Board of Directors
Board of Directors
Ryan Bodanyi, Chair
Board Member since 2022
Michigan
Ryan Bodanyi's career spans research and advocacy, primarily in the environmental movement. He holds a Ph.D. and MS degrees from the University of Washington, where his research explored what cities and counties in the US are doing to mitigate their greenhouse gas emissions, and how those efforts influence local finance. He's built campaigns for the National Wildlife Federation, Clean Water Action, and the Clean Air Task Force. And he founded a non-profit to advocate for the half-million survivors of the 1984 chemical disaster in Bhopal, India, which he led for five years. He currently works with the sustainability and resilience team at Cadmus.
When Ryan isn’t trying to save the world – how’s he doing so far? – he enjoys the company of his houseplants, to which he coos unselfconsciously. He also loves long bike rides, building community, and justice, not necessarily in that order.
James Modisette, Vice Chair
Board Member since 2024
Washington DC
James Modisette looks forward to working on the board of the SSA, where he aims to collaborate with the organization in furthering its mission of advocating for secularism and providing vital support to atheist, humanist, and other non-theist students across college and high school campuses.
James is a dedicated professional with a strong background in nonprofit management, development, and operations. Currently pursuing a Master of Science in Nonprofit Management at Northeastern University, James leverages his academic knowledge and practical experience to drive impactful change within organizations.
James currently works as the Senior Associate of Development and Board Relations at the Data Quality Campaign (DQC) in Washington, D.C., James plays a key role in managing DQC's grant portfolio, ensuring timely submission of grants and reports, and fostering strong relationships with foundations.
Prior to joining DQC, James has gained valuable experience through his work and internships at various nonprofit organizations. At MENTOR National, he served as an AmeriCorps Development and Operations VISTA, where he played a pivotal role in fundraising efforts and facilitated educational workshops on fundraising topics.
James holds a Bachelor of Arts degree with double majors in Political Science and Religion from Dickinson College. When not working, James enjoys hiking, watching sports, and spending time with his friends and family.
Shanti Priya, Treasurer
Board Member since 2021
California
Shanti Priya is a financial executive focused on developing and executing strategies that have both immediate and lasting impacts on businesses and their profitability. Whether working in a large, multi-national company or a smaller, local company, she leverages her fifteen plus years of retail industry experience, business acumen, and operational expertise to achieve organizational objectives and build high-performing teams. Collaborative and transparent in style, she strives to continually learn and grow by working through the challenges in life and connects people together by appreciating multiple perspectives, openness, and listening.
Shanti is currently the CFO of Maxfield Enterprises, Inc. and lives in Los Angeles. She has an MBA from the University of Southern California and is a graduate of Scripps College where she majored in Honors English Literature and minored in Biology. In her free time, she loves to hike, knit, and cook for friends and family.
Nadine You, Secretary
Board Member since 2023
Utah
Nadine You is a dynamic individual with a diverse background and a passion for both professional excellence and community involvement. Born and raised in the vibrant state of California, Nadine made the bold move to Utah in 2020 to be closer to her cherished grandchildren.
With a Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Leadership, with a minor in History, from Arizona State University, Nadine possesses a strong educational foundation in leadership and a deep appreciation for the lessons of history.
Nadine's professional journey is nothing short of inspiring. She began her career as an Office Supervisor, but through her unwavering dedication and visionary leadership, she ascended to the pinnacle of corporate success. As the former President of EXP Pharmaceutical Services Corp., she played a pivotal role in the company's growth and ultimate successful sale. Her strategic acumen and leadership abilities were instrumental in shaping the company's trajectory.
Beyond her professional accomplishments, Nadine is an active and engaged community member. She served as the president, umpire, and safety coordinator for Little League, demonstrating her commitment to nurturing the growth and development of young athletes.
Nadine's passion extends to issues of great societal importance. She has dedicated her time and energy to working part-time for a national youth justice organization, advocating for the rights and well-being of young individuals entangled in the justice system.
A staunch advocate for the separation of church and state, particularly in educational environments, Nadine is driven by the belief that everyone should have access to a secular and unbiased education system. Her advocacy work in this area reflects her unwavering commitment to fundamental principles of democracy.
In her leisure time, Nadine indulges in her diverse set of hobbies. She finds solace in the precision of target archery, embraces the freedom of biking through picturesque landscapes, and explores the past through the pages of historical fiction.
Harry Shaughnessy
Board Member since 2013
North Carolina
Harry Shaughnessy is the former President of Triangle Freethought Society in Raleigh, North Carolina, and runs a successful software consulting process. Harry attended North Carolina State University where he graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering. Most recently Harry is working on a game development startup focused on outdoor electronic gaming.
Through his work in various roles with TFS, Harry has been able to help build a diverse and vibrant community of atheists, agnostic and secular humanists. During his time working with the local community, Harry was able to bring attention to important causes while demonstrating that a life without religion can be quite meaningful and fun. In 2015, CNN featured Harry and his family in a front-page piece entitled "the friendly atheists next door."
Chinelle Ekanem
Board Member since 2022
Washington DC
Eric Solomon
Board Member since 2024
New York
Dr. Eric Solomon has carved a niche at the convergence of psychology, branding, technology, and creativity, boasting a 25-year career peppered with high-profile roles.
His journey began in academia, where he earned a Master’s and Ph.D. in cognitive psychology, focusing on AI and ML. Transitioning to the business world, Eric led research and strategy for creative agencies before taking up leadership positions at global giants like YouTube, Spotify, Google, and Instagram. His stint as the CMO for Bonobos, a Walmart-owned DTC e-retailer, further showcases his leadership expertise.
Currently, he's at the helm of The Human Operating System, a strategic advisory platform he founded, dedicated to integrating human-centric strategies in business. Discover more about his insights and experiences in his articles and talks at www.TheHumanOS.co. And feel free to ask him about things related to good food and even better music.
Joey Hunziker
Board Member since 2024
Washington DC
Joey Hunziker is a program director for a national education and disability advocacy organization where he leads the organization’s programs in addition to its efforts to develop and train young disabled advocates. He has a deep passion for cultivating the next generation of leaders to transform our school systems into dynamic, equitable, just, and inclusive places for learning.
Joey’s background as an educator and facilitator has significantly shaped his career. He began his professional journey as an actor, arts educator, and program manager in upstate New York, then moved to Seattle for a Masters degree in Public Administration and Nonprofit Management. He has been in DC since 2014 working on national education issues, always pushing to center racial justice and the needs of our most overlooked students and communities.
Joey’s lifelong love of learning and dedication to education have been powerful driving forces for him personally and professionally, and he is excited to join the SSA Board to ensure students across the country have the resources, tools, and organizing power to make sure our democratic institutions are inclusive, unbiased, and just.
Kristina Lee
Board Member since 2022
South Dakota
Kristina M. Lee is currently completing her Ph.D. in Communication Studies at Colorado State University and will be starting as an Assistant Professor at the University of South Dakota in the fall of 2022. Her research focuses on the intersections of religious and political rhetoric with a particular focus on secular rhetorical criticism, Christian nationalism, and the marginalization of atheists. Her award-winning work on “theistnormativity” focuses on and challenges how political discourses, rituals, and symbols normalize a connection between good citizenship and belief in God in the United States. She is passionate about promoting productive interfaith dialogues and civic engagement.
Stephanie Hlywak
Board Member since 2024
Chicago
Stephanie Hlywak is a communications strategist and law-abiding rule breaker for purpose-driven organizations. She tells stories that drive impact, change hearts and minds, and make bold social change. She honed her policy chops in one of the nation's top public affairs shops, led PR and public awareness functions for the most influential library association in the world, and served in leadership roles in many non-profits, associations, and agencies.
The throughline in her career has been to work on behalf of organizations and businesses that transform our world for the better. She began her career in publishing and is a voracious reader and proud library card holder.
Stephanie earned an M.A. from the University of Chicago and a B.S. in journalism from Medill at Northwestern University. Her hobbies include swimming, traveling, going to concerts, and volunteering to support women and families navigating hereditary breast and ovarian cancers. She lives in Chicago with her family and a menagerie of pets.
Clinton Herndon
Board Member since 2023
Georgia
Clinton Herndon is a passionate advocate for individuality and freedom of expression. A veteran from Orlando, FL, he is currently pursuing a degree in Computer Science at Georgia Southern University and serves as the president of the SSA chapter. Before joining the military, Clinton worked on the Pride Committee at Lockheed Martin, where he developed a deep commitment to promoting diversity and inclusivity in all areas of life, not only at Lockheed, but the surrounding community of Orlando, Fl. He is a strong advocate for the separation of church and state and has been involved in various campaigns and initiatives to support this cause. In his free time, Clinton enjoys watching horror movies, reading books, and playing table-top games. With his unique perspective and dedication to social justice, Clinton is committed to making a positive impact in the world.
Wilds Ross
Board Member since 2023
Virginia
Wilds Ross is a renowned expert in the field of data science, analytics, and machine learning, with a strong track record of success in helping organizations harness the power of data to drive strategic decision-making. He has 25 years of experience in the industry, having worked with some of the leading companies in the technology and consulting sectors. He currently serves in an advisory capacity for several strategy, consulting, and technology businesses around the world.
Prior to joining the SSA board, Mr. Ross served as lead partner for data and analytics at leading management consulting firms, where he led a team of data scientists and engineers in developing advanced analytics and machine learning models to drive growth and innovation. He has also worked as an independent strategy consultant, advising clients across a range of industries on how to leverage data to optimize their operations and improve customer engagement.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Ross is a multi-instrumental musician, gamer, husband, father, and an active member of the atheist community. He holds degrees in both mathematics and physics, specializing in signal theory, discrete data analysis, and computational methods. He is excited to bring his skills and experience to the board of the SSA, and to work with the organization to advance its mission of promoting secularism and supporting atheist students on college and high school campuses.
Get Involved!
Interested in becoming a Board Member or part of the National Leadership Council?
Email us at ssa@secularstudents.org for information regarding upcoming board vacancies.