Dan Apple
Executive Director
Dan Apple is the Executive Director of the Cohesion Foundation.
In this role, Dan will oversee Cohesion’s mission, working with corporate leaders, alumni and dedicated fans to create a base of fundraising to support Ohio State student-athletes earning NIL support through purpose-driven commitments in the community. Dan will oversee all aspects of Cohesion Foundation, including operations, non-profit partnerships, donor and business development, as well as NIL agreements.
Prior to this role, Dan spent his career in executive management in banking and commercial lending. Most recently, he was the SVP, Ohio Commercial Real Estate Team Leader for Merchants Bank. Prior to that, he was President, CEO & Vice Chairman of the Board of Cooper State Bank, and Vice President with Unizan Bank in Columbus, Ohio.
Dan received his Bachelor of Science in Finance from Miami University (Oxford, OH), and his MBA from Capital University. He knows the importance of giving back in the community, serving in the Whitehall-Bexley Rotary since 1987 in roles including Foundation Chairman and Board Member, while also volunteering consistently with Cristo Rey Columbus High School, Life Care Alliance and Habitat for Humanity.
Dan’s experience with business owners and leaders throughout a career in financial services and love of Ohio State athletics are a wonderful complement to the Executive Director position. He is the first Executive Director for Cohesion Foundation as NIL continues to be defined in the U.S. in its infancy.
“I am thrilled to be a part of this dynamic organization, working with some of the most influential leaders in Central Ohio to continue the momentum of this purpose-driven NIL collective. This is such a critical time for collegiate coaches and players alike, and I view this as an honor to collaborate with the University and business community to define and lead NIL efforts in the nation.” - Dan Apple, Executive Director, Cohesion Foundation