Professional Staff

Ian Lowe, Director of Chapter Operations

Ian is a 2008 graduate from Baldwin-Wallace College.  Originally from McDonald, PA he graduated with honors while earning a degree in History and Adolescent Education. In 2005, Ian joined to help revitalize the OH Beta Tau chapter.  He enjoyed the process of building a chapter and played an integral role in OH Beta Tau's success as  they grew in membership from single digits to over 60 men during his time as an undergraduate member. Ian held many positions within his chapter most notably as the Recruitment Director and then as the Rex.

While in college Ian was involved with the school’s football team during the first half of his college career but also spent time as a class officer, a Residence Hall Assistant, an Orientation Leader, a program director for multiple service events, and as an ambassador for both the Admissions and the Alumni offices.

Ian started presenting at Regional Conclaves and at the summer Convention while still an undergrad. The staff welcomed him aboard in 2008 to serve as our Director of Expansion.  Ian is honored to have been able to recolonize our VA Omega Alpha, PA Alpha Delta and NY Phi Lambda chapters. Ian is also proud to have helped establish our VA Theta Xi colony. 

In May of 2010, Ian was promoted to Director of Chapter Operations. He is thrilled about the opportunity to help all the colonies and chapters across North America grow and achieve the goals they set this coming year!

In his free time Ian serves in the United States Air Force Reserves and has done so since 2004. Traveling, hiking, fine dining, exercising, and developmental coaching are some of Ian’s hobbies. If you share any of these hobbies, he would love to talk to you about them!

Phillip Spence, Leadership Consultant

Phillip Spence graduated from the University of Florida in Spring 2009. Originally from Orlando, FL he majored in Economics with minors in both Business and Spanish. He joined the FL Delta chapter of Pi Lambda Phi Fraternity in Fall 2005 and held multiple positions including Scribe, Recruitment Chair, Social Chair and Assistant New Member Educator. As an undergraduate he was also involved in the University Minority Ambassadors program, The National Society of Leadership and Success and served as the chapter coordinator for the university wide philanthropy Dance Marathon. Phil also worked for a local promotions company in Gainesville and interned with Wachovia Bank.

Phil attended three conclaves and four leadership conventions as an undergraduate and had a continued desire to give back to the fraternity past graduation. Phil joined staff in Fall 2009 as Expansion Coordinator and is now working as a traveling consultant. He believes the connections he has made with undergraduates and alumni from his, and other chapters of the fraternity, are the most valuable aspects of the fraternity experience and hopes to continue to share those experiences. 

David Heckathorn, Leadership Consultant

Dave is a 2010 graduate from Baldwin-Wallace College and graduated with honors with a double degree in Business Management and Human Resources. Originally from Marion, OH Dave was an active member of the swim, cross-country and track teams while in high school. Dave became a Brother of Pi Lambda Phi in the Fall of 2005 and immediately took an active role within the chapter. Dave had the opportunity to serve as Brotherhood Chairman, Recruitment Director, New Member Educator and eventually Rex during his final year. All of these experiences were challenging and provided great opportunities for personal growth. One of the most proud moments of his life came during the 2010 National Convention when Dave was recognized for his work as an undergrad and awarded the Rafer Johnson Undergraduate Award. Dave’s hope is to help current undergrads have similar opportunities for personal develop that he was blessed with.

Outside of Pi Lam Dave challenged himself through leadership positions in several other campus organizations. As a campus leader Dave had the opportunity to serve as a program director for several community service events, including a weeklong trip to Mississippi to assist in Hurricane Kristina Relief. Dave was also a Resident Assistant, Alumni Ambassador, Weekend of Welcome Orientation Leader, President of Order of Omega (B-W chapter) and member of the Center of Innovation and Growth Student Fellowship.

When able to get away Dave enjoys spending time with his friends, family and girlfriend. During his free time Dave enjoys watching sports, going for a run, going to the movies and enjoying great food. Dave looks forward to sharing those interests and learning some new ones as he builds relationships with undergraduate Brothers across the country and Canada.

Christopher Susak, Educational Consultant

Chris is a 2009 alumnus of our OH Beta Tau Chapter at Baldwin-Wallace College. He graduated with a BA in English and Theatre while also earning his High School teaching certificate in Adolescent/Young Adult Language Arts. Helping to revitalize his chapter in the Spring of 2009, Chris took on formal leaderships roles as Lip Sync Director, Well Developed Man Chairman, and KOE while still remaining actively involved in brotherhood, service, teaching, and interning. As an undergrad, he spent time as a scenic designer and carpenter, student ambassador for the B-W Alumni office, and a Theatre Dept. Course Assistant where he taught classes for fellow undergrads.

After graduating, Chris' passion for teaching and service led him to take a position as an English teacher for severely at-risk young adults (ages 16-22) at a credit recovery high school in inner-city Cleveland. While fulfilling his desire to mentor and teach, Chris' dedication to higher education and his goal of eventual professorship pushed him to pursue graduate study at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan. He will begin his Ph.D. in the Fall of 2011 studying American Literature and Culture.

As a “professor-in-training,” Chris' dedication to education and his passion for the ideals of Pi Lambda Phi naturally led him to pursue a position with the fraternity in May of this year. His professional direction and personal drive align him well with the aims of Pi Lam's latest project, Pi Lambda Phi University. About the position Chris says, “It is truly exciting to be a part of something so cutting-edge that will elevate our entire organization to a new level of sophistication and excellence.” In his spare time, Chris enjoys hiking, indoor rock climbing, mentoring, reading, exploring different types of music, and meeting new people - so strike up a conversation if you see him around! 

Laura Patricio, Administrative Assistant