Welcoming Our Newest Board Members July 2025
The World Affairs Council is proud to introduce our newest Board of Directors cohort—leaders whose expertise, global outlook, and commitment to community will help shape the future of our organization. Each brings a unique perspective to our mission of promoting global understanding through education, exchange, and dialogue.
Please join us in welcoming these inspiring individuals to the Council:
Tyler Roe
Financial Services Professional at New York Life
Tyler Roe is a Financial Services Professional partnered with New York Life to support individuals and small businesses in developing a sound financial strategy. With a background in nonprofit communications and strategy, he brings a strategic, insights-driven approach to his work.
An Alumnus of the University of Cincinnati’s Arts Administration program, Tyler holds an MA and MBA, and has worked with arts organizations across the region. His professional path reflects a strong commitment to helping individuals and organizations that make an impact in their community navigate the unknown and build for the long term.
Sam Thomas
Values Aligned Investing at FEG Investment Advisors
Sam Thomas is an investment professional focused on helping institutions such as endowments, foundations, and mission-driven organizations build and manage long term investment portfolios. At FEG Investment Advisors, he supports strategic asset allocation, manager due diligence, and governance planning to align capital with institutional goals. He began his career at EY and holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting and business analytics and a master’s in applied economics from the University of Cincinnati, where he completed five co-op rotations.
As a global citizen who has lived in multiple countries, Sam brings a cross-cultural lens to his work and is passionate about advancing economic development, education, and global understanding, efforts that closely align with the mission of the World Affairs Council.
Rev. Dr. Davanna Renee
Regional Bursar, Sales and Admissions Leader, Strategic Training and Development Professional | Personnel Retention Expert
Rev. Dr. Davanna Renee brings over 15 years of experience in strategic management, organizational development, and corporate training, with a strong record of successfully implementing and achieving organizational objectives across industries such as network technology, banking, regulatory compliance, and higher education.
Her dedication to empowerment is demonstrated through her diverse passions, including ministry grounded in liberation theology, adult education theory and practice, organizational leadership coaching and development, and financial coaching. She is committed to contributing to the board by leveraging her wide-ranging skills, passions, and expertise in service to the organization.
Mandy McLaughlin
Associate Director of Career Development, University of Cincinnati College of Engineering and Applied Science
With nearly two decades in Cincinnati and a background that includes living in both India and Japan, Mandy McLaughlin is a connector, educator, and advocate for cross-cultural understanding.
She currently supports students and employers through career services at UC’s College of Engineering and Applied Science. Mandy’s academic background in Literacy and Second Language Studies, combined with her years of work as a coach, community organizer, and language instructor, reflects her deep commitment to fostering global citizenship at home and abroad.
Bryan McCleary
Principal, Relevance Communications; Board Member, P&G Alumni Foundation
A seasoned leader in both public service and corporate strategy, Bryan McCleary brings decades of experience in strategic communications. He served as Press Secretary to U.S. Senator John Glenn and spent 20 years at Procter & Gamble advising senior executives and leading global communications efforts.
Today, he works with startups and corporations, mentors entrepreneurs, and serves on the board of the P&G Alumni Foundation. Bryan’s insight into storytelling, policy, and global engagement strengthens the strategic direction of the Council.
Morgan Miller
Category Development Manager, Wells Enterprises (Ferrero)
Morgan Miller is a rising leader passionate about global economic development, youth advocacy, and cross-cultural education. In her role at Wells Enterprises (Ferrero), Morgan brings a sharp analytical mind and strong background in strategic thinking, having previously worked in e-commerce strategy at Kroger with a focus on multicultural product assortments.
Her interest in connecting people through culture and food has informed much of her professional and volunteer work. Morgan has served on the UC Alumni Young Professionals Board and has been active in organizations including the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, Sweet Cheeks Diaper Bank, and Jewish Family Services.
When she’s not driving insights in the retail sector, Morgan enjoys exploring new languages and cultures, fitness classes, and passionately cheering on the UC Bearcats.
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This new cohort of board members represents the next generation of global leadership in our region. We are honored to welcome Tyler, Samuel, Davanna, Mandy, and Bryan to the World Affairs Council family. Their vision and service will help advance our mission to build global awareness, education, and connection across Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. And a very special welcome to our Young Professional, Morgan Miller, who is now the Young Professionals Board Liaison!
