WKU News

The Gordon Ford College of Business (GFCB) at Western Kentucky University proudly announces its 2026 Business Advisory Board. These respected professionals bring real-world expertise and leadership that help shape strategic priorities, expand student opportunities, and deepen connections between the College and the business community.

The new board members are:

• Brooke Cassady (’15,‘16), Baird Private Wealth, Financial Advisor 
• Doug Davis (‘77), CRS Reprocessing Services, Retired VP Sales
• Chris McIntyre (‘01), Warren County Public Schools, CFO/COO/Treasurer and Construction Supervisor

Ebony Lincoln (‘17), Senior Communication Manager, Delivery Service Partners Experience at Amazon will serve as the Chair and William “Bill” Jones, Board Member and Strategic Advisor will serve as the Vice Chair. 

“We are excited to welcome these accomplished leaders to our Business Advisory Board,” said Dr. Evelyn Thrasher, Dean of the Gordon Ford College of Business. “Our Advisory Board plays a vital role in shaping a student-centered, career-ready experience by supporting our Business Living Learning Community, speed networking events, and meaningful classroom and co-curricular engagement. Through guest speaking, mentoring, and industry insight, these professionals help connect theory to practice and ensure our students are prepared to succeed in today’s fast-moving business environment.”

Returning Business Advisory Board members include:

• Craig Browning ('87), Managing Principal of The Glenview Trust
• Teri Bruns, Retired Vice President, Global Partner GTM at ServiceNow
• Robert Cobb ('11, '13), Director, Advanced Analytics, Pilot Company
• Alex Downing ('88), CEO, Franklin Bank and Trust
• Lydia Gilliam ('11, '17), Executive Vice President of Operations, Houchens Insurance Group
• Melinda Hill (‘01), Executive Director, CASA
• Sedrik Newbern ('93), President and Chief Ethics Officer, NASBA Center for the Public Trust
• Vik Patel ('10), Chief Executive Officer, Rome Investment, LLC
• Joe Reeves ('93), Partner, Cerity Partners
• Christopher Royse, Dean of Business and Information Technology, SKYCTC
• Leslie Sarasin, President and CEO of The Food Industry Association
• Corey Vincent (‘13), Chief Financial Officer, Murphy Construction Group
• Scott Vowels ('87, '89), Supplier Diversity/Procurement, Apple Inc.

For more information on the Gordon Ford College of Business Advisory Board, visit wku.edu/business.