MANSFIELD — Diane Ramey earned a reputation for championing employee development, mentoring colleagues across the state and providing steady leadership during her three decades with the Area Agency on Aging.
Ramey was recently inducted into the AAA5’s Hall of Fame. She worked for the agency for 31 years.
“From her early days as a case manager to her role as assistant director, she led with integrity, fairness, and a deep commitment to serving others,” said Duana Patton, AAA5 CEO.
“Diane’s impact is reflected not only in the programs she built, but in the wisdom she shared,” Patton added. “She was really quick to remind us that every day is an interview. Those simple truths reflect her belief in accountability, opportunity and showing up with purpose.”
Beth Fryman, AAA5’s chief of Medicaid services, described Ramey as someone who empowered others and created a safe environment to learn for mistakes.
“Diane led with integrity and always took the time listen. She made a lasting impact on everyone fortunate enough to work with her,” added Alicia Blackledge, AAA5’s chief of community living.
Ramey was unable to attend the ceremony due to a family matter.
AAA5 will focus on housing, caregiver support and managed care in 2026
Ohio’s District 5 Area Agency on Aging serves older adults and adults with disabilities in nine counties: Ashland, Crawford, Huron, Knox, Marion, Morrow, Richland, Seneca and Wyandot.
Patton said the agency has “a lot to look forward to” next year, including a statewide rollout of MyCare, a managed care program designed for Ohioans who receive both Medicaid and Medicare benefits.
The agency is also looking to expand on its efforts to increase the amount of affordable senior housing in north central Ohio, following the completion of the Ritter’s Run.
Patton said the AAA5 will continue working with Bellville on its efforts to become an “age-friendly” community.
“We were recently notified, just last week, that we have been awarded a grant through the USC Center for Advancing Family Caregiver, Financial and Workplace Security,” Patton added.
“This will allow us to participate in their pilot employer engagement project. We look forward to working with businesses who have employees who are caregivers for their families and friends.”
“These are just a few snapshots of our ongoing efforts,” Patton told those in attendance.
Agency honors others for service to older adults
During its annual meeting earlier this month, the AAA5 also honored Tina Groves-Pine, the social services director at Good Shepherd Home in Fostoria, Ohio, with its award of excellence.
“Groves-Pine brings the remarkable blend of heart, skill, and professionalism to her role as social services director at Good Shepherd Home,” said Beth Fryman, AAA5’s chief of Medicaid services.
“When challenges arise, Tina is the steady, dependable person who makes sure that no individual falls through the cracks.”
Groves-Pine said she enjoys working with the agency on behalf of older adults.
“To think that the work that I do with all of you has been acknowledged in this way means so much to me,” she said.
“This award just validates my philosophy that I’ve tried to practice throughout my whole career — one of cooperation, of collaboration, of making sure you always show appreciation, working together and showing mutual respect to one another. I feel like it’s those qualities that I’ve been able to share with all of the professionals at the Area Agency on Aging.”
Marion Mayor Bill Collins received a Project Collaboration Award for his role in launching the Marion Senior Task Force in May 2024.
The task force seeks to address the community’s rapidly growing senior population. Under Collins’ leadership, the group has advanced a new senior housing project, created a minor home repair program to support aging in place and increased the county’s capacity to help seniors get to medical appointment.
Collins was unable to attend the event, but Steve Badertscher of the Marion Senior Center accepted it on his behalf.
“He has a heart for seniors. He would be probably way too humble to be spending this much time talking to you about his involvement, so I’m glad I have the opportunity to do that on his behalf,” he said.
Additional honorees included William Myers, Clint Knight and Philip DeVoe.