Northwest Ohio Human Resource Association

Heather Mallette

Heather Mallette is the Director of Human Resources at Envelope Mart/HOT Graphics in Northwood, Ohio. She receieved her B.A from University of Toledo in human resources and a minor in business law. Mrs. Mallette spent over twenty-years in Toleds as a career HR professional in a variety of positions. She volunteers at the school her children attend and an ethusiastic Rockets fan. 

Heather Mallette currently resides in Toledo with her husband Doug, and two children. She can be contacted at malletteheather@gmail.com. 

Anita Santus

Currently serving as the Senior Human Resource Manager for Jones-Hamilton Co., a Chemical Manufacturing company in Maumee, Ohio, Anita Santus plays a pivotal role in shaping and executing comprehensive HR strategy that aligns with the organization’s objectives. Anita spearheads innovative health, wellness, compensation, performance management, and employee engagement strategies that create tangible and enduring benefits for the company.

A strong believer in the transformative power of positive thinking, Anita excels at turning workplace challenges into opportunities. At the heart of her professional and personal philosophy is the art of cultivating relationships, recognizing that they are the cornerstone of enduring success. She finds joy in mentoring emerging professionals, guiding them to unlock their full potential.

Anita is a proud alumna of the University of Toledo, holding a Bachelor's degree in Human Resource Management. Her commitment to excellence in HR is underscored by her attainment of the prestigious SHRM-CP certification, a testament to her dedication and expertise.

Outside of work, Anita finds joy in simple pleasures—savoring delicious food, playing games, and cherishing moments with her family. An adventurer at heart, Anita has a passion for travel, drawing inspiration from the beauty of diverse cultures and landscapes. In both her professional and personal life, Anita Santus exudes positivity, a commitment to excellence, and an enduring enthusiasm for exploration.

Sara Caris , SHRM-CP

Sara Caris is the HR Specialist at the Rudolph Libbe Group in Walbridge, Ohio. Her role focuses on assisting hiring managers with their recruiting needs, and creating an effective and personable onboarding experience for new hires. Sara received her B.B.A from the University of Akron with a major in human resources and minor in finance. She spent the first few years of her career handling the day-to-day HR functions at a food production company. 

When she's not at work. Sara is an active volunteer with the Wood County 4-H Program where she volunteers at 4-H Camp, advises a 4-H Club, and is the Vice President of the Wood County 4-H Committee.

Sara can be contacted at sara.caris@rlgbuilds.com

Kendallyn Jacobs , aPHR, SHRM-CP

Kendallyn Jacobs is the Human Resources Manager at Rudolph Libbe Group, where she oversees day-to-day team leadership, HRIS administration, project management, and recruitment efforts. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Bowling Green State University (Go Falcons!) and holds both aPHR and SHRM-CP certifications. Kendallyn has served on the NOHRA Board since June 2020 and was recognized as NOHRA’s Emerging HR Professional of the Year in 2021. Passionate about people and the employee experience, Kendallyn is proud to be living her dream career in Human Resources. She was honored to serve as NOHRA President in 2024.

Princeton Bryson , SHRM-CP

Jill Kopanis , SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Holly Newcomer , CEBS, SHRM-CP

Holly currently serves as Senior Health Care Consultant at BCBS of Michigan serving the Auto, Key and Large & National Accounts advising on employee benefits health care use, cost and spend analysis, data analytics, employee education, financial trend, disease managment, wellness initiatives, market solutions, high cost claims reporting and executive summaries. Holly is an active licensed Life, Health, Accident, Property and Casualty insurance agent in Ohio, Mighigan and Indiana. As well, she currently holds her SHRM-CP Certification through the Society for Human Resource Management, and CEBS Designated from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans. She is a graduate from the University of Toledo with a Bachelor of Education and alumni member. 

Drew Peterson , MBA, PHR

Drew Peterson, PHR, MBA, is completing her fourth year on the NOHRA board as the Arrangements Chair. Drew has been with WorkSpring since 2021 and in her role as an HR Consultant, she works closely with customers to deliver ongoing onsite HR support, and project-based services including handbooks, audits, training, compensation, and other HR solutions.

She proudly earned both her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, specializing in Marketing, Management, and International Business, and her Master of Business Administration (MBA) from Bowling Green State University. In 2023, Drew was the recipient of the "Emerging HR Professional of the Year" award.

You can usually find Drew with a camera in hand trying to capture every moment. She also is an avid reader, runner, and Trader Joe's enthusiast. Her favorite way to travel is by visiting new national parks around the US.   

Jaclyn Sawasky

Jaclyn joined SSOE Group in 2021 as a Human Resources Generalist. She began her career working in human resources in 2018 at Syncreon, a third-party logistics provider in the automotive industry. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Marketing with a minor in Journalism from Madonna University. She also obtained her MBA from Wayne State University. In 2023, Jaclyn earned her SHRM-CP.

Jaclyn currently resides in Toledo, Ohio with her fiancé and two dogs. She enjoys trying new recipes, travelling and cheering on the Detroit Lions.

Princeton Bryson , SHRM-CP

Jim Yates , SPHR, SHRM-SCP

Gail Ritchie , SHRM-SCP

Gail Ritchie is a Human Resources Director for the Rudolph Libbe Group in Walbridge, Ohio. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Development from the University of Toledo. Gail began her HR career at EY in 1997 and her role took her to Nashville, TN in 2005. That’s where she developed her passion for country music and good BBQ!

Family ties beckoned her home in 2011 and before joining the Rudolph Libbe Group in 2016, she spent five years at Findley/USI as an HR Manager. She received her SHRM Senior Certified Professional designation in 2015 and has served on the THRAC committee, as NOHRA Communications Chair, Board Secretary, President-Elect, President 2023, Past President 2024, and now heads up the Workforce Development committee. She was honored to be the recipient of the Northwest Ohio Human Resources Association HR Professional of the Year award in 2020.

Gail currently resides in Oregon, OH with her husband Mike and their mini-Dachshund Jaxson. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and watching college football (Go IRISH!). She can be contacted at Gail.Ritchie@RLGbuilds.com.

Kelsey Sager , MBA, SHRM-CP

Kelsey Sager, MBA, SHRM-CP, is a first-year NOHRA Board member serving as Programs and Golf Outing Chair. She is the Director of Human Resources at USA Insulation in Holland, Ohio, where she plays a critical role on the leadership team, ensuring the company has the talent needed to achieve its ambitious goals.

Kelsey earned her Bachelor of Business Administration with specializations in Finance and International Business, and her Master of Business Administration, both from Bowling Green State University (BGSU). While at BGSU, she was a member of the Women's Golf Team.

Kelsey lives in Toledo with her puppy, Theodore. In her free time, she enjoys playing golf at various courses in the area and coaching the Saint Ursula JV Golf Team. She can be reached at ksager@usainsulation.net.

Michelle Willard

Michelle has over 34 years of experience in the insurance and employee benefits industry. Over her years in the business, she has served in roles that include senior level client service, executive leadership and benefits consulting. 

Michelle has served as a board member of the Northwest Ohio Human Resource Association (NOHRA) for over ten years and is a member of the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) and Findlay Area Human Resource Association (FAHRA). Additionally, she has also served on the Toledo Human Resource Association Conference (THRAC) committee for many years prior to 2025.

Kendallyn Jacobs , aPHR, SHRM-CP

Kendallyn Jacobs is the Human Resources Manager at Rudolph Libbe Group, where she oversees day-to-day team leadership, HRIS administration, project management, and recruitment efforts. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Bowling Green State University (Go Falcons!) and holds both aPHR and SHRM-CP certifications. Kendallyn has served on the NOHRA Board since June 2020 and was recognized as NOHRA’s Emerging HR Professional of the Year in 2021. Passionate about people and the employee experience, Kendallyn is proud to be living her dream career in Human Resources. She was honored to serve as NOHRA President in 2024.

Andrew Kelleher , GBA

Andrew Kelleher is an Employee Benefits Consultant with Hylant in Toledo, Ohio. His main focus is helping to empower financial and human resource executives with strategic employee benefit solutions.

In his time at Hylant,  Andrew completed his Group Benefits Associate (GBA) designation from the International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans and earned the Group Benefits Disability Specialist designation (GBDS) from the National Underwriting Company.

Before joining Hylant, Andrew received his bachelors in 2013 from Miami University in business marketing. He then served 6 years with a non-profit organization named CRU in Oxford, OH.

Andrew currently lives in Perrysburg, OH with his wife Megan and three daughters.

Gail Ritchie , SHRM-SCP

Gail Ritchie is a Human Resources Director for the Rudolph Libbe Group in Walbridge, Ohio. She received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Organizational Development from the University of Toledo. Gail began her HR career at EY in 1997 and her role took her to Nashville, TN in 2005. That’s where she developed her passion for country music and good BBQ!

Family ties beckoned her home in 2011 and before joining the Rudolph Libbe Group in 2016, she spent five years at Findley/USI as an HR Manager. She received her SHRM Senior Certified Professional designation in 2015 and has served on the THRAC committee, as NOHRA Communications Chair, Board Secretary, President-Elect, President 2023, Past President 2024, and now heads up the Workforce Development committee. She was honored to be the recipient of the Northwest Ohio Human Resources Association HR Professional of the Year award in 2020.

Gail currently resides in Oregon, OH with her husband Mike and their mini-Dachshund Jaxson. In her spare time, she enjoys reading and watching college football (Go IRISH!). She can be contacted at Gail.Ritchie@RLGbuilds.com.