Leadership
Leadership
Board of Trustees
Lee Tasseff, Board Chair
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!
Dakota Durbin, Chair Elect
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.
Jack Stewart, Secretary
Attorney, 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.
Jana Mulherin, Treasurer
Retired, Former Owner of Dairy Queen Glessner Avenue
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. Joseph Bocka
Physician, 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
I moved to Richland County in 1960 and had opportunities to work as an occupational therapist. I collaborated with others to organize CACY, where I was the director for 18 years. My family is grateful to live, work, and play in Richland County. It is a real honor to serve on the Foundation Board of Trustees.
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.
Troy Cramer, Col, USAF
Deputy Division Chief Air National Guard Readiness Center – Andrews Joint Base, MD
Troy lives in Lexington and has been a lifelong resident in this area. Graduating from Ontario in 1990 Troy joined the Air National Guard where he has worked for over 36-years. Troy has served on numerous boards in Richland County and looks forward to continuing his community service as part of the Richland Foundation.
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.
Chris Hiner
Park National Bank, Regional President, Home Lending Director
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.
Laurie McKeon
Owner, Weiss Industries
For generations, the Richland County Foundation has had a profound impact on our local community. Being a part of this force for good is a distinct honor. I look forward to working with the Foundation and its partners to continue its exemplary legacy of leadership, philanthropy, and community building.
Dr. Theresa A. Roth-Groth
RN, NEA-BC, NHDP-BC, PhD, Director of Title III, North Central State College
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.
Rand Smith
Owner, Controls Components & Systems
We all have choices about what we do in our lives. When we choose to participate, we enhance the lives of others. Richland County Foundation’s participation, by funding a wide spectrum of organizations, enhances the quality of life for everyone in North Central Ohio. Life is about participation. Be a participant, make everyone’s life better!
Heather Tsavaris
Consultant
Growing up in Richland County, I knew that the Richland County Foundation was a respected institution that sought to do the most good for everyone in our community, for generations. Since I have so rarely worked in Mansfield– instead focusing my efforts working out of town and out of state– I have long sought a way to give back to the place I was raised and where I am choosing to raise my girls. Serving Richland County in this way is an immense honor.
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. tdepperschmidt@rcfoundation.org
The Richland County Foundation is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees who ensure our organization operates with transparency, accountability, and a steadfast commitment to our mission. Our governance framework includes comprehensive policies and committees designed to maximize our community impact.
Foundation Policies & Committee Structure
Key Policies
Our Board has established clear policies that guide our operations and decision-making processes. These policies ensure we maintain the highest standards of integrity while effectively serving our community. Please review our key governance documents below:
Committee Structure
The Foundation operates through several focused committees:
- Executive Committee
- Finance Committee
- Development Committee
- Audit Committee
- Governance Committee
Each committee comprises board members with relevant expertise who provide oversight and strategic direction in their respective areas.
Special Projects
The Richland County Foundation is proud to support transformative initiatives that strengthen our community:
Economic Development Plan
Our comprehensive Economic Development Plan focuses on creating sustainable growth and prosperity throughout Richland County. The plan identifies key strategic opportunities and provides a roadmap for collaborative action among community partners.
Mansfield Rising Plan
The Mansfield Rising Plan represents a community-driven vision for downtown Mansfield’s revitalization. This initiative encompasses strategic investments in infrastructure, business development, and placemaking to create a vibrant, welcoming downtown.
