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.