Our Advisory Board
The Starfish Assignment Executive Board is fortunate to be complemented by an equally dedicated and compassionate Advisory Board, whose members generously volunteer their time and expertise. We would like to take a moment to introduce you to the remarkable individuals who make up this team.
Tim Becker
Tim was born and raised in Columbus and is proud of his Hilltop roots. Tim joined the Columbus Division of Police in 1988, retiring in January 2023 after 34 years. He had many roles in his career with the Division, from patrol where he also served as a field training officer, to the Accident Investigation Unit, to a detective with the Fraud/Forgery Unit. As a sergeant, he worked at least one day on every precinct in the city and had distinguished careers as lieutenant and commander. He served the city as deputy chief starting in 2010, working in Patrol North, Patrol South, Administrative, Criminal Investigation, and the Special Operations Subdivisions.
Tim was a trailblazer for his family in the field of law enforcement and at one point, had four relatives working with him at CPD, including his lovely bride. In February 2023, he was honored to accept the position of Safety Director with the City of Gahanna, another Starfish partner. Tim is the father of three sons, two of which serve in the National Guard, and a third who keeps him young.
Tim obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University, and a Master’s Degree in Public Safety Leadership from Capella University, where he graduated with Distinction. Tim has completed multiple police leadership courses, including the Northwestern University School of Police Staff and Command and the FBI National Academy.
Tim has had a plaque on his office wall reminding him of the Starfish parable since 2001, and embraces the opportunity to help others give back to the community he loves. He is attracted to positivity and those who not only make a difference, but also willingly share their smile with others. Therefore, the Starfish Assignment is a perfect fit!
Shirley M. Cartagena
Shirley M. Cartagena graduated magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Psychology from Universidad de Puerto Rico. She also attended Columbia Southern to work on a Masters of Business Administration in Human Resources Management. She works at the Defense Logistics Agency Land and Maritime where she is a Material Planner Supervisor.
Ms. Cartagena is passionate about working with people, the most valuable resource any organization has. This devotion led her to joining the Land Supplier Operations Culture Council in 2008, eventually assuming the role of chairperson for two years beginning in 2016. There she worked to improve the culture and environment to better assist customers and personnel alike.
Shirley is originally from Puerto Rico and loves all things nature, especially the beach. She enjoys reading and playing with her two boys and puppy whenever she has the chance.
Pete Casuccio
Pete Casuccio is a police officer for the Columbus Division of Police, patrolling the area of South Linden (5 Precinct). He is devoted to the community he serves and lives by the motto "see a need, fill a need." This mindset led him to start his own charity, Cops and Barbers, with his barber, Robert Cayson, in 2018. Almost immediately after that first Cops and Barbers event, Officer Casuccio became acquainted with Starfish Assignment, working to help them establish themselves and working closely with Starfish, first on the Board of Directors and then on the Advisory Board, so that he could continue to develop and guide the organization in a more formal leadership role.
William H. Pascol IV
William H. Pascol IV is the Comptroller/Director, Defense Logistics Agency Finance - Land and Maritime. His service with the Department of Defense (DoD) began 9 years ago with the Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS), where he graduated from the Leaders in Motion (LIM) program and earned his Lean Six Sigma Green Belt. In addition to his DoD experience, he also has several years of experience in audit, finance, and accounting from working in the private sector.
Along with his background in the financial arena, Mr. Pascol possesses unique skills and experience acquired from his past career as a professional football coach. He has over 6 years of coaching experience at the collegiate level, including time spent at the U. S. Naval Academy. After the U.S. Naval Academy, Mr. Pascol spent two years at Grand Valley State University where he won two Division II National Championships, and two Assistant Coach of the Year awards.
Mr. Pascol holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration, with a concentration in accounting from The Ohio State University. He has two children. His son, William Christopher, is a freshman at The University of Cincinnati pursuing a degree in mechanical engineering. His daughter, Courtney Marie, is a sophomore at the Columbus School for Girls.
Mr. Pascol’s words to live by: “A life is not important, except in the impact it has on other lives.” Jackie Robinson