MEET OUR TEAM

Sam Miller is a sixth-generation Appalachian and serves as Vice President – Appalachian Development and has expanded KO Consulting’s footprint into southeastern Ohio. In her previous role as Development Director of Buckeye Hills Regional Council, Miller and her team facilitated over $360 million in investment to projects in the eight-county region. In 2022-2023, Miller was selected as an Appalachian Leadership Initiative Fellow through the Appalachian Regional Commission.

Miller’s passion and dedication to Appalachian Ohio and its residents run deep. Prior to joining Buckeye Hills, Miller served as the Appalachian Regional Representative for U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown. During her time with Brown’s office, she served as the liaison between residents across 25 Appalachian Ohio counties and the Senator’s policy advisors. Miller created engagement events, such as round-table discussions and summer manufacturing camps, with the Senator’s stakeholders and strategic partners.

A native of Somerset, Ohio, Miller is a proud alum of Ohio University’s E.W. Scripps School of Journalism, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism– Strategic Communication in 2018. Miller learned to lead with a servant’s heart during her term of AmeriCorps national service with Rural Action in Athens, Ohio and is proud to still call the communities she served home.

Kelsey is a senior consultant in our nonprofit services department. A Northeast Ohio native and graduate of Youngstown State University, Kelsey has over a decade of experience working with nonprofit organizations across Northeast Ohio and Appalachia. She previously worked at HOLA Ohio, where she was instrumental in a capital campaign that established a $2 million Hispanic Community Center in Painesville. She also served as Associate Concertmaster and a board member of the Cleveland Philharmonic Orchestra, and she remains active in the Northeast Ohio music scene as a violinist. She draws upon a wealth of experience in nonprofit fundraising and administration to help our clients successfully grow their impact.

Pat Lowry joined KO Consulting in January 2023 and is working in the areas of consulting, grant writing and public relations. A life-long Mahoning Valley resident, Pat is a graduate of Youngstown State University in the fields of history and education and earned a master’s degree in School Counseling.

Pat has worked in education for 27 years as a teacher, school counselor and administrator, and 18-years of federal service with Congressman Tim Ryan, working in the areas of press and communications.

Pat has been active in the community, serving on the Board of Directors at Ursuline Ministries, and serving as President of the Board of Trustees of Jubilee Gardens, Inc., which owns and operates two community gardens in Youngstown. He is a former board member of the Mahoning Valley Community School.

Pat is passionate about the roles that non-profits, education and good government can play in providing economic and social equity to the Mahoning Valley community and seeks to provide them the resources they need to succeed. 

Niko is an Senior Consultant at KO and a native of Howland / Warren, Ohio. Graduating from Youngstown State University in 2024, he received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Communication (Persuasion) and Political Science (Pre-Law) as well as a Master of Science in Criminal Justice.

Prior to joining KO, Niko was heavily involved within the YSU community. While serving as the University’s Student Government President, he frequently met with YSU administration and leaders to help foster and advocate for beneficial change for students. Additionally, as a Graduate Assistant / Strategic Planner for YSU’s Division of Workforce Education and Innovation, Niko investigated diverse higher education program strategies and other innovative approaches to bridge the gap between the workforce and post-secondary education. As a Graduate Assistant within the Office of Government Affairs, Niko conducted research on statewide legislation and programs for departmental leadership to assess impacts on the institution. Niko is beyond excited to utilize his previous experiences at YSU to assist our clients.

When outside of the office, you will likely find Niko reading, hanging with friends, playing cornhole, traveling, or rooting for Cleveland (Go Guards & Browns!).

Andrew Zajac is a Consultant at KO Consulting, where he works with nonprofit and community-focused organizations to identify funding opportunities, develop competitive grant proposals, strengthen fundraising strategies, and secure resources to support their missions.

Before joining KO, Andrew spent more than five years with the Youngstown State University Foundation, most recently as a Senior Development Officer. During his tenure, he helped secure approximately $9 million in philanthropic support for student scholarships, academic programs, and university initiatives. In addition to managing a donor portfolio and cultivating philanthropic relationships, Andrew led and guided a team of three development officers, helping advance the Foundation’s fundraising efforts.

A lifelong Mahoning Valley resident, Andrew is a proud two-time graduate of Youngstown State University. He earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Political Science and History in 2015, followed by a Master of Arts in History in 2017. In recognition of his professional accomplishments and community involvement, Andrew was named a Mahoning Valley 25 Under 35 award recipient in 2022.

Andrew believes strongly in the role nonprofit organizations play in strengthening communities and improving lives. He enjoys helping organizations tell their stories, build lasting relationships with supporters, and turn ambitious ideas into projects that make a meaningful difference.

Outside of work, Andrew enjoys traveling with his wife, Kelly, cheering on his favorite Cleveland sports teams, particularly the Browns, Guardians, and Cavaliers, and spending time with their golden retriever, Ellie.

Gina is a Consultant and Executive Administrator with KO Consulting, and focuses her time within the Government Department. She manages different municipality accounts, such as cities and school districts. Gina is an alumni of Girard High School (‘20) and Youngstown State University (‘23). She received her Bachelor’s degree in Political Science with a double minor in English and Criminal Justice Studies.

Before joining KO Consulting, Gina previously interned for Congressman Tim Ryan’s office, as well as, worked on a campaign for a local State Representative. Her political background and experience has provided her with useful expertise in this line of work. Outside of the office, Gina loves spending time with her pets and friends, traveling, going to Youngstown State Football games, and cheering on her favorite sports teams, the Pittsburgh Steelers & Pittsburgh Pirates.

Cara is a Consultant and Environmental Specialist at KO and a Warren, Ohio native. She received her Bachelor of Science in Environment, Economy, Development and Sustainability (EEDS) – with a specialization in Community Development – from The Ohio State University. EEDS is an interdisciplinary course of study, centered on the assessment and implementation of sustainability practices in our environment, economy and society.

At KO, Cara primarily works with nonprofits, helping them grow capacity and reach their fundraising and organizational goals. She is particularly interested in the intersection of sustainable and economic objectives to grow communities, and brings this perspective and her environmental expertise when assisting clients.

Nathanial Braunstein is a consultant in our Business Strategy & Compliance department. A native to Southwest Ohio and graduate of Ohio University (2020), where he specialized in Finance and Business Analytics.

Before joining KO Consulting, Nathanial worked as a research assistant surrounding medical malpractice before shifting to a role in mortgage underwriting compliance with AmeriSave. Here he was able to leverage his analytical skills and develop a true passion for compliance after seeing the impact on people firsthand.

In his spare time Nathanial can be found at comedy clubs, hiking or exploring any of Ohio’s 130 nature preserves. He is looking forward to setting down roots in the area and helping in KO’s mission in strengthening the community of Youngstown.

Matthew is an Consultant in the Government & Planning Division at KO Consulting, where he helps municipalities secure state, federal, and philanthropic grant funding. During his time at KO Consulting, he has focused on revitalizing post-industrial communities through economic and community development, brownfield remediation, and public-safety capacity building. Whatever the opportunity, Matthew remains grounded in serving the needs of Northeast Ohio.

He received his Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from The Ohio State University, where he specialized in urban policy and data analytics. Throughout his studies, Matthew completed internships with the Youngstown Neighborhood Development Corporation (YNDC), the Ohio House of Representatives for former Representative Michele Lepore-Hagan, and on Capitol Hill for former Congressman Tim Ryan. Prior to KO Consulting, he worked at East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation (EANDC) as an Executive Assistant. Beyond work and politics, Matthew has a deep affinity for jazz and classic musical theatre.

As an Associate Consultant at KO Consulting, LLC, Carolyn Overton specializes in communications and marketing strategies for clients in  nonprofits. With a Master’s degree in Professional Communication from Youngstown State University, she leverages her expertise in digital marketing, organizational communication, and strategic planning to help clients achieve measurable outcomes through clear, impactful messaging.

Before joining KO Consulting, Carolyn worked as an Administrative Assistant at United Returning Citizens, supporting executive operations, event planning, and staff development. She also interned at the Better Business Bureau, where she managed the 50th Torch Awards and played a key role in securing KO Consulting’s BBB accreditation. Additionally, during her time as a Business Development Intern at OH WOW! Science Center, Carolyn focused on employee policy updates, onboarding, retention efforts, and tracking performance through project management tools. These experiences helped her hone skills in project management, content creation, and strategic planning.

Carolyn is certified in HubSpot Sales Management, Google Analytics, and Hootsuite, and is passionate about using digital tools to drive business growth. In her free time, Carolyn enjoys spending time with her son, staying active by playing volleyball, crafting, and traveling. A lifelong learner, she also enjoys exploring new trends in technology and business, always on the lookout for ways to bring innovative solutions to her clients.