Gerald L. Freisthler (Gerry), '79 B.S. College of Engineering and Computer Science
Gerald L. Freisthler graduated from Wright State University in 1979 with a Bachelor of Science degree in systems engineering from the College of Engineering and Computer Science. In 1994, he received a master’s degree in engineering management from the University of Dayton.
Gerry, a member of the Senior Executive Service, is executive director of Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC), Air Force Materiel Command, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB) in Dayton, Ohio. As the center’s senior civilian, he assists the ASC commander and program executive officer for aircraft procurement and modernization in leading the Air Force’s Center of Excellence for Development and Acquisition of Aeronautical Systems. The center is responsible for the management of more than 556 Air Force, joint, and international programs, executes an annual budget of $23 billion, and employs a work force of approximately 10,000 people located at WPAFB and 38 other locations worldwide.
Gerry started his career in 1976 working for General Motors. After six years of engineering and production supervisory positions at GM, he entered federal service at WPAFB. He first served as program manager in the Maverick and Tri-Service Standoff Attack Missile System Program offices. In 1988, he was promoted and transferred to the Propulsion SPO, where he held various mid-level to senior management positions for nearly 10 years.
In October 1997, Gerry was selected as deputy program director for the $70 billion F-22 Advanced Tactical Fighter Program, leading the program from development into production. He transferred to the Pentagon in 2001 where he served as deputy program executive officer for airlift and trainers, and then as chief of execution and financial management. In 2002, Gerry was appointed to the SES and transferred to Eglin AFB, Florida, first serving as the SPO director for joint air-to-surface standoff missile and small diameter bomb, then becoming the first director of the 308th Air-to-Ground Munitions Systems Wing. His final assignment held at Eglin was as Air Armament Center’s director of engineering and acquisition excellence. Prior to his current assignment, he was also director of the ASC Engineering Directorate.
LaShaunta’ L. Jones, ’03 B.S.Ed. College of Education and Human Services
LaShaunta’ Jones completed her undergraduate studies at Wright State University, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in middle childhood education with a concentration in athletic training in 2003. She also completed a Master of Business Administration from the University of Phoenix in 2008.
LaShaunta’ began her work with Central State University (CSU) in 2002 as an intern for the Marauder men’s basketball program. She volunteered her time and services to the Marauder Athletic Department until hired in 2005 as the assistant athletic trainer and academic advisor. LaShaunta’ provided medical coverage for the men’s and women’s track programs, men’s basketball program, and the football program.
In 2007, she became one of the first female head athletic trainers to work for a historically black college or university and for the Marauders, providing medical coverage for all 13 sports at CSU.
LaShaunta’ was appointed as the senior women’s administrator in 2008, to help oversee women’s athletics. She is currently an adjunct professor in the Health, Physical Education, and Recreation department. LaShaunta’ also serves as an approved clinical instructor for CSU and Wright State University. She oversees the daily operations for the athletic training department, supervises the treatment and care of the Marauder student-athletes and is also the on-site drug testing coordinator for the National Center for Drug Free Sports (NCDFS–NCAA) at CSU.
LaShaunta’ is a volunteer/certified instructor for the American Red Cross–Greater Dayton Chapter. She is certified by the National Athletic Trainers Association Board of Certification; licensed by the Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Athletic Training Board; and is an active member of both the National and Ohio Athletic Trainers Associations. An active member of the Order of Eastern Stars, she is the Matron of Lily of the Valley Chapter #7, as well as a member of Mt. Carmel Baptist Church (Springfield, OH) where she serves as treasurer and trustee.