Governor appoints two new members to YSU Board of Trustees

Gov. Mike DeWine has announced the appointment of Sterling Williams of Warren, Ohio, a distinguished business leader and dedicated community advocate, to the YSU Board of Trustees. The governor also appointed Zane Perrico of Youngstown, a YSU junior majoring in Physics and Mathematics, as a student trustee.

“Sterling brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to the community to the YSU Board of Trustees," said Bill Johnson, President of Youngstown State University. "His leadership and expertise will be invaluable as we continue to advance our mission of providing high-quality education, fostering community partnerships and making YSU the anchor university in Northeast Ohio."

Williams is the proud owner of the Sterling McCullough Williams Funeral Home, a family-owned business with a legacy of over 70 years of service to the Warren and Youngstown areas. In addition to his funeral home business, Williams manages multiple companies including Tax Master Accounting and Tax Services Inc., Twin Realty and Leasing LLC, and Steel Town LLC, among others.

“As Chair of the Board of Trustees, I am thrilled to welcome Sterling Williams to our team,” said Mike Peterson, chair of the YSU Board of Trustees. “His remarkable track record of community leadership and business expertise will undoubtedly propel YSU forward. I have no doubt that his contributions will enhance the educational experience for all our students.”

Born and raised in Youngstown, Ohio, Williams has deep roots in the local community. A graduate of The Rayen High School, where he excelled academically and athletically, Sterling went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Miami University in 1977. He furthered his education by obtaining an MBA from Kent State University in 1980.

Throughout his career, Williams has demonstrated a deep commitment to community involvement and leadership. He has served on numerous boards including the Youngstown State University Penguins Club; The Western Reserve Port Authority; the Warren-Youngstown Economic Development Committee; Association of Ohio Commodores; The Medici Museum of Art; Community Foundation Hospice Trust of Trumbull County; Visiting Nurses Board of Northeastern, Ohio; and the Frank Bentley Scholarship Foundation. His dedication to service extends to organizations such as the Warren-Trumbull Urban League, Hillside Hospital and local chapters for United Way, Red Cross and the N.A.A.C.P (Trumbull County).

A graduate of Canfield High School, Perrico is a member of the YSU Sokolov Honors College and a YSU Student Senator, serving on the Academic Programs Committee, Academic Grievances Board and Calendar and Course Schedule Task Force.

“Zane is hard working, dedicated and passionate about advocating for his fellow students’ success,” stated Johnson. “He is going to be a true asset to the YSU Board of Trustees.”

Perrico works on campus as a peer tutor in the Resch Academic Success Center, assisting fellow students in their studies. He also serves as a student employee in the Physics, Astronomy, Geology, and Environmental Science department in the College of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. Perrico is a member of the National Mathematics Honors Society and the American Physical Society. He has also served in leadership roles in the Society of Physics Students and the Rocket Club.

Williams will serve a nine-year term through June 2035 and he replaces Molly Seals on the board, whose term recently expired. Perrico, the son of two YSU alumni, replaces Julie Centofanti, who has graduated, and will serve a two-year term as a student trustee.