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MEET THE FOUNDERS

MIKE GARTNER

President
Hometown: Anderson

Mike Gartner became an advocate for hearing impaired children after his daughter Haley lost her hearing to bacterial meningitis as an infant.  Committed to helping his daughter and others in need, he co-founded Ohio Valley Voices (OVV), an oral school for hearing impaired children and Advocates for Deaf Education (ADE).  Good things can come out of tragic situations, and because of the illness to Haley, thousands of hearing impaired children in Greater Cincinnati are having the opportunity to achieve their fullest potential.  Mike’s experiences founding OVV and ADE have led to great relationships with the other founding families as well:  the Burns, the Garrigas and the Murphys.

Mike has been involved in many other non-profit organizations over the years in both leadership and membership capacities:  United Way Finance Committee Leader – Modesto, California; Berkshire Club Home Owners Association – President; Mt. Washington Presbyterian Church – Deacon; Head Coach & Assistant Coaching roles in numerous youth programs.
 
Mike was born and raised in Cincinnati.  He is an enormous fan of all his alma maters: The Bombers of St. Xavier High School, the Buckeyes of Ohio State where he received a BS in Mechanical Engineering, and the Musketeers of Xavier University, where he earned a Masters in Business Administration. 

Mike recently celebrated his 20th anniversary with Procter & Gamble where he is an Associate Director in Finance.  He and his wife Jill have two sons, Alex and Jack, in addition to their daughter Haley.   His dream is to play golf on the PGA tour, but talent lacking, he spends his free time coaching his son’s soccer and baseball teams, training for marathons, rooting for the Bengals, and socializing with friends and family.

TOM GARRIGA

Vice President
Hometown: West Chester

I’m originally from Gulfport, MS.  I have been married to my wife Tracey for eighteen years.  We have two children, Lindsay and Jake. Jake was diagnosed with a hearing lose at the age of three.  He has done well in school thanks to the efforts of many teachers and advocates that we have been fortunate to meet and work with.  Tracey is a teacher in the Lakota School district and we are very active in the community.

I’m a member of St Maximilian Kolbe Parish where I'm active as a CYO coach and serve on the Athletic Booster Board. I ’m also a member of the Hamilton Elks.

My main role with ADE has been to serve as chairman of the annual Golf & Silent Auction fund raiser event.

I have a business degree from The University of Southern Mississippi, where I majored in accounting. I spent almost 18 years sales and marketing with Bristol-Myers Squibb & Kao Brands (former Andrew Jergens Company).  After moving around the country my family now calls Cincinnati home.  I am now in real estate sales with Coldwell Banker West Shell.

STEVE BURNS

Treasurer
Hometown: North Bend

My wife (Jennifer) and I have three wonderful children. Ryan is our oldest, Keith is our middle child and Courtney is our youngest. We consider Advocates For Deaf Education (ADE) as the “second chapter” of our involvement with children with hearing impairments. We were active in founding Ohio Valley Oral School, which opened its doors in 2000 and is now known as Ohio Valley Voices (OVV). Although our involvement has shifted from OVV to ADE our passion to help children with hearing-impairments has not changed. Our long-term goal is to help as many children as possible by providing awareness to others, helping hearing-impaired children live and function in a world full of wonderful sounds.

BOB MURPHY

Secretary
Hometown: Delhi

Born and raised in Cincinnati, OH.  I have been married to Kathy for 15 years.  We have a daughter, Chrissie, age 12. I graduate from Oak Hills High School in 1975 and from Miami University in 1979.

I have been a life long resident of Delhi Township.  My father owned Bob Murphy Florist in Cheviot and Delhi.

I am a member St. John’s Westminster Union Church and an active chairman for the St. John’s Westminster Union Church Learning Center Board.

I am very involved in participating in athletics including softball, basketball and golf.  My softball team won the 1983 Greater Cincinnati Metro Softball Tournament participated in the National Tournament in Kansas City.

I was one of the founding member of Ohio Valley Voices, (formerly Ohio Valley Oral School) a school for hearing impaired children.

I am current a Vice President/Owner for Schiff Kreidler Shell Insurance and Risk Services.

I am a diehard fan of the Reds, Bengals and Buckeyes.  I am a charter member of the Pete Rose Fan Club.