Four New Franklin College Trustees Elected
Franklin College recently welcomed four newly elected members to its board of trustees. In their new roles, they will contribute to the board’s efforts in shaping policies, guiding strategic priorities and advancing the College’s long-term vision.
President Kerry N. Prather expressed gratitude for the breadth of expertise and intensity of commitment the new trustees bring to the institution. “Our newest trustees bring valuable insight and experience that will strengthen our path forward,” Prather said. “Their leadership will be instrumental as we carry out our strategic plan and pursue the exciting opportunities underway which are designed for growth and innovation.”
The newly elected trustees bring the following strengths and experiences to the board:
Brad Emmert is president of Timberland Lumber Co., where he has built a 32-year career. He earned his bachelor’s degree in business from Franklin College in 1994 and was a four-year member of the Grizzlies’ basketball team. As a sophomore, he helped lead the team to the Elite Eight of the NAIA national basketball tournament in Texas, contributing to a standout 25–4 season. Emmert and his wife, Kathy, reside in Brazil, Indiana, and have two children, Wes and Cassia Coulter. The Emmerts are generous supporters of the Franklin Fund, Grizzly athletics and the Elwood Fitness Center.
Cary Guse, M.D., is a partner and surgeon at Southern Indiana Orthopedics, where he has practiced for nearly 22 years. A first-generation college graduate, he earned his chemistry degree from Franklin College in 1994 and competed as a four-year member of the baseball team. He went on to complete a five-year orthopedic surgery residency at the Indiana University School of Medicine, followed by a year of advanced training in sports medicine and arthroscopy at The Orthopaedic Center/TRIA Orthopaedics in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Guse has served on the medical staff of multiple Minnesota-based professional sports teams, from the Vikings and Timberwolves to the Wild and Twins. He also has provided care during a variety of national sporting events, for the Indianapolis Indians and multiple Indiana high school teams. He and his wife, Kristi, a 1993 Franklin College graduate, live in Columbus, Indiana, with their children, Jenna and Jacob. Their philanthropy supports the Franklin Fund, athletics and special projects at the College, including the Elwood Fitness Center renovation.
Laura (Cooper) Johnson serves as vice president of strategy and operations for Cardiometabolic Health Global Medical Affairs at Eli Lilly and Co., where she has built a distinguished career since joining the organization in 1998. She earned her bachelor’s degree in biology from Franklin College in 1992. During her time at Franklin, she was a member of Pi Beta Phi sorority. She and her husband, Jason, also a 1992 Franklin College graduate, reside in Bargersville, Indiana, with their two children, Jacob and Benjamin. The Johnsons are dedicated supporters of the Franklin Fund.
Bryan Spetter is the chief investment officer for SB3 Capital. His extensive career in finance includes leadership roles as vice president and chief financial officer for WFYI Public Media and director of finance and administration for the IU Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI (now IU Indianapolis). His trusteeship represents a meaningful return to Franklin College, where he served from 2001–12, first as controller and later as vice president for finance. Spetter and his wife, Betty, reside in Madeira Beach, Florida, and are parents to two sons, Skyler and Brayton. Their philanthropy supports the Franklin Fund and Grizzly athletics.