2007-2008 Board of Directors

The Children’s Scholarship Fund of Greater Cincinnati is led by a talented and diverse board of directors. In partnership with a small, professional staff, generous donors, dedicated CSF families and supportive private schools, CSF Cincinnati successfully implements a viable program that positively impacts low-income children in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Durk Rorie

President and CoChair

Durk has been working for many years in Cincinnati focusing much of his time and money on promoting educational opportunities for Cincinnati youth. Founder and retired chairman of United Air Specialists, Durk was the catalyst for CSF Cincinnati’s inception. For his multiple volunteer efforts and courageous civic leadership, Durk was awarded the 2000 Outstanding Community Service Award by the Greater Cincinnati Chamber of Commerce.

Phil Heimlich

Vice President and CoChair

Phil has enjoyed a long, distinguished history of serving the taxpayers of Cincinnati beginning in 1984 as an Assistant Hamilton County Prosecutor, Cincinnati City Council Member and most recently as a Hamilton County Commissioner. Phil is the founder of several charter schools in Cincinnati and a strong advocate for school choice for all families. Having graduated with distinction from Stanford University, Phil then earned his J.D. from the University of Virginia Law School.

Lisa Claytor

Treasurer/Secretary and Executive Director of CSF Cincinnati

In 1999, Lisa joined Mr. Rorie and Mr. Heimlich in launching the local CSF program as the director. Prior to this, Lisa was the Interim Director for the Wallace Genetic Foundation, Washington DC, and worked many years as a child and family therapist at family counseling agencies. Lisa holds a masters degree in social work from the University of Tennessee and is currently working on her Non-Profit Management Certificate from Duke University.

Dr. John Bryant

CSF Cincinnati Board Member

Dr. Bryant graduated from the University of Cincinnati in 1960 where he was a member of the basketball team featuring Oscar Robertson. After graduation, John taught at Withrow High School for eight years before returning to the University of Cincinnati to complete his doctorate. John has remained a dedicated professional enriching the lives of students at the high school and college level. John was with Wilmington College for 19 years. In 1990, John assumed the position of Executive Director of the Cincinnati Youth Collaborative retiring in 2001.

Harry B. Santen

CSF Cincinnati Board Member

Harry has demonstrated his commitment to achieving equal justice and advocacy for the poor in a myriad of ways such as founding the Volunteer Lawyers for the Poor Foundation and serving as the President of the Legal Aid Society. Harry’s life time commitment and determination to ensure that the Greater Cincinnati community make progress in achieving true social and legal justice for all has earned him a library of awards. Most significantly, Harry was presented with the Themis Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Cincinnati Bar Association for extraordinary service to law and the community. In addition to his legal and civic leadership, Harry has been involved with a number of programs that promote access to quality education for all to expand minority participation in academic achievement. Harry has been a partner with the Cincinnati law firm of Santen & Hughes.

Brian Berning

CSF Cincinnati Board Member

Brian is a Managing Director at SS&G Financial Services, Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. Over the past ten years Brian has assisted small, middle-market and non-profit organizations with their accounting and consulting needs. His experience and leadership skills have made him instrumental in helping SS&G become one of the fastest growing CPA practices in the US. Brian is an active member of the Northern Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and is a graduate of Leadership Northern Kentucky. Brian serves on numerous advisory boards of regional businesses and supports numerous charities such as the Northern Kentucky Welcome House. Recently, Brian was awarded with the Cincinnati’s Business Courier’s “40 Under 40” Award.