13 is the incoming President of the Maumee Valley Alumni Council and serves as a member of the school’s Board of Trustees. A proud Maumee Valley graduate, Nihal attended from 2001 to 2013, where he was active in Student Government, athletics, and diversity initiatives. He holds a bachelor’s degree in sport industry and pre-law from The Ohio State University, graduating magna cum laude, and previously attended Denison University, studying communication and political science.
Professionally, Nihal works at ProMedica and brings a strong background in community health, strategy, and diversity-focused outreach. His previous roles include community transformation coordinator at Loretto Hospital in Chicago and advancement coordinator at Maumee Valley. He also held leadership positions at Universal Health Aid, a nonprofit delivering healthcare education and services to underserved communities.
Nihal has served on the Maumee Valley Alumni Council since 2014, where he has led DEI-focused initiatives, organized alumni panels, and spoken at Identity Day. His leadership is shaped by a lifelong commitment to inclusion, education, and equity.

Dr. Raj Kattar

Dr. Raj Kattar was born in India and raised in Wisconsin. He moved to Toledo in 1998 and joined the cardiology group of physicians which today is called Promedica Physicians Cardiology. He was Chief of Staff at St Luke Hospital from 2014-2016 and is currently President of the Promedica Heart institute, overseeing the cardiology service line for the entire system.

Raj and his wife of 30 years Rajitha have two sons that graduated as “lifers” from MV, Nihal ‘13, and Sahil ‘18. Raj is a talented singer and an avid fan of sports and music.

Grace O’Leary ’16

Grace is manager of corporate operations at Arcadian, where she plays a strategic role in supporting the streaming video entertainment industry. Previously, she served as a college counselor with the Schuler Scholar Program, guiding high school seniors through the college application process with a focus on inclusivity and access. Grace holds a bachelor of arts in communication studies and philosophy from The College of Wooster, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She is also pursuing an MBA from Oklahoma State University.

Dr. Jennifer McCary

Dr. Jennifer McCary serves as the Chief Culture and Brand Experience Officer at the Toledo Museum of Art (TMA), where she drives the museum’s strategic plan into action and cultivates a culture centered on communication, collaboration, connection, and accountability.

With a background in change management and student success, Dr. McCary previously served as Bowling Green State University’s Chief Diversity and Belonging Officer, reporting directly to the president. In that role, she led initiatives that built community, alignment, and shared purpose across the Bowling Green and Firelands campuses. Earlier in her career, she worked in Student Affairs at Gettysburg College, Loyola University Maryland, and John Carroll University.

Dr. McCary holds a BFA in art education and stone sculpture, an MA in college student personnel, a graduate certificate in instructional design, and a Doctorate in organization development and change—all from BGSU. She also contributes her leadership as vice chair of the Board of Trustees at Mercy College of Ohio and through a variety of community service organizations.

A three-time TEDx speaker, exhibiting artist, and award-winning leader, Dr. McCary has received numerous honors, including the Woman of Distinction Award from BGSU (2019), the City of Toledo’s 20 Under 40 Award (2019), recognition as a Top Diversity Officer by the National Diversity Council (2021), and selection as one of the Top 100 Diversity Officers at the 2024 National Diversity & Leadership Conference.

Nationally recognized for her expertise in Title IX, civil rights investigations, and bystander intervention, she also holds certifications in areas essential to organizational well-being, including restorative justice, Results-Based Accountability, Green Dot (bystander intervention), trauma-informed practices, and inclusion and belonging. As a trainer and consultant, she helps organizations build systems that emphasize effective operations, intentional culture, and collective accountability.

Dr. McCary’s mission is to center people while cultivating environments where clear communication, mutual accountability, and collaborative energy enable both individuals and organizations to thrive.

Dr. Jay Patel

Dr. Jaydutt B. Patel (Jay) is an accomplished Cardiac Electrophysiologist with over two decades of experience in medicine, leadership, and community service. Originally from V.V. Nagar, India, Dr. Patel earned his Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery from Pramukhswami Medical College at Sardar Patel University. He pursued further medical training in the United States, completing his residency in Internal Medicine, and later serving as Chief Resident. His advanced fellowship training in Cardiovascular Medicine and Cardiac Electrophysiology was completed at Tufts University, and Harvard Medical School programs.

Currently, Dr. Patel is a practicing Cardiac Electrophysiologist with ProMedica Physician Cardiology. Dr. Patel has held leadership roles throughout his career, including serving as Co-Director of the Electrophysiology Lab at St. Vincent Hospital in Erie, PA, and as Clinical Assistant Professor at both Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences. His contributions to the medical community extend beyond clinical practice to academic and administrative roles, demonstrating a dedication to education and mentorship.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dr. Patel has a strong history of community involvement and civic engagement. He has served as a Board Trustee at Erie Day School and led as the President of the Indian Association of Greater Erie. His leadership in philanthropic initiatives, such as chairing the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk in Erie, PA, underscores his commitment to fostering health awareness and education within the community.

Dr. Patel and his wife, Anita, moved to Maumee in 2020. They have three children: Ved ’23, Jash ’28, and Suri ’32.

Dr. Patel’s multifaceted experience in medicine, education, and community service, along with his global perspective, leadership skills, and dedication to lifelong learning, align with the school’s mission to provide an inclusive community, inspiring positive change and forward-thinking educational experiences for its students.

Kevin Prater

Kevin Prater, Principal, has led RKP Group since its formation more than 20 years ago. He guides the development, construction, and property management of more than 5MM square feet of space throughout his career. Kevin has participated in a wide range of diverse, new, and adaptive reuse development and construction projects throughout Michigan and Northwest Ohio, including active developments within the downtowns of Detroit, Toledo, Flint, and Lansing since 2005.

Driving RKP Group’s growth, Kevin’s portfolio includes more than 25 mixed-use properties situated within central business districts, including luxury apartments, parking, and Class A commercial space housing distinguished office tenants and award-winning nationally recognized restaurants. Kevin seeks out historical properties in neglected urban locations and brings them back to life, restoring convenience, economy, and community to prime downtown locations and has years of active progress ahead.

Reema Ridi

Reema Ridi serves as Vice President of the Board. She is the mother of a MV student and two alumnus: Sami ’23, Rami ’25, and Jenna ’28. She also chaired the 2025 Gala.

She grew up in the United Arab Emirates and graduated from Al-Quds University with a major in information systems. Before moving to the United States, she was the office secretary for the first lady of the United Arab Emirates. In 2004, she moved to the United States after she married her husband, Thameen Tim Ridi.

Reema has been part of the MV community since 2015. She served two years as the president of the Maumee Valley Family Association (MVFA). She also served MVFA in the roles of treasurer and vice president, and in the Middle School as a parent representative. Reema is very passionate about helping and volunteering. She has worked on the administrative staff of several schools and is very involved as a community member in the Islamic Center of Greater Toledo, where she serves on the Scholarship Committee.

Marc Savage

Marc Savage is the chief executive officer and founder of Emprise Technologies. He earned a bachelor of science degree in physics for Bowling Green State University and a master of science in physics from The University of Toledo. After completing his education, Mr. Savage taught math and science in the Fiji Islands as a Peace Corps volunteer. He then returned to Toledo to begin his professional technology career.

He and his wife, Kim Edwards, have four children attending Maumee Valley Country Day School.

Nazarene Tubman

Nazarene Tubman is a first-generation Liberian-American. Due to the civil wars in Liberia, her family sought refuge in the United States where she grew up in Gaithersburg, Md.. She holds her degree in public policy analysis with a concentration in health policy from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Nazarene is a director of vaccine clinical development overseeing global zika, chikungunya, flu, and COVID/flu combination vaccine studies. Her global full-scope project management work has led to FDA approvals treating and/or preventing illnesses including hepatitis b, pediatric seasonal flu, major depressive disorder, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Her personal life has also followed this trajectory of dedication to positively affecting public health. Nazarene has spent time volunteering in Cape Town, South Africa, working with multiple organizations assisting persons living with HIV/AIDS. She volunteered at the Rocklands Clinic providing pre-testing counseling and with the Treatment Action Campaign providing training to the trainers and campaigning on access to care for those living with HIV.

Nazarene also worked to organize medical mission trips to Liberia, West Africa, to provide free health care in remote areas. Other highlights of her work include collecting and shipping medical supplies to Liberia during the Ebola crisis. She also serves her community locally as an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., The Links, Inc., and Jack and Jill of America, Inc. Nazarene currently serves on the McLaren St. Luke’s Foundation Board and the Toledo Museum of Art’s Development Committee.

Her mother, former Superintendent of Maryland County, Liberia, and her late grandfather, Liberian President William VS Tubman, inspired Nazarene’s dedication to public service and philanthropy. This lineage of public service continues with her 9-year-old daughter Leila who founded the non-profit Leila’s Promise to empower and encourage youth voices in service.

Andy Weiner

A parent of two Maumee Valley students as well as an alumni parent, Andy is an Senior Vice President with Morgan Stanley. Before moving to Toledo in 2008, he spent 32 years in New England, where he met his wife, Sarah, originally from Toledo. Andy graduated from St. Andrews School, Barrington, RI, and from Unity College in Maine. He subsequently provided consulting services to the commercial banking and lending industry before discovering his passion for working with individual people and families. Andy also serves Aon the Board at Sunset-Otterbein Senior Life, a local non-profit.

Dr. Saleem Zafar ’92

Dr. Saleem Zafar is a urologist with the Toledo Clinic. He is Chairman of the Department of Surgery for the Bon Secours Mercy Health Northwest Ohio Region (St. Vincent, St. Anne, and St. Charles Hospitals). Additionally, he serves as the medical director of surgical services and the director of the Laparoscopy, Simulation, and Robotic Surgery (LaSR) Center at Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center.

Saleem is a Toledo native. He graduated from Maumee Valley Country Day School (1992) and did his undergraduate studies at the University of Chicago, where he earned a degree in biochemistry. He attended medical school at the University of Toledo (formerly the Medical College of Ohio), where he also completed his urology and renal transplant residency training. He did advanced training in robotic surgery at Henry Ford Hospital.

Saleem is passionate about education. He currently teaches urology residents and medical students from the University of Toledo. He also teaches the simulation-based laparoscopy curriculum to the Surgery and OB/Gyn residents at the Mercy St. Vincent Medical Center.

Saleem and his wife Saba have two daughters. Imaan (2026) and Alya (2029) are proud second-generation Hawks and have been “Lifers” at MVCDS!

Siyuan (Sy) Zhang ’10

Sy currently serves as the head of investor relationships at Balance Capital, a real estate private equity fund headquartered in Seattle, WA. At Balance, Sy works closely with fund investors and homebuyers to constantly meet their capital needs as well as property management and related duties.

Before joining Balance, Sy accumulated four years of bilateral real estate work experience with commercial real estate developers in New York and a Chinese real estate developer in Beijing. Sy earned his BBA from the George Washington University with a concentration in Finance and Real Estate.

Sy resides in Beijing, China, where he is father to 4-year-old George and husband to Emma.

Regina Zolnor

Regina Zolnor P ’33, ’36, ’37 has joined the Maumee Valley Board of Trustees, bringing with her extensive leadership experience in the energy industry. She currently serves as Vice President of Terminals at Marathon Petroleum Corporation, where she oversees terminal operations across the United States. Her previous roles at Marathon include director-level leadership in Terminal Operations for the northern half of the United States and personal safety and emergency preparedness.

A graduate of Yale University with degrees in Environmental Engineering and an MBA from the Yale School of Management, Regina also serves on the board of the International Liquid Terminals Association. She and her husband, Darius, are proud parents of three Maumee Valley students.

Lynn Casto

Lynn D. Casto was named Head of School in October 2017, with the appointment being effective July 1, 2018.

She joined Maumee Valley from the Sanford School in Hockessin, DE, where she has served as Upper School head since 2013.

She brought an impressive background in independent school education to Maumee Valley. She attended the Columbus (OH) School for Girls, discovering a dual love for athletics and the arts. At Davidson College (NC), she earned a bachelor of arts degree in art history while playing NCAA Division I lacrosse. She went on to earn two masters’ degrees in education: one in arts education from The Ohio State University (where she also was a member of the Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society) and the other in private school leadership from the Klingenstein Center at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Prior to Sanford, she held faculty and leadership roles at Charlotte Country Day School (NC) for 13 years. She also served as head of the school’s Department of Fine Arts from 2007 to 2013. She began her teaching career at Brookwood School (GA), where she served as the Middle and Upper School art teacher in addition to teaching AP Studio and AP Art History. She also coached softball and soccer teams.

She was recently appointed to the 20-person Heads Circle, new think tank created by Independent School Management to help independent schools around the country become more effective and sustainable. She is also a member of the Ohio Association of Independent Schools Board of Trustees.

Robin Wheeler

With over three decades of experience in private K-12 education, Robin Wheeler brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our community. Her diverse background includes roles as a teacher, principal, and director, providing her with a comprehensive understanding of the educational landscape.

Most recently, Robin served as the Lower School director at Charles Wright Academy in Tacoma, WA, where she made a significant impact on student learning and community engagement. Her dedication to fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment aligns perfectly with our values here at Maumee Valley.

Robin’s extensive international experience, including teaching and leadership roles in Brazil, Ecuador, and Colombia, further enriches our global perspective and enhances our commitment to fostering cross-cultural understanding.

In her previous positions at Vail Mountain School, Escola Americana do Rio de Janeiro, The Overtake School, and Eastside Preparatory School, Robin demonstrated her passion for empowering students to reach their full potential. Her dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences and nurturing each child’s unique talents will undoubtedly have a profound impact on our Lower School community.

Robin holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Emporia State University, a master’s degree in K-12 administration from Michigan State University, and an advancing leadership certificate from the Harvard Graduate School of Education.