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July 08, 2026

Capital University Appoints New Board of Trustees Members

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Capital University is pleased to announce the election of three new members to the University’s Board of Trustees, enhancing Capital’s future through strong leadership.

Capital alumni and community leaders Derrick Bailey, Brian Dershaw and Steve Wachtman were elected to three-year terms at the June 2026 board meeting. The new trustees join the board as the university prepares to launch its Capital Rising strategic plan to lead Capital into its third century of educating purposeful leaders.

Derrick Bailey
A 2011 graduate of Capital’s Master of Business Administration program, Derrick is president and CEO of Telhio Credit Union, joining the company’s commercial lending business in 2013. He developed innovative policies and procedures to provide loans to community companies and organizations, helping Telhio become a Top SBA lender. Three years later, he joined the executive team and helped Telhio become one of the top consumer mortgage lenders in the market and one of the top commercial mortgage lenders in the market. Perhaps most impactful has been Derrick’s leadership in spearheading Telhio's involvement as a Community Development Financial Institution, which helps to support economically disadvantaged communities. Derrick’s community involvement includes his and Telhio’s support for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Ohio. Recently, Derrick was named to Columbus Business First’s 2026 Power 125 ranking, which recognizes the most influential business leaders shaping Central Ohio’s economy.

Brian Dershaw
An economics/political science major, Brian earned his undergraduate degree from Capital in 1997, and his juris doctor degree from the University of Cincinnati. He is the chair of the Employment and Labor Relations practice group at Taft Stettinius & Hollister in Cincinnati and serves as employment, labor, litigation, and outside general counsel for companies of all sizes, including higher education institutions. He works closely with employers across the wide spectrum of employment and labor laws and frequently litigates matters involving discrimination, harassment, and retaliation claims, restrictive covenants, trade secret misappropriation, and wage and hour disputes. Brian has been consistently recognized as an Ohio Super Lawyer and by Best Lawyers in America, he was named Cincinnati's 2024 Labor Lawyer of the Year, and he was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Northern Kentucky University Labor-Management Conference for his contributions to labor-management relations.

Steve Wachtman
Majoring in both computer science and psychology, Steve earned his bachelor’s degree from Capital in 1985, and was a computer consultant at Battelle Memorial Institute before pursuing his Master of Divinity degree from Trinity Lutheran Seminary. Rev. Wachtman has served as the pastor at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Upper Arlington since his ordination in 1992, focusing on building community guided by God’s unconditional love for all people. Steve previously served on Capital’s Board, contributing to institutional governance and strategic leadership. In his current role at the university, Steve will also serve as chair of the Seminary Advisory Board of Trinity Lutheran Seminary at Capital.

“As the governing body for the institution, Capital’s Board of Trustees is responsible for overseeing the University’s long-term sustainability, setting strategy, and ensuring we remain true to our mission,” said President Jared R. Tice, Ed.D. “The election of Derrick, Brian and Steve strengthens the Board through their experience in leadership, strategic vision, and their deep commitment to this University as alumni.”

“This is an exciting time at Capital as we head into our third century of educating students,” said Board Chair Steve Bahls. “We welcome the thoughtful leadership of our new trustees as they join us in our shared commitment to student success.”