Your Alma Mater / Leading with Purpose: Jana Gessner Begins Term as UToledo Alumni Association Board of Trustees President
The University of Toledo Alumni Association is proud to welcome Jana M. Gessner ’88, as the new President of the Alumni Association Board of Trustees, effective July 1, 2026. A distinguished alumna, accomplished executive, and passionate volunteer leader, Gessner brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to advancing UToledo’s mission and strengthening alumni engagement.
Currently serving as Senior Vice President of Environmental, Health, and Safety for PepsiCo, Gessner is a globally recognized leader with more than 25 years of experience across Fortune 500 companies. Her career has spanned automotive, food and beverage, fleet and logistics, industrial manufacturing, and supply chain operations. As an expert in environmental, health, and safety management, she has led transformative initiatives focused on compliance, operational excellence, and building cultures centered on safety and continuous improvement.
Yet despite her impressive professional accomplishments, Gessner remains deeply connected to the university that helped launch her career.
“The University of Toledo opened doors for me that shaped both my professional journey and my perspective on leadership,” Gessner said. “Serving as President of the Alumni Association Board of Trustees is an incredible honor and an opportunity to give back to an institution that has given so much to me.”
A graduate of UToledo with a bachelor’s degree in English and Technical Writing, Gessner later earned a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering (Environmental) from Wayne State University. She also holds the prestigious Certified Safety Professional (CSP) and Certified Hazardous Materials Manager (CHMM) credentials.
Her achievements have earned national recognition, including the Manufacturing Institute’s Women in Manufacturing STEP Ahead Award, which honors women who demonstrate excellence and leadership in science, technology, engineering, and production careers. Closer to home, she was recognized by her alma mater with the Judith Herb College of Arts, Social Sciences, and Education Distinguished Alumni Award, presented by the University of Toledo Alumni Association.
Throughout her career, Gessner has remained committed to service and philanthropy. In addition to her longtime involvement with the Alumni Association, she serves as Past Chair and Board Member of Women in Manufacturing, Vice Chair and Executive Board Member of the Toledo Public Schools Foundation, and on the Executive Board of the University of Findlay’s Environmental, Safety and Occupational Health Program.
As she begins her term as Board President, Gessner is focused on creating meaningful opportunities for alumni to connect, engage, and support future generations of Rockets.
“Our alumni community is one of UToledo’s greatest strengths,” she said. “Whether you graduated last year or fifty years ago, there is a place for you to stay connected and make an impact. I look forward to working alongside fellow trustees, alumni, students, and university leaders to build an even stronger Rocket network.”
William L. Pierce, Associate Vice President of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving, shared his enthusiasm for Gessner’s leadership.
“Jana brings exceptional strategic vision, a collaborative leadership style, and a genuine passion for UToledo,” Pierce said. “Her professional accomplishments are remarkable, but what stands out most is her commitment to serving others and helping organizations thrive. We are fortunate to have her guiding the Alumni Association during this exciting time.”
When she isn’t leading global initiatives or volunteering her time, Gessner enjoys boating, hiking, horseback riding, photography, singing, traveling, attending college football games, and experiencing theater productions and Broadway musicals.
As the Alumni Association looks toward the future, Gessner’s leadership, energy, and dedication will help ensure alumni remain connected to the university and to one another.
Please join us in congratulating Jana Gessner on her appointment as President of the University of Toledo Alumni Association Board of Trustees and thanking her for her continued service to the Rocket community.