Executive Branch Members

Hey Zips! My name is Grace DeWitt, and I'm the Student Body President this year! I'm a fourth-year student with a Political Science Major, Global Studies Major, Pre-Law Philosophy Minor, and an International Business Certificate. I'm going into my fourth year as a USG member, and I've had the privilege of being involved in various organizations such as the Emerging Leaders Program, Honors/Orr Hall Government, Residence Hall Program Board (RHPB), Pre-Law Society, Women in Business, and more. I look forward to advocating for students this year! Do not hesitate to reach out if you have any questions/comments/concerns about USG or campus in general. Go Zips!

Hey Zips! I am a 4th year marketing major. Previously in USG, I have served as Director of Media and Analytics and a Marketing Strategist where I worked to coordinate USG's social media materials as a part of the Marketing Team. I am also involved as President of Akron’s chapter of the American Marketing Association, and a member of the CoB Dean's Team. During my time at UA, I have also been involved in Residence Life & Housing as the Social Media Chair of RHPB and as an Emerging Leader. My mission for office is to support members of USG so that the organization can better provide Academic, Professional, and Community Development to students.

Hi Zips! My name is Olivia Lane, and I am a fifth-year Civil Engineering student at The University of Akron, and the Chief of Staff for USG. I have previously served in all three branches of USG as an Associate Justice, Executive Justice, Senate Assistant, and Deputy Chief of Staff. Additionally, I acted as the chair of the Campus Dining Experience Committee last year, where I got to work with Aramark to incorporate students' dining-related ideas into actions. Outside of USG, I serve as the Vice President for the Society of Women Engineers and Hike Leader for Environmental Action Club. I am an avid Zips Basketball fan, and in my free time, I enjoy reading and thrifting.

Hey Zips! My name is Matt Howell and I am a Junior studying financial planning here at UA as well as the Director of Finance for Undergraduate Student Government! Outside of USG, I'm involved in variety of places on campus, including the College of Business Dean's Team, UA Ambassadors, Phi Delta Theta Fraternity, the Interfraternity Council, the Financial Planning Student Association, Akron Clays Club and Akron Running Club. When I'm not busy, I enjoy watching motorsports, running, and golfing with friends.

My name is Dylan Leipold and I'm in my 3rd year studying Business Administration. I currently serve as Director of Membership Development on USG, VP of Community Engagement on the Interfraternity Council, and Vice President of my fraternity, Phi Delta Theta. After graduating, I'd like to work in higher-ed while pursuing my MBA, and outside of student life I enjoy volunteering, working outside, playing board games and meeting new people. Go Zips!

Hi Zips!! I am Natalie Gardner a third year Accounting student and I am the Director of Community and Campus Outreach. For the past two years I have had the privilege to serve Undergraduate Student Government as the College of Business Senator and am excited to continue with this amazing organization as the Director of Community and Campus Outreach. Over all I am very involved on campus by being in 11 organization but most notably the President of Delta Sigma Pi (a business fraternity) and Vice President of the Honors Advisory Council. So feel free to say hi if you see me around! I will be graduating this year with my bachelors but will be staying around a another year for my masters!

Hello! My name is Bryanne Webster and I am a senior here at The University of Akron. I am studying art education in hopes of being a high school art teacher. I am one of the Directors of Project Management for Undergraduate Student Government. Outside of USG I am a community assistant for the residence halls and I also am a student artist for the Department of Residence Life and Housing. This will be my second year in USG in the same position so I am very excited to see what all we can accomplish this year!

Hello! My name is Sarvesh Sudhaharan, a junior in Biomedical Sciences(Pre-Med Track) and the USG Director of Project Management. Last Year, I had worked as the Zips Activities Board(ZAB) President, but I am excited to work with USG this year. Also at UA, I am involved in NRHH(National Residency Hall Honorary) as the Service and Recognition Chair. I am also working as an OMD(Office of Multicultural Development) Peer Mentor. I really love being involved on campus and working with fellow Zips!

Hey Zips! My name is Maggie Mahaney and I am currently a third year Environmental Science major and Director of Event Coordination for USG. I previously held the Event Coordiniator position and am excited to be leading the Events Team this year! Along with USG, I also am involved in Environmental Action Club as the President and serve as Vice President of the Association for Women Geoscientists - Zips Chapter. I currently work on campus as a Student Assistant at the Institute for Human Science and Culture in the Cummings Center (free for students with a Zip Card!). I love being involved in student orgs on campus, especially USG, and am looking forward to working on some more fun events for the student body this year!

Hi fellow Zips! I’m JoAnna Shafer, a 5th-year senior in Civil Engineering and the USG Director of Communications. This is my first year involved in USG, and I’m really looking forward to taking on this role. Other organizations on campus I’ve been involved in are Environmental Action, where I am the Vice-President. I am also involved in the American Society of Civil Engineers, I am UA’s chapter secretary, and I am a part of the Geo-Challenge Design Team and the Construction Institute. Outside of campus, I have been a co-op for the City of Akron Water Bureau for two years. I also love to read all the latest trending books!

Hello Zips! My name is A.J. Ruffin, and I am a junior dual degreeing in Psychology and Child and Family Development. I am the Health and Safety Officer in Undergraduate Student Government, I also served as the Mental Health Task Force Chair this past year. I was also a part of the Campus Dining Committee as well. I am also passionate about advocating for people's mental health and their well-being. I like promoting the recourses we have on campus that are at our fingertips involving health and safety. Outside of USG, I am also the President of Honors Advisory Council, a part of NRHH, First Year Experience Committee. I enjoy watching/playing soccer, going on hikes and spending time with my loved ones.

Hi y’all! My name is Isaac Machar and I am a fourth-year student double majoring in Psychology and Biology, minoring in Chemistry, and completing a certificate in Addiction Services. I am excited to step into the role of Deputy Chief of Staff. For the past three years, I have held the position of Senator At-Large and chair of the Academic Policy and Student Success Committee. Outside of USG, I am a Desk Manager for the Department of Residence Life and Housing, a member of National Residence Hall Honorary and Psi Chi International Honor Society in Psychology, a nationally recognized speaker on our competitive Speech and Debate Team, and a student in the Williams Honors College. My passions are in tangible change in academic policy and supporting programs that cater to student success. I love to hammock, take walks on campus, and try new food! Go Zips!

Hi! My name is Bella Ackerman, I am a junior at the University of Akron pursuing a biomedical sciences degree. My position in USG is the deputy director of finance which I am excited to return to for the second year. Outside USG, I participate in research at NEOMed and work part time at a community health clinic which I love!

Hey Zips! My name is Nick Senko. I am a third-year Mechanical Engineering student at the University of Akron, and I am the Deputy Director of Community Outreach for USG. This is my first year in USG and I am looking forward to serving the student body to the best of my ability. Aside from USG, I am involved with Residence Life and Housing as an RA in South Hall, Engineering Student Council as the Marketing Coordinator, Men's Club Lacrosse as the President, UA Ambassadors, UA Social Media as a Social Media Ambassador, NRHH, and my fraternity FIJI as the Service Chair. Off-campus I am involved with the National Association of Engineering Student Councils as the Vice President of Recruitment and Retention. In my free time I enjoy watching Zips sports and hanging out with friends.

Hi my name is Reese Walter, and I am a rising Junior in Computer Engineering. This is my first year being a part of USG, and I am involved with my fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta, as Scholarship chair and New Member Educator. I also have been an Orientation Leader for 2 years. I’ve been a part of a multitude of campus organizations including Major Events Committee, Zips Men’s Lacrosse, and more. After graduation, I plan on working on assistive technology for the blind and deaf, and also plan on returning to school to pursue a MBA.

Hi everyone! My name is Ashley Cosgrave and I am a fourth year Biomedical Science major with a Spanish minor. I have been in USG for three years now. Previously, I served as a Senator At-Large and Senate Chair, but now I have the amazing opportunity to serve the student body as the Deputy Director of LGBTQ+ and Gender Equity. I hope to bridge the gap between administration and the student body. The diversity, equity, and inclusion team is working on many exciting projects for the year! If you have any recommendations or concerns please reach out!

Hello! My name is Lana Tamim and I am a Project Manager for the Undergraduate Student Government. I am a junior majoring in Computer Science as well. I am a part of the Diversity Committee and aim to help plan and execute events that promote inclusion on campus. Additionally, I am an ambassador for IDEAs & Women in Engineering, the University Council Internet Technology Committee, and the hiking club. I am excited to plan and create memorable events on campus this year!

Hi Zips! My name is Jessica Greene, I’m a sophomore majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology. In USG, I act as Project Manager, but I am also a member of Sigma Lambda and Major Events Committee (for RHPB). Outside of school, I work at the College of Health & Human Sciences and mainly spend my time with friends.

Hello! My name is Forest Pence and I am a 3rd year majoring in Geology and minoring in Physics. I am a Project Manager for USG. Outside of USG, I am also the President of Geosciences Club and Treasurer for LGBTUA. I also enjoy reading and raising plants. I look forward to working with everyone this year!

Hello! My name is Grace Salvatore and I am currently a 4th year here at the University of Akron! I am a nursing major and minoring in Child Development. I hold the Project Management position at USG, hold Vice President of Finance for the graduating nursing class of 2026, and am involved with my Greek life student organization here on campus. I hold a passion for volunteer work devoting my time to the Akron-Canton foodbank, Save A Mom dog rescue, and the Ronald McDonald House. Outside of school I am a PCNA at Cleveland Clinic Mercy hospital at the ICU! There I am able to recieve critical care experience that will allow me to become more familiarized with what speciality I want to do when I graduate. I am excited to work with USG this upcoming year and hope to make a difference within the student body and our Akron communities!

Hey Zips! My name is Julie and I’m a project manager this year. I’m in my fourth year at UA with a double major in High School Education and History. Last year, I served as the Senate Assistant for USG. When I’m not at the university, I work full time as an EMT. I’m also obtaining my volunteer firefighter certification. I’m so excited to serve the student body this year!

Hello! My name is Brian Nguyen and I am a fifth-year Biomedical Engineering major. I am also pursuing a minor in applied mathematics and a certificate in Biomimicry. Within USG, I've also been a project manager and was the vice chair of the Campus Dining Experience Committee where I worked to improve the food and dining amenities on campus. Outside of USG, I've also been involved in a wide variety of groups and organizations such as Emerging Leaders, Sigma Lambda, National Residence Hall Honorary, and I'm the Events Chair and Recording Secretary for the Engineering Honors Society Tau Beta Pi. I've worked for New Student Orientation as both an Orientation Leader and Team leader as well as a New Roo Weekend Leader. I've also served as a member of the Williams Honors College Dean's Team as well as a Student Assistant for the Honors College. In my free time I enjoy playing video games, fantasy football, and long boarding.

Hey everyone! My name is AJ Stewart, I am going into my Senior class year here at the University of Akron, and I am majoring in Criminal Intelligence Analysis! Besides my involvement with USG, I am involved in Residence Life and Housing as the Student Coordinator of the Spanton residence hall, the President of the National Residence Hall Honorary, Vice President of the Omicron Delta Kappa (ODK) honorary, a Team Leader for New Student Orientation, a Forefront mentor, a UA Ambassador, the Buchtel College of Arts and Science Ambassador, UA Social Media Ambassador, and I am the Community Service Chair for Phi Delta Theta! Outside of campus, I love hiking, running, and traveling to new places. The reason why I wanted to be apart of USG as an Event Coordinator is because I wanted to create fun and inclusive events to make sure that all student here at the University of Akron enjoy their time and feel comfortable, and also to give others a chance to make new friends, make the most of their time at UA, and also just bringing students together on campus!

I am a Criminal Intelligence Analysis major in the Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences, with a certificate in Esports Management and I am currently one of the Social Media Curators within the Undergraduate Student Government. Outside of USG, I am active as a Club Officer with Zips Esports, as well as a commentator for collegiate esports where time permits.

Hi Zips! I’m Irene Garcia Cruz and I’m a 3rd year marketing student at The University of Akron. I’m excited to return for my second year as a Social Media Strategist for the Undergraduate Student Government(USG)! Outside of my involvement in USG, I’m the Social Media Chair for the American Marketing Association(AMA) and a member of the Women In Business(WIB). I’m excited to combine my skills with an amazing team to provide an enriching experience for all students!

Hi Zips! My name is Isaac Bee, and I am in my junior year of Mechanical Engineering, with minors in Physics, Mathematics, and Business Essentials for Engineers. I currently serve in USG as Greek Life Liaison for the Interfraternity Council (IFC). Outside of USG, I also serve as the Treasurer for my fraternity, Phi Gamma Delta, and as National Vice President of Tau Beta Pi (the engineering honorary), in addition to involvement with other campus organizations, such as Campus Focus, and the Akron Chess Club. After I graduate, I plan on pursuing a doctorate in Nuclear Engineering, with a focus on pursuing nuclear fusion as a viable source of clean energy.

Hi, I’m Brynn, a junior majoring in Criminal Justice and the USG Greek Liaison for the Panhellenic Council. I am a member of Alpha Phi, the Vice President of Recruitment for the Panhellenic Council, and a part of the Honors College. This is my first year in Akron’s Undergraduate Student Government, and I am very excited to work with other amazing students. Outside of the University of Akron, I volunteer with Akron Hope, an organization that tutors elementary students. After graduation, I plan on attending law school to earn my J.D. Go Zips!

If you are interested in this position, please see the "Get Involved" page or contact DLT.

If you are interested in this position, please see the "Get Involved" page or contact DLT.