Leadership Ohio Celebrates 2024 Graduating Class and Honors Outstanding Leaders

COLUMBUS, OHIO - Leadership Ohio, the state's premier nonpartisan civic leadership organization, marked the conclusion of its eight-month program year with a celebration of achievement as 34 distinguished graduates were honored at the Creekside Event Center in Gahanna, Ohio. Laurie Jadwin, Mayor of Gahanna, provided welcoming remarks on behalf of the city. The ceremony highlighted exceptional leadership across the state and recognized several outstanding individuals.

"We congratulate the Class of 2024 which represents the diverse talent and unwavering commitment to service that makes Ohio exceptional," said Shon Christy, president of the Leadership Ohio Board of Trustees. 

The 2024 Most Inspirational Award was presented to Rayshun Holt, Program Director at Beacon of Hope. In an unprecedented recognition, Holt became the first two-time recipient of this honor. Through his powerful advocacy for second chance hiring and personal testimony of transformation, Holt has inspired Leadership Ohio Fellows to rethink possibilities and embrace new approaches to workforce development and human potential. Holt also serves as a Leadership Ohio Trustee.

Eve Mueller, Deputy Director of Communications of the Ohio Governor's Office, was named this year's Leader Among Leaders. Selected by her peers, Mueller was recognized for her extraordinary ability to connect with others while challenging and inspiring new ways of thinking. Mueller is credited with strengthening bonds among the diverse cohort. 

Leadership Ohio presented its rarest honor, The Kleismit Award for Extraordinary Leadership, to Tracie Campbell, for her nine years of transformative service to the Leadership Ohio Board of Trustees. 

“Tracie’s integrity, strategic mind, and generous heart were critical in helping build the Leadership Ohio we know today,” said Lisa Duty, Ph.D., executive director of Leadership Ohio. “Her impact will forever run deep and wide through our organization.”

The celebration was headlined by guest speaker David Staley, Associate Professor in the departments of History and Design at The Ohio State University, who presented The Responsibility of Imagination. The event was sponsored by American Electric Power Foundation, Kegler Brown Hill + Ritter, Westfield, Lilly Cavanaugh, 4imprint, Sus Abogados Latinos and the City of Gahanna.

Leadership Ohio is now accepting nominations and applications for its 2025 cohort. For more information visit www.leadershipohio.org.

Portsmouth Takes Center Stage in Statewide Effort to Revitalize Civic Life

Portsmouth, Ohio — As communities across America grapple with disconnection and division, Leadership Ohio is taking action to address these critical issues. The organization continues its statewide tour with its second stop in Portsmouth, inviting residents to explore the question: How can we come together to rebuild our shared sense of community and purpose?

Leadership Ohio, in collaboration with Scioto Literary and Shawnee State University, proudly presents a screening and discussion of the powerful new documentary, "Join or Die." This event, titled "Join In: Uniting Communities in Ohio" and partially funded by the America 250-Ohio Commission, will take place at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. The event is free and open to the public, welcoming individuals, families, schools, workplaces, faith organizations, and community groups to participate in an evening of reflection and engagement.

Event Details:

• Date: Wednesday, October 30, 2024

• Time: 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

• Location: Vern Riffe Center for the Arts, Portsmouth

Drawing from the groundbreaking research of Ohioan Robert Putnam, author of the influential book Bowling Alone, "Join or Die" underscores the crucial role that clubs and civic organizations play in fostering community bonds and reinforcing democratic values. The documentary examines the decline of these community institutions and its impact on our society.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity to view this exclusive screening, engage in thought-provoking discussions with a panel of distinguished guest speakers, and explore ways to actively participate in rebuilding the social fabric of our state and nation through joining or forming local clubs.

Guest speakers will include:

• Dr. Eric Braun, President, Shawnee State University

• Lisa Duty, Executive Director, Leadership Ohio

• Lynsi Eason, Events Planner, Portsmouth Chapter of Rotary International

• Andrew Feight, Ph.D., Director, Center for Public History, Shawnee State University

• Debbie Gambill, Founding Member, Friends of Greenlawn Cemetery

• Amanda Page, Founder & Executive Director, Scioto Literary

"Join In" serves as a timely reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the power of collective action. It is a call to revitalize the spirit of community and to recognize that our shared future depends on the connections we build with one another.

As Leadership Ohio continues its journey across the state, the Portsmouth event marks a significant step in fostering dialogue and inspiring action to strengthen our communities and our democracy.

Southeast Ohio Session Highlights Appalachian Ohio's Past, Present and Future for Leadership Ohio

Columbus, Ohio - October 17, 2024 - Leadership Ohio (LO), the state's premier non-partisan organization for leadership development, announces its upcoming Southeast, Ohio Session scheduled for October 18-19, 2024 with host Hocking College. Over 30 Leadership Ohio Fellows from across the state will attend this immersive local session exploring the unique challenges and opportunities of Ohio's Appalachian region.

This session will showcase the area’s rich history, natural beauty, and ongoing efforts to address economic challenges while building a sustainable future. The experience will highlight both the struggles and resilience of the region, engaging with local residents and leadership along the way.

"This session offers a powerful lens through which to understand the complexities of Appalachian Ohio," said Stephanie McManus, managing principle of Neighborhood Strategies and vice president of the Leadership Ohio Board of Trustees. "We're excited to grapple with the region's assets, challenges, and innovative approaches to community development."

The two-day session will feature tours of Hocking College, visits to the Little Cities of Black Diamonds, and discussions on topics ranging from the polysubstance use crisis to agriculture. Participants will engage with local leaders, entrepreneurs, and residents working to shape the region's future.

Lisa Duty, Ph.D., executive director of Leadership Ohio, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming session, "Southeast Ohio is a tapestry of rich cultural heritage, tremendous resilience, and groundbreaking innovation - a region that should be on every entrepreneur's radar. Our Southeast Ohio session will spotlight the remarkable initiatives that are not only creating new local opportunities but strengthening Ohio's economic fabric.”

By immersing its Fellows in this unique Appalachian landscape, Leadership Ohio aims to foster a deeper understanding of the diverse challenges and opportunities across our state, ultimately cultivating more informed and empathetic leaders for Ohio's future.

The study of the region is sponsored by the American Electric Power Foundation, Hocking College, Neighborhood Strategies, and Ohio University. 

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For more information about Leadership Ohio, visit www.leadershipohio.org.

Lisa Duty Named in Ohio Business Magazine’s “Ohio 500”

Magazine Identifies their Picks for the 500 Most Powerful and Influential in Our State

COLUMBUS, Ohio (Oct. 08, 2024)—Leadership Ohio executive director, Lisa Duty, has been named to the 2024 “Ohio 500” by Ohio Business Magazine. The list comes from a research initiative by the magazine, where they seek nominations and select individuals based on regional business circles and interviews, culminating in a highly selective biographical guide to the people who run Ohio right now. This is the magazine’s 3rd annual selection.

In 2019, Lisa Duty revitalized Leadership Ohio with a bold turnaround strategy. Under her leadership, the organization now drives positive change statewide, leveraging the strength of its board and a new vision. Duty now oversees the organization's growth, strengthening the Fellowship program and launching initiatives like "Join In – Uniting Communities in Ohio." Her efforts address the epidemic of isolation, highlighted by the U.S. Surgeon General, while promoting civic health and constructive dialogue across the state.

"By leading a network of changemakers, we've positioned Leadership Ohio as a key advocate for the state's civic health. Through innovative programs and partnerships, we promote civic engagement and civil dialogue across ideologies. This work aligns with a pressing societal need, and I believe we represent an idea whose time has come." Duty said after learning she was named to this year’s list.

Duty’s efforts focus on cultivating partners, securing funding, and launching R&D to boost Ohio's civic health, aiming to inspire hope and engagement in the state's democratic life. Duty also serves on the board of the Ohio Victim Witness Association and was appointed by Governor DeWine to the Ohio Commission on Service and Volunteerism in May 2024.

Read about her leadership in the editorial feature on page 9 and see her profile on page 30 of the Fall 2024 Ohio 500 Issue of Ohio Business Magazine.

For more information about Leadership Ohio, visit www.leadershipohio.org.

Leadership Ohio Showcases Sandusky, Erie County Growth and Transformation to Statewide Leaders

COLUMBUS, OH – Leadership Ohio is set to host the Sandusky, Erie County Session on September 20-21, bringing 34 Fellows from across the state to experience Erie County's vibrant lakefront community and economic growth. This immersive session will include a unique study of Lake Erie directly from the water aboard a boat, offering participants an in-depth look at the lake's ecological and economic importance.

"Experiencing Lake Erie from the water offers a powerful perspective on the region's growth and challenges," said Lisa Duty, Executive Director of Leadership Ohio. "We're thrilled to partner with the Erie County community for the second year in a row to showcase the work of this one-of-a-kind coastal community."

Sandusky has emerged as a model for the revitalization of post-industrial cities, with a vibrant philanthropic community and a thriving tourism industry with its local impact topping $3 billion annually with over 13 million annual visits. The session will highlight Sandusky’s successful neighborhood improvements, downtown revitalization, and innovative waterfront public spaces.

Eric Wobser, CEO of Greater Sandusky Partnership remarked “We are excited to welcome Leadership Ohio to the Greater Sandusky Bay Region, and to highlight to a statewide leadership network the important role that tourism and Lake Erie play in driving Ohio’s economy and quality of life.”

Erie County is home to renowned attractions like NASA's Plum Brook Neil Armstrong Test Facility, Kelleys Island, the Merry-Go-Round Museum, sites of the Underground Railroad and Cedar Point. The session will provide an opportunity for leaders to engage with many of these landmarks and participate in discussions on regional development.

“We thank Leadership Ohio for the opportunity to showcase the collaborative spirit of the Erie County community and the amazing resource that is Lake Erie to this engaging group of Fellows,” said Beth Maiden, Executive Director of Erie County Community Foundation.

Sponsored by Erie County Community Foundation, the Randolph J. and Estelle M. Dorn Foundation, Greater Sandusky Partnership, Shores & Islands Ohio, and Cedar Point, the two-day event will offer insights into the area’s cultural, historical, and economic significance to Ohio.

For more information about Leadership Ohio, visit www.leadershipohio.org. 

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Leadership Ohio Launches Statewide Tour Encouraging Citizens to “Join In”

First Stop in Dayton Highlights the Power of Local Clubs in Strengthening Democracy

Columbus, Ohio — Across the country, people are asking critical questions: What happened to America? Have we lost touch with our neighbors and our shared destiny? If so, what is the cause? And, most urgently: What can we do to come together?

Leadership Ohio, in partnership with The Collaboratory and Dayton Metro Library, invites the community to explore these pressing questions by viewing and discussing the powerful new documentary, “Join or Die.” This event, “Join In: Uniting Communities in Ohio”, funded in part by the America 250-Ohio Commission, will be held in the Suzy Bassani Theater at the Main Library in Dayton. The event is free and open to the public, and Leadership Ohio invites individuals, families, schools, workplaces, faith organizations, and communities to come together for an afternoon of reflection.

Event Details:
Date: Saturday, September 7, 2024
Time: 2-5 PM
Location: Suzy Bassani Theater, Dayton Metro Library Main Branch

Based on the groundbreaking research of Ohioan Robert Putnam, author of the influential book Bowling Alone, "Join or Die" emphasizes the vital role that clubs and civic organizations play in creating a sense of community and strengthening democracy. The documentary sheds light on the decline of these community institutions and the impact of it on our society.

Attendees will have the opportunity to take part in this exclusive screening, engage in thought-provoking discussion with a panel of guest speakers, and explore how they can actively participate in rebuilding the social fabric of our state and nation by joining or forming local clubs.

Guest speakers will include:

• Peter Benkendorf, Founder, The Collaboratory

• Debi Chess, Director, External Relations & Development, Dayton Metro Library

• Lisa Duty, Executive Director, Leadership Ohio

• Brandon McClain, Magistrate and Acting Judge, Dayton Municipal Court

• Mary McDonald, Former Mayor of Trotwood & Candidate for Montgomery County Commissioner, and,

• Frank Scott, Trustee, The Rotary Club of Dayton; VP & Treasurer, Rotary Club Foundation.

“Join In” offers a timely reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the power of collective action. It is a call to rekindle the spirit of community and to recognize that our shared future depends on the bonds we forge with one another.

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For more information about the event or to RSVP, please visit leadershipohio.org or contact: 

Lisa Duty
Executive Director
614.806.0607
lisaduty@leadershipohio.org

Leadership Ohio Announces 2024 Ohio Impact Awards

Celebrating Leadership Excellence Across Ohio

COLUMBUS, OHIO - August 14, 2024 - Today, Leadership Ohio is announcing the winners of the 2024 Ohio Impact Awards. These awards will be presented on Saturday, August 17 at the Leadership Ohio Homecoming Event at The Boat House at Confluence Park. This highly anticipated event will honor remarkable alumni and their significant contributions to their communities and beyond.

Leadership Ohio is an 8-month long program that takes just 35 dynamic leaders in every corner of the state through an MBA-like journey in all things Ohio spring through fall each year. Its Homecoming celebration unites alumni from 1994 to present day to celebrate their shared passion for Leadership Ohio and the Buckeye State and recognize their peers’ accomplishments.

Shon Christy, President of the Leadership Ohio Board of Trustees and a member of the Class of 2021, remarked, “Leadership Ohio's Impact Awards celebrate the remarkable contributions of individuals that have significantly advanced the prosperity of our communities. These awards honor the vision, dedication, and impact of our alumni that inspire positive change and set a benchmark for future leaders across Ohio."

This year, the Leadership Ohio Impact Awards will recognize outstanding alumni in four distinct categories. 

Lisa Duty, Ph.D., Executive Director of Leadership Ohio, expressed her pride in the alumni’s achievements, stating, “Lifting up these outstanding leaders is a true celebration of what makes Ohio exceptional—its people. Our alumni are the heartbeat of positive change, driving the kind of progress that defines our state."

2024 Honorees:

Community Impact Award: Recognizing alumni who have made a significant positive difference in their communities through their service to improve the lives of others and creating a lasting impact on Ohio and/or its people.

2024 Honoree: Judge David Hamilton, Akron Municipal Court 

Visionary Leadership Award: Recognizing alumni who have demonstrated exceptional visionary leadership qualities and driven transformative change in their respective fields or industries.

2024 Honoree: Mary McDonald, Former Mayor, City of Trotwood 

Professional Excellence Award: Recognizing alumni who have reached a pinnacle of success in their careers, whether through groundbreaking or significant contributions to their field, notable achievements, or exemplary performance that sets them apart in their respective professions.

2024 Honoree: Jennifer Aultman, Chief Historic Sites Officer, Ohio History Connection

Distinguished Alumni Award: Recognizing outstanding alumni who have excelled in all aspects of their lives; it honors alumni who have demonstrated outstanding personal character, made significant philanthropic contributions, and achieved remarkable success in their professional careers.

2024 Honoree: Mayor Dennis Clough, City of Westlake

The Homecoming and awards festivities will include an alumni luncheon, dancing, cocktails, and gift giveaways, providing an opportunity for alumni to both reconnect and forge new connections.

This year’s Homecoming and Leadership Ohio Impact Awards are generously supported by several sponsors including America 250 Ohio, Capitol Square Foundation, Groundwork Ohio, Shon Christy Social Media, ServeCentric Coaching, J.W. Didado Electric, Clarity HR, and AUI. 2024’s Featured Ohio Destination sponsor is Bellefontaine, Ohio, championed by Small Nation.

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Contact:

Lisa Duty, Ph.D., Executive Director, Leadership Ohio

lisaduty@leadershipohio.org | 614.806.0607

Combatting Isolation: Leadership Ohio Awarded Prestigious Grant

America 250-Ohio Commission Grant Will Allow Statewide Tour Addressing Loneliness

Columbus, Ohio (June 13, 2024) – In the lead-up to America’s 250th anniversary, Leadership Ohio announced today it received a $35,000 Buckeye Impact Grant from  the America 250-Ohio Commission for its upcoming project titled, “Join In – Uniting Communities in Ohio.” 

To counter the declared “epidemic of isolation and loneliness” declared by the Surgeon General in the U.S. in 2023 while working towards a more united Ohio, Leadership Ohio will tour five regions of the state and screen the new documentary “Join or Die” by Delevan Street Films. Based on the research of Ohioan Robert Putnam of “Bowling Alone” fame, the film highlights the importance of civic associations or clubs in creating community and strengthening democracy. 

Leadership Ohio aims to reach Ohioans in 44 counties with its’ partners. Attendees will discuss the film’s themes and receive information about how to join local civic organizations. Working with expert historians, Leadership Ohio will also create the Join In: Community Toolkit which will highlight Ohio’s rich history of civic associations, share stories of past Ohioans who launched clubs that changed their community, and help current Ohioans start or join civic associations- all to highlight points of pride and unity for the state’s residents.

“This grant will allow us to make an impact. Ohio has a rich history of civic associations that have connected citizens. A new generation of civic associations can unleash aspirations Ohioans have for themselves and our state today,” said Lisa Duty, Ph.D, Executive Director of Leadership Ohio. “This kind of independence and enterprise is critical to Ohio’s civic health and the social fabric of our democracy.” 

Leadership Ohio was one of 61 recipients chosen by the Commission from the more than 170 statewide applications during the grant program’s spring 2024 funding cycle. 

“The America 250-Ohio Commission congratulates Leadership Ohio on this grant award.  Their efforts in educating the public and honoring Ohio’s illustrious history are deeply appreciated,” said Doug Preisse, co-chair of the America 250-Ohio Commission. “As we near America’s 250th anniversary,  these projects will play an essential role in elevating our state’s history and bolstering our communities' efforts to execute impactful initiatives during such a monumental celebration.”

America 250-Ohio awarded approximately $600,000 in grants to communities and organizations across Ohio as part of the commission’s second funding cycle. Combined with the nearly $400,000 in grants awarded in January 2024, the America 250-Ohio Commission grants program has worked with Ohio Humanities to distribute $1 million in grants to 84 organizations across the state. The grant program was designed to showcase the achievements, struggles, honors, innovations, and significance of all people in Ohio from before its founding to today.

Leadership Ohio’s project, Join In – Uniting Communities in Ohio, is also partially funded by the Ellis Family Fund.

For more information on Leadership Ohio, visit leadershipohio.org. To learn more about the America 250-Ohio Commission’s grants program visit America250-Ohio.org/grants/.

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About Leadership Ohio

Leadership Ohio is Ohio's most prestigious, non-partisan statewide leadership development program, founded in 1992. Success in our mission creates a unifying movement of diverse, connected leaders who make Ohio the best state to live and work. For more information, please visit our website at leadershipohio.org.

About America 250-Ohio

In 2026, the United States will celebrate its semiquincentennial, which is the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. Each state has been encouraged to create a celebration and commemoration of this anniversary to reflect the unique character and contributions of each state to the nation over the past 250 years. Ohio is fully embracing this opportunity. The Ohio Commission for the Semiquincentennial (aka America 250-Ohio Commission or AM250-OH) was created by the Ohio legislature and launched on March 1, 2022. The charge of the AM250-OH Commission is to “…to plan, encourage, develop, and coordinate the commemoration of the two hundred fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the United States and the impact of Ohioans on the nation’s past, present, and future.” — Ohio Revised Code (149.309). More information can be found at America250-Ohio.org.

About Ohio Humanities

Ohio Humanities is a statewide nonprofit that shares stories to spark conversations and inspire ideas by hosting programs and awarding grants that support storytellers statewide, from museums to journalists to documentary filmmakers. For more information, please visit our website at OhioHumanities.org.

Announcing The Leadership Circle 2024

In spring 2024, Leadership Ohio launched the Leadership Circle, its annual giving campaign. The Leadership Circle presents an opportunity to support organizational programming and nurture our collective legacy.

Our deepest gratitude to our many members of the Leadership Circle 2024. Each contribution, no matter the size, helps expand and deepen our work. 

Thank you:

Jamie Martin

Diana Welling

Angela Parker Moses

Claudia Kraly

Melissa Miller

Karl Dostal

Ugochi Akoi

Kenneth Surratt

Emily Keeler

Joseph French

Joe Weitz

John Moore

Michelle Blanton

Todd Kleismit

Lynanne Gutierrez

Melissa Owens

Kate Blakley

Donald Bush

Christian Campbell

Sharon Perkins

Hope Taft

Amy Riegel

Keith Bowman

Bruce Brandstter

Chad Hoffman

Melissa Currence

Dennis Kennedy

Lydia Gadd

Ann Donnelly Hamilton

Donald Meyer

Darrell Butler

Robin Stone

Jason Crabill

Matt Primmer

Jocelyn Rosnick

Mary McDonald

Alison Goebel

Shon Christy

Stephanie McManus Renda

Tracie Campbell

Randy Cole

Andrew Mangels

Lilleana (Lilly) Cavanaugh

Neethi Johnson

Eric Wobser

Lisa Duty Appointed to Ohio Commission on Service and Volunteerism by Governor DeWine

We are thrilled to announce that our own Executive Director, Dr. Lisa Duty, has been appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to the Ohio Commission on Service and Volunteerism, effective May 31, 2024. This appointment is a testament to Lisa’s service and impact on our great state.

The Ohio Commission on Service and Volunteerism, also known as ServeOhio, plays a vital role in promoting and supporting volunteerism and community service throughout the state. ServeOhio was created to empower local communities to mobilize AmeriCorps members and volunteer resources for the purpose of building a stronger Ohio.

ServeOhio is authorized under section 121.40 of the Ohio Revised Code and is purposed specifically to administer grants in Ohio under the federal National & Community Service Trust Act of 1993. Through collaborations and partnerships with nonprofit, government, and community organizations across the state, ServeOhio increases the effective utilization of AmeriCorps members and community volunteers working to address the state's frontline issues in education, health, economic opportunity, and environmental stewardship. 

Lisa’s appointment to this commission underscores her unwavering commitment to service. Please join us in congratulating Lisa on this well-deserved honor.