Kasich names new member to KSU Board of Trustees

Staff report

Kent

Gov. John Kasich has named Ralph M. Della Ratta Jr. of Gates Mills to serve on the Kent State University Board of Trustees.

Della Ratta’s appointment runs through May 16, 2021.

Della Ratta is founder and managing partner of Western Reserve Partners, a Cleveland-based middle-market investment bank that provides mergers and acquisitions, capital raising and other financial advisory services. He has more than 30 years of experience in investment banking and commercial banking.

Before founding Western Reserve Partners, Della Ratta managed the Investment Banking Division of McDonald Investments Inc.

Della Ratta’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Arts from Duke University, a Master of Business Administration from Thunderbird School of Global Management and a graduate degree in banking from the Stonier Graduate School at Rutgers University.

He serves on the board of directors of numerous private and public companies, including Olympic Steel Inc., MAI Wealth Advisors LLC and NDI Medical. He is a past board member of McDonald & Company Securities Inc. and Hyland Software.

In addition, Della Ratta has been actively involved in various charities and nonprofit organizations.

He serves on the board of University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center and Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital National Leadership Council. He is a member of the 50 Club of Cleveland.