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YSU Foundation announces board appointment, new members

By Mahoning Matters staff
From left, Frank Hierro, Sergul Erzurum, John Moliterno and Elba Navarro. (Contributed photos)
From left, Frank Hierro, Sergul Erzurum, John Moliterno and Elba Navarro. (Contributed photos)

YOUNGSTOWN — The Youngstown State University Foundation on Wednesday announced the appointment of Frank Hierro as chair of the board of trustees, and three new board members: Sergul Erzurum, John Moliterno and Elba Navarro.

Hierro, who has 40 years of experience in the banking industry, is a YSU business and finance graduate and Home Savings EVP and Mahoning Valley regional president. His tenure on the YSU Foundation board began in 2001.

Erzurum is an ophthalmologist and Eye Care Associates partner in Youngstown. In 2016, Erzurum co-founded — and is the current president for — Sight for all United, whose mission is to help all members of the community see, regardless of their ability to pay. She received her graduate education from Northeast Ohio Medical University, where she is also a full professor of surgery. She graduated from YSU in the six-year BS/MD program.

Moliterno is the executive director of the Western Reserve Port Authority. Moliterno, who earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology at The Ohio State University, was also a past president at Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber and the Youngstown Chamber of Commerce.

Navarro, a local philanthropist and former educator, graduated from YSU, earning bachelor's and master's degrees in Spanish, reading and education. She retired from Youngstown City Schools, where she taught at Chaney High School and Roosevelt Elementary. Elba and her husband, Shorty, fund numerous scholarships for YSU students through the YSU Foundation.

"The board of trustees welcomes Sergul, John and Elba. They bring many years of expertise in business, health, education and philanthropy," Hierro said in a news release. "Their experience and passion for helping YSU and its students will enhance the future and mission of the YSU Foundation and board of trustees. Their willingness to serve during such an important period for our university is very much appreciated."

The 2020-22 officers are:

  • Frank Hierro, chair;
  • Ed Muransky, vice chair;
  • Mary Beth Houser, secretary;
  • Pete Asimakopoulos, treasurer;
  • Nader Atway, assistant secretary;
  • Doug Sweeney, assistant treasurer.

This story was originally published June 25, 2020 at 2:37 PM with the headline "YSU Foundation announces board appointment, new members."