Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine 1977-2014
David Nicolanti joined the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine in 1977 as the
Controller and in 1979 was promoted to the V.P. of Finance. In 1984, he became
the Executive Vice President and served in this capacity until June 30, 2014.
Following the acquisition of OCPM by Kent State University, Dr. Nicolanti
continued to serve as the Executive Vice President of the college until June 30,
2014.
Accomplishments:
- Negotiated the sale of the Carnegie Avenue property to the Cleveland Clinic
and the purchase of the college’s new home in Independence, OH. The
college moved from its location in Cleveland, OH to its state-of-the art
facility in 2007. - Served as Chief Executive Officer of several auxiliary enterprises including a
large, high volume neurosurgical medical practice; an ambulatory surgery
center, and several student loan organizations that collectively yielded net
income to the college in excess of $20,000,000. - In July of 2012, the college merged with Kent State University becoming the
Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. Dr. Nicolanti was an
integral part of the merger process with Kent State University. The
acquisition was designed to provide the best education and training for
podiatric students, giving them expanded academic options, including
public health, biomedical sciences, and sports medicine. This union with
Kent State University also offered the opportunity for strategic research
and teaching collaborations. - A major contributor to making the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine the
largest and foremost podiatric medical school in the country. Most of the
operational, and financial practices implemented during his four-decade
career at the college are being continued today and served as the basis of
the tremendous success enjoyed by the college and Kent State University.
The Podiatry Foundation (formerly OCPM Foundation)
The acquisition of the Ohio College of Podiatric Medicine was an asset purchase
agreement wherein the College donated all of its physical assets to Kent State University in return for becoming the first professional college at the university.
The liquid assets of the college were not purchased, allowing the college to use
them to establish the OCPM Foundation. Dr. Nicolanti became the first Executive
Director and a board member of this new foundation established for podiatry.
Under his leadership, and an excellent board of trustees, the foundation has
thrived. Some of these accomplishments include:
- The board management of the original funds has yielded a substantial
increase in the asset base reaching $27 million in 2018. - Making grants to many national, state, and local podiatry organizations,
and in particular to the Kent State University College of Podiatric Medicine. - The $200,000 acquisition of the first northeast Ohio Curvebeam 3D pedCAT
for the KSU College of Podiatric Medicine installed in the main clinic. This
cutting-edge technology has allowed the college to enhance student
education, develop new and exciting research projects, and will serve as an
excellent basic referral source for new patients from physicians who do not
have this innovative device. - Provided the KSU College of Podiatric Medicine hundreds of thousands in
needed scholarships dollars. - Served as the primary sponsor for the past three years of the KSU College
of Podiatric Medicine’s Alumni Reunion Weekend attracting hundreds of
graduates back to their alma mater, most of whom had not previously
returned since their graduation. - Supported many student events including the OPMSA Annual Golf
Tournament fund raiser, and OPMSA Student Symposium. - Funding for student travel to the annual CRIP (Central Residency Interview
Program), and two student mission trips to Nicaragua to provide much
needed podiatric care to residents in outlying areas. - Provided needed sponsorship for important research projects in podiatric
medicine including the charcot foot and several clinical research studies.
Prior Professional Positions
- Serving as economist/statistician for a large trade association.
- An instructor in finance and accounting at Cuyahoga Community College, and Cleveland State University.
- Regional director for a large national transportation firm.
Education
- Dr. Nicolanti received his Ph.D. in 1991 in Educational Administration in Higher Education from Kent State University. His dissertation was titled, “Characteristics, experiences, attitudes, and other factors related to alumni who provide financial support to their podiatry colleges”.
- M.B.A. in Accounting in 1976 from Case Western Reserve University.
- B.S.B.A. Majoring in Finance, 1969 from John Carroll University.
- Certified Public Accountant 1979-2014.
Professional Affiliations
- Dr. Nicolanti has lent his expertise in the financial and managerial not for profit world by serving as board member and treasurer, and president of the Alta House from 1981 to 2000.
- Board member and treasurer for Economics America from 19997 to 2000.
Personal Life
Residence: Dr. Nicolanti splits his time between Estero, Florida and Sandusky, Ohio.
Marital status: Married to Francine A. Nicolanti since October 1986.
Children: Two children – Loretta Ann (grandson Barrett Walker) and David S.
(granddaughter Kora Rose and grandson Logan Joseph).
Pastimes: Very much enjoys hacking up fine golf courses, playing an occasional
game of chess, and making wine. Dr. Nicolanti is passionate about woodworking
and has built many furniture pieces, a beautiful wine room, and, enjoys creating
fine custom writing pens.
