SHELBY — The North Central Ohio Hall of Excellence filled the James W. Kehoe Center on Thursday night as dozens gathered to celebrate the people shaping the region’s future.

The annual induction ceremony raised funds for the North Central State College Foundation while spotlighting leadership, service and innovation across North Central Ohio.

Jennifer Alt, NCSC Foundation board of trustees president said the foundation exists to connect with the community and assist the college in meeting their students where they’re at.

Organizers honored David Eichinger, Mark Romanchuk and Zoi Romanchuk, whose work continues to drive progress and pride throughout the region.

The Hall of Excellence began as the Entrepreneurial Hall of Fame in 2003 and expanded in 2016 to recognize a broader range of community impact.

DRM also produced videos for the recipients as part of the evening’s program.

A career built on involvement

David Eichinger has spent more than 40 years helping families plan their financial futures through the Eichinger, Brafford, McCleod Group of Merrill Lynch.

He said he built a career in wealth management, but financial and estate planning remain at the core of the work.

Eichinger also shaped the region through community development. He co-founded the Richland Community Development Group to align economic and community development efforts across north central Ohio.

He said the group focused on creating a place where people want to live.

“I have this vision of Mansfield as being really attractive to build a family, but also a very meaningful career,” Eichinger said.

Brit Brafford, senior vice president for Merrill Lynch, said Eichinger entered the industry in a much different era.

“He started in the early ’80s when it was a stockbroker, commission and cold-call world,” Brafford said. “They not only survived, but thrived through that era and helped lead through change.”

Brafford said Eichinger earned Merrill Lynch’s highest honor — the David Brady Award. Merrill Lynch named the award after financial advisor David Brady, who built his reputation by going above and beyond for clients.

They selected Eichinger as one of 10 recipients.

“I feel proud for our team to have achieved that, but also that we have been able to bring that resource to Mansfield,” Eichinger said.

Others described Eichinger as fully committed to every effort he joined.

Jim Weist, owner of Michael Byrne Manufacturing, said Eichinger stands out for his level of involvement.

“When I was thinking about David I thought ‘What’s a word that would describe David and it’s involved’ – whatever it is, he’s involved,” Weist said. “He immerses himself into it.”

He added Eichinger is always one to say, “If you need anything, let me know.”

“You know, when you get involved in stuff and you say you’re in, you have to be in,” Eichinger said. 

He congratulated Mark and Zoi Romanchuk who also received awards.

“I’m proud to call them friends for many years and feel even more honored being considered in the same category,” Eichinger said. “I’m really deeply honored to be added to this category of what I would call ‘doers.

“I’m very proud that what my team has tried to build for the last 40 years has been validated.”

Before closing out his speech, Eichinger thanked his wife, Leslie. 

“Who you marry is the most important decision you will ever make because it will impact every other decision you will ever make,” he added. “Man, did I make a good decision?

“Without Leslie’s love and support and understanding, none of this would have ever happened.”

Leadership across industries and public service

Zoi Romanchuk leads PR Machine Works and Slick Automated Solutions while also serving as president of the Regional Manufacturing Coalition.

She said she focuses on doing what benefits her businesses and employees each day.

“Since Mark went into politics and spends his time in Columbus, I help run the businesses,” Zoi said. “I try to do the right thing every day, what’s best for my businesses and for my employees especially.”

Her husband, Mark Romanchuk, represents the 22nd District in the Ohio Senate, covering Ashland, Medina and Richland counties. He chairs the Medicaid Committee and serves on several other committees focused on finance, health and economic opportunity.

Mark said the evening gave him a rare chance to share the spotlight.

“When you’re in Columbus you’re usually standing on an island speaking by yourself, but tonight I get to speak with Zoi,” Mark added. “So, thank you, Zoi.”

He said service drives his work in both public office and community life.

“I really believe we all have a duty and something we should be doing,” he said.

Richland County Commissioner Tony Vero said Mark doesn’t go for the low-hanging fruit – he takes on challenges.

“FirstEnergy, Mark had a sense early on that something wasn’t right and he was not afraid to say what’s going on in the utility arena is not good for the people of Ohio,” Vero added. “He proved to be very right.

“They have done an excellent job, Zoi in particular, of stressing the importance of manufacturing and developing talent for manufacturing.”

Zoi said the recognition reflects a broader team effort.

“I want to thank everyone that helped us win this award. We certainly didn’t do it on our own,” she said. “I’m going to work very hard to continue to earn it every day.”

Mark noted once he finishes out his term he is planning on coming home to help Zoi and continue to make God the center of his life. 

“Every day I’m working on a daily conversion, and I can’t tell you how lucky we are in this country to be able to do that freely,” he said. “I’m thankful and blessed for our community, our state and the opportunity to give back.”

Former Richland Area Chamber and Economic Development CEO, Ellen Heinz said the couple works constantly behind the scenes.

“They don’t care if anybody ever knows about it,” Heinz said. “They are 24/7 on-call.”

(Photos from the 2026 North Central Ohio Hall of Excellence Award Ceremony. Credit: Hannah Martin)