Ohio State Newark Board of Trustees


Girard Besanceney

Mr. Besanceney, President and CEO of Prestige Wood Products, devotes himself to leadership roles within his community. His various responsibilities include:

• Chairman of the Board - Newark Area Chamber of Commerce
• Vice President - Newark Chamber of Commerce for Economic Development
• President - The Private Industry Council of Licking County
• President - Newark and Licking Safety Council
• Trustee - Central Ohio Technical College
• Board Member of the Central Ohio Aerospace and Technology Center
• Teacher - Licking County Pre-Employment Training
• Member - Manufacturers Executive Council
• Member - Board of Directors, Chamber of Commerce

Mr. Besanceney worked as a Plant Manager for Holophane for 11 years, serving as their Division HR Manager. In addition, he served as the Vice President of Global Operations and General Manager responsible for plants in the United States, Europe, and Asia for Tech International. He served in the United States military and is a retired Colonel, USAR.

A resident of Hebron Ohio, Mr. Besanceney holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from The Ohio State University. He participated in Graduate studies in Industrial Management at Central Michigan University, and is a graduate of Command and General Staff College of the United States Army.  Mr. Besanceney has been a member of The Ohio State University at Newark Board of Trustees since 2002.