Meet the Board
Tom Wheeler
Title: President of Deer Run Owner’s Association July 2007 to July 2009
Responsibilities: Conducts monthly board meetings and executive board sessions. Plans long range vision with the help of the Board.
Tom graduated from Kentucky Military Institute 1961 and then attended the University of Cincinnati from 1961-1963. He worked at Mabley & Carew Department Store in Cincinnati in their executive training program from 1963-1964. Tom enlisted in the USAF from 1964 to 1968, serving 6 months in Vietnam. He graduated from Wright State University in March 1970 and taught high school English at Julienne High School and Roosevelt High School until 1974.
He entered the insurance business in 1974, merged the family agency with Guild & Landis, Inc. in 1985, and retired in 1997. Tom is Past President of Oakwood Rotary and the Independent Insurance Agents Association of Dayton. Since retirement he has been serving as a substitute teacher at Chaminade-Julienne High School, this year as a permanent full-time substitute. He is married to Julia and has lived in Deer Run since December 2002. The Wheelers have 5 grandchildren and a dog named Hunter.
Patty Pierce
Title: Vice President of Communications and Social
Responsibilities: Communications and social events Chair
Patty has had a unique career background in the academic, business, and non-profit environments as a professor at Ashland University, trainer/course developer and PR Specialist at NCR Corporation, and President of a non-profit Foundation in the Dayton area. She is a member of the Centerville Noon Optimist Group; her awards at NCR include Outstanding Trainer, Great Performer, and Bronze Quill for communications. With a doctorate in communications and education, Patty consults with the University of Dayton’s Center for Leadership & Executive Development, Eurand Corporation, Lexis Nexis Corporation, the Project Management Institute, and others. Patty is the author of Women in Business: 7 Successful Communication Tips To Enhance Your Career, and she enjoys her two sons & their families. She is very active in golf, tennis, reading, writing, and the theater.
Carolyn Basford
Title: Secretary and Architectural Review Committee Chair
Responsibilities: Minutes of meetings and other documentation for Deer Run and chairs Architectural Review, a committee of 5 to approve all changes made to the outside of units as outlined in Deer Run’s Homeowner’s Manual
Carolyn moved to Deer Run in 2000 and retired from 24 years of teaching business at Centerville High School in 2001. She has served on the Board as Secretary and chair of the Architectural Review Committee for 7 years. She is active at Fairhaven Church, serving on the Diaconate and participating in several Bible study groups, Centerville Sister City Committee, several bridge groups, and enjoys water aerobics, working out, reading, and walking. She and Jerry have been married 46 years and have 4 grandchildren in town. Jerry works with the Grounds Committee and supervises special projects.
Tom Kennicott
Title: Deer Run Grounds Manager
Responsibilities: Coordinates grounds activites with Towne Properties, vendors, the Deer Run Board, the Deer Run Grounds Committee, and residents to maintain the appearance and safety of our condominium’s common land, including greenery, drainage, pavements, and ponds.
Tom has worked in positions of Design & Project Engineering followed by years in Technical and General Management positions, including 8 years as company president. Currently, he is retired and working as an engineering consultant.
He received his BSME at Michigan State University and is a registered professional engineer in Ohio, Kentucky, and Wisconsin. Other skills include: project management, public speaking, business law, and executive development.
A resident of Deer Run for 14 years, he and his wife Doris (member of the Deer Run Social Committee) contribute in many ways to the overall operation of Deer Run.
Ulrich Gaertner
Title: Treasurer
Responsibilities: Works with Towne Properties to keep all financial records accurate and prepares reports for the Deer Run residents
Ulrich was born in Germany and moved to Dayton in 1956. After high school and service, he attended and graduated from Wright State University. He worked for GM for over 30 years in accounting and auditing until retirement. His experience includes planning and maintaining financial data, managing audits of GM divisions and dealers with the U.S.
He and Louise have been married over 30 years and, with the exception of his European assignments, have lived in Deer Run since 1990. They are both active as volunteers. Ulrich has served as the Deer Run Board Treasurer for three years after serving as Asst. Treasurer for two. Louise has been active on the Grounds Committee and Architectural Review Committee.
Bob Stone
Title: Facilities Manager
Responsibilities: Maintenance of clubhouse, pool, tennis courts.
After serving 3 years in the U.S. Army as a member of the ski patrol in Berchtesgarden, Germany, Bob returned home to graduate from Beloit College in 1964. He married Alice in 1965 and moved to Dayton in 1966, where he was an orthopedic representative. After retirement, Bob couldn’t resist the call of the hardware store, and now works twice a week at Greive Hardware. In the summer, he works at Yankee Trace Golf Course. Bob likes to golf, ski, play tennis, and ride his bike. He also is a member of the Board of Trustees for David’s UCC. Bob has 8 grandchildren.