Podcast
Building Ideas
Hosted by MSA Design · EN
Building Ideas is a podcast joined by passionate designers, leaders, and innovators who believe design and relationships have the power to make the world a better place. Join us as we discuss trending topics, innovative techniques and deep-seated traditions in the design, non-profit, and business worlds that leave a lasting impact on our lives and our communities. Subscribe to hear the latest monthly updates and special guest appearances on Wednesdays.
Building Ideas is a podcast brought to you by MSA Design, an award winning national architecture and design firm headquartered in the Midwest committed to designing exceptional experiences and spaces.
22episodes
Episodes
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Episode 103_Geoff Mearns
2w ago00:44:45Tap to summarizePresident Geoffrey S. Mearns serves as the 17th president of Ball State University in Muncie, Indiana. This 21,000 student institution competes at the NCAA Division 1 FBS level in the Mid American Conference. In addition to its' acclaimed programs in the Estopinal College of Architecture & Planning, the College of Communication Information & Media, Honors College, and the Miller College of Business - the Ball State's Teachers' College is a world-renowned leader in teacher education. After joining the University in May 2017, President Mearns helped to develop a new strategic plan. Destination 2040: Our Flight Path established a long-range vision for the University that sets priorities across five key areas: undergraduate excellence, graduate education and lifetime learning, community engagement and impact, scholarship and societal impact, and inclusiveness and institutional excellence. A refreshed version of the plan, which upholds these five long-term goals, was approved by members of the Board of Trustees in 2025. During his tenure, President Mearns has pursued initiatives that have sustained and expanded the University’s enrollment, despite the adverse impact of the pandemic, and increased alumni engagement and fundraising. President Mearns has also strengthened the University’s relationship with the community, most notably through its innovative partnership with Muncie Community Schools and its ambitious plan to revitalize The Village through a $200 million mixed use academic village redevelopment. During his tenure the University continues to invest in core academic, student life, and athletic facilities. A former elite collegiate distance running athlete and distinguished attorney and federal prosecutor, he previously served as President at Northern Kentucky University and Provost/Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Cleveland State University. He and his wife Jennifer have five adult children and multiple grandchildren.
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Episode 102_Terri Hanlon-Bremer
Apr 1500:32:42Tap to summarizeTerri Hanlon-Bremer, MSN, RN, was named TriHealth’s incoming Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective in late June 2026. In her previous role as Chief Operating Officer (COO), Terri worked closely with clinical and administrative leadership teams to continue to elevate operational performance while driving the continued integration and acceleration of TriHealth’s leading population health strategy. Under Terri’s leadership, TriHealth’s operational rigor has been enhanced to ensure top performance in quality, service and financial strength. She has led system transformation through clinical redesign, achieving greater efficiency and effectiveness in care delivery. Additionally, Terri has spearheaded TriHealth’s consumerism efforts, aimed at evolving care delivery to meet the changing needs of patients. Her passion for delivering the TriHealth Way signature experience to every patient has contributed to TriHealth’s emergence as the region’s leading and most trusted healthcare provider. Her leadership in driving TriHealth’s population health initiatives continue to redefine healthcare delivery by improving patient outcomes and bending the cost curve. A registered nurse with a master’s degree in nursing administration, Terri has more than 30 years of healthcare experience. She started her career in 1987 as a cardiac nurse and joined TriHealth’s leadership team in 2007. Since then, she has assumed roles of increasing leadership responsibilities, including leading TriHealth’s population health strategy and overseeing its successful COVID vaccination program. Through balanced and thoughtful leadership, Terri’s ability to manage complex operational and strategic initiatives across TriHealth’s expansive delivery system has resulted in improved patient outcomes, industry-leading team member and physician engagement, and enhanced customer satisfaction. Terri has received regional and national awards and recognition for her achievements at TriHealth, including Modern Healthcare’s Top 25 Innovators Award in 2022, and is a sought-after national voice on TriHealth’s population health journey. She is a member of Class 48 of the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber’s Leadership Cincinnati program, the American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE), and the Mason Port Authority Board. Terri formerly served as Chair of the Cincinnati chapter of the American Diabetes Association. She dedicates her time and leadership skills to several community initiatives, including Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cincinnati as well as her church, further demonstrating her commitment to service and leadership.
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Episode 101_Doug Steimle
Feb 1800:36:04Tap to summarizeDoug Steimle is Operations Leader and Principal at Schaefer, a Cincinnati headquartered Structural Engineering design practice.Doug is one of Schaefer’s senior level engineers with 23+ years of experience. He is recognized in the design of tall wood and hybrid-frame buildings both for mixed-use + multi-residential, and has shared his knowledge through presentations to architects and engineers across the country through Woodworks, the American Society of Civil Engineers and the Structural Engineers Association of Ohio annual conference. Doug is passionate about the future of the wood industry and has emerged as a heavy timber advocate; he has designed 20+ mass timber projects, including the first and second CLT hotels in the United States.A Cincinnati native and graduate of the University of Cincinnati, Doug and his wife are raising eleven children.
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Episode 100_Jeff Mitchell
Jan 2100:49:30Tap to summarizeJeff Mitchell was introduced as the Cardinals’ Director of Athletics on February 6, 2023. A respected administrator with more than two decades of experience in higher education and athletics administration, Mitchell is currently in his third year as a member of the Ball State University senior executive team and leads an athletics department that sponsors 19 programs with more than 450 student-athletes.During his first two years at the helm, Mitchell’s leadership fostered significant competitive success, new standards of academic excellence, increased commitment to community engagement, enhanced growth in philanthropic support and revenue generation, and investment in comprehensive facility improvements. In 2024–25, Mitchell led Ball State to secure its first-ever Carol A. Cartwright Award, signifying the Mid-American Conference’s best overall athletics program, recognizing academic excellence, athletic success, and civic engagement.Ball State has claimed 10 conference championships under Mitchell’s leadership. Academically, Ball State established a new benchmark in 2024–25 as all 19 varsity programs recorded a team GPA above 3.0 in both semesters. The department achieved its highest spring semester GPA in the past decade (3.487) and its highest full-year GPA in 10 years (3.46). In the community, the Cardinals logged more than 4,200 hours of service in Muncie and across East Central Indiana.In addition to these competitive and academic milestones, Mitchell negotiated a new multimedia rights deal with Peak Sports MGMT valued at more than $10 million. Fundraising for Ball State Athletics also recorded its highest two-year total ever, with more than $17.9 million raised. Nearly all Ball State sports venues have undergone significant updates over the past two years, with completed or approved construction projects accounting for approximately $25 million in facility enhancements.Mitchell is the co-author of the textbook Sport, Ethics and Leadership, published in 2017, and previously served as an adjunct professor of business leadership at the University of Southern Mississippi. He earned his Bachelor of Arts (2001) and Master of Business Administration (2003) degrees from Millsaps College in Jackson, Mississippi, where he was a four-year member of the varsity baseball team. He earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Mississippi School of Law in 2005, where he also served as a graduate assistant in the external relations unit, primarily working with the Ole Miss football and men’s basketball programs. Mitchell and his wife, April, are parents to a daughter, Harper Wynne (17), and a son, Carson (12).
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Episode 99_Colleen Reynolds
Dec 1700:58:26Tap to summarizeColleen is a Partner at DSD Advisors LLC, the government relations consulting affiliate of Dinsmore & Shohl LLP that partners with public, private, and nonprofit clients to achieve their public policy goals at the local, state, and federal levels. She is responsible for advocacy and communications strategy development and execution on behalf of all DSD clients.Before joining DSD Advisors, she served as director of communications & community affairs for a Cincinnati City Council Member. Her experience includes shaping and guiding the city’s $1.4 billion annual budget, managing constituent services and internal stakeholder relationships, directing both internal and external communications, and advising on legislative policy and issue management. She also created, executed, and oversaw office initiatives that received national recognition.Colleen holds an Honors B.A. in the Philosophy, Politics, and the Public Program from Xavier University, where she served as student body president. She also holds a B.A. in Theology with minors in History and Peace Studies. She is active in the community, serving as President of the Oakley Community Council Board of Trustees, Vice President of the Cincinnati & Hamilton County Library Board of Trustees, and Member of the Groundwork Ohio River Valley Board of Directors. She is also an elected Precinct Executive serving on the Hamilton County Democratic Executive Committee. She resides in Oakley.
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Episode 98_Dan Driehaus
Nov 1200:51:13Tap to summarizeBorn into family committed to public service, Dan Driehaus has been civically involved since birth. He continues to serve his community on Wyoming City Council, in addition to non-profit boards, public boards and through his own children's activities and schools. Dan earned his B.A. in Public Administration from Miami University in 1994. Following graduation, Dan served as the Volunteer Coordinator of the Joel Hyatt for Senate Campaign, based in Cleveland, Ohio. Following the campaign, Dan began his insurance career at Cincinnati Insurance Company, where he served as a commercial underwriter. As an insurance agent, from 1998 to 2012, Dan built a client list consisting of public entities, school systems, civic organizations, commercial accounts, non-profit entities & personal lines accounts. Since 2012, Dan has started his own firm, Driehaus Insurance Group. The insurance agency profession lends itself to community involvement. Dan enjoys serving with community members on several boards & civic organizations.From 2014 to 2019, Dan served on the Cincinnati Planning Commission, eventually serving as Board Chair. During his tenure, Dan presided over 142 Planning Commission meetings, approved 23 updated community plans and hundreds of development projects, including Cincinnati Children's Hospital Expansion, the Anthem Walnut Hills Mixed-Use Development, Uptown Gateway Project and much more - as envisioned by residents and planning professionals.From 2013 to 2018, Dan served on the board of Cincinnatus. From 2013 to present, Dan has served on the board, and eventually chaired, the Cincinnati Area Senior Services. Dan is also proud to serve as the Immediate Past Board Chair for Meals on Wheels of Southwest Ohio & Northern Kentucky, a Board Member of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA), the Chair of the Cincinnati Fire Museum, Chair of the Cincinnati Junior Rowing Club, and is a member of the Leadership Cincinnati Class 45.As a member of Wyoming City Council, Dan serves on the Planning Commission, the Community Improvement Corporation, and is Wyoming's representative on the Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana Regional Council of Governments.
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Episode 97_Jason Toth
Sep 1700:49:05Tap to summarizeJason Toth was named senior associate vice president for administration for the University of Toledo in January 2019. He oversees the University's Facilities & Construction and Supply Chain offices.In his role, Toth leads the planning, directing, and monitoring of facilities operations and maintenance for the physical plant of the University. He is also responsible for the coordination and management of capital construction projects, aligning them with the University's Strategic and Campus Master Plans. Additionally, Toth leads the supply chain management division which handles University procurement, Shipping/Receiving/Mail Services/Surplus Property, along with the University of Toledo Medical Center's central distribution and linen services areas.Toth joined the University in 2011 as the Director of Facilities/Civil Engineer. He oversaw the re-engineering of the department's Construction Project Management Team. He applied his expertise to streamline processes and create efficiencies resulting in increased customer satisfaction and a reduction to the University's deferred maintenance liability.In 2012 Toth was promoted to University Chief Engineer, in 2013 to Associate Vice President, and in 2019 to Senior Associate Vice President. Under his leadership the departments for which he provides oversight strive to provide exceptional environments, deliver top end service, and promote the University's mission to improve the human condition.Prior to joining UToledo, Toth spent 13+ in the construction management field working for Bostleman Corporation.Toth received his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Case Western Reserve University. He is a LEED accredited professional and attended the Harvard Graduate School of Education, Institute for Educational Management.Jason has been happily married to his wife Janell for 27+ years. They have 5 children – Addison, Broc, Carson, Delaney, and Eli (ABCDE) and two adorable grand children (Julia – 5 and Sadie – 2). In his free time he enjoys walking, hiking, cycling and has been coaching youth sports for nearly 30yrs.
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Episode 96_Justin Brookhart
Aug 2100:49:10Tap to summarizeJustin Brookhart is the Executive Director of Public Art and Placemaking at AGAR, an experiential marketing and creative agency specializing in cultural storytelling and immersive brand experiences. In this role, Justin leads a national portfolio of transformative public art and placemaking projects that fuse creativity, culture, and community. Overseeing everything from concept development and artist curation to fabrication, installation, and vibrant programming, he brings large-scale works to life in cities across the country.Justin excels at building dynamic public-private partnerships and managing complex, multi-million-dollar initiatives, ensuring each project becomes an immersive experience that engages and uplifts diverse communities. Prior to AGAR, he served as Executive Director of BLINK, the nation’s largest public art festival, which drew over 2.2M attendees and earned national acclaim.Justin holds a Master of Public Affairs from the LBJ School at the University of Texas at Austin and a BA in Film Arts from the University of New Orleans. His visionary leadership has been recognized with honors including the Ohio Arts Council’s Irma Lazarus Award (2025), CODAworx Creative Revolutionary (2023), and helping Cincinnati earn USA Today’s Best City for Street Art (2024). Through his work, Justin helps shape places that resonate far beyond their physical spaces, leaving a lasting mark on both people and culture.
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Episode 95_Annette DiTommaso & Charlie Williams
Jul 1601:07:07Tap to summarizeAnnette DiTommaso, Executive Director Annette DiTommaso is the Executive Director of the Blue Line Foundation, where she leads efforts to support first responders, uplift at-risk communities, and drive impactful urban revitalization projects throughout Greater Cincinnati. With over a decade of expertise in corporate social responsibility and nonprofit management, Annette is deeply committed to fostering strategic partnerships, securing sustainable funding, and spearheading initiatives that improve community infrastructure, promote neighborhood safety, and expand affordable housing.Before her role at Blue Line, Annette held key leadership positions at altafiber, including Senior Manager of Employee Experience and Corporate Impact and Employee Engagement Manager. There, she developed comprehensive global CSR programs, established charitable foundations, and significantly boosted employee engagement and corporate philanthropy.Annette began her career as a financial advisor with Merrill Lynch, specializing in ethical investing and strategic charitable giving, before moving into relationship management at United Way of Greater Cincinnati. A proud Indiana University alumna, Annette holds both a Bachelor's and a Master's degree in Public Policy and Nonprofit Management. Recognized as a YWCA Rising Star, she combines strategic vision, data-driven solutions, and passionate leadership to create lasting, positive change in the community. Charlie Williams, President Charlie Williams is a seasoned financial professional and Director of Wealth Management at LS Financial Group, with nearly two decades of experience guiding clients through strategic financial planning, investment management, retirement strategies, and estate planning. At the Blue Line Foundation, Charlie serves as President and leverages his extensive financial expertise to help drive strategic decision-making, fiscal responsibility, and long-term sustainability, supporting the Foundation's critical mission to uplift first responders, enhance community safety, and foster urban revitalization.In addition to his role at LS Financial Group, Charlie previously served as a Financial Consultant at A.G. Edwards & Sons, bringing a wealth of experience in wealth-building and client relations. He also contributed to public service as the Campaign Manager for Debbi Alsfelder for Congress, underscoring his commitment to community and civic engagement.A proud graduate of Miami University, Charlie holds degrees in Diplomacy & Foreign Affairs and Economics. He is recognized as a Five Star Wealth Manager and maintains several financial certifications, including Series 7, 63, and 65 licenses. Charlie is passionate about applying his financial acumen and strategic insight to make a lasting positive impact in his community.
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Episode 94_Brendon Cull & Pete Metz
Jun 1800:46:31Tap to summarizeBrendon CullPresident & CEO, Cincinnati Regional ChamberBrendon Cull leads the Cincinnati Regional Chamber—the region’s largest business organization—where he drives a bold strategy to grow our economy, population, and cultural vibrancy. Since joining the Chamber in 2015 (after a decade guiding government affairs for The Kroger Co.), Brendon has steered game‑changing initiatives: championing the Brent Spence Bridge Corridor, co‑creating the Cincinnati Futures Commission, scaling BLINK into a $127 million economic juggernaut, and launching the Minority Business Accelerator Fund I.A Xavier University grad (Organizational Communication) and Leadership Cincinnati alum, Brendon blends 30 years of government, corporate, and nonprofit experience. He’s an in‑demand strategist and civic ambassador, serving on boards for ArtsWave, CincyTech, the Cincinnati Museum Center, the Minority Business Accelerator, Visit Cincy, and Xavier’s Williams College of Business.Away from the office, Brendon is an avid reader, runner, cyclist, and live‑music aficionado. He and his wife Becky are raising two daughters in Cincinnati’s Clifton neighborhood—never far from a great book or the next big idea. Pete MetzVice President, Civic & Regional Partnerships, Cincinnati Regional ChamberPete Metz convenes businesses, civic leaders, and community partners to accelerate initiatives that make Greater Cincinnati thrive. As vice president of Civic & Regional Partnerships, he guides the Chamber’s Center for Research & Data and more than a dozen programs tackling economic development, housing, innovation, and the built environment.Best known as the business community’s “transportation champion,” Pete has spent nearly a decade unlocking hundreds of millions of dollars for transformative projects—the Brent Spence Bridge, Western Hills Viaduct, expanded Metro funding, and the region‑spanning CROWN trail. He helped architect and pass Hamilton County’s landmark Move Forward levy, doubling transit funding while lowering Cincinnati’s earnings tax.Pete cut his teeth in public service as chief of staff to Cincinnati Vice Mayor David Mann and on Capitol Hill shaping federal transportation and energy policy. He now serves on the boards of SORTA, OKI Regional Council of Governments, the Corporation for Findlay Market, and Northside’s NEST CDC.A Clifton resident, Pete enjoys exploring city neighborhoods with his wife Becca and their two young daughters—always plotting the next connection that will move Cincinnati forward.
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