Malone University Appoints Matt Sutter as new Chair of the Board of Trustees, Welcomes Five New Trustees
Malone University is pleased to announce the appointment of Matt Sutter as the new chair of its Board of Trustees, alongside the appointment of five new board members: Richard T. Kiko Jr., David E. Laliberte, Dwight Mason, Deirdre E. Ortiz, Ph.D., and Kyle Reynolds.
These leaders bring a wealth of executive, ministry, technology, real estate, and scientific expertise to the Institution. Each one is deeply committed to Malone’s mission and eager to support the University’s strategic direction and student-focused community. Board members are appointed to serve terms three years in length and are eligible to serve up to three terms.
“It is truly an exciting time to be serving Malone and our students, and I am deeply encouraged by the wealth of knowledge, executive vision, and faith-driven leadership our new board chair and members bring to the table,” said President Greg Miller, Ph.D. “We continue to draw leaders who are committed to our mission of serving the Church, community, and world, and I am eager to collaborate with all of our board members in our strategic discussions. I am profoundly grateful for the ways they advocate for Malone in their individual circles of influence.”
For incoming Board Chair Matt Sutter, his desire to lead the Board is deeply connected to Malone’s distinct identity in the regional higher education space.
“Malone is a truly special place because it remains steadfastly Christ-centered and biblically based at a time when so many institutions have turned away from those foundational roots,” said Sutter. “I am inspired by our faculty, staff, and coaches, whose hearts are focused not only on academic excellence, but on deep, life-changing Christian mentorship. From helping students come to know Christ to empowering the 30% of our student body who are the first in their family to attend college, Malone’s education has the ability to transform lives both now and for eternity. I am deeply honored to serve this community.”
About the Board Chair
Matt Sutter earned his bachelor of architecture from Virginia Tech and has been practicing architecture across multiple states and countries for 34 years. He serves as chief executive officer of SoL Harris/Day Architecture, the largest architecture firm in Stark County. Under his leadership, the firm has received numerous prestigious design awards for landmark regional projects, including Timken’s World Headquarters, the Bridgestone Technical Center, and Westbrook Country Club. As he guides SoL Harris/Day through its transition to a fourth generation of executive leadership, Matt continues to model professional excellence, strategic stewardship, and design innovation across the region.
Joining the Malone Board of Trustees
Richard T. Kiko Jr. is the recently retired CEO and broker of the KIKO Company, a third-generation family-owned real estate and auction business founded in 1945. An Ohio-licensed auctioneer and real estate broker, Kiko specialized in land, commercial, and residential real estate, with professional experience spanning sales, marketing, manufacturing, finance, and general management. He holds a bachelor of science with honors in industrial engineering technology from the University of Dayton and previously worked for several Fortune 500 companies. Kiko holds memberships in the Stark County, Ohio, and National Associations of Realtors, as well as state and national auctioneer associations.
David E. Laliberte serves as vice president, SLED Central, at Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). Over his 15-year tenure at HPE, Laliberte has held leadership roles across sales and U.S. business operations, focusing heavily on the state, local, and higher education (SLED) sector, where HPE networking products are utilized by more than 40% of universities nationwide. A longtime member of Canton First Friends Church, Laliberte leads with a faith-centered, purpose-driven approach focused on mentoring employees and supporting family priorities.
Dwight Mason is the lead pastor of NewPointe Community Church, a dynamic six-campus church in Northeast Ohio with a weekend attendance exceeding 5,000 people. Having served at NewPointe for more than 40 years, Mason has dedicated his ministry to building a culture centered on spiritual growth, leadership development, and practical biblical teaching. He earned a bachelor of arts in religion from Ohio Christian University and is passionate about strengthening families and equipping leaders.
Deirdre E. Ortiz, Ph.D., is a retired cereal chemist, church leader, and agricultural advocate. She holds a bachelor of science in music therapy from the University of Kansas, as well as a master of science and Ph.D. in cereal chemistry from Kansas State University. During a 25-year career at the Kellogg Company, Dr. Ortiz specialized in grain and food chemistry research and was elected by her peers to serve a three-year term as president of the Cereals & Grains Association, an international professional organization. Following her retirement from Kellogg’s, she joined the staff at Battle Creek Friends Church, where she oversees volunteer ministry, prayer ministry, and GriefShare.
Kyle Reynolds serves as lead pastor at Friends Church in Willoughby Hills, one of the largest congregations in the Evangelical Friends Church – Eastern Region; this is also the church community where he was raised. Called to ministry following his first year of high school, Reynolds is dedicated to communicating Scripture with conviction and relevance, guided by core leadership principles of personal integrity and follow-through. His heart is to help people see how the Bible speaks into real life and to lead a church that’s deeply rooted in both truth and grace.