Our Staff
Learn more about the team that helps run BPA
Our Team
The National Staff of Business Professionals of America operates within three service areas:
- Administrative Services
- Program Services
- Communication Services
Working mostly out of BPA’s National Center located in Columbus, OH, the National Staff is made up of a diverse group of professionals with a wide range of expertise in nonprofit and association management, member services management, program development and evaluation, partnership development, financial management, communications strategies, event management, organizational strategy and more. Together, we aim to provide responsive programs and services of the highest quality to the internal and external partners of Business Professionals of America.
Dr. LouAnn Ross
Executive Director
Roles:
Overall Association Management, Sponsorships, Grants, Partnership Collaboration, Advocacy
614-407-7476
lross@bpa.org
Amber McNew
Director of Education
Roles:
Workplace Skills Assessment Program (Competitive Events), Pre-submitted Events, CTE Curriculum Advisor, Certifications
614-407-7480
amcnew@bpa.org
Ric Cowles
Director of Finance, CFO
Roles:
Accounting & Financial Services
614-407-7477
rcowles@bpa.org
Brigette Bethea
Director of Leadership Development
Roles:
Oversight of National Officer Program, Strategic development and management of leadership development programs
614-407-7185
bbethea@bpa.org
Heather L. Bunning
Director of Marketing & Stakeholder Engagement
Roles:
Marketing Communications, Public Relations, Brand Management, Publications & Marketing Resources, Social Media Management, Website Content
614-407-7478
hbunning@bpa.org
Mark Burch
Director of Member Services
Roles:
Webinar Management, Membership Services, Online Application Services, Membership Materials, Online Membership Registration System
614-407-7482
mburch@bpa.org
Jonathan Smith
Director of Strategic Programs & Experiences
Roles:
Conference & Event Management, Strategic Planning, Stakeholder Experience Development, Partner Cultivation
614-407-7483
jsmith@bpa.org
Patrick W. Schultz
Director of Technology Integration
Roles:
Technology Initiatives, Virtual Competitions & National Showcase, Member Database System, Website Design, Content, & Backend Maintenance, Online Testing & Training
614-407-7481
pschultz@bpa.org
Michele Gordon
Executive Staff Assistant
Roles:
Accounts Payable & Receivables
614-407-7479
mgordon@bpa.org
Want to join our team?
Are you someone who is dedicated and passionate about the education of young professionals? Then, consider joining our team.
Have Questions?
Need some quick answers? We’ve put together some answers to our most commonly asked questions. If you still need some guidance, please use our contact form to reach out to our staff.
Need to talk to us?
Our staff is here to help you and answer any questions you may have. Use our form to send us a quick message and someone will get back to you shortly.