On November 18, Leadership Ohio concluded the 2023 program year with graduation ceremonies at Creekside Event Center in Gahanna, Ohio. On this day, 32 graduates were honored as great leadership was recognized across Ohio.
This year’s celebration saw Joseph French, CEO of Child and Adolescent Behavioral Health, selected as the Leader Among Leaders, and OHgo, an Erie County nonprofit, chosen as Most Inspirational. Leadership Ohio Immediate Past President, Nan Baker, was awarded The Kleismit Award for Extraordinary Leadership for her three terms of service to the organization.
Joseph French: Leader Among Leaders
Each year, Leadership Ohio honors an individual with its Leader Among Leaders award. This award recognizes that even among the best group of leaders there is often one leader that stands out. The individual bestowed this award, Joe French, was selected by his classmates for this distinguished honor. Selection of French is the Class of 2023’s declaration that he represents the best of their cohort.
Most Inspirational: OHgo
A key development objective of Leadership Ohio focuses on growing leaders’ perspective and how they define the realm of “the possible.” Each year class members are asked to select the most inspirational guest from among the year’s guest speakers. This year’s honoree is OHgo represented by co-founders Christine Boesch and Kendra Faulkner. OHgo operates a mobile food pantry that takes a converted truck into Sandusky’s most vulnerable neighborhoods to deliver healthy food, books, and access to essential services. OHgo feeds tens of thousands of people, directly impacting families with urgent needs.
The Kleismit Award for Extraordinary Leadership: Nan Baker
The Kleismit Award is Leadership Ohio’s highest honor. The award is named for Past President Todd Kleismit who previously led the Board of Trustees. Baker was recognized for serving Leadership Ohio for three terms (nine years) during a critical transition period, and most especially for leading the board through the pandemic era.
Leadership Ohio is a prominent organization dedicated to cultivating leadership and fostering positive change within the state. You can become an integral part of its mission of service by nominating an exceptional leader or applying to become a member of the Leadership Ohio 2024 cohort.
To learn more about Leadership Ohio and the application process, contact Dr. Lisa Duty, Executive Director, at lisaduty@leadershipohio.org.