Master's Advisory Board

Aileen Ahlers

Aileen is a Climate Change and Sustainability Consultant at ICF with expertise in corporate sustainability and greenhouse gas (GHG) accounting. Aileen specializes in strategic implementation, where she supports clients in managing and executing decarbonization initiatives to directly reduce Scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions and deliver on set emission reduction targets. Aileen worked multiple years for the Volkswagen Group, most recently serving as the Program Manager overseeing Audi’s sustainability portfolio. She also has international experience working for a global leader in the supply chain industry in Dortmund, Germany, and studied Sustainability in Emerging Enterprises in Delhi, India. Aileen earned an MBA with a concentration in International Business from KSU, serving as a Finance Graduate Assistant during that time. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Economics and Business Management and is a former Kent State Division I Student-Athlete. Aileen currently resides in Washington, DC.

Rudy Bentlage

Rudy Bentlage is the President of the Northeast Ohio region and Managing Director of its Commercial Banking team.   Rudy is a veteran banker who started his career in 1990 and currently runs the middle market banking team for Northeast Ohio which includes Cleveland, Akron, Canton and Youngstown. He began his career in asset-based lending and has extensive experience in structuring transactions as well as significant expertise in asset-based and middle-market lending. He earned his BS in Finance/MIS at The University of Buffalo and his MBA at Kent State University. Rudy holds a Series 79, 63 and 24 license. He is active in the Northeast Ohio community and currently serves on the boards of Breakthrough Charter Schools, Greater Cleveland Partnership, Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce. Rudy and his wife have two children and reside in Copley, Ohio. 

Brenna Berry

Brenna is the Program Manager at Rust Belt Recruiting, an agency focused on renewing the region by connecting top talent with manufacturers and industrial companies. Brenna oversees various facets of the company’s operations to drive organizational growth and optimize efficiency. With experience in business development and marketing, Brenna is able to leverage her communication and strategic thinking skills to identify opportunities for growth, forge strategic partnerships, and implement innovative strategies within the business. She is passionate about creating solutions for her team, as well as for clients and candidates. Brenna earned her Bachelor's degree in Managerial Marketing from Kent State University while serving as a MAPS Mentor within the College of Business and a Peer Leader Trainer for the university. She returned to Kent State to complete her graduate work, earning an MBA and a MA in Communication Studies while working as a Graduate Assistant for the Graduate Programs Office in the Ambassador Crawford College of Business and Entrepreneurship. Brenna currently resides on the west side of Cleveland.

Adam Cooke

Adam Cooke is deeply engaged in the dual degree program of Administrative Higher Education and Business Administration. Cooke's journey into this graduate program is driven by conviction. He believes combining an MBA with a focus on Higher Education isn't just about enhancing marketability—it's about empowering yourself to make a substantive impact in the academic world. Beyond the classroom and his role at the Kent State College of Aeronautics and Engineering, he finds joy in spending time with his friends, his dog, and exploring the beautiful state of Ohio to find new destinations.

Cooke's aspiration transcends professional achievement; it is rooted in a vision for Higher Education where every student can pursue their dreams unimpeded. His experiences—from leading fundraising initiatives to engaging deeply with issues of access and equity—have crystallized his resolve to be a catalyst for change. He is committed to ensuring that future generations of students are not only able to chase their dreams but are supported every step of the way. Cooke believes this is not only a career, but a calling to contribute to a more equitable and just educational landscape.

Tony Koesters

Tony Koesters is the Plant Manager of North America Rail Services for The Timken Company overseeing rail business operations for multiple sites throughout the United States. He serves on Kent State University’s MBA Advisory Board, was awarded Railway Track and Structures 10 Under 40, and participates in a number of volunteer activities around his community.  Tony strives to create cultures in manufacturing and business that have a sustainable focus on safety, quality, and delivery which are centered around inclusive, collaborative, high-performing teams and environments.  He actively mentors, coaches, and develops talent of varying levels, backgrounds, and stages of careers and life. Tony earned his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering & a minor in Business Management from The University of Toledo and a Master of Business Administration from Kent State University. 

Di Kuo

Di H. Kuo is the Director of National Accounts and Customer Operations at Garick, a leading sustainable natural resource products manufacturer and distributor. She manages key customer accounts and leads the customer operations team, working closely with the executive leadership team to enhance customer satisfaction and drive business growth. Di's journey at Garick began almost two decades ago when she crossed paths with the CEO of Garick at the Michael D. Solomon Entrepreneurship Speaker Series at Kent State University. She actively contributes to her community and serves as a member representative of the US Composting Council and Ohio Organic Council for Garick. Di graduated from Kent State University in 2005 with an MBA in Marketing and holds an undergraduate degree from Johnson & Wales University in International Hotel & Tourism Management. Di has served as a member of the Kent State MBA Advisory Boards since 2021.

Tom Ludwick

Tom Ludwick, husband and proud father to two children, brings over 17 years experience in Human Resources to various organizations across Northeast Ohio. Currently, Tom is a Human Resources Director for Tetra Tech a leading provider of consulting and engineering services worldwide. For the last 7 years at Tetra Tech, he manages strategic human resource initiatives for over 180 team members (remote, hybrid, or in-office) within the Tetra Tech Solid Waste Solutions Group spread over 18 states.  

Tom obtained his MBA with a concentration in human resources from Kent State University in 2010. He is a member of the Cleveland Society for Human Resource Management (CSHRM) and most recently involved in the CSHRM Mentorship program helping other human resource professionals with growth and development. He is an avid golfer (11 Handicap) and enjoys hiking in the Cuyahoga Valley National Parks. Tom recently connected with the Kent State MBA Advisory Board.

Amalia Munteanu

Amalia is Vice President, One Platform Marketing, NBC Universal. In her time with NBC Universal, she has had responsibility for the Network Partnerships team for NBC scripted shows as well as Late Night. She also created and executed award-winning marketing campaigns for some of the world’s biggest brands, engaging consumers across platforms and driving incremental revenue for the network, and led the integration of Buzzfeed, Vox Media, Apple News and Snapchat partnerships into NBC’s digital footprint. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree as well as a Master of Business Administration from KSU.