President: The President shall preside at all meetings of the Association and Executive Board and perform such other duties as ordinarily pertain to this office.

RENEE TOMKO has been a paralegal for seven years and is currently employed by Baker & Hostetler LLP (“Baker”). She works in the Business and Immigration practice areas. She has been with Baker since February of 2008, when she moved from Michigan to Columbus. In 2004, Renee obtained her Bachelor’s degree from Madonna University, in Livonia, Michigan, where she graduated with highest honors. She also holds a Bachelor of Business Administration from Detroit College of Business, now known as Davenport University.

While working full-time and attending Madonna University full-time, Renee also helped initiate, form and organize the Madonna chapter of Lambda Epsilon Chi, the National Honor Society in Paralegal Studies. She was one of the initial inductees into the chapter.

Prior to her employment with Baker, she worked at Honigman Miller Schwartz and Cohn LLP (“Honigman”) in Detroit, Michigan, first as a legal secretary, then as a paralegal. Prior to Honigman, Renee lived in St. Louis, Missouri, where she split her time between working as a legal secretary and managing a small pet-sitting business, as well as volunteering at the St. Louis Zoo as a docent.

Renee has served on the Bylaws committee and served on the Executive Board as Parliamentarian for the 2009 – 2010 and 2010 – 2011 terms. She is a member of PACO and the Columbus Bar Association. Renee lives in Gahanna with her daughter and a variety of pets, where she and her daughter enjoy visiting the zoo, movies, canoeing and hiking. Renee also enjoys scrapbooking, puzzles and reading in her spare time.

First Vice President/Membership: The Vice President shall preside in the absence of the President; shall be responsible for the organization of all committees, including soliciting committee chairpersons for all committees not chaired by elected officers. The Vice President shall also be chairperson of the Membership Committee; review and process all new applications for Membership and present the same to the Executive Board for consideration; present to the Executive Board a report that quantifies PACO’s Membership by Membership category at each Executive Board meeting; annually review and coordinate with CBA renewal notices to current Members; coordinate with CBA an updated roster of PACO Members to NFPA on a monthly basis in the format specified by NFPA. The Vice President shall also provide a list of eligible voting members for general election meetings.

REBECCA M. CAIN, MBA, MPA, is the Vice President of PACO and has been in the legal industry for 30 years. She is currently employed as a Paralegal Supervisor at Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, Office of the Chief Legal Governance Officer (OCLO), in the Discovery Management Unit on the Service of Process Team in Columbus, Ohio. Rebecca provides subject matter expertise in the execution of the legal matter intake process of lawsuits and subpoenas served to the corporation. She also works in responding to corporate subpoena request which includes the discovery process of identifying, gathering, analyzing, and producing responsive information.

Prior to Nationwide, Rebecca worked for University of Toledo as the Assistant to the Department Chair for the Undergraduate Legal Specialties Department in the Paralegal Program. She also spent ten years working in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Northern District of Ohio, Western Division as a Case Administrator.

In August, 2010, Rebecca completed her Master’s Degree in Business Administration (MBA) and in June of 2009 completed her Master’s Degree in Public Administration (MPA) both from the Keller Graduate School of Management. Additionally, she is a graduate from the University of Toledo where she received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Individualized Studies Program (Cum Laude) and a graduate of the University of Toledo, Community and Technical College, with her Associate Degree in Legal Assisting Technology (High Honors). Rebecca is currently pursuing her Green-Belt in the On Your Side Continuous Improvement Training Program with Nationwide which is an intense training program with a focus on blended Lean and Six Sigma curriculum offered through MoreSteam University.

Rebecca’s current professional affiliations consist of her acting as a Mediator in the Franklin County, Ohio, Small Claims Court; Member of the Nationwide OCLO Paralegal Utilization Committee; Member of the Nationwide OCLO Pro Bono Committee; Member of the National Federation of Paralegal Associations; Associate Member of the Columbus Bar Association; Member of the Ohio State Bar Association, Paralegal Committee; and, a Notary Public in the State of Ohio.

Rebecca has served in the past on several PACO committees including Student Liaison Committee Chair, Bylaws, Paralegal Day, Pro Bono, Publications, Website, and Membership as well as holding the position of the First Vice President (2005-2006).

In Rebecca’s spare time, since 2008 she has been a part-time Adjunct Instructor at Columbus State Community College in the Paralegal Program. Rebecca has taught classes in “Introduction to Paralegal Studies”, “The Legal System”, and “Business Organizations”.

Assistant Vice President/Committee Coordinator: The Assistant Vice President shall be responsible for the organization of all committees, including soliciting committee chairpersons for all committees not chaired by elected officers. The Assistant Vice President shall be the liaison between all such committees and the Executive Board and shall perform such other duties as ordinarily pertain to this office.

KATHY MCGRANAHAN has been a paralegal for 13 years and is currently a Summation Litigation Support consultant for InfoVision21, Inc. Kathy obtained her paralegal certificate from the Capital University Law School Paralegal Program.

Kathy has also worked with the Lawrence Law Firm, Chester Willcox & Saxbe LLP, Scioto Properties, LLC, JP Morgan Chase, Buckingham, Doolittle & Burroughs, LLP, and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation. Before she began her law firm career, Kathy was a Farmers Insurance Agency Manager and Subway Franchise Store Manager.

Kathy is an Adjunct Professor with the Capital University Law School Paralegal Program. She also Mentors current paralegals through PACO. She recently was reappointed to the Ohio State Bar Association Paralegal Certification Board.

As a member of PACO she served on several committees Professional Development Committee Co-chair; Pro Bono Committee; Publications Committee; Election Committee Chair, By-laws Committee and Program Committee Co-Chair. As Website Chair in 2007 she worked with the CBA to develop the PACO website. She also served on the PACO Board to initiate the CBA joint membership.

Kathy earned her Xavier University Bachelor Science in Business Administration in 1990.

Her professional affiliations include Ohio State Bar Association Associate Member; Paralegal Committee Public Relations Sub Committee and past Newsletter Editor. She is also a member of the Columbus Bar Association.

Kathy lives in Columbus and is a native to Ohio. She enjoys outdoor and water sports. She likes to spend time in nature, reading and cooking.

Secretary:

ANGELA ASSI is the Second Vice President/Membership Director. is currently employed with the Columbus Bar Association in the Ethics and Grievances Department. Angela also administers the Fee Arbitration Program as well as the Character & Fitness Interviews for the Ohio Supreme Court Bar Admissions at the Columbus Bar Association. Angela is a licensed surety agent for the State of Ohio and executes Probate Bonds for CBS Agency, Inc. (a subsidiary of the Columbus Bar Association).

Prior to her employment with the Columbus Bar, Angela worked with Taft Stettinius & Hollister, Thompson Hine & Flory, Colley Shroyer & Abraham, Lane Alton & Horst and Delligatti Hollenbaugh Briscoe & Milless. She has been in her current position for 2 ½ years and has worked in the legal profession for over 16 years.

Angela graduated from Kent State University with a B.A. in Political Science in 1966 and Columbus State Community College with an Associates Degree in Applied Science in Legal Assisting in 1990.

Angela has served on several PACO committees including the Bylaws, Ethics and Mentoring Program. Angela also serves on the State Advisory Panel for Exceptional Children and is a member of the Daughters of the American Revolution and League of Women Voters.

Angela resides in New Albany with her son. In her spare time she enjoys traveling abroad, golfing, and spending time with family and friends.

Treasurer: The Treasurer shall collect Sustaining Affiliate Member annual fees and all monies of the Association and make distribution by check, signed by the Treasurer or President; keep an account of all receipts and disbursements, monthly reports, make an annual report at the annual meeting; and deposit the funds in such bank as the Executive Board may direct. The Treasurer shall be bonded in an amount set by the Executive.

KAREN STONE is a paralegal with Slowik & Robinson, LLC, working in immigration law and assisting with employment law matters as needed. A member of PACO since 2008, she has served on the Public Relations and Pro Bono committees and continues to remain an active member of both committees.

Karen earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies with minors in Anthropology and Latin American Studies from Miami University in 2005. She is an active participant in her community, having served as a homework tutor to underserved Hispanic and Latino children in Hamilton, Ohio, an ESOL classroom assistant through the Columbus Literacy Council, an intake assistant with the InterFaith Legal Clinics and a Girl Scout troop leader. Currently, she volunteers as a paralegal with the LASC/PACO Pro Bono Wills Clinic, and she is also active in the parent-teacher organizations in the Westerville City School District.

Though her spare time is limited, Karen makes time to enjoy cultural activities in the Central Ohio area with her family.

President-Elect: The President-Elect has no duties or responsibilities. The President-Elect does not vote. The President-Elect is training to become the President for the following term.

As an OSBA Certified Paralegal at Poling | Petrello, MINDI SCHAEFER assists in various types of litigation cases in the areas of medical malpractice, dental malpractice, professional liability, general liability, governmental entity liability, business planning, and business disputes. She is involved in all aspects including investigation, discovery, file management, and trial preparation.

In addition to her paralegal duties at Poling | Petrello, Mindi works as the firm’s Marketing Specialist, Extern Supervisor, and Paralegal Trainer. Her marketing duties include analyzing sponsorship & promotional activities, coordinating speaking engagements, and preparing publications. As the firm’s Extern Supervisor in their Columbus office, Mindi provides real life experience to paralegal students in Central Ohio. Lastly, Mindi assists in the training and supervising of new junior paralegals.

Prior to starting her career at Poling | Petrello, Mindi was employed at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz (Dayton) from 1999 to 2004; Jenks, Pyper & Oxley (Dayton) from 2004 to 2006; and Reminger, Co., LPA (Columbus) from 2006 to 2011. She was also a member of the Greater Dayton Paralegal Association during her paralegal career in Dayton.

Mindi graduated from Sinclair Community College (Dayton) with an Associates Degree of Applied Science in Legal Assisting in 1999 and Wright State University (Dayton) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science in 2006. She obtained her OSBA Paralegal Certification in 2010. Mindi is currently pursuing her Masters in Communication & Marketing with Franklin University with an expected graduation date of January 2012.

Her professional affiliations include the Ohio State Bar Association, Notary Public for the State of Ohio, National Federation of Paralegal Associations, Columbus Bar Association, Paralegal Association of Central Ohio, Miami-Jacobs Career College Advisory Board, Columbus Young Professionals Club, Legal Marketing Association, and Social Media Club of Columbus.

Mindi has participated in the following PACO Committees: Public Relations, Bylaws, Pro Bono, Newsletter, and Paralegal Day. In addition, Mindi created the Mentoring Program and OSBA Paralegal Certification Study Group Committees.

In her spare time, Mindi enjoys spending time with her husband Marcus and their dog Lucky. She is a Pampered Chef consultant who loves to cook and entertain with friends and family.

NFPA Primary Representative: The NFPA Primary Representative shall represent the interest of the Association before the NFPAand shall report on all of NFPA's activities to the Executive Board and the membership of the Association.

TRICIA MAYS is the NFPA Primary Representative.  Bio coming soon!

Statewide Representative/NFPA Secondary Representative: The Statewide Representative/NFPA Secondary Representative will promote and maintain ongoing relationships on behalf of the Association with other allied professional associations. The Statewide Representative will be the NFPA Secondary Representative and aid the NFPA Primary Representative only with NFPA related responsibilities, and represent PACO at NFPA annual, mid-year and regional meetings.

JULIE PERRY is PACO’s Statewide Representative/NFPA Secondary Representative. In October 2010, Julie began her current role with Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company (“NMIC”) as a paralegal in the Office of Corporate Governance and Secretary. In her current position she provides governance and legal support for NMIC and its subsidiary companies. Julie acts as a liaison to various company boards of directors and managers with regards to meetings and the maintenance of corporate governance records. The governance records include, but are not limited to, minutes, resolutions, governance policies and procedures.

Julie received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication Studies from The College of Wooster in May, 2010. While attending Wooster, Julie was a member of the Communication Studies National Honor Society Lambda Pi Eta and received The Delbert G. Lean Prize in Speech. During her undergraduate studies, she had the opportunity to study abroad at The University of Wollongong in Wollongong, Australia.

Immediately after graduation, Julie attended Capital University Law School’s Comprehensive intensive 14-week Summer Paralegal Program. While enrolled in the Paralegal Program, Julie became a member of PACO and began volunteering with the Pro Bono Committee. She also held an externship at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP with former PACO president, Nell Chambers. Upon graduation in September 2010, Julie was selected to participate in the Paralegal Mentoring Program with Nationwide’s Office of the Chief Legal and Governance Officer.

Julie’s volunteer experience includes PACO/LASC Pro Bono Wills Clinics, Nationwide’s Operation Feed Campaign for the Mid-Ohio Food Bank, United Way Campaign, Street Law Diversity Pipeline Program, The American Cancer Society/Relay for Life, and The College of Wooster’s Student Orientation Committee.

In her spare time Julie loves to travel, run, read, and spend time with friends and family.

Public Relations Representative: The Public Relations Representative shall be the chairperson of the Public Relations Committee and shall be responsible for planning all publicity related activities of the Association.

As a Certified Paralegal at Poling | Petrello, MINDI SCHAEFER assists in various types of litigation cases in the areas of medical malpractice, dental malpractice, professional liability, general liability, governmental entity liability, business planning, and business disputes. She is involved in all aspects including investigation, discovery, file management, and trial preparation.

In addition to her paralegal duties at Poling | Petrello, Mindi works as the firm’s Marketing Specialist, Extern Supervisor, and Paralegal Trainer. Her marketing duties include analyzing sponsorship & promotional activities, coordinating speaking engagements, and preparing publications. As the firm’s Extern Supervisor in their Columbus office, Mindi provides real life experience to paralegal students in Central Ohio. Lastly, Mindi assists in the training and supervising of new junior paralegals.

Prior to starting her career at Poling | Petrello, Mindi was employed at Dyer, Garofalo, Mann & Schultz (Dayton) from 1999 to 2004; Jenks, Pyper & Oxley (Dayton) from 2004 to 2006; and Reminger, Co., LPA (Columbus) from 2006 to 2011. She was also a member of the Greater Dayton Paralegal Association during her paralegal career in Dayton.

Mindi graduated from Sinclair Community College (Dayton) with an Associates Degree of Applied Science in Legal Assisting in 1999; Wright State University (Dayton) with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science in 2006; and Franklin University (Columbus) with a Master of Science Degree in Communication & Marketing in 2011. She obtained her OSBA Paralegal Certification in 2010 and American Alliance of Paralegals Certification in 2011.

Her professional affiliations include the Ohio State Bar Association, Notary Public for the State of Ohio, National Federation of Paralegal Associations, American Alliance of Paralegals, Inc., Columbus Bar Association, Paralegal Association of Central Ohio, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, Cleveland Association of Paralegals, Miami-Jacobs Career College Advisory Board, Columbus Young Professionals Club, Legal Marketing Association, and Social Media Club of Columbus.

Mindi has participated in the following PACO Committees: Public Relations, Bylaws, Pro Bono, Newsletter, and Paralegal Day. In addition, Mindi created the Mentoring Program and OSBA Paralegal Certification Study Group Committees.

In her spare time, Mindi enjoys spending time with her husband Marcus and their dog Lucky. She is a Pampered Chef consultant who loves to cook and entertain with friends and family.

Student Liaison Representative: The Student Liaison Representative shall develop and implement student scholarships for local paralegal programs; visit Columbus and surrounding area paralegal programs, to coordinate student membership involvement in PACO; maintain a speakers bureau, and establish a mentoring program.

AMANDA S. COLEMAN, MS, is currently employed as a Paralegal Specialist with Nationwide. Amanda’s background, prior to Nationwide, includes:

Stonehenge Capital Company: focusing on tax, new venture, and market research. Jones Day: focusing on mergers & acquisitions. JP Morgan Chase: Compliance in their Investment Advisors group handling SEC regulatory matters. AEP: Contract Manager handling contract negotiations and FAA regulatory issues.

Before she entered the corporate legal arena, Amanda spent 7 years in the local court system starting as a Legal Investigator with the Columbus City Prosecutors office in the Franklin County Municipal Court, and ending her government career as a Bailiff to Judge Paul W. Martin of the Franklin County Common Pleas Court.

In June of 2007, Amanda completed two terms as President of PACO where she spent 4 years on the executive board and was awarded 2007’s “Paralegal of the Year” by the association.

In 2009, Amanda completed a Master's Degree from Franklin University in the area of Communication. She is a graduate of Mt. Vernon Nazarene University where she received her Bachelors in Business Administration, and also a graduate of Columbus State Community College where she received an Associates Degree in Paralegal Studies.

Professional affiliations include: Columbus Bar Association, National Federation of Paralegals Association, Ohio State Bar Association, and American Communications Association.