Office of the President

Chris Spradlin, MA
President

Chris Spradlin is the sixth President of Edison State Community College—beginning his position on January 3, 2023. He most recently served as the Executive Vice President and Provost and has been pivotal in the implementation of the Guided Pathways to Success model, the development of new academic programs such as Aviation and Veterinary Technology and the opening of new locations in Troy and Eaton. Chris is a member of the AACC's Commission on Structured Pathways and chairs Ohio's Competency-Based Education Steering Committee. Chris has completed a B.A. in History, a M.A. in Religion and is currently writing the dissertation for his Doctorate degree in Education.

Chad Beanblossom, M.Ed
Vice President of Enrollment Management and Regional Campus Operations

Chad Beanblossom, a Darke County native, has over ten years of administrative, student affairs and private sector management experience. Chad began his career in higher education as an academic advisor and coordinator of student services at a four-year university. Chad holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Organizational Leadership and a Master of Education in Higher Education Administration from Wright State University.

Rick Hanes, Ed.D
Vice President | Advancement, Strategic Planning and Partnerships/Executive Director of The Edison Foundation

Before joining Edison State in 2016, Rick Hanes served as the Superintendent for the Piqua City School District, a position he held for ten years. From 2000–2007, Dr. Hanes served as the Assistant Superintendent for the Tipp City Exempted Village School District. Hanes has the regional connections, personal history and high level of energy needed to make our goals of Community Outreach, Advancement and Strategic Planning successful. Dr. Hanes holds a B.S. in Education, a M.Ed in Educational Leadership from Wright State University and a Ed.D in Educational Leadership from Miami University.

Heather Lanham
Executive Assistant to President
Secretary | Board of Trustees

James Lehmkuhl, CPA, MBA
Chief Financial Officer | Vice President of Finance & Institutional Effectiveness

James Lehmkuhl joined Edison State in 2016 and serves as the Chief Financial Officer | Vice President of Finance and Institutional Effectiveness. James began his career in public accounting working as an auditor for two local accounting firms prior to joining the Edison State team in 2016 serving as Controller. James holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Dayton. He is also a CPA.

Bruce McKenzie, MSM
Chief Marketing Officer and Director of Communications

Prior to joining Edison State in 2013, Bruce McKenzie spent twenty-five years with LexisNexis, as Senior Director of Large Law and Law School Marketing. With a strong knowledge of marketing, McKenzie has broadened Edison State’s marketing strategy to meet the ever-changing demands of today’s audiences. Bruce holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Advertising & Design from Capital University and a Master of Science in Marketing and Communications from Indiana Wesleyan University.

Kara Myers
Chief Human Resources Officer | Director of Human Resources

Kara Myers is a highly experienced Human Resources professional who began her career at Edison State in 2009. As the Chief Human Resources Officer, Kara oversees all of the College's HR functions and ensures that the practices align with the College's strategic goals and objectives. Kara earned her Bachelor's of Arts in Organizational Management with a focus on nonprofit and public service administration, from Bluffton University. In addition to her HR responsibilities, Kara also serves as Title IX Coordinator and Public Records Officer for the College.

Melissa A. Wertz, Ed.D
Provost

Dr. Melissa A. Wertz joined Edison State in January 2023 and serves as Provost. She most recently held the position of Dean at a private technical college in Pennsylvania, where she built two-year and four-year programs for online and campus delivery. Dr. Wertz has been in education for 30 years and has experience inside and outside the classroom, continually focusing on student and faculty success in an ever-changing higher education landscape. She is a champion of lifelong learning, innovation, and continuous improvement. Dr. Wertz holds a BS in Mathematics Secondary Education, an MS in Instructional Leadership and an Ed.D. in Higher Education Leadership.