Tiffin University welcomes 3 new members to Board of Trustees

Tiffin, Ohio — Tiffin University has announced the appointment of three new members to its Board of Trustees. Mary Mulvaney Marks, Shawn Smith, and Dr. Bennett Paulus have been selected to join the board, bringing their diverse expertise and experiences to contribute to the university’s strategic plan.

Mary Mulvaney Marks is a seasoned legal professional with nearly three decades of experience in merger and antitrust law. Marks is currently a counselor in the antitrust group at Davis Polk & Wardwell, a global law firm headquartered in New York City. Davis Polk, recognized as The American Lawyer magazine’s 2021 Law Firm of the Year, boasts a team of approximately 1,000 attorneys across ten office locations.

Shawn Smith serves as Chairman and CEO of Dedicated Financial GBC. Smith founded the company in 2015 with a vision to revolutionize commercial loan portfolio management. His innovative approach combines personalized connection with individuals facing financial challenges and a unique corporate philanthropy model. Under Smith’s leadership, Dedicated Financial GBC has achieved impressive growth rates of 50% or more every year since its establishment.

Dr. Bennett Paulus is President and CEO of Paulus Eyecare Associates, Inc., Findlay Optometry Clinic, Inc., and Fostoria Eyecare, Inc. With a focus on managing eye diseases and disorders such as glaucoma, cataracts, and macular degeneration, Dr. Paulus has been providing essential primary eye care services in the area since 2007. He is an active member of esteemed professional organizations like the National Glaucoma Society and the Ohio Optometric Association. Additionally, Dr. Paulus is deeply involved in the local community as a real estate investor and philanthropist, actively contributing to its growth and well-being.

Expressing excitement about the new appointments, Tiffin University President Dr. Lillian Schumacher emphasized the value these three individuals will bring to the Board of Trustees.

“We are thrilled about our three additions to the Board of Trustees,” stated Dr. Schumacher. “We are focused on adding talent that adds value in support of our strategic plan. Mary, Shawn, and Bennett fit that bill perfectly.”

Andrew Felter, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, also expressed enthusiasm regarding the new members.

“The Board is excited to welcome Mary, Shawn, and Bennett,” said Felter. “Mary brings a passion and innovative professional experience that will be invaluable in helping us execute strategies for cooperation and organizational expansion. Shawn brings an enthusiasm and entrepreneurial mindset that will question ‘why’ and be paramount to developing our strategic vision. Finally, Bennett, in addition to being a healthcare professional, is an avid philanthropist with years of community outreach and involvement under his belt. The new trustees will provide valuable leadership to continue to stimulate advancement and growth of the TU mission.”