Our Team
John Scroggins
Founder, Director
Current Baton Exchange Role & Strategic Focus
John is the Founder and CEO of The Baton Exchange, providing vision, leadership, and strategic direction for the organization. He oversees organizational development, mentoring initiatives, partnerships, and long-term growth efforts, helping advance the mission of equipping Christian young professionals to flourish in their faith, work, and leadership.
Experience, Background & Education
John brings nearly 20 years of nonprofit leadership experience as a founder and executive director. Prior to launching The Baton Exchange, he worked in production and operations management and provided consulting services to small businesses. His expertise includes curriculum development, organizational systems, process improvement, and building relational networks. One of his proudest accomplishments has been founding and growing a mentoring organization that continues to expand its impact and reach. John holds an MBA in Executive Management and regularly leads workshops and retreats focused on mentoring and biblically based leadership development for young professionals.
Personal Life & Hobbies
John lives in Columbus, Ohio, with his wife and daughter. He enjoys exploring the cultures, foods, art, architecture, and natural beauty of different regions around the world. On weekends, after helping with household projects, he's often found working with his hands on various projects and repairs. Family members have long referred to him as the "absent-minded professor"—a description he admits still fits decades later.
Megan Kenny
Admin
Current Role & Strategic Focus
Megan serves as Virtual Administrator for The Baton Exchange, overseeing many of the day-to-day administrative, communication, and operational functions that keep the organization running smoothly. She supports mentoring programs, manages systems and processes, and helps create a positive experience for mentors, mentees, and partners.
Experience, Background & Education
Before joining The Baton Exchange, Megan spent seven years working as a mental health therapist, specializing in maternal mental health and marriage and family counseling. She holds a Master of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University. During her three and a half years with The Baton Exchange, she has helped support the organization's significant growth, contributing to an expansion of its mentoring reach by nearly tenfold. Her strengths include building meaningful connections, problem-solving, and organizational management.
Personal Life & Hobbies
Megan lives in Columbus, Ohio, with her husband and their two adventurous children. Outside of work, she enjoys exercising, reading, walking, and riding bikes with her family. On weekends, you're most likely to find her biking, spending time with friends, or planning the family's next adventure. She loves traveling and is always on the lookout for creative ways to explore new places, especially when she can uncover an affordable travel hack along the way.
Jayma DuChene
Mentor Training
Current BE Role & Strategic Focus
Jayma serves as Mentor Training Coordinator for The Baton Exchange, equipping volunteer mentors with the tools, resources, and confidence they need to build meaningful mentoring relationships. She is passionate about creating practical, engaging training experiences that prepare mentors to invest in the next generation of Christian young professionals.
Experience, Background & Education
Jayma brings more than 18 years of experience in product ownership, HR technology, organizational leadership, and business process improvement. She specializes in translating complex ideas into practical, people-centered solutions that improve collaboration and drive meaningful results. Throughout her career, she has led more than 300 workflow implementations, supported CRM transformations, and partnered with cross-functional teams to align technology with organizational goals. As a SAFe Agile Practitioner, she combines strategic thinking with strong execution, and she actively leverages artificial intelligence tools to streamline documentation, strengthen planning, and improve team productivity. Known for her deep Salesforce expertise and collaborative leadership style, Jayma has earned recognition as Employee of the Year and is valued as a trusted partner who helps people and organizations succeed together.
Personal Life & Hobbies
Jayma enjoys finding better ways to solve problems, improve systems, and help people work more effectively together. She has a passion for learning emerging technologies—especially artificial intelligence—and enjoys exploring new tools that make work simpler and more impactful. Her people-first approach, combined with a love of continuous learning, makes her a natural mentor and coach for those seeking to grow personally and professionally.
Kim Cordes
Special Projects
Current BE Role & Strategic Focus
Kimberly serves on the Board of Directors for The Baton Exchange, providing financial insight, strategic guidance, and governance as the organization expands its mission of mentoring Christian young professionals. She brings a thoughtful, stewardship-minded perspective to organizational planning and decision-making.
Experience, Background & Education
Kimberly is a Certified Public Accountant with extensive experience in finance and accounting, including many years with Cars.com. She earned her degree from Northern Illinois University and has built a career focused on financial leadership, operational excellence, and responsible stewardship. In addition to her professional work, Kimberly has served as treasurer for multiple churches and nonprofit ministries, reflecting her commitment to serving both her profession and her community.
Personal Life & Interests
Kimberly is passionate about using her financial expertise to support organizations that make a lasting impact. Her long history of volunteer leadership in churches and ministries reflects her heart for stewardship, mentorship, and serving others through both her professional skills and her faith.
Greg Buskirk
Project Manager
Current BE Role & Strategic Focus
Greg serves as Project Manager for The Baton Exchange, helping lead organizational projects, systems, and operational initiatives that support the ministry's mission. He provides strategic oversight and project management expertise to help the organization grow and serve Christian young professionals more effectively.
Experience, Background & Education
Greg brings more than 30 years of experience with the State of Ohio, where he served as a Software Developer, IT Manager, CIO, and leader of a Project Management Office (PMO). His expertise includes technology strategy, project management, and organizational leadership. He holds a degree in Electronic Engineering Technology from DeVry University and is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Personal Life & Hobbies
Greg lives in Sunbury, Ohio, with his wife, Candice. He enjoys traveling, woodworking, and building projects for family and friends. Whether attending a grandchild's sporting event or working on his latest woodworking project, Greg is always creating, serving, and exploring new adventures.
Ron Brumbarger
Program Coordinator
Current BE Role & Strategic Focus
Ron serves as Program Coordinator for The Baton Exchange, helping shape and support program delivery for mentoring and leadership development initiatives. He draws on deep experience in entrepreneurship, innovation, and education to help design and strengthen programs that equip young professionals to grow in both faith and career.
Experience, Background & Education
Ron brings more than 35 years of experience across entrepreneurship, technology, higher education, innovation, and artificial intelligence. He founded Bitwise Solutions in 1992, growing and operating the company for 26 years before its sale in 2018. He later founded Apprentice University in 2013, serving over 250 students before selling the organization in 2023. Ron holds a bachelor’s degree from Ball State University and is a Senior Research Fellow in Basadur Innovation. He is also a frequent speaker on entrepreneurship, innovation, and creative problem-solving.
Personal Life & Hobbies
Ron lives in Westfield, Indiana, with his wife, Cindy. He enjoys time with his family, including their grandchildren, with another on the way. He is an avid traveler who has explored extensively across the U.S. by motorhome and has worked internationally in Europe, Ethiopia, and Kenya. In his free time, he enjoys hiking and cycling, and describes himself as “insatiably curious” with an attention span “like a squirrel,” always exploring new ideas and interests.
Jan Peterson
B2B Developpment
Current BE Role & Strategic Focus
Jan serves as Director of Business-to-Business Development for The Baton Exchange, where she focuses on building meaningful partnerships with organizations and leaders who align with the mission of mentoring Christian young professionals. She is responsible for developing relationships that expand organizational reach, strengthen network connections, and create opportunities for collaboration and growth.
Experience, Background & Education
Jan brings a diverse background across education, healthcare training, and sales. She began her career teaching fourth grade in Ocala, Florida, and later moved into healthcare education, training surgical nurses at Mount Carmel and gaining a deep respect for the medical field. She has also built a strong career in sales, where her natural ability to connect with people and build trust has been central to her success. One of her most meaningful professional experiences was being part of the team that opened Mount Carmel Grove City, where she witnessed the first overhead “lullaby” marking the arrival of a newborn life in the hospital.
Personal Life & Hobbies
Jan lives in the Westerville, Ohio area with her beloved Yorkie, Bella. She values close family relationships and stays deeply connected with her extended family through frequent communication and regular reunions. Outside of work, she enjoys exploring new restaurants, attending plays and live performances, and spending time with friends. Jan also leads a church group called “Women 50ish or Better,” creating space for women to connect, share meals, and build community. She describes her life philosophy as choosing real-world experiences over passive entertainment, preferring engagement, relationships, and meaningful moments over watching life from a distance.
With a heart to develop young adults for positively impacting culture and taking value in their vocation, in 2006 John Scroggins began developing the concept for the Columbus, Ohio, 501(c3) nonprofit faith-based organization that would eventually come to be known as The Baton Exchange.
Young adults from almost 20 countries and regions and over 30,000 people have been touched through various models and methods, which have included virtual and in-person learning communities, one-on-one mentoring, video and podcast content, retreats, workshops, and forums. From the outset we’ve taken a holistic approach to our leadership development, highlighting what we believe to be essential for establishing redemptive influence for Christ. These areas of development grounded in a biblical worldview include: Calling, Core (heart- personal foundations), Christ (head- worldview), Character, Competency (soft skills), Capacity (servant leadership), Community (context and connection).
Our vision continues to be global in nature, with the dream of seeing young adults in global marketplace bringing God’s flourishing to their cultures. Our cause is, “To equip Christian 20-Somethings to integrate faith, work, and leadership for a life of redemptive influence for Christ.”
We’ve been blessed to see many of our alumni grow into leadership roles in their spheres of influence, and have even seen alumni give back to the ministry with their time, talent, and treasure.
And you know what? We’re still small with a big dream!
Soli Deo Gloria!
Board of Directors
Board of Directors heading text
Jonathan Couser
Board member
Current BE Role & Strategic Focus
Jonathan serves as a volunteer mentor with The Baton Exchange, helping young professionals build meaningful relationships, develop leadership skills, and pursue their calling with intentionality. He is passionate about equipping others to grow personally and professionally through authentic connection and strategic thinking.
Experience, Background & Education
Jonathan brings more than 20 years of experience with Fortune 25 companies in the banking and pharmaceutical industries, serving in leadership roles across training, employee experience, and talent development. He is the founder of ARCH Impacts and the author of The GENUINE Advantage. Throughout his corporate career, he successfully led numerous high-impact initiatives, including 13 projects considered "once-in-a-lifetime" opportunities. Jonathan holds a Master of Practical Theology from Ohio Christian University and a Bachelor of Business from Ohio Dominican University. His work centers on the power of healthy relationships to transform both personal fulfillment and organizational success.
Personal Life & Hobbies
Jonathan lives on a farm in Sunbury, Ohio, with his wife, Krissy, their five children, and a variety of farm animals. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching youth sports, exploring the outdoors, meeting new people, and tackling the ambitious goal of reading 52 books each year. On weekends, you'll likely find him outdoors with his family—whether tending the farm, enjoying sports, or heading out on a new adventure. Jonathan describes himself as a modern-day Renaissance man who is always eager to learn something new.
Dr. John Delano
Board member
Current BE Role & Strategic Focus
John serves as a volunteer mentor with The Baton Exchange, sharing his expertise in leadership, technology, and higher education to help young professionals grow in their careers and integrate faith with their work. His passion for mentoring and lifelong learning equips mentees to navigate an increasingly technology-driven world with wisdom and purpose.
Experience, Background & Education
John brings more than 30 years of experience in higher education, information technology, and software development. He serves as Associate Dean of Graduate Business Programs and Professor of IT Management, where he has led graduate program development and curriculum initiatives. His expertise includes business analytics, software development, data management, and the integration of artificial intelligence into teaching and learning. John holds a Ph.D. in Management Science from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, along with graduate and undergraduate degrees in computer systems and business. He is the author of multiple textbooks and regularly publishes and presents on artificial intelligence, ethics, and higher education from a biblical worldview.
Personal Life & Hobbies
John lives in southwest Ohio with his wife and their four youngest children. Outside of work, he enjoys developing iOS applications, writing textbooks, strength training, and exploring new uses for artificial intelligence. On weekends, he's often writing, building software, or working on ideas for his next book or app. A lifelong technology enthusiast, John enjoys creating practical tools that help people learn, solve problems, and serve others.
Ellen Johnson
BOARD MEMBER
Current BE Role & Strategic Focus
Ellen serves on the Board of Directors for The Baton Exchange, providing strategic guidance and leadership to support the organization's mission of equipping Christian young professionals through mentoring. She brings a broad business perspective and a passion for helping organizations improve processes, strengthen relationships, and achieve meaningful results.
Experience, Background & Education
Ellen built her career at General Electric, where she served in leadership roles across five different business units. Her experience spans finance, marketing, customer service, process improvement, sales, and Salesforce effectiveness, giving her a well-rounded perspective on organizational growth and change. Throughout her career, she has been driven by a desire to learn, continuously improve, and deliver results for customers, colleagues, and the organizations she serves. Her areas of expertise include Salesforce effectiveness, process improvement, project management, and business analysis.
Personal Life & Interests
Ellen is passionate about making a positive impact by asking thoughtful questions, listening well, and helping organizations become more effective. She enjoys mentoring others, building strong relationships, and partnering with teams to solve challenges and create lasting improvements. Her curiosity, collaborative spirit, and commitment to continuous learning make her a valued leader and trusted advisor.
Kathy “Kat” Lockhart
Board member
Current BE Role & Strategic Focus
Kat serves as a volunteer mentor with The Baton Exchange, encouraging young professionals as they navigate career decisions, leadership growth, and meaningful workplace relationships. Drawing on decades of experience in business development and client success, she enjoys helping others recognize opportunities and thrive professionally.
Experience, Background & Education
Kat brings more than 40 years of experience spanning retail operations, sales, entrepreneurship, and business consulting. After spending the first half of her career in retail operations, she transitioned into sales and business development across multiple industries, including owning a successful small business. She currently serves as Director of Client Success for a retained search and team health company, where she helps small businesses solve people-related challenges and build stronger organizations. Kat holds an Associate of Arts in Anthropology from Columbus State Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Management from the University of Phoenix. She is also certified in Exit Planning and AI Consultancy and is widely known for her ability to connect people and build lasting relationships.
Personal Life & Hobbies
Kat lives in Westerville, Ohio, with her husband and their mini Bernedoodle, Willow. She enjoys golfing with her husband, children, and grandchildren, playing pickleball, reading, gardening, and creating flower arrangements. On weekends, you're most likely to find her on the golf course or pickleball court. Kat jokingly describes herself as a "professional people collector," reflecting her passion for connecting remarkable people with meaningful opportunities.
Dr. Dave Pafford
Board member
Current BE Role & Strategic Focus
Dr. Dave Pafford serves on the Board of Directors for The Baton Exchange, providing strategic leadership and organizational insight to help advance the mission of mentoring Christian young professionals. His expertise in leadership development, organizational growth, and nonprofit strategy strengthens the organization's ability to expand its impact and build sustainable systems.
Experience, Background & Education
Dave is an accomplished educator, nonprofit executive, and business leader with more than 18 years of experience in leadership development, higher education, project management, and organizational administration. He has served in executive leadership roles across multiple states, including Executive Director of Programming and Development for Emerge Counseling Inc. and Founder and Executive Director of Southeastern University's Ohio Regional Campus, where he grew the campus from launch to more than 100 students while expanding degree offerings and securing ongoing scholarship funding. Throughout his career, Dave has helped organizations build effective teams, develop governing boards, strengthen operational processes, and raise financial resources to support long-term growth.
Dave earned his bachelor's degree from North Central University, where he graduated as salutatorian and served as Student Body President. He also holds an MBA from William Woods University and a Doctorate of Education from the American College of Education. A gifted speaker and consultant, he regularly advises nonprofit leaders, educators, counselors, and business professionals on leadership, organizational development, fundraising, and strategic planning.
Personal Life & Interests
Dave is passionate about developing leaders and building organizations that create lasting community impact. He enjoys helping people simplify complex challenges, strengthen teams, and discover practical solutions that move organizations forward. Whether speaking, coaching leaders, or consulting with nonprofits and educational institutions, Dave is driven by a desire to equip others to lead with excellence, purpose, and lasting influence.
Jeremy Thomas
Board member
Current BE Role & Strategic Focus
Jeremy serves on the Board of Directors for The Baton Exchange, helping provide strategic guidance and oversight as the organization equips Christian young professionals through mentoring. He is passionate about strengthening individuals, families, and communities through leadership, service, and meaningful relationships.
Experience, Background & Education
Jeremy has worked as a community-based clinician since 2016, partnering with youth and families to promote healthy development and long-term success. His work has focused on helping young people overcome challenges and avoid involvement in foster care and the juvenile justice system. In addition to his clinical career, Jeremy serves in the Ohio Air National Guard and is a member of the West Scioto Area Commission in Columbus, Ohio. His professional and community leadership reflects a deep commitment to serving others and building stronger communities.
Personal Life & Interests
Jeremy is driven by a passion for developing strong men, healthy families, and thriving communities. Whether serving through counseling, military service, local government, or nonprofit leadership, he is committed to investing in people and creating opportunities for lasting, positive change.
Kate Wills Blyberg
Board member
Current BE Role & Strategic Focus
Kate serves as a volunteer mentor with The Baton Exchange, encouraging young professionals as they develop their leadership skills, navigate career transitions, and pursue their vocational calling. Her passion for servant leadership and personal growth equips mentees to lead with purpose and integrity.
Experience, Background & Education
Kate is an Assistant Professor of Marketing at Taylor University, where she helps prepare the next generation of business leaders through teaching, curriculum development, and mentoring. Prior to joining academia, she held leadership roles in eCommerce strategy, customer experience, and consulting with organizations including Kroger, CLEAR, and Convergys. A Certified Associate in Project Management and Certified Coach Practitioner, Kate is recognized for simplifying complex challenges, building collaborative teams, and helping organizations drive meaningful growth. She holds bachelor's degrees in Psychology and Marketing from Taylor University and an MBA from Urbana University.
Personal Life & Interests
Kate is passionate about leadership development, coaching, and helping people reach their potential. She enjoys mentoring students and young professionals while exploring new ways to create value for organizations and the people they serve. Her leadership philosophy centers on curiosity, continuous learning, and building strong relationships that enable others to thrive.
John Scroggins
Founder, Director
Partners
Phone
614-554-6608
receiveit@thebatonexchange.com
Address
543 W. Rich St.
Columbus, OH 43215