The Richland Community Development Group (RCDG) honored 10 emerging community leaders under the age of 40 in their first annual “10 Under 40” awards on Tuesday morning. The 10 award winners were chosen from more than two-dozen young professional nominees from businesses, organizations and individuals in Richland County.
The award winners were Cody Albert, Kelly Andress, Llalan Fowler, Brandon Hall, Jenny Kreinbihl, Jeff Mussman, Dara Shade, Christina Thompson, Tony Vero, and Mike Whisler.
“This is just a token of the many engaged, involved young folks who are helping to shape our future,” said RCDG Board Chairman John Brown. “These awardees represent a large group of under 40s who are climbing their career ladder, parenting our future generations, volunteering in our community and donating generously to our philanthropies. They are busy folks and they are setting a marvelous example for their peers and the upcoming young people.”
Cody Albert, Shelby resident and commercial underwriter for Westfield Insurance, was nominated for his talent, hard work, entrepreneurial spirit and community service.
A graduate of Shelby High School, Albert returned to his hometown after earning a marketing degree at the University of Akron where he also graduated from Torchbearers, a leadership program based in Akron. Albert earned an Associate in General Insurance degree and has completed the Westfield Insurance Graduate Development Program.
In high school, Albert and two business partners founded Albert Entertainment and grew the business to become one of the best-known entertainment companies in the area over their nine-year career. The group donated their time and talents to numerous groups that were fundraising for charitable causes, helping groups raise a combined total of over $500,000 at events.
As an adult commuting to work two counties away, Albert continues to be dedicated to Shelby and Richland County. He is a member of Richland Young Professionals and has used his graphic design talents to produce Richland Young Professional’s event fliers and social media event graphics. He is a trustee of the Community Improvement Corporation of Shelby as well as a board member of The Shelby Foundation.
Albert’s philanthropic efforts also include buying pies to support Shelby Help Line Ministries during Shelby Bicycle Days, where he has been involved for six years and co-chaired the event for the first time this summer.
Albert’s nominator, Community and Economic Development Director for the city of Shelby and fellow co-chair of Shelby Bicycle Days Christina Thompson, said Albert’s “positive energy, marketing creativity, business savvy and countless hours of dedication” made for the most successful Shelby Bicycle Days in more than 10 years.
“A successful Shelby Bicycle Days brings economic benefit to numerous local businesses and improves the morale of the community,” said Thompson.
Albert thanked his many friends and family members who help behind the scenes and noted the importance of listening to ideas from the younger generation.
“When a young person comes to you with an idea, take value in that,” said Albert. “I appreciate all the opportunities that our community’s leaders have given me at a young age.”
Kelly Andress, director of Practice Development and Operational Improvement for OhioHealth Physician Group, was nominated for her attitude, positive tone and resilience to find solutions when faced with barriers in her career. Her nominator, Tina Eldridge RN, MSN, said Andress’ success in her role at OhioHealth comes from her ability to create a strategic vision, plan the actions and communicate in a manner that promotes engagement.
“Kelly is a young leader who has already established herself as a key asset to OhioHealth,” said Eldridge, IT Clinical Program Director for OhioHealth. She stated that she considers Andress “a leader who displays qualities of someone with experience beyond her years.”
Andress is a graduate of Wittenberg University and has a Master of Health Administration from The Ohio State University. She is currently working on obtaining her Project Management Professional Certification from North Central State College.
Andress volunteers on behalf of MedCentral at the Minority Health Fair, Shelby Hospital Health Screenings and Campus Clean Up Projects. She is a member of the RCDG Connections Fund and Sts. Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church, and a member of Richland Young Professionals and Leadership Unlimited.
Andress and her husband, George, are residents of Mansfield along with their 11-month-old daughter, Olivia. She enjoys reading, traveling, yoga and spending time with family and friends.
“I started with OhioHealth five years ago in Columbus, and from day one was surrounded by leaders and mentors who really challenged me to go outside my comfort zone, try new things and have always given me the support and guidance to be successful,” said Andress. “It’s very much a pride of mine to be part of an organization who believes in personal and professional development in their young leaders, and also in our community.”
Llalan Fowler, manager of Main Street Books in downtown Mansfield, was nominated for her commitment to improving children’s literacy, invigorating the downtown, supporting the local arts community, and promoting creative writing in all forms. Fowler has made Main Street Books a center for activities and ideas in downtown Mansfield by maintaining a book club, monthly poetry readings, open mic nights, children’s activities, a writing group, and events with local and nationally known writers.
Fowler is a graduate of Ohio University and has a master’s degree in Publishing and Writing from Emerson College in Boston. Her writing is published in a weekly column to the Mansfield News Journal‘s section titled “The Downtowner,” as well as regular features and columns for The Black Swamp Trader and Firelands Gazette. Fowler also writes the bi-weekly column “Just Add Beer” for the food and drink blog PitchKnives and ButterForks.
Fowler is a leader in the RCDG Arts and Culture Sector, helping create numerous activities to highlight local arts including ArtOber, The Art of It All Week in July, and other events. She is on the board of the Renaissance Theatre, a committee member for NEOS Dance Theatre’s Ballet @ the Brickyard and the organizer of Small Business Saturday. Fowler also organizes the downtown Mansfield scavenger hunts for children in the summer.
In her nomination of Fowler, Jennifer Hurst, a patron of the store and an active member of several of Fowler’s groups, notes, “(Fowler) has made Main Street Books and Richland County’s art community an important part of our weekly activities.”
Fowler spoke for many of the young professionals in the room when thanking RCDG for creating such an event.
“Thank you for recognizing the arts are an integral part of our community,” said Fowler. “I’m not done. There’s more coming, and that can be said for all of us.”
Brandon Hall, plant manager for the Gorman-Rupp Mansfield Division Main Plant, was nominated for his abilities as an innovative and flexible leader for his company. Hall was promoted to plant manager after eight years with Gorman-Rupp, and used his knowledge in setting up the layout of the new addition to the plant, saving the company over $4 million in infrastructure purchases. He oversaw the inventory and assembly production move in 2009 with no negative impacts to the company’s customers.
Hall entered the workforce immediately after high school, with his early work experiences a behind his exemplary leadership. However, Hall never lost sight of the importance of a college education and recently completed his BA in Business and Organizational Management from Tiffin University. He immediately started working on his MBA.
David Daniels, Manufacturing Manager of Gorman-Rupp, nominated Hall, saying “Brandon is the type of individual who is never satisfied with anything as status quo. He can be seen leading and pushing others to perform their very best.”
Hall donates his time to his sons’ sports teams and to the youth sports program in the city of Ontario. He coaches baseball, basketball and soccer and serves on the Ontario Youth Sports Board of Directors. He has two sons and, as he notes on his resume, “an amazing wife.”
“I’m into a lot of different things, my plate is always full, and I have a tough time saying no,” said Hall. “All the effort my family gives to help me do what I do is very appreciated.”
Jenny Kreinbihl, Banking Services Coordinator for Mechanics Bank in Mansfield, is considered a role model of excellence and engagement to her younger co-workers. She has been recognized at the Bank’s annual “All Mechanics” event with a special “Commitment to Learning” award, which is considered a significant honor.
Kreinbihl’s community involvement makes her a leader within Mechanics Bank. She is an active Rotary member, serving on three committees, chairing one and also writing the weekly Rotary newsletter. She serves on the Richland Young Professionals leadership board and is co-chair of the Community Engagement Committee.
She also serves on the board of Big Brothers Big Sisters and has volunteered for The Salvation Army and the United Way. She regularly volunteers for the annual NCSC Rock-N-Ribs event as well as the Mansfield Association of Realtors STARS Bingo events at Dayspring. She has coordinated a Mechanics/Habitat for Humanity Build volunteer day and has been a volunteer for all Bank sponsored Habitat events. She has also used a week of Mechanics Bank’s Humanitarian Service time to volunteer for a large Habitat build project in Georgia. Other activities include serving on Operation Clean Sweep, Tough Mudder and the Bellville Fair/Clear Fork Boosters. She is active in the Ontario Growth Association.
“[Kreinbihl’s] service in the community is not in name only; she is very actively involved and committed to each board and event,” said Patty Ades, Senior Vice President of Mechanics Bank in her nomination. “Jenny’s passion for service in the community is part of who she is and is sure to continue for many years to come. She consistently serves with humility, not trying to draw attention to herself. She gets great personal satisfaction and reward from serving others and our community is better for it.”
Kreinbihl is a graduate of Miami University and a resident of Mansfield. Her favorite hobby is boating or just being near water.
“I remember when I applied to Mechanics three years ago, one of my goals was to become much more involved in the community, and without Mechanics’ help I would not be here today,” said Kreinbihl.
Jeff Mussman, attorney at Mussman Law Office in Bellville, is a practicing attorney, a combat veteran, a member of the Ohio Air National Guard, the Village Solicitor, and a family man. Mayor Darrell Banks of the village of Bellville proudly nominated Mussman.
“Jeff’s career as well as his private life have already laid the foundation to be a leader that will bring the best possible results for our area,” said Banks.
Mussman served six years in the Marine Corps Reserve with two tours in Iraq. He has been awarded the Navy Achievement Medal, the Marine Corps Combat Action ribbon, the Iraq Campaign Medal – two stars, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal. He is currently a Captain in the Ohio Air Guard.
Mussman and his wife Sarah practice law in Bellville. As the village solicitor, he has been instrumental in assisting with zoning changes, which Banks stated will “be a catalyst to economic growth to Bellville.” He has introduced a diversion program to the village mayor’s court and has been instrumental in improvements of the administration of the village.
Mussman is an active member of his community serving as the President of the Bellville Lions Club, the Vice President of the Clear Fork Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Bellville Revitalization Committee. He also holds memberships in the American Legion Post 535, AMVETS Post 43 and St. Peter’s Catholic Church.
Mussman acknowledged Mayor Banks and other members of Bellville council for taking a chance on him.
“It’s been a theme with a lot of folks today the opportunities for young people in Richland County, and boy is that true,” said Mussman. “But what’s lost in that sometimes is that opportunity for one person means another person taking a risk.”
Dara Shade, Area Retail Leader for Key Bank, was nominated for her professional growth and community involvement. After being in banking for a dozen years in the Mansfield area, Shade was recently promoted to an Area Retail Leader position with Key Bank, making her responsible for five retail branches in the area. She oversees all operations, staffing and sales for her branches.
Vice President of Key Bank Karen Ellison noted in her nomination that Shade “has developed strong partnerships with other banking professionals and serves as a mentor in the field.”
Shade co-chairs the Key4Women Program in the Mansfield area and has been responsible for developing the program into a networking and educational resource for professional women. She is also a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and the Restore. She has worked with United Way’s Power of the Purse fundraiser and is a supporter of the Domestic Violence Shelter, and a board member of Big Brothers Big Sisters.
A life-long resident of the community, Shade lives in Lucas and is a graduate of Ashland University with a B.A. in Electronic Media. She is a member of Diamond Hill Cathedral Church, is married and has one daughter.
“I couldn’t do it without Key Bank, they have really offered me the opportunity to be part of the community and I am encouraged to continue to do that,” said Shade. “I look forward to what I can do in the community in the future, and congratulations to everyone else – you’re inspiring to me as well.”
Christina Thompson, Community and Economic Development Coordinator for the city of Shelby, was cited as “a leader of young leaders” in her nomination from her employer, Shelby Mayor Marilyn John.
In Thompson’s professional role with the city, she has fostered economic development, improved the quality of place and successfully fostered collaborations throughout the community and business sectors.
Thompson was one of the driving forces behind the successful Polar Express holiday celebration in Shelby, and also navigated relationships between local business leaders, the State of Ohio, Shelby City Council and local school administrators to solidify the $36 million expansion of Shelby’s largest employer. Thompson works avidly on the LeaderRichland Sector that this year brought more than 900 middle school students to The Ohio State University Mansfield and North Central State College campus to meet community leaders and role models. She also accepted a leadership role on the Richland Young Professionals Executive Committee.
“[Thompson] is a key contributor and advocate for the organization,” said Mike Whisler, president of Richland Young Professionals. “She continuously sets an example for the younger individuals.”
A graduate of Baldwin Wallace College and Leadership Unlimited, Thompson serves on the board of the Richland Community Development Group, Mansfield/Richland County Convention and Visitors Bureau, Richland County Regional Planning Commission and the Community Improvement Corporation of Shelby. She is festival co-director for Shelby Bicycle Days and a member of the Shelby Creating Healthy Communities Task Force. Thompson has volunteered with the Rehab Telethon and Raising Richland Community Garden Summit, and she has won various awards in the communications/journalism field. Thompson is married with two children and is a resident of Shelby.
“It’s amazing in just 10 years how engrained I am in the community that I love,” said Thompson. “I’ve loved my job the last two years, and it’s all because of the people that have helped before me.”
Tony Vero is making an impact in both Shelby and Lexington as the supervisor of Human Resources at ArcelorMittal in Shelby and as a member of Lexington village council.
Vero is responsible for labor relations of approximately 650 employees at ArcelorMittal, with the company’s recent growth announcement indicative of the strong relationship it has with its labor workforce relationship that Vero helps maintain. Vero was initially appointed to Lexington council in the fall of 2012, and he won a full term in 2013. As the chairperson of the Rules and Personnel Committee, he spearheaded improvements in village policies with respect to its treatment of village employees.
In nominating Vero, Village Administrator Aaron Wiegand notes that he chairs the most active committee in the Village and praises Vero’s frequent availability to meet with village businesses. Aaron sees Vero as “providing leadership uncommon for young professionals.”
Vero served as Chairman of the Village of Lexington Bicentennial Committee, a yearlong commitment that included parades, school events, and community celebrations throughout various locations in the Village. He has also assisted with the Blueberry Festival and the Lexington High School Football team. He is a member of St. Peter’s Catholic Church and a graduate of Miami University. Vero has a Juris Doctorate from the University of Akron School of Law and is certified to practice law in the state of Ohio.
“Richland County is kind of a gem that no one really knows about,” said Vero. “People are starting to know that because of the efforts of RCDG and all of the leaders I see in this program. It’s truly humbling because I don’t belong in this group of 10 people, and I look forward to serving with each and every one of you.”
Mike Whisler, a commercial lender and administrative officer at Richland Bank, received three separate nominations from his employer, his peers and a customer. Rhonda Shindeldecker of S&S Machining, Ltd. said she was “impressed the first time she met Mike and was amazed at his ambitions and vision for Mansfield.”
Whisler joined Richland Bank in 2010 and moved quickly through the ranks to his current position. Beth Malaska of the Richland Bank Human Resource Department notes that his contributions to the bank are measured beyond the number of business products sold, saying, “(Whisler) builds relationships on trust, reliability and expertise. He adheres to our brand promise.”
Whisler is the president and a co-founder of Richland Young Professionals (RYP) and has been instrumental in the development of the group focused upon creating opportunities for young professionals to find leadership opportunities, to develop themselves professionally and to network with their peers. Under Whisler’s leadership, RYP has grown from a concept to a dynamic organization of over 140 members in less than a year.
Whisler’s involvement in the community includes volunteer work for the United Way, Red Cross Blood Drives, the Domestic Violence Shelter and the Tiny Tim Shop. He is a graduate of Ashland University and is married with a new daughter.
“I’m also a transplant to Mansfield, and had it not been for a job opportunity after graduating from Ashland University and all the initial opportunities (Richland Bank) have afforded me so quickly in my career, I would not be where I’m at today,” said Whisler.
Richland Community Development Group Executive Director Bridget McDaniel closed by thanking the award winners for their contributions to the community.
“We have a thriving group of young professionals, and I think you’ve heard from some of the cream of the crop this morning,” she said.
