Lourdes University Announces New Board of Trustees Members

Lourdes University is pleased to announce the appointment of three distinguished individuals to its Board of Trustees: Andrea Gwyn, Joe Napoli, and Dr. Sydney Williams. These exceptional leaders, hailing from healthcare, sports, and business, bring a wealth of expertise that will help further Lourdes’ mission of providing a values-centered education rooted in Catholic and Franciscan traditions.

As a university grounded in a strong commitment to academic excellence and community service, Lourdes University is proud to welcome these new board members, who share the university’s dedication to fostering a holistic, student-centered education that prepares individuals for meaningful careers and lifelong earning.

Andrea Gwyn

Andrea Gwyn is the president of Bon Secours Mercy Health–St. Anne Hospital in Toledo, a role she has held since 2021. With over 15 years of leadership experience in the healthcare sector, Andrea has worked across various healthcare settings including non-profit, for-profit, and government organizations. Prior to her role at St. Anne, she served as the first president of Perrysburg Hospital, driving impactful community health initiatives.

Andrea, who grew up in a military family, values the diverse perspectives gained from living in various parts of the world. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The University of Richmond and a Master of Health Administration from Virginia Commonwealth University.

Passionate about mentoring the next generation of healthcare leaders, Andrea is an active member of several boards, including the YMCA of Greater Toledo, the Dana Open, and the Virginia Commonwealth University Health Administration Alumni Board. In her spare time, she enjoys traveling, portrait photography, and learning to play golf.

Joe Napoli

Joe Napoli serves as the President and CEO of the Toledo Mud Hens Baseball Club, Toledo Walleye Hockey Club, and Hensville. With over 25 years of experience in sports management, Joe has led transformative projects such as the development of Fifth Third Field, the Huntington Center, and Hensville—three landmarks of downtown Toledo.

Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Joe began his career in banking before transitioning to the sports industry, where he held roles with the Canton Indians, Chicago Bulls, and Detroit Tigers. Returning to Toledo in the 1990s, he played a key role in developing the city’s vibrant sports scene, earning accolades for the Mud Hens and Walleye as among the top franchises in minor league sports.

Joe is passionate about his work and his community, and he and his wife Annette are proud to raise their five children in Toledo.

Dr. Sydney Williams

Dr. Sydney Williams is the President of Designetics, Inc., a global leader in fluid application systems. Under her leadership, Designetics has thrived as a key player in the manufacturing of custom fluid applicators, serving clients in over 60 countries. Sydney’s innovative approach has propelled Designetics forward while nurturing a strong company culture that prioritizes high-quality products, exceptional service, and community involvement.

Sydney holds a Ph.D. in Psychology from the University of Phoenix, an Executive MBA from the University of Toledo, and a Master of Science in Psychology. She is passionate about giving back to her community, with a particular focus on supporting children’s initiatives. Through the Designetics Cares Foundation, she and her team provide outreach and donations to improve lives in the community.

An advocate for education, Sydney has been involved with several organizations, including the Dana Open, Boys & Girls Clubs of Toledo, and the UT Family Business Center. She also served as a mentor for Lourdes University’s Mentoring Program, helping students transition from college to career.

Dr. William J. Bisset, President of Lourdes University, expressed his excitement about the new board members: “We are thrilled to welcome these exceptional leaders to our Board of Trustees. Their diverse backgrounds in healthcare, community development, and business leadership align perfectly with our commitment to student success, community engagement, and educational excellence. Their collective expertise will play a vital role in helping Lourdes continue to build strong partnerships and provide transformative opportunities for our students and the community.”