GUARDIANSHIP SERVICE BOARD
Legal Team
JACK R. KULLMAN, JR.
Executive Director | Attorney
Attorney Kullman is a graduate of Miami University, and Capital University. Jack spent the early years of his legal career as a Hearing Officer with the Ohio Department of Liquor Control; in 1984 he joined the staff of the Tenth District Court of Appeals as the first appellate magistrate in the State of Ohio; in 1987 he was appointed Court Administrator of the Tenth District, a position he held until his retirement in 2014. In 2015 Jack paused retirement to serve as the Director of the Guardianship Service Board.
GEOFFREY SULLIVAN
Intake Specialist
Bio coming soon!
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MELISSA G. MESSINA
Executive Director
Melissa Messina is a dual graduate of Capital University, obtaining her bachelors and law degrees respectively. She also obtained a Masters in Business Administration from Franklin University after law school while working full time.
Melissa has spent the better part of her career in public service administration. She started out as a manager of the Civil Division of the Franklin County Municipal Court Clerk’s office, then went on to work for and manage two Franklin County Offices. In both offices, Melissa was the person directly in charge of daily operations and interactions with other county and city agencies as well as fostering relationships with external stakeholders. After a brief time in the private sector at a multi-state foreclosure litigation law firm, Melissa returned to public service as the Director of the Franklin County Guardianship Service Board in the fall of 2022. This role allows her to use her education as well as her connections and understanding of government and public assistance to lead an outstanding team with the mission of helping a group of vulnerable members of the Franklin County Community.
THERESA DAVIS
Paralegal
Theresa graduated from The Ohio State University with a degree in Journalism. After a long career in advertising sales, she went back to school and received a Paralegal Certificate from Capital University Law School. She has worked the last few years as a personal injury paralegal and is currently attending Ohio University online to obtain her Master's Degree in Culture, Law and Justice.
PHILLIP FIERST
Legal Counsel
Phillip graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in both International Studies: World Economy & Business and Germanic Studies. He later attended Capital University Law School earning a Juris Doctor degree. Phillip has spent his entire legal career working in the probate field, focusing specifically on guardianship law. An avid lover of nature, plants, languages, and "fun facts," outside of work hours, you'll likely find him hiking, biking, or kayaking.
GEOFF SULLIVAN
Intake Specialist
Bio coming soon!
MARYANNE E. STEPHENS
Paralegal
Bio coming soon!