Adam Motycka, assistant general counsel at The University of Toledo, and three UToledo alumni were named to the “20 Under 40” list, an annual recognition of 20 distinguished community leaders from northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan who are younger than 40 years old.
An honors student at UToledo, Motycka received his bachelor of business administration degree from the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation in 2010 and his juris doctor from the College of Law in 2013.
Adam Motycka, right, assistant general counsel at UToledo, was recently recognized as one of Toledo’s “20 Under 40” distinguished community leaders.
He began his career clerking for the Honorable Mary Ann Whipple and the Honorable John P. Gustafson in U.S. Bankruptcy Court and then worked in the private law firm of Diller and Rice. Motycka serves as board president of the Toledo Public Schools Foundation and is on the city of Maumee Zoning Appeals Board and the Leadership Toledo Board. He is a municipal planning commissioner with the city of Maumee and plays an active role in Maumee’s Master Plan Commission.
“Growing up, my parents were shining examples of the importance of both getting involved in and bettering your community,” Motycka said. “I wanted to follow their example when I started at UToledo. Getting involved in student organizations like Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity, University Ambassadors, Leadership UT and Blue Key National Honor Society, paired with the education I received here, provided me with the tools I’ve needed to experience success in my field and help in my community.
“I wouldn’t be able to do what I do if it weren’t for the great relationships I made during my time at UToledo as a student and now as an employee,” he added. “It’s something for which I’ll always be grateful.”
The three UToledo alumni named to the “20 Under 40” list:
Jeff Dennis, who received his juris doctor from the College of Law in 2021. Dennis serves as a city of Bowling Green councilman and is a partner in the law firm of Stearns & Hammer. He also serves as chief legal counsel for several municipalities in Wood County. Dennis established and runs a non-profit foundation, which helped secure $185,000-plus to fund projects like public art and choir equipment for the high school.
Jennifer Strauss, who received her bachelor of science degree in biology from the then-College of Arts and Sciences in 2006. Strauss began her healthcare career as a medical assistant in primary care. While at Mercy Health, she initiated the “New Beginnings” program for pregnant women facing substance abuse disorder, and in her current role at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Strauss oversees an annual budget of $320 million.
Lance Self, who is a graduate of the John B. and Lillian E. Neff College of Business and Innovation with a degree in professional business sales and marketing. Self has worked for Taylor Automotive Family for 10 years and has sold and is a seven-year recipient of the “Salesman of the Year” award and was the initial inductee into the Sales Elite Club. Ninety-five percent of his business is generated from personal marketing plans.
