Kevin Lacey is one of the co-owners of Bo Lacey Construction, which has 4 locations ( Mansfield, Norwalk, Mount Vernon and Circleville) in Ohio.Kevin's dad, Bo Lacey, started the business back in 1984 in Greenwich, Ohio. Kevin and his business partner, who were football teammates in college at Ashland University, took over the company in 2012, and have continued to grow the company statewide. Bo Lacey Construction, which covers all of Ohio, specializes in bathrooms, roofing, siding, decks and windows. Learn more about Kevin Lacey, and Bo Lacey Construction, on the podcast.

ASHLAND, Ohio – Jon Parrish Peede (pronounced PEE-dee), former chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities, has been selected as the next president of Ashland University and Ashland Theological Seminary. The AU Board of Trustees unanimously approved Peede’s appointment following a thorough search process conducted by a presidential search committee that included trustees, alumni, faculty, staff and a student representative. Peede will begin his role as president on June 1, 2024.With more than 25 years in leadership positions in higher education and federal agencies, Peede brings a diverse set of experiences to Ashland. He has been a faculty member, fundraiser, public speaker, fiscally sound manager and strategic communicator. He is a proven consensus builder and thoughtful leader who develops relationships with a variety of stakeholders to achieve common goals.Peede also maintains a value system that is in alignment with Ashland’s vision. In addition to being a champion for the liberal arts, he clearly grasps the value of the university’s graduate and professional programs. He believes that improved access to education, civil discourse and intellectual diversity of thought on campus, experiential learning opportunities for students and shared governance are all markers of institutional excellence.“Jon Peede stood out in our presidential search. His past experiences as a leader and unifier will benefit Ashland University as we sharpen our focus on branding and navigate the changes in higher education,” said Jim Hess, chairman of the AU Board of Trustees. “Jon is an innovative and strategic thinker who will build on all the good that is currently in place and move us forward to a brighter tomorrow. Jon aligns well with our AU values and Brethren identity. He shares our passion for shaping graduates who work, serve and lead with integrity. Jon will lead our university community in passionately pursuing excellence in everything we do. Our Board welcomes Jon and Nancy to our Ashland University and Ashland Theological Seminary community.”Peede’s career has spanned six institutions, and his impressive credentials are headlined by a term as chairman of the National Endowment for the Humanities in Washington, D.C. He led the agency from July 2017 to January 2021. The NEH chairman position is presidentially nominated and Senate confirmed—Peede was unanimously confirmed within seven weeks of nomination, an example of the bipartisan support he received.As NEH chairman, Peede had sole authority of awarding approximately 1,000 annual grants and managed a $237 million annual budget and 170-person full-time staff. He awarded $500 million in support of liberal arts education, undergraduate and graduate curriculum innovation, museum and library programming, documentary films and multimedia works, cultural infrastructure projects and humanities scholarship.“I am honored to serve the Ashland students, faculty, staff, alumni, trustees and supporters. I admire the university’s steadfast commitment to its Christian heritage, liberal arts core, graduate programs and high teaching standards,” said Peede. “I look forward to building upon the momentum of Dr. Campo’s administration. And, I cannot wait to work with the faculty andstaff who give so much of themselves to mentor students and transform lives. Nancy and I are overjoyed about joining the Ashland community.”As a high-ranking government official focused on public policy on the liberal arts, Peede spoke at dozens of campuses about the current direction of higher education. He partnered with leading academic bodies and private foundations to create innovative solutions, such as the “Cornerstone: Learning for Living” project with the Teagle Foundation. Inspired by a Purdue University program, Cornerstone reimagines the general education curriculum to develop students’ communication and creative thinking skills and broaden their perspective on the world.Peede’s appointment is the culmination of a search that began last fall, following Carlos Campo’s decision to become the CEO of the Museum of the Bible after nine years leading AU. Peede emerged from a pool of more than 60 highly qualified applicants for “his years of service in higher education, his creative leadership and academic acumen and his fundraising experience over his 25-year career,” according to Steven Cole, an AU board member and co-chair of the search committee.Paul McKnight, the other co-chair of the search committee, added that “Peede had researched AU the most and presented a full slate of ideas for the future.”While having spent his life in the South and on the East Coast, Peede is not a stranger to Ashland University. He served as a visiting faculty member of AU’s acclaimed MFA in Creative Writing program, and he has spoken in Ohio at numerous public events.“Whether speaking with a conservative Ashbrook scholar at a congressional event or a progressive novelist on your campus, I found the same foundational beliefs, namely a firm commitment to intellectual rigor, freedom of expression and mutual respect,” Peede recalled.Peede is currently an educational consultant and a faculty member in the department of English and foreign languages at Mississippi Valley State University, a historically Black college and university. Since 2022, he has been co-director of the American Civics Project, which provides K-12 educators with resources and professional development opportunities.Peede’s professional career has also included time at the University of Virginia where he was the publisher of the award-winning “Virginia Quarterly Review,” a national journal of literature and discussion. At the National Endowment for the Arts, he served as director of “Operation Homecoming: Writing the Wartime Experience,” director of literature grants and counselor to then-NEA chairman Dana Gioia. At Millsaps College, Peede was the director of communications, and at Mercer University Press he edited academic books. A scholar of southern literature, he is co-editor of the essay collection “Inside the Church of Flannery O’Connor: Sacrament, Sacramental, and the Sacred in Her Fiction.”Originally from Brandon, Miss., Peede’s passion for education and literature led him to Vanderbilt University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in English. He also holds a master’s degree in Southern studies from the University of Mississippi and will complete a doctorate in English pedagogy at Murray State University in May 2025. Of note, Peede is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa Society and American Mensa.Peede, 55, is married to Rev. Nancy Hollomon-Peede, who has been a spiritual director and minister for various denominations and churches during her 35-year career in ministry. She also served as a chaplain at Harvard University. They have a daughter, Somerset, who is pursuing a postgraduate viola performance degree at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in Australia.

Joe Clime is the president and CEO of First Federal Bank of Ohio, which has been around since 1891. First Federal Bank of Ohio has 9 locations to serve customers in North Central Ohio. Clime, who is from Bucyrus and went to college at Ohio State, has been with First Federal for 17 years. Joe shares all the great work they do for their customers, and more about his family, on the podcast.

Jay Allred is the CEO of Richland Source, which covers local news for Richland, Ashland and Knox Counties.  The company was started in 2013 and has a group of 10 professional journalists that provides their online content.  Allred was born in Montana, attended high school in Texas and is a graduate of Ashland University.  Jay, as a kid, spent time growing up in several states, due to his dad being in the newspaper industry. Jay Allred shares about his family, hobbies, and more about Richland Source, on the podcast.

Craig Rust is the president of the Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, which is located just outside of Lexington.  Rust has been in the role for 13 years and previously ran Watkins Glen in New York, before coming to Mid-Ohio in 2011.  Craig was born in Pennsylvania and attended Lehigh University. Rust got his start in sales in New York City, in 1996, at Madison Square Garden.  The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course was built in 1962 and just received a new surface this year.  Mid-Ohio is a 2.25 mile road course and hosts many events, which range from Indy car to motorcycles.  Learn more about the track, and president, Craig Rust, on the podcast.

Gary Eberts is the owner of Eberts Heating and Cooling, which is located on Ashland road in Mansfield. The company was started in 1965 by Gary's parents, which serves roughly a 30 mile radius - including Richland, Knox, Morrow, Wayne and Crawford counties, along with the Willard area. Gary is married with 4 children and has several grandchildren. Customer service and satisfaction are very important to Gary and his company. Learn more about Gary Eberts and his business on the podcast.

Don Barr is the president and CEO of Galion Building and Loan Bank. The company, which got started back in 1888, is a community bank providing home loans, construction loans, car and personal loans, along with home equity lines of credit.Don, who has been with GBL Bank since 1976, was born in Galion and is a graduate of Galion High School. Barr went to college at Wittenberg University in Springfield.  Learn all about the great services offered by Galion Building and Loan Bank, and more about Don Barr, on the podcast.

Joe Schramm is the president of Schramm Industries, which is located on West 4th Street in Mansfield. The company specializes in hydraulics and has an expert repair facility in hose fittings, lines and cylinders. Schramm helps those in the field in construction, industrial and agricultural. The company has been in operation for over 20 years and serves residents of Richland, Ashland and surrounding counties with about a 60 mile radius. Joe was born in Los Angeles and later moved to the Ashland area. Schramm is a St. Peter's graduate, is married and expecting their first child later in 2024.  Learn more about Joe and his company on the podcast.

Dr. Curt Gingrich is the president of OhioHealth Mansfield hospital and Shelby hospital. Mansfield is the 3rd largest hospital in the OhioHealth family and has 325 beds.  Curt has been in the role of president for 7 months and there are around 2,800 associates between the two facilities, along with outpatient practice facilities.  Curt was born in Lima, attended Elida High School and got his medical degree from the Ohio State University. Dr. Gingrich is married with two children and enjoys golfing, hiking and the outdoors.  Learn more about him and Mansfield and Shelby OhioHealth hospitals on the podcast.

Natalie Thomas and her husband, Ed Thomas, are the co-owners of Thomas Electric, which is based in Mansfield.  The company, which is locally owned and operated, was started 17 years ago, back in 2007. Thomas Electric is an elite dealer with Generac Power Systems, providing power solutions when the power goes out with home generators.  They offer sales, install, parts and service with a great staff.  Learn more about the company on the podcast.

Sonja Pluck is the director of the Madison Adult Career Center, which is located at Madison High School. Sonja, who is a graduate of Madison, started working at the Career Center in 1997 and is in her 27th year.  They offer 75 courses and most programs can be comnpleted in a year or less.  The Madison Adult Career Center will celebrate 50 years in 2025.  Learn more about all the programs and director, Sonja Pluck, on the podcast.

Attorney David Dick has been practing law for more than 15 years.His company, David M Dick L.P.A., helps clients all across the state of Ohio and beyond.  The company is based out of Mansfield and is located at 21 N Walnut Street in downtown Mansfield. David was born in Mansfield, attended Crestview High School and went to college at Ohio Dominican University.  Dick also, operates a cattle farm just north of town.  Learn more about David and his company on the podcast.

MANSFIELD - Brady Groves has announced his retirement as president of the Richland County Foundation after serving 13 years in that position. The RCF Board of Trustees has named Senior Community Investment Officer Allie Watson as the incoming president at the organization.Watson will become president on April 16.“We believe that Allie’s leadership will not only sustain but elevate the Foundation’s mission. She brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of the community,” said Hiner.Watson has been with the Foundation since 2012 facilitating grants and supporting nonprofit organizations. Watson helped to create the Osborne Meese Academy, a capacity building workshop for nonprofit organizations and Mansfield Rising, an investment plan for the Central Business District. Successes of the plan include upgrades to the city’s main thoroughfares, a community branding campaign, creation of public art, facade improvements to downtown businesses, free public Wi-Fi, and free outdoor movies.“I am excited to lead such an exceptional organization that contributes in a significant way to the betterment of our community. In every corner of our county, RCF has touched individuals, neighborhoods, and communities in some way,” said Watson.Watson is a native of Mansfield and has a strong commitment to the Foundation’s mission which is to improve the quality of life in Richland County through strategic philanthropy and community leadership.Watson graduated from St. Peter’s High School. She earned a Bachelor of Science degree from Ohio Wesleyan University and a Master of Science degree from Mount Vernon Nazarene University.About the Richland County Foundation The Richland County Foundation, a not-for-profit 501c3, was established in 1945 as a way for individuals to pool and invest their gifts for the long-term good of Richland County and its residents.The Foundation helps people in Richland County give back to their community by investing their gifts in charity wisely so that grants can be made to improve the quality of life for all the county’s citizens. Working together with donors, the Foundation meets important needs today and plans for a strong future.

Tim O'Neal, CEO of Goodwill of Central and Northern ArizonaWith nearly three decades of experience working in the thrift industry, Tim O’Neal has spent the past 23 years focused on the vision of ending poverty through the power of work.When O’Neal was brought on with Goodwill of Central Arizona, the organization was in serious financial trouble and at risk of having its membership removed by Goodwill Industries International. O’Neal’s arrival marked a turning point in the 75 year history of the organization, and his leadership was instrumental in keeping the organization running by increasing retail operations by 3000 percent during his tenure as the Vice President of Retail Operations (1999 – 2007).O’Neal brought a distinct level of professionalism to the retail side of the organization, a characteristic that quickly spread throughout the organization. O’Neal values the time and effort of his team above all else. He knows the successful reach of Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona’s mission is due to the hard work and innovation all team members exhibit every day. O’Neal recognizes talent and feels it is important for the organization to cultivate leadership at all levels. He is most proud of the transparency the nonprofit presents, as well as the workplace culture that regularly earns top marks on “Best Places to Work” rankings.Goodwill’s founder, Edgar Helms, envisioned providing people in need with the skills and opportunities that lead to self-sufficiency by providing a hand up, not a handout. O’Neal believes wholeheartedly in carrying out this mission to better the lives of everyone in our state. He knows the best way to bring a positive impact to Arizona is to work together, collaborate, and cultivate partnerships with community members, organizations, and leaders.Tim O’Neal is proud of his team and proud of the positive impact Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona leaves on the local community.

Ellen Heinz was named to the role on February 13th, 2024.The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development and Richland Community Development Group (RCDG) proudly announce the selection of Ellen Heinz as the next President & CEO. This appointment follows a thorough search facilitated by the Chamber's board and a selection committee led by Kristine Lindeman, Vice President of Alumni Roofing, and Jake Penwell, President of Shelby CIC/Owner of Penwell Funeral Home.Heinz, currently serving as Ohio Economic Development Representative at the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration, brings a wealth of experience in economic development, collaboration, and community engagement. In her current role, she has excelled as the public relations point for Ohio, earning national recognition for superior federal service and catalyzing over $35 million in funding.Heinz's extensive background includes roles such as Vice President of Corporate Development at Norweco and Safety Service Director for the City of Norwalk. Her diverse experiences range from launching talent development programs and innovative business initiatives to managing public safety services.“We are excited to welcome Ellen to the executive leadership role of President/CEO of our organization. Ellen’s passion for Richland County stems from having lived and worked here previously. She is relationship-driven, and we are confident this will accelerate her ability to reconnect while establishing new relationships. It has been a pleasure to be a part of the hiring process, and we are looking forward to introducing Ellen to our Richland County communities,” commented Kristine Lindeman, Richland Area Chamber Board Chair."We are excited to welcome Ellen Heinz to lead the Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development. Her track record of success, particularly in attracting investments and fostering community partnerships, aligns seamlessly with our goals for the future," expressed Jake Penwell, RCDG Board Chair.The Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development and RCDG are the leading business advocacy and economic development organizations in North Central Ohio. With over 1,000 members, the Chamber supports business growth and building a business-friendly climate in the Richland County area.“I'm very excited to join the Richland Area Chamber team! I couldn't ask for a better region of businesses, board members, team members, political leaders, community organizations, and citizens to work with and serve in my new role. I look forward to working together with all of these wonderful stakeholders to bring about additional positive results, building on the success and collaboration currently taking place in the Richland area. I am extremely thankful to have worked for the U.S. Economic Development Administration's Chicago Regional Office for the last three years. Effective leadership and colleagues have helped me grow as a professional and as a person and will add to what I bring into this exceptional role,” replied Ellen Heinz, M.Ed., OhioCED.

Jason Bammann was sworn-in on Friday, March 22nd, as Mansfield Police Chief.Mansfield, OH—Mayor Jodie Perry is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason M. Bammann as Chief of Police for the City of Mansfield. Bammann replaces Chief Keith Porch who was appointed Safety Service Director on February 28th.Chief Bammann began his career with the Mansfield Police Department in August 1999 as a Patrol Officer in the Community Services Bureau on both the afternoon and night watch patrol shifts. He was promoted to Sergeant in September 2014 supervising the Traffic Section before returning to Patrol. Bammann was then promoted to Lieutenant in February 2018 and was assigned to the Administrative Section where he began working with grants, supervised the 911 Communications Center and the Drone Unit, and served as the department’s Incident Commander. In December of 2019, Jason was reassigned as the METRICH Task-Force Commander, and in June 2021 he was promoted to Assistant Chief helping to oversee the entire agency including Dispatch and Records.Jason is a lifelong resident of Richland County graduating from Madison High School in 1992. He obtained his Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice & Corrections in 2017 and completed his Master of Public Administration in 2019. He has been married to his wife Stephanie since 1996 and has two children.“Chief Bammann is a fantastic leader who will continue to take the Mansfield Police Department into the future with strong respect and confidence,” said Mayor Perry. “I am excited for this next chapter and eager to work with him to continue our focus on improving safety.”“I am honored to have been chosen as the next Chief of Police. This department and community are near and dear to my heart. I want to thank Mayor Perry for placing her trust in me. I would not be were I am if it were not for the amazing staff in all sections of the Division. Their dedication to our community is unsurpassable. I am excited for the future of the Division of Police and the City of Mansfield,” said Chief Bammann.

Rollie Harper, who is Mansfield's new law director, was elected in November of 2023 and took office in January of 2024.  Rollie was born in Mansfield, went to Senior High and graduate from Ohio University. Harper knew from a young age he was going to pursue a law degree, which is something he promised his mother.  Listen to Rollie's incredible story and learn more about Mansfield's law director on the podcast.

Keith Porch was recently named Mansfield's Safety Service Director at the end of February of 2024. Porch retired after 30 years in law enforcement, 25 in total with Mansfield Police, and the last 5, as Chief. Keith, also spent 5 years working for the Richland County Sheriff's Office. He shares about the transition into his new role and all of the job duties that includes. Porch is married and is a graduate of Mansfield Senior. Listen and learn all about Keith Porch on the podcast.

Doug Cooper is the founder and owner of Goldberry Roasting Company. The business has two locations, Ashland on Franklin Ave and the other, on the Oberlin College Campus. Doug founded the business back in 2010 and they have grown over the last 14 years. Cooper said, they sold coffee to people in 43 states in 2023 and roast coffee beans from all over the world. Cooper's son, Pete helps run the business, which has around 50 employees. Doug shares his really cool story, and about his family, on the podcast.

Kelly Blankenship is the Finance Director for the city of Mansfield. Kelly is a graduate of Malabar High School and Coastal Carolina University. Blankenship took office in January of 2024, explains all of her duties and shares some of her vision for the future of finance department. Kelly has 3 kids and spent time working as Executive Director of Wayfinders Ohio, prior before being elected in November of 2023. Learn more about Kelly Blankenship on the podcast.