BELLVILLE — The award-winners at the annual Richland Young Professionals’ dinner and awards ceremony all had one thing in common — a drive to give back to their community and make Richland County a better place.
Thursday’s celebration at Deer Ridge Golf Course recognized six young professionals under age 40 for economic impact awards. The annual awards are meant to recognize individuals who have made notable contributions to the economic vitality of Richland County.
Community members submit nominations and a selection committee chooses winners based on merit, achievement and community impact.
“These awards were created to honor young professionals who are not only excelling in their careers, but in giving back, lifting up others and building a stronger Richland County for all of us,” said Gardner Property Group owner Tristan Gardner.
“Young professionals are often told, ‘You’re the leaders of tomorrow,’ but here in Richland County, they’re leading today. They’re starting businesses, creating jobs, revitalizing neighborhoods and mentoring others.”
Community Spirit Award-winner Leah Gesouras
Leah Gesouras, head of community investment for Source Media Properties, earned the Community Spirit award.
Gesouras credited her parents Nick and Sally Gesouras for showing her the importance of community involvement.
“They embody what this award represents,” she said. “Their generosity, work ethic and unwavering commitment to this community have inspired me every step of the way.”
Gesouras builds relationships with community leaders and business owners for newsroom partnerships across Richland Source, Ashland Source and Knox Pages and manages the local media organization’s membership program.
She also serves on nonprofits Altrusa of Mansfield and the Richland Academy of Performing Arts, as well as performing in Renaissance Theatre shows.
“Being recognized for something I love doing — giving back to the community — is incredibly humbling,” Gesouras said Thursday. “This is where I grew up, this is my home — where I found my passion in theater, where I built my career that I love, and where I get to work alongside some of the most awesome and inspiring people I know.
“Community service isn’t something I do for recognition, it’s just who I am. I want to be part of making this place even better and I don’t plan to stop. This award may have my name on it, but the truth is, it belongs to all of us who believe in this great community, the great work and the greater people who live in it.”
Entrepreneurial Spirit Award-winner Tyler Thomas
Northwestern Mutual financial adviser Tyler Thomas took home the 2025 Entrepreneurial Spirit Award — presented to a person or business in Richland County that started or reinvented itself in the past 24 months.
Beginning his financial advising career as a freshman in college, Thomas celebrated the opening of a Northwestern Mutual Mansfield office in March. He thanked his mentors and colleagues Thursday when accepting the award.
“I’m incredibly honored to accept this year’s entrepreneurial spirit award, especially being surrounded by so many passionate, talented, hard-working Richland County community leaders,” Thomas said.
“To me, entrepreneurship means planting a seed, watering it and watching it grow. It’s seeing opportunities, taking risks and working hard to create a successful business.”
Thomas thanked his wife Maggie and other people who have encouraged him in his business and personal life.
“If there’s anything I’ve done right in my life, it’s choosing the right people to be in it,” he said.
4 under 40 economic excellence award-winners Clinage, Damron, Fishbaugh & Partin
Patrick Clinage is the director of development for Junior Achievement of North Central Ohio.
He is passionate about developing programs to empower young people in their skills and self confidence. He has organized projects like this year’s JA Inspire to Hire and supported LeaderRichland.
“To be honored with the economic impact award and named one of the 4 under 40 is overwhelming, but in the best way,” Clinage said.
“I’ve come to learn that growth doesn’t have a deadline. We each evolve at our own pace, finding purpose through the steps we take and lessons we gather … To every young professional and everyone here tonight, don’t underestimate the power of your voice.
“You belong in every room that you walk into.”
Clinage thanked his colleagues and family members for teaching him lessons in empathy, preparation and building success.
“Growth often comes in the quiet, unglamorous moments where the work is hard, but the mission is clear,” he said. “Tonight is not about a destination, it’s a reminder that we’re all on a journey.
“I see this award not as a finish line, but a signpost. A moment to pause, reflect and recommit to the work ahead. Real impact isn’t made in a single moment, it’s built brick by brick — it’s about how we show up for our community. How we listen, how we lead and how we lift others as we climb.”
Jess Damron is a Realtor with Dream Huge Realty and co-owner of TrueBlue Dumpsters, which she runs with her husband Bryan.
“I’m not one for speeches, but I want to say thank you to whoever nominated me to be up here,” she said. “Most of the people who think I should be up here are the people I look up to the most and who I consider my mentors and heroes.
“Thank you to my family and my husband Bryan. To John and Pete — you’ve taught me so much and that’s a big reason why I have a real estate portfolio, I couldn’t do that without you guys.”
Deanna Fishbaugh is Realtor with Sluss Realty and a mother of three children.
“A little over a year ago, I was honestly lost,” Fishbaugh said. “I didn’t have a five-year plan, I didn’t have a vision board — I just had this gut feeling that whatever I was going to do next, I was going to show up with my whole heart.
“With real estate, I dove in head-first with no safety net or road map, just full faith and a deep love for people … What I’m most proud of is how I’ve taken my love for people and I’ve turned it into a career that feels like home.”
Fishbaugh encouraged other young professionals in the room Thursday to “do the scary thing, trust the process and put your whole heart into what’s next.”
Bradley Partin is the CEO and founder of Richland County Home Buyers. His nominator for the 4 under 40 award wrote that Partin has successfully closed 158 homes in the past year for families in Richland County.
Partin reflected on how young he was when he started his real estate career at age 23.
“What’s interesting to me is the evolution that began to happen from that moment, almost methodically — as if I had a divine purpose to begin doing something I was meant to do,” he said.
“It took me days to really think through this question and realize the man I had become was a man with a purpose … I do believe you have to stay curious and follow your true authentic being — who you are at your very core to pursue a life of purpose.”
RYP marks 10th anniversary
2025 also marks the 10th anniversary of Richland Young Professionals, originally started in 2015 under the Richland Area Chamber.
Current RYP president McKenna Campbell thanked the former organization presidents for “laying the foundation for progress.”
The current board members also presented former RYP presidents Jessica Gribben, Jordon Wurthmann and Bethany Cuthbertson with awards marking the organization’s anniversary.
“The strength of any organization is built upon the dedication and vision of its leaders, and Richland Young Professionals has been fortunate enough to have a legacy of outstanding tenets,” Campbell said.
“Our past presidents laid the foundation for progress … You’ve inspired us to step up, get involved and to continue the work you started.”
Mansfield-Richland Area Educational Foundation Director Angie Cirone also recognized the inaugural Engage Richland class at Thursday’s dinner.
Applications for the 2026 Engage Richland class are now open.
Photos above by Luke Beekman
