Tiffin University’s Board of Trustees has voted to appoint Eddie Taylor, Jr., Lauren Barnes and Alexis Smith as its newest members.
Eddie Taylor, Jr. is President & CEO of Taylor Oswald, a venture between Oswald Companies and Mr. Taylor. Oswald Cos. is one of the nation’s largest independent, employee-owned insurance brokerage firms. Eddie has previously owned or operated companies in a variety of industries including warehousing and distribution. A native of Northeast Ohio, Mr. Taylor is a graduate of Allegheny College. He is a past Chairperson of the Board of Trustees of Allegheny College. Eddie was the founding Chairperson of the Board of Directors for the Cleveland Leadership Center. Additionally, Eddie is the former Board Chairperson of the Cuyahoga County Citizens’ Advisory Council on Equity (CACE), the Greater Cleveland Chapter of The American Red Cross and University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center. He serves as a Board Member for the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Burton D. Morgan Foundation, The Presidents’ Council and other nonprofit and company boards. He completed the Executive MBA Program at the Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management. Eddie is also involved with various other community and entrepreneurial activities.
Lauren Barnes is President of the Broadband Communications Systems (BCS) for the Communication Systems (CS) segment of L3Harris Technologies. Barnes is responsible for the leadership and management of all aspects of the BCS business. With over 65 years in the Utah Capital, BCS has been developing cutting-edge technologies critical to the US national security and the defense of its allies. Previously, Barnes was the Vice President of Program Management for CS Segment. In this role, Barnes was responsible for leading the CS Program Management function with a focus on standardization of metrics, implementation of modernized program management toolsets and adopting best practices. Before joining L3Harris, Barnes held several roles at The Boeing Company of increasing responsibility. Her last role was St. Louis 777X Program Manager where she led design, development and production for the composite wing. Other notable roles at Boeing include the T-7 Deputy Program Manager, Defense Logistics Services Program Manager, Chief of Staff for Government Operations in Washington, D.C. and Global Strike Strategy Manager. Barnes has a Master of Business Administration from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Tiffin University.
Alexis Smith is a senior Human Resources Executive with more than 25 years of experience leading people strategy, organizational development and cultural transformation across logistics, banking, healthcare, agribusiness and technology. She currently serves as Chief People Officer at Keller Logistics Group, where she is responsible for developing and executing human capital strategies that drive business growth, strengthen culture and create an environment where employees can thrive in delivering for their customers and communities. Prior to joining Keller Logistics Group, Alexis was Senior Vice President/Chief People Officer at F&M Bank (NASDAQ: FMAO). In this role, she built and scaled HR systems to support significant organizational growth, led integration efforts through multiple acquisitions, implemented enterprise-wide HR technology solutions and advised the Board Compensation Committee on executive compensation and incentive structures. Alexis has held senior leadership roles at ProMedica Health System and The Andersons, Inc., where she designed and implemented talent management strategies, succession planning frameworks and large-scale organizational change initiatives. She also has experience establishing HR functions in rapidly expanding technology and service organizations. She holds both a B.A. and M.A. in classics from the University of Toledo and has completed advanced executive education and certifications in compensation strategy, organizational design, change management and leadership coaching from institutions including the Wharton School of Business and USC Marshall School of Business.
Each brings a unique perspective that strengthens our capacity to innovate and plan for the future. Their service will play a meaningful role in securing the long-term sustainability and vitality of Tiffin University.
“Tiffin University is honored to welcome Eddie Taylor, Jr., Alexis Smith and Lauren Barnes to our Board of Trustees,” said Tiffin University President, Dr. Lillian Schumacher. “Their extensive leadership experience across business, technology and human capital development will directly support the University’s mission and enhance the opportunities we create for students. Each brings a unique perspective that strengthens our capacity to innovate and plan for the future. Their service will play a meaningful role in securing the long-term sustainability and vitality of Tiffin University.”
“The Board of Trustees is thrilled to welcome Eddie Taylor, Jr., Alexis Smith and Lauren Barnes to Tiffin University,” said Andrew Felter, Chairman of the Board of Trustees. “These are dynamic, high‑impact leaders, and we are genuinely excited to have their talent and perspective on the Board. Their backgrounds in entrepreneurship, organizational strategy and national security technology bring fresh dimension to our work and strengthen the strategic direction of the University. This is exactly the kind of energy and expertise that will help propel TU forward. I’m looking forward to the insight, passion and momentum they will add to our Board.”