Recognition is given to individuals and organizations whose leadership has significantly enhanced the quality of life in Geauga County.
Nominations should demonstrate any one or combination of the following:
*Note: Those holding public office are not eligible to win the Emerald Leader award.
The selected Emerald Leader will be honored at the Emerald Ball on March 7, 2026.
The nomination form for the 2026 Emerald Leader is now closed.
It started with a vision of a more humane world and a down-to-earth devotion to saving animals from homelessness and harm.
The Geauga Humane Society has a proud history of being a leading animal welfare agency in northeast Ohio. We began our life-saving work in 1974 when its founder, Arlene MacDonald, and a small group of committed animal advocates embarked on a labor of love.
At the beginning the animals were sheltered in private homes. In 1980, The Society moved into the tiny 800 sq. ft. leased space on Merritt Road in Chardon, Ohio. What their original shelter lacked in size was made up for by a driving passion and enormous energy to better the lives of animals and to help educate people to have respect for all living things.
Their dreams were large. With leadership, and the generosity of thousands of people, including major donors and visionary foundations, the Geauga Humane Society took a giant step. In 2001 they opened a new state-of-the-art 10,500 square foot facility on a 14 acre parcel of land on Chillicothe Road in Russell Township, Ohio. They named it Rescue Village.
Today Rescue Village is a vital center for animal welfare. One can learn about the hallmark programs and services established throughout their website – www.geaugahumane.org. Building on the courageous and innovative spirit that brought the Geauga Human Society this far, and they continue to embrace the vision of a world where the relationship between human beings and animals center on empathy and kindness.
Animals at Rescue Village are cared for until they find a new home, including those that are abused, sick or injured, those that may need behavior training, or those that simply need the gift of time. Animals are never euthanized due to age, special needs, or lack of space.
Their passion for combining professionalism with innovation, collaboration, and a great big heart runs through everything they do. All who come through their doors, be they four-legged or two-legged (or the occasional turtle or snake), are treated with respect.
Geauga Humane Society’s Rescue Village goes above and beyond for the animals and for the people of northeast Ohio. It started with a vision that continues to capture our imagination and fuel their efforts!
The Geauga Human Society’s mission is:
Tracy Jemison
As one of his six proposers has said he, shared and is working to achieve his vision for a viable and sustainable community. Along with several other members of the community, he played a significant role in the founding of the Geauga Growth Partnership, a private – public partnership committed to growing the economy and community of Geauga County.
While Mr. Jemison holds many executive leadership roles in the community, one which is most significant is his dedicated involvement with United Way Services of Geauga County. Mr. Jemison has served as Board Chair for United Way since 2009. He believes strongly in building community by serving others through “hand-ups” rather than “handouts.”
In addition to his United Way leadership, Tracy Jemison is the past president and member of the Burton Middlefield Rotary club, where he has served as an activist for local safety personnel, as well as veteran’s issues. He is a graduate of Leadership Geauga (2005), former Leadership Geauga Board member, former Middlefield Village Council member (which he started at the age of 19 years old), previous Geauga County Auditor which resulted in numerous awards for the County’s fiscal management, past Berkshire School Board member, and the list goes on. Mr. Jemison’s commitment to our community and the people who live here is quite remarkable. As he stated in a recent interview, “We are all here to leave the earth a better place than we found it. My involvement gives me the opportunity to do just that.”
Another nominator, said, I have the privilege of serving with Tracy Jemison on numerous community boards. He serves with distinction and action and commits with his time, talent and treasures. As a thought leader, his engaging leadership style builds trust and confidence with the people he leads. He creates excitement and a “can do” culture.
Enthusiastic and highly passionate, Tracy Jemison is morally and ethically sound. He displays a keen desire to strive for and attain excellence in personal and professional endeavors. His general approach to situation planning and problem solving is punctuated by the use of common sense techniques balanced with rationality and sensitivity.
A third proposer wrote, “I have known Tracy Jemison since he was a child living with his parents on Johnson Street just a couple of doors from my house. My daughter, Patti and Tracy and another neighbor boy would play together out in our back yards. Had I a son, I would have wanted him to grow up to be the kind of man Tracy is, a responsible and dedicated public servant, a kind and giving friend and a man of great integrity.
Jim Patterson
A fifth-generation family farmer from Geauga County is the newest honoree to be named an Emerald Leader. Jim Patterson has deep roots in Geauga County. Jim, a 1964 graduate of the Ohio State University, own Patterson Fruit Farm in Chesterland.
As most of you know the 116-acre farm includes 45 acres of apple orchards and 18 acres of strawberry fields. In addition to producing 8,000 bushels of apples for pick-your-own customers as well as retail sale at the farm market, the Pattersons make freshly pressed apple cider, which is sold at their farm market and to a large number of Geauga and Cleveland stores. Pick-your-own strawberries are available in June, and the farm offers a seven-week autumn Family Fun Fest of hayrides, pumpkin painting and other activities.
Jim has long been active in civic, agricultural and alumni affairs. From 1969 to 1982, he was a Geauga County commissioner. He was elected to the board of trustees of the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation in 1979 and served as the organization’s president from 1985 to 1989. He is a past president of the Ohio Fruit Growers Society and a former member and chairman of the Farm Credit Bank of Louisville’s board of trustees. In addition, Jim has served as vice chair of the Ohio Board of Regents
Mr. Patterson is a member of both the Nationwide Insurance Enterprise and the Nationwide Financial Services boards of directors. He served on both the Geauga Regional Hospital board of trustees and the University Hospital Health System of Cleveland board of trustees.
He served on the OSU board of trustees from 1994-2003, and was chairman of the board 2002-03. He has served as chair of the OSU Alumni Advisory Committee and on the councils of the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center and OSU Extension support councils.
He and his wife, Nancy, are members of Mayfield United Methodist Church in Chesterland and have three children, Susan, David, and Bill.
Thomas W. Benda
Thomas W. Benda has had an impact on many lives in both Lake and Geauga counties.
Tom served for many years with The Lubrizol Corporation in Corporate Environmental, Health, & Safety and has been recognized for his achievements there. But this award goes above and beyond what Tom did at work.
He has served his neighbors by his volunteer efforts on the Lakeland Foundation and as a lifetime Eagle Scout has served Greater Western Reserve Council of the Boy Scouts of America. Both of his sons (Rich and Mike) are Eagle Scouts.
Tom has spent many years “Paying it forward” as a board member of the Lake County United Way Services.
Since retirement from Lubrizol, Tom has served on the Chardon St. Mary’s Parish Council with special emphasis on evangelization, men’s renewal and the parish’s 100th year Jubilee Anniversary.
If that’s not enough, Tom serves on University Hospitals Board of Directors, and is Chairman of the Board of Directors of University Hospitals Extended Care Campus at Heather Hill.
With all of his commitment to others, “Pa” Benda still finds time to enjoy family, friends, golf and especially his grandchildren.
This is just a capsule of the accomplishments of Thomas W. Benda, Leadership Geauga County 2011 Emerald Leader.
Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center
Fieldstone Farm is a 32-year old, Geauga County, non-profit, which provides therapeutic opportunities to children and adults whose special needs are aided through equestrian programs that promote physical / emotional wellness and individual achievement.
At Fieldstone Farm, horses help more than 800 clients annually. They have served clients with disabilities, ages 2 to 90 years old, attend from nine counties. Riders with cognitive impairments, physical disabilities and psychosocial disorders learn riding skills while they improve their balance, strengthen muscles, work on educational goals and learn life skills.
In November of 1997, the program moved into its own brand new, state-of-the-art facility, which was named Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center. This expanded facility is one of the largest facilities of its kind in North America and it includes a therapy room, classroom, indoor and outdoor arenas and ample workspace for an array of programming.
By 1992, the Therapeutic Riding Center had dramatically expanded its staff and volunteers and increased its programming to six days per week, year-round. There are currently 34 staff members (twelve full-time) and over 500 volunteers.
Fieldstone Farm coordinates the services of 250 volunteers per week; 700 volunteers in 2010 who donated 22,222 hours of service! Their 25 member board of directors is engaged and committed to their partnership with the 37 member staff. These unique equine programs partner with approximately 40 schools and groups including The Gathering Place, Chagrin Falls Park Community Center, New Horizons and Open Doors Academy.
In more recent years, Fieldstone expanded into a partnership with Geauga Educational Service Center to house Gaitway High School, a public high school classroom for at-risk students from Geauga County schools. These students, who have emotional disabilities, thrive in an alternative educational environment focused on experiential education, vocation and life-skill training, a partnership with therapy horses and counseling.
Kimm Leininger
Kimm Leininger easily meets and exceeds the eligibility criteria of Leadership Geauga County’s Emerald Leader Award 2010 as an individual who has significantly enhanced the quality of life in Geauga County. In addition, she could be nominated in any of the three categories: Leadership in Social and Civic Development; Volunteer/Community Service; and Special Achievement. She is a strong and well-respected leader who strives to lead by example. She is incredibly generous with her time, philanthropy and strives to increase the quality of life for everyone in Geauga County.
Kimm Leininger is the Executive Director of United Way Services of Geauga County. She has served our community in this position since 2003. Prior to this, she served as the Executive Director of WomenSafe for five years. Kimm has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University and a Master of Social Work degree from The Ohio State University. She is also an alumnus of Leadership Geauga County, 2002 (aka – the Best Class!).
Upon her arrival at United Way, Kimm quickly developed a partnership with The Lake-Geauga Fund of the Cleveland Foundation and was provided a grant for an Organizational Transformation Project. This project has resulted in the engagement of key community leaders and professionals in the development of a Community Impact Agenda for Geauga County, as well as solution focused task force groups that are making an impact in the areas of Affordable Housing and Services to Homebound Seniors. As Tom Curtin (a member of the Community Investment Committee) states, “Kimm is a visionary. She was able to see that United Way resources and its affiliate agencies could direct their energies in a focused approached to specific community challenges to maximize impact upon Geauga County. Kimm accomplished this by organizing a county-wide discussion and study that lead to the development of the Geauga County Community Impact working group. She does this with a friendly professionalism that draws people together in a common effort that creates positive outcomes.”
In addition, Kimm has refocused the work of United Way Services of Geauga County in the areas of Health and Wellness, Strengthening Families and Attaining Independence. Chuck Fowler (Fairmount Minerals) states that “Kimm’s greatest strength is her ability to collaboratively bring people, organizations and agencies together for the benefit of Geauga County – and makes things work!”
Kimm gives freely of her time, energy and organizational skills. Recently, Kimm volunteered to serve as chair of a benefit committee she pulled together to assist a local family in need. As Sherry Bosworth (a committee member) states, “I had the opportunity to work with Kimm for the Pennell Family Benefit in September of this year. Our goal was to put together a spaghetti dinner, Chinese auction, and silent auction in five weeks. I so enjoyed working with Kimm, she is outstanding in her organizational skills. After every meeting, the committee received an e-mail with all details outlined; she made massive contacts to folks to gather items for the auction. Kimm worked with the family to assure them there was help available, with such things as gas cards and food and school tuition assistance, before the benefit even kicked in. Kimm is personable, a doer, not a talker – what a pleasure to work with Kimm.”
Kimm currently serves on the board for the Western Reserve Community Development Corporation. She is the past president of the CASA advisory board, a founding board member for Tri-County CARE and Parish Council President at St. Mary Catholic Church in Chardon. Kimm is also an active member of the Chardon Rotary Club, where she has served on the Board and has received three prestigious Paul Harris Fellows. Kimm is also a member of the Geauga Family First Council, Starting Point Regional Advisory Committee, and the Northeast Ohio Development Exchange.
Kimm lives in Geauga County with her family. She and her husband Neil have three children.
Interact Club of Chardon High School
There’s a special organization that, over the last nine years has exemplified leadership, and coincidentally, service above self. This group of youth people, the Interact Club of Chardon High School have organized and operated:
A Chili Cook-Off that helped support, through past nine years:
NY firefighters, Sparrow Village, Leprechaun Society, Women’s Safe, Hattie Larlham, Habitat for Humanity, Jeremy’s Kids, Needy families in Geauga County, And has raised over $40,000.
The members have read to Maple Elementary first graders every week for the past four years.
In addition, other Activities, past and present include:
Paul Newman satisfies all of the criteria for the candidate exemplifying outstanding leadership by positive contributions through volunteerism, philanthropy, or innovation that impact the quality of life in Geauga County.
Paul Newman is a true Renaissance man. He is an attorney, an award winning artist, an author, a decorated veteran, a gentleman farmer, a world traveler, and a concerned and active citizen. His formal degrees range from an undergrad degree in biology to a Masters in English and finally a doctorate in Jurisprudence. He is married to Merrilou, his wife of 35 years, and has two daughters, Jane and Nicole.
He and his partner, Ed Brice, have been practicing law on Chardon Square and in Middlefield for 22 of his 30 years in the profession. He has shared his wealth of knowledge and expertise by teaching law in seminars and at Lakeland Community College. He has served as a trustee of the Geauga County Law Library and has edited Ipso Jure, the newsletter of the Geauga County Bar Association, for over 25 years.
Paul has been active in local government serving on the County School Board, the County Board of Elections, and the Hambden Township Zoning Commission. He also has or does serve on the boards of the Democratic Party, the Maple Festival and Geauga Park District.
Paul has been the spearhead for the Memorial for Geauga County Veterans, which is heading into its final stages of realization. It will be centrally located by the Geauga County Hospital, Safety Center, and other county government buildings by Merritt Drive.
He has been the kitchen chief for the Pancake Breakfast at the Berkshire cafeteria for the Middlefield-Burton Rotary Club for years. The funds received by Rotary from the pancake participants are used in multiple local and non-local charitable and educational programs.
Paul has served as Chairman and on the Board of the Maple Festival Committee for years, again donating countless hours for that activity and for the benefit of Chardon and the greater Geauga community.
Paul is an accomplished photographer and has won many awards both locally and nationally. He was one of the founding members of the Geauga Council for Arts & Culture and has served on its board ever since.
He has published 10 photography booklets highlighting and honoring Geauga County churches, people, barns, waters, gardens, education, vistas, and heritage.
He is a past recipient of the Chapman Award from the Geauga County Library Association for his many contributions.
He has served for years as the Editor of Ipso Jure, the newsletter for the Geauga County Bar Association, which keeps its members up to date on legal and other matters for its Geauga County Bar Association members.
Recently, Paul advocated journals to be kept by seniors at various Geauga County High Schools for them to look back in subsequent years.
He has also promoted time capsules in Lake and Geauga County for future generations.
He has also served on the committee interviewing and recommending Geauga County students wishing to enter our military academies.
Besides being a lawyer, Paul is a photographer, world traveler, part-time farmer, family man, holder of a Master’s Degree in English, Bachelor’s Degree in Biology, and a combat-decorated, Purple Heart recipient, Veteran of the Vietnam War.
Paul was a decorated Viet Nam veteran receiving both the Bronze Star and a Purple Heart. He was a ranger in the Army where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant. He and several of his war buddies captured the essence of that experience in several autobiographical vignettes published as Nine from the Ninth. Paul is spearheading the effort to create a Veteran’s Memorial for Geauga County.
Paul is our Geauga County ‘Renaissance Man,’ and ‘Man for all Seasons,’ who is very deserving of Leadership Geauga County’s Emerald Leader Award!
There is no question that Geauga County is better off for him living here. He exemplifies in every way the ideals upon which Leadership Geauga was founded and as such deserves to receive the Emerald Award for 2009.
Deborah O’Connor
Debbie O’Connor came to the Geauga County Public Library in August of 1985. Under her administration, her vision and leadership brought the Geauga County Public Library to the enviable position of one of the leading libraries of its size in all of Ohio. Geauga County has boasted the highest per capita borrowing rate in the state for many years being more than twice the state average and far greater than the national average. She has spearheaded the passage of two levies that have helped to put the library system on a more even financial keel. She has overseen the renovation of the Chardon library, the building of the Middlefield Library and the Administrative Center and the major overhaul of the Bainbridge Library. She has begun limited service in Newbury and Thompson by instituting the library stations located in the respective high schools. The Bookmobile service was added to serve the entire community, but most especially the Amish community. She oversaw the launching of the Amish Book Delivery Program that grew from two Amish schools to 36.
Debbie was a member of the study group which explored the feasibility of beginning a community leadership program in Geauga County. She became a founding board member of Leadership Geauga County in 1995, bringing her organizational skills and her extensive connections to the group. Although she did not go through the class until 2000, she used her influence and expertise to ensure that the development of the embryonic organization would be beneficial to Geauga County, as well as effective in helping individuals grow in their professional and civic lives. Her persuasive and energetic leadership style attracted the right mix of people and resources to the new enterprise. On the board she served as a standard bearer for organizational consistency and program quality. During the time she served as board president, she instituted a board retreat and a strategic plan which is still bearing fruit today. It is not an exaggeration to say that without her there would be no Leadership Geauga.”
Debbie became a member of the United Way board in 2001. She initially became active with several committees within the organization. In 2003, Debbie agreed to serve as the campaign chair, which resulted in a record setting year. In 2004, Debbie continued her role in the campaign as a lo-chair and also took on the role as the United Way Board Chair.
From 1996 through 1999, Debbie chaired the Catholic Schools Futuring Committee. Her expertise in planning and constructing many Chardon library facilities was put to good use in the areas of demographics, facilities and finances.
Debbie has also served on the Grievance Committee for the Geauga Bar Association, the purpose of which is prosecuting a disciplinary action against a lawyer before the Board of Commissioners of Grievances & Discipline for the State of Ohio.
Richard Frenchie
Richard Frenchie’s hard work and dedication has led a team of nearly 1,000 employees, physicians and volunteers in the transformation of UHHS Geauga Regional Hospital into University Hospitals Geauga Medical Center.
Involving much more than a simple name change and new logo, the conversion was a result of a yearlong strategic assessment – referred to as Vision 2010 – of demographic trends and consumer healthcare needs in the greater Geauga County region. He has spearheaded an aggressive expansion program, involving major investments totaling more than $40 million, to demonstrate the hospital’s commitment to providing sophisticated services close to home.
Recent enhancements for residents in and around Geauga County include new cardiac catheterization and Vascular Laboratories, The Orthopaedic Center, an expanded Emergency Center and, by mid-2008, a $4.5 million surgery center expansion. By the way, it’s no accident that this center is – and will continue to be – known as the Richard J. Frenchie Surgical Pavilion because of his unwavering devotion to the hospital’s mission: to heal, to teach, to discover.
Richard Frenchie earned Fellow status in the American College of Healthcare Executives, an international professional society, and the hospital received a bronze level award from the Ohio Partnership for Excellence to recognize the organization’s progress toward continuous quality performance excellence.
Consistent with his participatory management style, Richard Frenchie has created and maintained a positive atmosphere that continues to attract the finest physicians, nurses, support staff and volunteers to share their talents as UH Geauga Medical Center takes care of an ever-growing number of patients.
For the past two years he has eagerly accepted, and aggressively participated in, the role of Honorary Chair for the Geauga Arthritis Walk. This annual event raises funds to support arthritis research and Arthritis Foundation activities in Geauga County.
As an individual who cares deeply about the future success of Geauga County and its inhabitants, Richard J. Frenchie currently serves as Chairman of the Board at Kent State University Geauga and Twinsburg Campus.
He has dedicated his time and energy to establish, in conjunction with the Medical Staff at UH Geauga Medical Center, the Terry M. Weaver Endowed Nursing Scholarship. As a tribute to the hospital’s recently-retired Chief Nursing Officer, $10,000 endowed scholarship will be used to support students who wish to succeed in the nursing profession by enrolling in the BSN program at KSU Geauga Campus. This innovative funding mechanism serves to establish links between the hospital, the university, and the surrounding community as they work collectively to meet long-term healthcare needs of a growing and aging population.
In addition, Mr. Frenchie is an active volunteer leader in numerous other organizations, including serving as a life trustee of the American Heart Association, and as a board member at the Center for Health Affairs, Geauga Park District, Chardon Chamber of Commerce and University Hospitals Extended Care Campus.
Howard Bates
Howard Bates is a successful businessman owning and operating a large trucking firm in Burton Ohio.
He has given, yes given as in “free” so much to his community and our citizens. On many occasions Howard has been called upon him for the use of a truck whether to haul government surplus property back to Geauga County or to haul large quantities of evidence seized on a raid. He has donated materials and trucking to the Geauga County Fair, the schools, and others. In fact he even serves on the Fair Board as a Director. He has donated trucks and drivers to haul homes and materials to Katrina victims through his involvement in Rotary. He has even donated trucks to haul relief items and equipment to southern Ohio during the spring floods of 1997.
Howard’s most recent donation occurred after he bought the old Claridon Elementary. He offered the use of the gymnasium, four classrooms and the office area free of charge to the Geauga County Police Athletic League. As a result of this generosity area youngsters will enjoy recreational, social and educational opportunities at the new PAL Center. In fact the school is now the home for a program named “Parent Project” that is designed to help parents deal with the complex issues of raising difficult or rebellious children. Howard has given financial support and has participated in numerous community and county service and support organizations. Through his local business and personal support he continues to make his community and Geauga County a better place for all. He has continued to be an active and supportive member of the Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club.
Regarding his involvement with the Geauga County Historical Society, the 2007 Emerald Leader is a Heritage Partner for the newest addition to Century Village, the Carriage House. When he has seen that the gravel drives have needed dressing, he has volunteered to provide gravel at no cost to us. He provided free trucking services when we built our gravel parking lot a few years ago. He will always help when asked. He regularly supports schools activities and has provided financial support for a number of projects at the Geauga County Fairgrounds where he is Vice President of the Fair Board. He is a very generous individual, both with his time and money and has contributed in a significant way to the quality of life we enjoy in Geauga County.
Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club
The Burton-Middlefield Rotary Club has conducted many fundraising events for the benefit of the Geauga County. Most recently a motorcycle run and a car show for the Veterans memorial, Inc., The club’s membership of over 50 members and families has dedicated untold time and money for these and many projects in support of the residents of Geauga County. In addition this group made sure that all of police and sheriff vehicles in the County are equipped with AED’s.
The Club has supported the eradication of Polio across the world, is currently working on a project to provide a crate of 550 Free Wheelchairs to the needy in Ghana, Africa and has for many years supported projects in countries worldwide, including a small clinic and pharmacy in the African country of Ghana.
This group has supported among other things: a County Home Christmas Party, a Heather Hill Picnic, a re-roofing project on the Newbury Park Pavilion, Ambassadorial Scholarships, John Gander “Service Above Self” Scholarships, local Boy Scouts, a “Four-Way Speech Contest”, Girls Softball Tournament, Interact, Rotaract, RYLA, World Affairs Seminar, and international Youth Exchange.
Internationally they have supported: Gift of Life program, Group Study Exchange, Paul Harris Fellowships, the Pearl S. Buck Foundation, PolioPlus, and the Rotary Foundation Sustaining Membership.
Junction Auto Family
The Junction Auto Family, under the leadership of Ed Babcock, represents the ideal corporate entity for an area like Geauga County.
In their business they provide a valuable commodity supported by award winning service. Junction Auto maintains a business ethic to be admired. The company provides meaningful employment opportunities, at fair wages with attractive benefits that allow people who live in the county to work in the county.
Junction Auto also has an enormous impact on the welfare of the county by their consistent support of worthwhile events and organizations. Financially they support the Geauga Lyric Theater Guild, Chagrin Valley Little Theater, the annual Community Fireworks, Boy Scouts, WomenSafe; the Great Geauga County Fair… the list is nearly endless.
Mr. Babcock has his home, his business, and his heart grounded in Geauga County. His investment in our community deserves the recognition of Leadership Geauga County’s Emerald Leader Award.
Help us congratulate the Junction Auto Family on their 75th Anniversary!
Richard Moss
Richard A. Moss of Middlefield epitomizes the word “leader.” Dick has made a lifelong commitment to Geauga County and even though he celebrated his 80th birthday in 1997, he continues to serve his community well. Dick has been an elected member of the Cardinal Local School District Board of Education for over 48 years and was recently elected to another four-year term. He has served as president of that body since 1958.
Dick has been a fixture at the Great Geauga County Fair for almost fifty years, most often serving as Director. In 1997, Dick was recognized by the Greater Ohio Showmanship Association as “Outstanding Director of the Year” for District 9 encompassing Geauga, Lake, Portage, Cuyahoga, Ashtabula, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, Mahoning, and Columbiana counties. Dick was instrumental in the development of the Great Geauga Fair Band-O-Rama, and the Great Geauga County Fair Heritage Village
Dick has also been recognized by the Ohio School Boards Association, the Ohio Fair Managers Association, and the Great Geauga County Fair.
Dick is a highly respected member of the community serving as a Kiwanis member and president, a Trustee of the Middlefield Methodist Church, and an Ohio Fair Managers Association Director.
Alice, who served as executive director for Leadership Geauga County, recently retired after serving the organization for 10 years. Under Sems’ direction, 240 graduates completed the Leadership Geauga County, program, and the Emerald Ball successfully became Leadership Geauga County’s premier fundraising event. Sems is also credited with advancing all aspects of training for Leadership Geauga County.
After 10 years of exceptional service to Leadership Geauga Alice Sems announced her retirement. Her contributions to our organization have been directly responsible for the growth and success of Leadership Geauga. We are extremely grateful to Alice and it is fitting that she receives this honor,” said Kristina Fenselon, President of Leadership Geauga County. The Emerald Leader award is presented annually to an individual who exemplifies outstanding leadership by positive contributions through volunteerism, philanthropy, or innovation that impact the quality of life in Geauga County.
Prior to joining Leadership Geauga County, Sems served with the United Way of Cleveland for two years and with the United Way of Geauga for eight years. A 30-year resident of Geauga County, Sems resides in Chardon Township with her husband, Ewald. The couple has three children.
Sister Sandy grew up in the lively Italian neighborhood of Our Lady of Mount Carmel. She entered the Sisters of Notre Dame while still in high school. She says she really wanted to own a horse farm! She completed her undergraduate work at St. John College in Cleveland. She then received an MAED from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University and an MAIA from Ursuline College.
She is a graduate of Leadership Geauga County, class of 1999. After many years of teaching in various elementary schools/ she became the Assistant Principal at Metro Catholic in Cleveland. In 1991 she came to Chardon to become the Principal at St. Mary. She serves many organizations including the National Catholic Education Association, Notre Dame Education Association, Catholic School Futuring Strategic Planning Committee, the American Red Cross, and the Board of Trustees of Leadership Geauga County. Amazingly, she still has hobbies like walking, swimming, crossword puzzles, babysitting great nieces and nephews, and cheering on the Browns, Cavs, and Indians.
When Gordon Safran sold E.B. Brown in 1998, one could say that in setting aside his glasses his vision became clear: find one of the most picturesque locations in (Geauga County and build a AAA four diamond inn. The result was The Red Maple Inn in Burton.
It is our great fortune that Mr. Safran brought his dedication and commitment to community to (Geauga County. He was deeply involved with the Das Deutsch Center and has worked tirelessly to realize its goal of opening a clinic in Middlefield. Mr. Safran spends much of his time and talent educating the public on the special needs of the children to whom the center is devoted.
Mr. Safran has also contributed to the betterment of our community as a member of both the Kent State University Geauga Advisory Board and Geauga Tourism Council.
Mr. Keener has been a dedicated employer and a generous contributor in Geauga County since 1978 when he acquired The Chardon Rubber Company. Employees and various organizations within Geauga County have benefited from this dedication through educational opportunities and financial support for organizations such as the United Way, American Cancer Society, The Geauga Library Foundation and Leadership Geauga County. Chardon Rubber recently helped the Chardon Fire Department purchase a new heat imaging camera and made a significant contribution to the new YMCA to be built at Heather Hill. Mr. Keener’s endless time and energy have helped to change the face of Geauga County.