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