Zachary Ponraj is the executive assistant and office manager at The Buckeye Institute.

Prior to joining Buckeye, Ponraj graduated magna cum laude from Hillsdale College with a bachelor’s degree in history. While at Hillsdale, he also studied abroad in Turkey and at Oxford University, where he deepened his interest in historical theology and philosophy.

During the 2024–2025 academic year, Ponraj served as chief executive officer of A Few Good Men, a nonprofit dedicated to practical, service-based outreach. He managed daily operations, coordinated more than 200 student volunteers, secured funding through grant writing, and implemented outreach strategies to expand impact.

While at Hillsdale, Ponraj also served as director of external programs for the Douglas H. Hawkins Academic Services Department, led admissions tours for more than 250 prospective students and families, and mentored a hall of 24 freshmen as a resident assistant. In recognition of his academic achievements, leadership, and service to the campus community, Ponraj was named Hillsdale College’s 2025 Outstanding Senior Man.

Outside of work, Ponraj enjoys cooking, traveling, and reading books on theology and philosophy.