Our Board of Trustees and Staff

Chris Hiner, Chairman

Richland Bank 

Serving as a Trustee of the Richland County Foundation is quite an honor. I have seen firsthand how the foundation's vision and funding have allowed Richland County nonprofits to move the needle on many important issues facing our community. We are only as strong as our weakest link and the foundation is here to strengthen our community. From economic development investments to social services and education, the Richland County Foundation is always leading the pack. Richland County is special and the foundation is leading from the top.  

 Dr. Theresa A. Roth, Chair-Elect

RN, NEA-BC, NHDP-BC, PhD, Director of Critical Care OhioHealth

Having grown up in Richland County, I have an affinity for our community and am proud of where I choose to work, live and play. As a community member, I am honored to serve on the Richland County Foundation Board and have the opportunity to give back to our community. 

Lee Tasseff, Treasurer 

President Destination Mansfield

Serving as a trustee will be an honor and a great way to give back.  I have been impressed with the proactive role the Foundation has played in the development of our community, in particular, the areas of economic development and in the non-profit sector through the Osborne Meese Academy.  The concept of training organizations to become stronger in order to become more effective in serving the community really struck a chord with me.  When the opportunity to join such a seminal force for good presented itself, I immediately said, Yes! 

Dr. Joseph Bocka 

Physician at OhioHealth 

I was born in New Jersey.  After 5 moves, my family and I moved to Richland County in 1999.  Our children grew up and have chosen to remain in Richland County.  We have been blessed in many ways by what Richland County has offered us.  Our family philosophy has been to try to give generously and help make the lives of those around us better.  I look forward to being able to help our community to grow in this new opportunity.

Karen Bierly

Retired, Founder of Community Action for Capable Youth

   
Brigette Burnell

Vice President & General Counsel Gorman-Rupp Company

I grew up in Richland County and returned several years ago to further my career and raise my family. I am honored to be a part of the Board of the Richland County Foundation to do my part in making our county a better place for all people to live, work and play. 

Braxton Daniels III

Owner, Third Cup of Tea

Born and raised in Richland County, I've seen a lot of change over the years. I've learned that the Richland County Foundation has contributed significantly to much of that change. I'm proud to say that I am honored to be a part of that transformation. Witnessing the vision and dedication the foundation has to Richland County means a lot to me, and I'm excited to serve the community. 

Dakota Durbin

Vice President of Private Banking Mechanics Bank

As a longtime resident of Richland County, I’ve had the privilege of witnessing the impact of the foundation and its many donors firsthand. I have benefited from the efforts of many county residents before me, and by serving on the Richland County Foundation Board of Trustees I look forward to doing my part to ensure the donations provide the most possible progress in the future and continuing the tradition of improving the quality of life for Richland County residents. 

Jessica Gribben

Richland Community Development Group

Being asked to join the RCF Board is such an exciting opportunity. Having worked and lived in Richland County my whole life and raising a family here, what better opportunity to give back and pave a solid future for the next generation, than through the Foundation.  RCF has consistently looked for the best investments that will be the most impactful to residents of Richland County. I am happy to play just a small part in investing in meaningful opportunities that make a difference.                                                    

Jason Guilliams                             

 Agency Field Leadership, State Farm

 What a privilege it is to serve our community as a Trustee of the Richland County Foundation and be a part of the profound impact the Foundation plays in enabling our community to be a great place to live, work, and play through responsible philanthropy.  I have committed to a career of being a good neighbor and will use the skills developed from my profession, serving other community non-profits, and in the local government to benefit the impact Richland County Foundation has for all members of our county.

 Barbara Zaugg Joudrey 

Owner Apple Hill Orchards

As a local agricultural business owner, I am deeply invested in the flourishing and sustainability of our community.  My involvement in the Richland County Foundation reflects my personal commitment to fostering conditions of equity, fairness, and broad-based opportunity.  Our community is at its strongest when we participate in shared prosperity. 

Jana Mulherin

Retired, Former Owner of Dairy Queen Glessner Avenue

I was born, live, work, and play in Richland County. My experience working for a large corporation and of owning a fourth-generation local business with my husband, Pat, has given me the opportunity to know many people in our community. I look forward to connecting the needs, ideas, talents, and resources of our community with one of its most valuable assets: the people who live here to keep Richland County growing and strong. 

Jotika Shetty

Executive Director of Richland County Regional Planning

When I first arrived in Richland County with my family more than fifteen years ago, I was encouraged by the generosity and support we found here. Vijeth and my two children have grown to love this community and  I welcome the opportunity to serve on a board whose mission to enrich lives through outreach and philanthropy align with my own professional and personal goals.  

Rand Smith

Jack Stewart, Jack P. Stewart Law Firm Inc.

My wife and I raised our family in this community and are proud to be a part of it. I look forward to serving on the Board of the Richland County Foundation to continue to make a positive impact on this great community.

Heather, Tsavaris, Consultant

Aaron Williams

Pastor Maddox Memorial Church

A goal of our ministry is to affect change in the lives of people. The Richland Foundation shares this goal. It is truly an honor for me to be a part of this organization, as a representative of Maddox Memorial Church, working to improve our community.

 Staff

Allie Watson

President / CEO

I am grateful to be part of an organization that contributes in such a significant manner to the betterment of our community. In every corner of our county, RCF has touched individuals, neighborhoods, and communities in some way. awatson@rcfoundation.org

Rachel Weber, C.P.A.

Director of Finance 

I was honored and humbled to be chosen as the Director of Finance for the Richland County Foundation. The donors trust the Foundation and the Board with their donations when it comes to investing and grant-making. This trust is paramount to the individuals and companies who donate to the Foundation and is why the Foundation has grown. One of the unique things the Foundation does is help local nonprofits identify the needs of the community and how, through the Foundation, their nonprofit can meet those needs. rweber@rcfoundation.org

Maura Teynor

Chief Advancement Officer

I value our community and the opportunity to work at the Foundation. I support the Foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life through philanthropy and community leadership. mteynor@rcfoundation.org

 Siera Marth-May 

Senior Community Investment Officer

It is fulfilling to be part of the mission of the Richland County Foundation and the work they do. Having grown up in Richland County, I am excited to be able to give back to my community in such a rewarding way! smarth@rcfoundation.org

Bobby Rhea

Community Investment Officer

From a very young age, I saw the value in helping others and serving in a way that builds community. Having the opportunity to be part of something much bigger than myself has always been the driving force in everything that I do. Being part of an organization that truly gives back to the community that I was raised in is something I’m proud of. Being part of an organization that changes lives in the very community that I live in, work in, and play in – is one of the most fulfilling parts of my life. Richland County Foundation truly is a driving force for change, growth, and community building, and I’m humbled to play my part. brhea@rcfoundation.org.

Theresa Depperschmidt

Administrative Assistant

I love working alongside people dedicated to creating positive change in their community. I’m so grateful to be part of an organization making a real difference and building a brighter future for Richland County.