2025 Pillar Award for Community Service – Columbus

Medical Mutual and Smart Business welcome you to the Pillar Awards for Community Service. For more than two decades, the Pillar Awards have recognized organizations and individuals that are making positive impacts in their communities through volunteering, charitable giving, pro bono work and more.

As Medical Mutual celebrated our 90th anniversary in 2024, we challenge ourselves every day to “Be the Difference” — for our members, for each other and for the community. This is rooted in our mission: Uniting with our partners to help people live healthier through all stages of life. That mission drives the work we do with our nonprofit partners to improve the physical, financial and mental health of people across Ohio.

Our efforts address needed access points to care, connect community members with resources that assist in daily living and help remove the obstacles many Ohioans face, such as food insecurity, financial barriers to education and access to high-speed internet.

Foundational to Medical Mutual’s community support is our SHARE program. Through this volunteer initiative, our employees support dozens of nonprofits and community groups across the state each year. It’s an important way that Medical Mutual continues to give back to our communities as we mark 90 years, and one of the annual Pillar Awards recognizes a company whose employees best illustrate the values of the program.

This year’s Pillar Award recipients bring the strongest commitment to their communities. As we look ahead to another 90 years serving our communities, Medical Mutual is pleased to join Smart Business in honoring these organizations and individuals.

On behalf of Medical Mutual and Smart Business, congratulations to the 2025 Pillar Awards honorees.

 

---

Pillar Award Honorees

 

Alene Candles is proud of its culture of giving and helping others, the largest of which is its New Americans Welcome Program, created in 2023 to support newly arriving immigrants and refugees.   

Led by CEO Raj Chary, Alene is partnering with three Central Ohio nonprofits — Creating Central Ohio Futures, Community Refugee & Immigrant Services and Ethiopian Tewahedo Social Services (ETSS) — to provide welcome kits to their clients. Included in the kits are several practical and personal care items, an Ohio-themed children’s activity book and crayons, and an Alene-made candle, all in a durable backpack.

Alene has purchased supplies to put together 630 kits over the past two years. Employees have assembled 450 kits, with another 180 kits to be assembled in the coming months.   

Immigrants and refugees are a vital part of Central Ohio’s economy and workforce. According to 2021 data, new Americans accounted for nearly 30 percent of Columbus’ population growth between 2014 and 2019.

Alene also encourages employees to be agents of good in the community through Alene Gives Back, which encourages employees to take up to eight hours of paid work time each year to volunteer for a worthy cause to give back to the community that supports it. ●

 

Bank of America relies on the leadership of its local markets to drive its community investments. Since it opened its first brick and mortar Columbus financial center in 2019, its 710 associates have volunteered more than 63,000 hours and contributed more than $1.2 million in donations and matching gifts.

Engagement with the community is a top priority in the region led by Bank of America Market President, Merrill Market Executive Kelly D’Ambrosia. Each employee receives eight hours of paid time per month to volunteer, and for every 50 hours of volunteer work, receives a $500 grant to allocate to the nonprofit organization of their choice.

Its key volunteer partnerships are with Junior Achievement, teaching financial literacy through its Better Money Habits program to students; Habitat for Humanity; Dress for Success, helping sort and organize clothing donations for women seeking career growth and support; and Mid-Ohio Food Collective, covering at least two volunteer shifts per month.

The organization’s focus addresses basic needs, income creation, stable housing and empowering communities. Internally, this is core to being a great place to work, and hiring and recruiting diverse talent to ensure strong representation in its workforce.

Externally, this is core to its client-driven approach, delivering products and services that meet the diverse needs of clients and investing resources to support communities. ●

 

Bath & Body Works supports nonprofits on both the national and local levels with particular focus on improving the lives of people in under-resourced and underrepresented communities, and disaster relief efforts. In total, the company contributed $5.9 million to more than 100 national and local organizations in 2023.

The company, with support from Associate Vice President, Community Relations, Rhoe Fields, encourages all associates to make a difference in the communities where they live and work. Associates demonstrate this every day by contributing their time and talents to help nonprofits across the country through volunteerism and advocacy support. In 2023, associates volunteered more than 5,400 hours on more than 200 community projects. Since partnering with Besa in 2018, over 1,800 Bath & Body Works associates have donated nearly 10,000 volunteer hours and facilitated more than $250,000 in community impact.

In addition to monetary and volunteer support, Bath & Body Works donates a significant volume of products in moments where people need them the most. For example, in 2023, Bath & Body Works donated more than 575,000 personal care items valued at more than $6.4 million to support hygiene needs in underserved communities and with disaster relief efforts. ●

 

Support from Bread Financial has been instrumental in the transformational growth of Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) over the last nine years. ROX conducts large-scale national research with girls, delivers evidence-based programs in schools nationwide and equips adults to better support and empower girls. Bread Financial’s purpose-driven giving priorities are financial wellness, equity and inclusion, and protecting our planet.

When the partnership between Bread and ROX began in 2015, ROX served 1,319 girls that year. Today, the nonprofit expects to serve 8,500 girls this school year. A capstone of the partnership with Bread Financial is the “Fast to 50” Initiative. Bread’s investment of $1.8 million over three years is supporting the expansion of the ROX program into all 50 states by the end of the 2025-26 academic year.

Bread Financial associates play a critical role in advancing initiatives to pay it forward. Bread matches their donations, encourages volunteer time and creates opportunities for associates to give back in their own way, donating their time in support of ROX special events. Bread Financial’s commitment to investing in causes that support women and girls makes them a leader in this space, and a standout corporate partner in the Columbus community and beyond. ●

 

Geoffrey Kunkler has provided leadership and expertise to several organizations in the Greater Columbus region, giving back to the community where he serves as a partner at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP.

His leadership in numerous organizations, including the Delaware County Foundation, Special Olympics Ohio, Columbus Foundation, Catholic Foundation and Columbus Zoo & Aquarium, to name a few, has improved governance, enhanced charitable giving, and expanded community outreach, benefiting numerous causes and

populations in Ohio. And through his efforts, Carlile Patchen & Murphy has directed financial resources to many of those same charitable causes. These contributions have amplified the impact of these organizations, enabling them to broaden their services and support for their respective communities.

Kunkler’s legal expertise and philanthropic guidance have been critical in advancing the goals of numerous organizations. His leadership demonstrates his commitment to promoting professional development and community advocacy.

Kunkler also received the Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy designation from the American College, which he uses to guide clients in their charitable planning and help guide and advise charitable organizations directly, informally, or through formal legal representation. His balance of career success with a deep commitment to volunteerism and charitable work reflects Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP’s philosophy of fostering relationships and giving back to the community. ●

 

Comfort Keepers of Central Ohio is dedicated to making Central Ohio the best place to live for seniors, with a goal of providing Ohio’s seniors with in-home, nonmedical care that empowers them to stay in their homes as long as possible. An individualized approach to care helps seniors thrive by fostering everyday positive moments, connection and a purposeful life no matter their age or acuity. 

Comfort Keepers’ culture is built on integrity, trust and honesty. The organization not only believes in taking care of clients and their families, but it also is passionate about its employees and community partners, allowing clients and families to ultimately receive the best achievable care.

Comfort Keepers of Central Ohio has partnered to raise money and awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association, participating in the Walk to End Alzheimer’s for over five years. Its team has partnered with youth organizations to promote workforce readiness and create job opportunities for Columbus’ next generation. And it partnered with the Westerville Senior Center to put on the first Black & White Gala, offering an evening of joy and aligning seniors with resources they need to live safely in their homes.

Comfort Keepers exemplifies the characteristics of an outstanding organization dedicated to employees, community partners and making Columbus the best place to live. ●

 

 

FST Logistics is a 100 percent employee-owned 3PL headquartered in Dublin, Ohio. As an ESOP, FST prides itself on giving back to the local community.

In alignment with FST Logistics’ philosophy of fostering strong community partnerships, the company supported over 50 organizations in 2023. Under the leadership of Chairman and CEO Matt Hartman, these contributions reflect FST’s commitment to addressing critical needs in health care, family support and rehabilitation programs, creating lasting, positive change within the community. By focusing on impactful partnerships, FST helps these organizations expand their reach and provide essential services to vulnerable populations.

In 2023, FST contributed $118,000 to local causes and was on pace to reach $150,000 in 2024. These donations enable organizations to continue their vital work, such as providing family housing and community re-entry support. FST’s approach prioritizes sustained investment in these organizations, ensuring they have the resources needed to make a tangible impact in the areas they serve.

In addition, volunteerism is a cornerstone of FST’s community service approach, as evidenced by the 3,326 hours contributed by employees in 2023 and the 4,412 hours logged year-to-date in 2024. FST provides each employee-owner with 16 hours of paid community service time, empowering them to make a difference in their communities. ●

 

 

HOMAGE and its leadership team, including COO/CFO Steve Werman, create a company culture centered around giving back. They stress the importance of philanthropy and volunteerism through the HOMAGE Works program, team volunteer opportunities and paid time off to volunteer.

The HOMAGE Works initiative supports charities close to home and across the country, using the graphic T-shirt to spread awareness about causes and foster the community that supports it. HOMAGE Works is designed to spark unity while giving back to nonprofit organizations.

HOMAGE encourages team members to become involved in their communities, lending their voluntary support to programs that positively impact the quality of life within them. To support these efforts, HOMAGE offers team members paid time off to volunteer.

For the past three years, HOMAGE has been working with Food for Good Thought by employing interns in the Distribution Center every spring. This organization helps young adults with autism learn job skills by finding them internships.

In addition to the volunteer hours and HOMAGE Works contributions, there are donations made to local charities in the form of silent auction baskets and merchandise giveaways. HOMAGE’s leadership team highlights the importance of giving back and encourages the team’s involvement in outreach opportunities. ●

 

IP Pathways, a leader in IT solutions, partners with multiple school districts within Ohio to deploy laptop and tablets for students. Over the years, it has continued to find ways to provide educational opportunities to learn more about how to keep technology secure.

With Zach Evans as vice president of service operations, IP Pathways participates in the community in multiple ways.

Each year, after the holidays, it provides a technology recycling pick-up week, during which its team goes around the community to collect and recycle old technology that is no longer usable. It also hosts can drives to support local charities and participates in programs that fulfill gift wish lists for the holidays for lower-income families.

In addition, IP Pathways sponsors many technology events in the community, from conferences to events organized to help women succeed in technology fields.

As problem-solvers and technical experts, IP Pathways deploys its well-rounded skill sets and approach to service to help more organizations experience the benefits of leveraging the right technology. The company architects, implements, monitors, supports and manages custom technology solutions for organizations large and small using only best-in-class systems, helping to guide those it serves to realize technology’s business benefits. ●

 

As a leadership consultant researcher, and evaluator for nonprofits and social service agencies, Measurement Resources Company collaborates with community-based organizations dedicated to improving the lives of Ohioans, particularly in Columbus.

Its team actively engages with the community and clients. Measurement Resources has sponsored numerous philanthropic conferences and events, including Philanthropy Forward and Cause Camp, which gather social-sector service providers from across the nation. Through the sponsorships of key philanthropic events, it not only supports the professional development of social-sector providers but also strengthen the networks that improve the lives of Ohioans.

Additionally, it empowers employees to engage with causes they care about by offering eight hours of volunteer time off annually, encouraging support for nonprofits of their choice.

Its Founder and President Sheri Chaney Jones is actively involved in community organizations. She is a member of the National Association of Women Business Owners Columbus and participates in the City of Columbus’ Women’s Commission.

Since 2008, the company has served over 300 nonprofits and government agencies. Through its collaborations, it has equipped organizations with the tools and resources necessary to expand their reach and effectiveness, enabling them to serve individuals and families in need, serving clients and changing actions, outcomes and lives. ●

 

Nevin Bansal, president and CEO of Outreach Promos, also serves as executive director and chairman for local nonprofit Small Biz Cares.

Through Bansal’s leadership, Outreach has been a consistent contributor and supporter of local nonprofits. Outreach provides in-kind support and monetary donations to support various organizations and is the lead sponsor of Small Biz Cares, providing executive leadership, in-kind marketing and logistical support and a local office, working to enhance the environment for business.

He serves on the Executive Committee as a board member of the Better Business Bureau of Central Ohio and Small Biz Cares, with previous board roles with other chambers and business organizations. Bansal is the visionary and founder of Small Biz Cares, where he acts as chairman and executive director, engaging the small business community for philanthropic efforts. Since its inception in 2018, Small Biz Cares has engaged the business community to create positive social impact, contributing over $50,000 for local nonprofits and scholarships, in addition to thousands of volunteer hours and goods for local nonprofits.

Bansal is building an organization that encourages small businesses to do more in the community and providing direct opportunities for those same businesses to grow and thrive, and Small Biz Cares is inspiring small business owners and teams to get involved in philanthropy. ●

 

T&M Associates exemplifies what it means to be a community champion. In 2019, the company spearheaded a relationship with the Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation, in which T&M adopted the Barnett Community Center. A formal memorandum of understanding was signed, specifying T&M’s commitments using a multifaceted approach incorporating financial donations, material contributions, science, technology, engineering and math educational events for children and volunteerism efforts.

Additionally, T&M has leveraged the importance of charitable giving and social stewardship through the T&M Foundation, which works to improve quality of life through acts of kindness, charitable outreach, educational programs and social support in the T&M family and its communities. Through the foundation, T&M partnered with The Ohio State University in 2021 to create two annual scholarships for students in the College of Engineering. It also supports the purchase of personal product supplies to create hundreds of hygiene bags for Columbus’ youth experiencing homelessness, back-to-school supply drives for children who otherwise would not have essentials to be successful in the classroom, blood drives and disaster recovery donations for those affected by hurricanes and other natural disasters.

T&M collaborates with community partners, applying its talent and expertise to address societal challenges with measurable and sustainable solutions through community-based activities and programs.

 

---

Medical Mutual Share Award

 

For over 100 years, Grange Insurance has stood as a paragon of corporate responsibility, demonstrating a commitment to community service through its charitable giving, volunteerism and dedication to meeting the needs of Columbus area citizens.

At the core of Grange Insurance’s mission is the belief that businesses should be active participants in improving the quality of life for the communities they serve. This belief is exemplified by the company’s significant charitable contributions and volunteer support to many worthy charities in Columbus and beyond.

Grange Insurance has provided sustainable financial support to Children’s Hunger Alliance for over 20 years, providing for whatever need arises, including support to purchase a van to transport meals or emergency food in 2020. Its actions directly support initiatives to combat childhood hunger and ensure that children are provided with access to nutritious and delicious ready-to-eat meals.

Through this partnership, Grange helps ensure that children who rely on school meal programs continue to receive nutritious food during school breaks, reflecting Grange’s focus on immediate needs and sustainable solutions to break the cycle of hunger.

Grange Insurance fosters a culture of volunteerism, encouraging employees to donate their time and talents to causes that improve the lives of children and families. Hands-on activities, such as packing the meals that are distributed throughout the state, are crucial to addressing hunger in Ohio, as they directly impact the lives of children who depend on community support while fostering a sense of responsibility and empathy among Grange employees for the communities they serve.

Grange Insurance’s leadership is equally committed to community service, serving on the boards of local nonprofit organizations. This allows Grange to have a strategic impact on the mission to provide healthy meals to children, offering expertise, resources and advocacy to organizations addressing food insecurity.

Led by President and CEO John Ammendola, Grange Insurance is deeply invested in the mission to provide healthy meals for children. The company has focused its efforts on ensuring that no child goes without food, recognizing that a well-nourished child is more likely to succeed academically, socially and physically.

Through substantial charitable giving, a culture of volunteerism, active leadership in nonprofit organizations and a steadfast commitment to addressing childhood hunger, Grange has made a measurable difference in the lives of Ohio’s children. By continuing to prioritize the well-being of children and families, Grange is not only supporting those in need today but also building a stronger, healthier community for the future. ●

 

---

Nonprofit Board Executive of the Year Awards

 

Opera Columbus Board President Femi Adeyanju has had an extraordinary impact on the Columbus community through his unwavering dedication to the arts and his visionary leadership.

His nearly three-year tenure as president and eight years of committed board service reflect a deep devotion to Opera Columbus’ mission of enriching the cultural fabric of the city. He has championed growth, inclusivity and innovation, establishing new benchmarks for success within the organization.

Under Adeyanju’s leadership, Opera Columbus has achieved record-breaking attendance over the past two seasons, drawing the most diverse audiences in its 43-year history — a powerful testament to his focus on accessibility and inclusivity. His drive for excellence has also helped the organization reach an unprecedented level of recognition and accolades, marking this as Opera Columbus’ most awarded year yet. Notably, it recently received the GCAC Dale Heydlauff Community Arts Innovation Award for its Crane Directing Fellowship, an initiative dedicated to empowering BIPOC stage directors and ensuring representation in the field.

Beyond his work with Opera Columbus, Adeyanju has invested time and resources in numerous Central Ohio organizations, driving positive change and fostering a vibrant and inclusive arts community. His philanthropic vision aligns resources and creates meaningful opportunities for community engagement, ensuring that the arts remain accessible and impactful for diverse audiences across Columbus. ●

 

Leo Ruberto, owner and CEO of Feazel, provides continued philanthropic support to children and veterans in the community and advocates for these causes to his personal and professional networks to expand the support. As a board member of A Kid Again Central Ohio Chapter, he understands the impact of philanthropy and passionately supports causes that align with his values. 

At his annual Chip in Fore the Kids Golf Outing, Ruberto and his Feazel team raise funds to support the efforts of A Kid Again and Nationwide Children’s Hospital. As a veteran, he established a program in which Feazel donates a roof to a veteran at every Ohio State, North Carolina State and Cincinnati Bengals football home game. Since 2019, Ruberto has given over 100 roofs to Veterans in the Veteran Rooftop Giveaway, and acknowledged them at home games on the field. His deep compassion for the community fuels his philanthropic spirit, creating a culture of giving back that has made a major impact.

In his capacity on the Central Ohio Chapter’s Advisory Board for A Kid Again, Ruberto facilitates key connections to business leaders in his network and encourages them to support the A Kid Again mission. ●

 

 

---

Philanthropist of the Year Award

 

F.F. Veterans Holistic Services President Yyvette McKenzie exemplifies unwavering dedication to service, both in uniform and beyond. A disabled veteran with an illustrious 25-year career in the United States Army, McKenzie’s commitment to her fellow service members and their families continues to shine brightly in her civilian life. In recognition of her exceptional contributions, McKenzie was inducted into the Ohio Veteran Hall of Fame in 2024.

McKenzie leads an organization whose mission is to serve the families that serve our country.

Under her guidance, F.F. Veterans Holistic Services has become a beacon of hope and support for military families. The organization is uniquely positioned to understand and address the challenges faced by veterans and their loved ones, as it is managed by disabled veterans like McKenzie.

She and her team of veterans and supporters understand the trials and hardships veteran families endure. They connect veterans and their families with vital community resources, ensuring that no one who has served our nation falls through the cracks.

McKenzie brings a depth of personal experience and empathy to her role to identify and address the diverse needs of the veteran community with remarkable effectiveness and recognize the crucial importance of supporting active duty members and their families, particularly during deployments. ●

 

---

Nonprofit Executive Director of the Year Awards

 

Tony Collins began envisioning a great future for The YMCA of Central Ohio the second he walked through the door in 2019. He noticed the small things, the important details about an organization that speak volumes.

Over the past five years, Collins has listened to all stakeholders and prioritized learning from staff and volunteers to develop and implement a strategic vision for the organization. His leadership has ushered in a series of intentional actions and decisions that have shaped the culture to be more inclusive and equitable.

Through his steward leadership, he has guided the organization toward sustainable growth and improved its culture. Collins values transparency, accountability and operational excellence, setting the tone for how the organization serves the community.

As the chief pilot of the YMCA’s ALL IN Strategic Plan, Collins has fostered a vision that is a product of a truly collaborative process. This is evident in the strong buy-in from all stakeholders, those who have not just been passive participants but active contributors to the creation of this plan under his leadership. His commitment as president and CEO to an open and transparent culture at The YMCA of Central Ohio has not only created a sense of psychological safety but also an inclusive environment, where employees feel secure, valued and connected. ●

 

Matthew Goldstein was succeeding in his career, but the weekend calls he took as a suicide hotline volunteer crushed him. He wanted to do more — and to connect more deeply with the community he loves.

He realized that many of his colleagues wanted the same, but they struggled to find opportunities to serve. The need and desire to give were clear, so to be the bridge, he launched Besa, an award-winning nonprofit dedicated to uplifting Central Ohio by making volunteerism easy and impactful for individuals and businesses. In 12 years, under Goldstein’s leadership as CEO, Besa has evolved from a one-person show to a 21-employee organization critical to the local nonprofit community.

Guided by Goldstein’s vision and leadership, Besa developed an online platform where individuals can easily find and register for volunteer opportunities that Besa curates, and most of its 100 or so available monthly experiences fill to capacity.

Besa has also developed a social enterprise that helps some of the region’s most notable companies and organizations create and manage comprehensive, meaningful philanthropic programs. It helps them make high-level community impact through custom curated volunteer experiences.

Goldstein and his team have diligently built relationships with more than 170 nonprofits and civically driven organizations, and are constantly working to understand the community’s ever-changing needs and find solutions to help address them. ●

 

As Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland (GSOH) marks perhaps the most significant milestone in its history, President and CEO Tammy Wharton stands as a transformational Columbus leader whose vision and dedication have expanded its reach and set the stage for remarkable future growth and community impact.

Wharton has made an impact that will be felt across this region for decades, with a bold vision of transforming Central Ohio into a region where young women are empowered to dream big. She is the visionary force behind the monumental $16 million Dream Big Transformational Initiative that will inspire next-generation leaders, create opportunities to address the gender gap in STEM, create opportunities for girls and women and make a positive impact on Ohio’s workforce. In October, GSOH celebrated the opening of the AEP Foundation STEM Leadership Center and CK Construction Maker Space.

Wharton has helped GSOH gained recognition for its forward-thinking approach, inclusiveness, passion for peace and justice, and collaborative spirit. GSOH’s Community Outreach program meets girls where they are and removes barriers that may preclude them from participating in the traditional troop model. The program provides high-impact, engaging experiences that introduce girls to the values and opportunities of Girl Scouts while addressing their unique needs and circumstances. ●

 

---

Kent Clapp CEO Leadership Award

 

Jane Higgins Marx has provided leadership and expertise to organizations in the Greater Columbus region, giving back to the community where she serves as managing partner at Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP.

Marx has significantly impacted numerous organizations through her dedicated service, including Franklin County Guardianship Services Board. As chair, she has provided leadership and oversight to ensure the protection and well-being of individuals under guardianship in Franklin County. And at Legal Aid Society of Columbus, she has contributed her legal expertise to help individuals access critical legal services, particularly those who may not otherwise have the resources for representation.

She also serves as chair of the board at The Lakeside Association, where she has been instrumental in supporting the mission, improving transparency and bringing community leaders together. She is also immediate past chair of the Municipal Services Committee, where she has played a key role in implementing new rules and regulations for the Lakeside community.

At the Johnson Trust Company, as a member of the board, she assists the company with strategy, vision and compliance, and she is a sustaining member of the Junior League of Columbus, actively supporting the League’s mission to promote volunteerism, develop women’s potential and improve communities through effective action.

Marx has played a crucial role in encouraging Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP to support important community organizations through financial contributions. Under her influence, the firm has directed resources toward the Columbus Bar Foundation, the Lakeside Chautauqua Foundation, Legal Aid Society of Columbus, the Ohio State Legal Services Association and the St. Agatha Home and School Association. Through these contributions, she has ensured that her firm’s resources are used to impact the legal community and broader society positively.

Marx’s personal volunteerism includes Legal Aid Society of Columbus, contributing pro bono legal services to ensure needy individuals have access to justice and representation, and St. Agatha School, mentoring young athletes. As president of its Home and School Association, she leads the school’s vision and initiatives.

Marx’s service has had a far-reaching impact on both organizations and individuals. Her leadership has also resulted in more substantial, more effective governance and services for those organizations.

Marx is a dedicated, compassionate leader who has spent her career making a meaningful difference in the lives of others. Her service is not limited to professional obligations; she consistently goes above and beyond, offering her time, skills and leadership to causes that benefit individuals, families and communities. ●