Governance

Board of Directors

Power of the Pen was incorporated in March of 1989 as an educational nonprofit (501)(c)(3) organization. It is helmed by a Board of Directors which draws its membership from the educational, corporate, and professional communities. 

Members of the Board of Directors of Power of the Pen

» Julie Lyberger, President, Regional Director. With more than 35 years in education, Julie is a retired administrator from Lake Local Schools in Hartville, Ohio. She formerly taught middle school English Language Arts. Julie holds a B.A. in Education and a master’s in Educational Leadership/Administration. She has served with Power of the Pen for more than 25 years in roles including coach, tab room supervisor, state tournament building monitor, and secretary of the State Committee.

» Robin Langlais, Secretary, Regional Director. Robin retired after 35 years as a media specialist in junior high and middle schools, most recently with Strongsville City Schools. She holds a B.A. in Library Science/Educational Media and an M.S. in Educational Technology. Robin has received numerous grants for educational purposes. In her 30 years with Power of the Pen, Robin has served as a coach, computer operator, and regional director. 

» Jane Bethel, Treasurer. Jane is a retired CPA with more than 40 years of experience in government and nonprofit organizations. She has a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Akron. She worked at a public accounting firm, has served as a school treasurer, and most recently was deputy director of finance for Stark County Job and Family Services. She has served on several nonprofit boards and joined the Power of the Pen board in 2021.

» Taryn Douglas. Taryn is currently an associate attorney with Black McCuskey in Canton. Prior to joining Black McCuskey, Taryn had served as assistant prosecutor in the City of Canton Law Department and as associate attorney with a law firm in Wapakoneta, Ohio. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Ohio State University and a Juris Doctor from the Ohio Northern University College of Law. Taryn credits her experience in Power of the Pen in 7th and 8th grades with helping her to develop writing skills that are crucial in the legal profession. Taryn previously served on the board of directors for the Wapakoneta Area Chamber of Commerce. She joined the Power of the Pen board in 2021.

» Scott Edwards. Scott is executive creative director at Innis Maggiore Ad Agency. With 35 years of experience managing and directing creative services, Scott has worked across a broad range of industries, including casual dining, automotive, consumer packaging, healthcare, financial services, retail, manufacturing, nonprofit, energy and many more. His work is award-winning. A published author, Scott has a B.A. in Communications from the University of Pennsylvania as well as an M.B.A. in Marketing from New York University. He joined the Power of the Pen board in 2021.

» Mike Fejes. Mike holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master of Arts in Teaching from Kent State University. He has taught at Hudson Middle School for 25 years, serving as Power of the Pen coach for 20 years. As a volunteer for Power of the Pen, Mike has contributed to special projects, served as state tournament manager, and hosted tournaments at Hudson Middle School. He holds National Board Certification in English Language Arts/Early Adolescence, as well as Ohio Master Teacher Certification.

» Kathy Jambor. With more than 20 years of experience in marketing, Kathy is currently Marketing Project Manager at Foundation Software. She carries a lifelong passion for writing with roots in Power of the Pen, where she placed sixth in a district tournament as a 7th grader. She holds a B.S. in Journalism from Ohio University. Kathy joined the Power of the Pen board in 2021.

» Andrea Legg. Andrea is the director of the North Canton Public Library in Stark County. She has worked in public libraries since 2007 and is passionate about connecting her community to resources that will enhance lives and expand horizons. Andrea has a Bachelor of Arts in English from Malone University and a Master’s in Library and Information Science from Kent State University. As a student at St. Michael’s Elementary in the late '90s, Andrea benefitted from her experience as a member of the school’s Power of the Pen team and credits the program with instilling confidence in her writing abilities at a formative age. She joined the board in 2021.

» Brittany Mackey. Brittany leads the Talent Management team within Human Resources at DRB where she focuses on employee and leadership development, performance management, and talent acquisition. Brittany holds both a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and an M.B.A. from Ashland University. She also has Emotional Intelligence and Coaching Certifications from Case Western Reserve University, and is passionate about learning and empowering others to be the best version of themselves. She joined the Power of the Pen board in 2021.

» Patricia Roy. Patricia is director of human resources, development and public relations for Child Guidance & Family Solutions in Akron. Her human resources experience spans financial services, insurance, government and nonprofit entities. As a consultant, she has also helped nonprofits with strategic planning and grant writing. Patricia has a B. A. with Honors in English from Indiana University and an M.Ed. in Counselor Education from the University of North Texas. She is an active community volunteer and currently serves on the International Soap Box Derby board.