YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio - Youngstown State University will stage two commencement ceremonies Sunday in the Beeghly Physical Education Center.
Gary Brantley and David Metzler will speak at 1 p.m. during the undergraduate commencement ceremony, followed by Ashley Totin and Tyler Fenton at 4:30 p.m. at the graduate ceremony.
Gary Brantley
With more than 20 years of leadership in the public and private sectors, Brantley leads digital transformation, football technology, marketing technology and enterprise IT as the chief information officer for the NFL.
A part of the YSU graduating class of 2002, Brantley served as CIO for the city of Atlanta and Beazer Homes before joining the NFL. In these roles, he spearheaded initiatives to modernize IT infrastructure, enhance cybersecurity and implement innovative solutions to improve civic engagement.
"His efforts were pivotal in establishing Atlanta as a leader in smart city technology."
Prior to his success in Atlanta, Brantley held leadership positions in health care and education, focusing on advancing digital accessibility and improving operational efficiency.
Brantley graduated from YSU in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science degree in applied science.
David Metzler
Metzler, the student speaker, will graduate summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree in biological sciences, accompanied by minors in chemistry and wellness. At YSU, he was a varsity football player and an active campus community member. He has performed various forms of volunteer work with organizations such as Focus Hippotherapy and United Way.
"Metzler earned numerous accolades," including two College Sports Communicators Academic All-District Team honors...
He plans to continue his studies and become a physician.
Ashley Totin
Totin serves as the additive manufacturing portfolio manager at BlueForge Alliance, where she leads initiatives to integrate advanced manufacturing technologies within the U.S. Department of Defense.
"She supports the U.S. Navy's goal to certify nine additive manufacturing material..."
A YSU alumna named to SME's 30 Under 30 in 2022... (and)a Modern Maker by Manufacturing USA...(in) (2023)..
(Fenton)
The graduate ceremony student speaker graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor (of) Science degree (nursing)...University Akron enrolled Family Nurse Practitioner Program..YSU. Over past four half years gained experience registered nurse specifically cardiovascular care spent significant time working Cardiac Catheterization Lab Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center trained critical care nursing interventional cardiology aims continue providing high quality care nurse practitioner after graduation published Business Journal Youngstown Ohio.