Ruling Our eXperiences, Inc. (ROX) Welcomes Two Nationally-Regarded Leaders to the Board of Directors
New members position the organization to scale transformational impact as ROX enters a bold new chapter of growth and innovation
Columbus, OH (January 27, 2026)—Ruling Our eXperiences, Inc. (ROX), the national nonprofit authority on girls’ research and programming, today announced two new board members who will strengthen the organization's capacity to expand its proven, evidence-based programs to girls across the country. The appointments bring decades of expertise in finance, education, policy advocacy and talent development - precisely the capabilities ROX needs to amplify its impact.
Since 2011, more than 50,000 girls have participated in the ROX 20-week evidenced-based Program for Girls, gaining the tools and confidence to control their own relationships, experiences, decisions and futures. ROX programs operate in nearly 600 schools across 49 states, ROX is a leading voice in conducting large-scale national research with girls, delivering evidence-based programs in schools and equipping adults to better support and empower girls.
Effective January 9, 2026, the board welcomed:
Jeffery Acheson, CPWA®, CFP®, CPFA®, AIF®, CEPA®, NQPCTM , CAPPTM - CEO of Advanced Strategies Group/CBDO - Independent Financial Partners
Acheson, based in Florida, is the CEO of the Advanced Strategies Group and the Chief Business Development Officer for Independent Financial Partners, both leading bold initiatives to transform retirement planning, wealth management, and employee benefit plans. . In addition, Acheson brings deep experience with government advocacy, strong national association connections in the finance/retirement sector and a deeply personal commitment to the mission of ROX. Amber’s ACES for ROX, a fundraising and expansion initiative, honors the legacy of his late daughter Amber Marie (Acheson) Anderson. Founded in 2023 in partnership with ROX, Amber’s ACES (https://www.rulingourexperiences.com/ambers-aces) is both a tribute to his daughter’s life and a way to transform his family’s grief into meaningful impact—empowering future generations of girls to lead with strength and resilience.
“ROX is proven to make a measurable and meaningful difference in the lives of individual girls, helping them discover their strengths, passions, and leadership potential. I am ready to be a part of making ROX accessible to every girl from every community,” said Acheson.
Aimee Kennedy, Ph.D. - Senior Vice President of Human Resources at Battelle Memorial Institute
Kennedy returns to the ROX board after previously serving from 2015-2019, bringing fresh perspective forged through years of executive leadership at one of the world's premier research and development organizations, Battelle. Her reunion with ROX comes at precisely the moment when her strategic HR expertise—scaling talent, culture, and systems—will prove invaluable.
Before joining Battelle in 2013, Kennedy was the Chief Administrative Officer and Principal for Metro Early College School. At Metro, Kennedy was one of the earliest adopters of The ROX Program for Girls, ensuring her students had access and opportunity to participate. She now serves on the boards of Battelle for Kids, KIPP Columbus, COSI, the Battelle Savannah River Alliance (BSRA), and other National Laboratory Human Resources and compensation committees - experience that positions her to guide ROX's organizational growth.
“My early experiences with ROX transformationally informed my work with the girls at Metro. I now look forward to bringing the additional expertise I’ve developed since to a growing organization ready to innovate and expand its reach,” said Kennedy.
Strategic Appointments for Transformational Growth
“We’re at an inflection point,” said Dr. Lisa Hinkelman ROX Founder/CEO. “Jeff and Aimee aren't just accomplished professionals—they're mission-driven leaders with deeply personal connections to our work. As we expand our research, strengthen our position as the national authority on girls, and innovate new ways to reach every girl in every community, we need board members who can challenge us, open doors, and ensure we have the infrastructure and vision to scale transformational impact across all dimensions of our work.”
“I am personally delighted to welcome these two nationally-regarded leaders to the ROX Board of Directors,” said Nici Workman, Partner at Columbus-based law firm Vorys and chair of the ROX Board. “They each bring decades of expertise, strategic thinking, national networks and genuine passion to the organization.They are ready to help us dream bigger and lead ROX forward toward our shared vision of a world where every girl develops the tools, skills, and confidence to achieve her potential.”
As volunteer members chosen for their varied experiences and relevant knowledge, Directors provide leadership, stewardship and support for ROX and its activities to impact girls across the US. In addition to Acheson, Kennedy and Workman, Valerie Greer (Bread Financial), Erika Latham (Huntington National Bank), Gelena Libin (Gaia Family), Lakshmi Reddy (Sybilla Masters Fund) and Brooke Wilson (Victoria’s Secret & Co.) currently serve on the ROX Board of Directors.
About Ruling Our eXperiences, Inc. (ROX)
Ruling Our eXperiences, Inc. (ROX) is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization headquartered in Columbus, Ohio and is the national authority on research, education and programming centered on girls. ROX puts data into action to create generations of confident girls who control their own relationships, experiences, decisions, and futures. ROX delivers school-based programs in 600+ schools across 49 states, operates the ROX Institute for Research and Training and publishes the national research report, The Girls IndexTM. For more information about ROX, visit www.rulingourexperiences.org.