Leadership Worthington Graduates Class of 2005

Rachel Alexander works for Worthington Libraries as the Manager of Children's Services for the Northwest Library. Before receiving a Bachelor's degree in Anthropology at the University of Illinois, she spent time living in South America, learning Spanish and Portuguese. A Master's degree in Library Science got her ready for several book-related careers: in the library, in the corporate world, and for the National Science Foundation. When not reading or promoting children's books, she communes with two cats, fixes up an old Clintonville home, and goes hiking. She has served on the Board of the Clintonville-Beechwold Community Resource Center and currently volunteers at the Thurber House, for an author residency program.

Jeff Appel is an attorney with a law practice in Worthington. He and his wife Heather are lifelong Worthington residents and have a son named Owen. Prior to opening his practice in Worthington, Jeff was an Assistant Franklin County Prosecutor and an associate with a Columbus law firm. He is a graduate of Worthington High School, Ohio State University and Capital Law School. Jeff is active in the Worthington Presbyterian Church, the Dublin-Worthington Rotary and has coached lacrosse with the Worthington Youth Boosters. When not working around the house, Jeff and his family enjoy traveling, going on walks and attending all Ohio State football and basketball games.

Dan Arthur is a Realtor with Cam Taylor Company in downtown Worthington. He works with his father, Dave Arthur, a recent LW graduate. Dan is a Thomas Worthington and Linworth Alternative alumni and an OSU grad. He has a background in communication and marketing. Dan is a long-time member of Worthington Presbyterian Church. He enjoys indoor soccer, tennis, and skiing.

Antonio Benton is the CEO for Mid-American Mortgage Solutions. He graduated from Thomas Worthington High School and received a Bachelors Degree from Miami University. Antonio enjoys working with children and has recently gotten involved in an organization called Communities in Schools, which partners with area schools to provide a variety of support services to the students. He spends his free time cooking out with family and friends, exercising, and watching his favorite sports teams, the Buckeyes and the Browns.

Yvonne Breland is a Senior Consultant in software development. She has been in the IT industry for more than 17 years. A native Texan, Yvonne attended University of North Texas obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science. She left Texas and became a Worthington resident in 1992. Yvonne has been active in several church activities including choir and handbell choir. She is also a volunteer for the Universal Light Expo. Yvonne enjoys collecting rock and mineral specimens.

Steven Butcher works for The Adventure Education Center and SuperGames, a Worthington based Adventure Learning and activities organization. Steven serves as the group's Marketing and Sales specialist and has been with the organization for over two years. Originally from Great Britain, Steven moved to the USA in the summer of 2000 after graduating with honors from Nottingham Trent University in England where he studied Sports Science. He spent two years teaching outdoor education in Michigan, which is where he met his wonderful wife Erica. In his private time he enjoys spending time with his wife, and friends. He loves to read, plays many sports, and enjoys working out and staying fit.

Kathie Cesa established her company, KOC Member Services, in April 2003, providing contract and project services to professional membership associations. The mother of three adult daughters, Kathie moved to Worthington in July 2000 after completing her Bachelor of Specialized Studies degree at Ohio University. She participated in many volunteer and leadership activities in Coshocton, Ohio in her 'previous life' - including Leadership Coshocton County. She is now involved with the Worthington Chamber of Commerce and the Worthington Area Business and Professional Women. She enjoys the many recreational opportunities in this area, especially the theater, orchestra and Franklin Park Conservatory.

Warren Cox works as an Office Manager for Fifth Third Bank, Worthington. He returned to Ohio in 1999 after attending The University of Kentucky. Shortly after moving back, Warren married his college sweetheart, Heather, and they now have two wonderful children. They purchased a home in Worthington just over a year ago and are enjoying getting to know the community. Travel is a big part of their lives. They frequently visit Wisconsin to see Heather's family. Warren's individual hobbies include both traditional and disc golf, wakeboarding, Jeep trails and tinkering with computers.

Kris Evans is a Banking Office Manager and a Bank Officer. She has been in banking for 23 years with The Huntington National Bank. Over the years, Kris has volunteered for many community activities: Community Care Day, Walk for Diabetes, Bowl for Big Brothers/Big Sisters, and Light the Night. Kris lives in the Dublin area where she enjoys her children, reading and working in the yard.

J. Douglas Francis has been employed by the Worthington Division of Police since 1986. He began his career as a patrol officer and over the past 18 years has risen through the ranks to his current position as Lieutenant in charge of the Support Services Bureau. Doug attended Franklin University where he obtained a Bachelors of Public Administration and a Masters in Business Administration. Doug and his wife Angela are "swim parents" and can be found when not at work next to the pool watching their daughter Alyson train. When free time can be found, he enjoys woodworking and digital photography

Karen Groff is the Coordinator of Staff Development for the Worthington School District, where she has also been a teacher and principal. She attends Worthington United Methodist Church where she has taught Sunday School, co-chaired Vacation Bible School and facilitates a Forum for Faith in the Workplace Small Group. Karen and her husband, Jeff, are parents of two teenagers. When they are not driving car pools, they enjoy gardening. Karen is active in the Upper Arlington Band and Orchestra Association.

Patt Hardie is a Senior Organizational Effectiveness Consultant at American Electric Power Company. Originally from the Cleveland area, she moved to Powell after graduating from Bowling Green State University and OSU (THE Oklahoma State University, go Cowboys!), and working in Tulsa for about 12 years. Patt is very active in Worthington Kilbourne's Diamond Club supporting the baseball program and at St. Peter's Church, involved in multiple education and liturgical ministries. When she isn't cheering on the sidelines at the ball diamond for her son Michael, she enjoys travel, home design projects, art and relaxing with friends and family (including her new puppy Rufus!).

Debra Keen-Cooper is a manager at Ruth's Chris Steak House in Worthington. She is a graduate of Wabash Valley Junior College and Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and has been in management since 1984. Debbie worked on the Reds, Whites, and Desserts Committee with Worthington Chamber of Commerce this past year. She and her husband have lived in Columbus since 1991. Debbie enjoys music, singing, cooking, gardening, reading and traveling.

Pat Kelso spends much of her time viewing life through a camera lens. Whether she is taking pictures or creating videos for her newly-formed business, or capturing pictures of students as a PTA volunteer, or just trying to gather her three children, husband, and golden retriever for a casual family picture, Pat usually has a camera at her side. Pat is a graduate of Worthington High School, and a former high school English and Journalism teacher. She lives in Worthington with her family, and enjoys reading, playing tennis, and going to the beach.

Michelle Leah Mendenhall is the Service Coordinator at Stafford Court and Stafford Village. Her property is owned by Worthington Presbyterian Church and managed by National Church Residences. She received a Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Manchester College in May 2003 and became a Licensed Social Worker in the state of Ohio in April 2004. Originally from rural Union City, Ohio, Michelle moved to Columbus in August 2003 and has been enjoying her work with the elderly and disabled since then. In her free time Michelle enjoys playing coed sand volleyball, reading, rollerblading, and enjoying new experiences the city environment can provide.

Michael Metersky is the Owner of First Site Realty, LLC, a commercial real estate firm located in Worthington, Ohio. He has been a Worthington resident for over 12 years and is married with two boys that attend Wilson Hill Elementary. Michael received his undergraduate degree in Business from The Ohio State University and a MBA from Capital University. His business career spans the electric utility, commercial insurance and real estate industries with 14 years of service in the Ohio Army National Guard. Michael has been a Den Leader in Cub Scout Pack 632 for two years and is an active member of the Charity Newsies. Michael enjoys golf, hiking, canoeing and geocaching in his spare time.

Robert Joseph Moranville is the Investment Representative who manages the Edward Jones office on Olentangy River Road. He is a new neighbor in the Worthington Business Community but has worked in Northern Columbus for just over a year. Robert moved to Westerville after graduating from the University of Dayton with a degree in Finance and Economics. While there, Robert was an active member of several professional organizations including Delta Sigma Pi and The Center for Portfolio Management. He is currently single but has a significant other also living in Westerville and family in Upper Sandusky (just one hour north of Worthington). When not at work, he would like for you to find him on the golf course or playing guitar, though he admits that the best place to reach him for now will be the office.

Anthony Mormile is the sole proprietor of Technology Mentors. An IT Mentor first, computer consultant second. Tony feels it is very important to go beyond the break/fix relationship that exists with all things computer related. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, Tony is a former student of OSU with the vision of returning to continue with his lifelong learning. He is a resident of Mt. Air, happily married to wife Monika, and proud father of 3 year old son Benjamin. Tony currently enjoys and reflects on (with a smirk) the wisdom granted from life changing events (if he had only known sooner!), understanding the things parents say and the challenge of helping children understand what parents mean. Becoming involved with the community is a new chapter in his life. Being the coach of a Worthington Youth Booster's Soccer Tots team may be a step towards feeling and making the community a part of the family. Tony enjoys watching college football, playing and teaching golf, reading, and playing games of skill and logic.

Scott E. Obers is a Small Business Banking Officer for National City Bank. He graduated from Ohio University, and began his career at National City Bank in 2002, as a Credit Analyst in the Commercial Banking Development Program. In the fall of 2003, Scott donated his time to participate in the Loaned Executive program at the United Way of Central Ohio, where he helped raise $190,000 for United Way of Central Ohio. Prior to Scott's banking career, he sold steel at Jade Sterling Steel Co. in Twinsburg, Ohio during college summer break. Scott is a Cleveland Browns season ticket holder and spends most Sunday's in the fall rooting for the Browns!

Darian Parsons is a Realtor with Cam Taylor Co., Ltd., Realtors located in Worthington. She has been a resident of the Worthington community for over 18 years and is a graduate of Worthington Kilbourne High School. Darian continued her education and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Ohio University. She spent six years in the field of Information Technology before pursuing a career in residential real estate. Darian resides in Worthington with her husband Brian and son Ayden. She enjoys spending her free time with family and friends.

Wendy Rawson works for Worthington Libraries as a Reference Librarian. She received her B.A from Miami University and spent several years working as a counselor with delinquent youth. After receiving her Master's degree from Indiana University and spending a short time in Florida, Wendy was delighted to relocate to Worthington four years ago. She volunteers as a coordinator for Lee National Denim Day and has participated in Race for the Cure for the past three years. She enjoys working on home improvement projects, cooking and traveling.

Kent Shimeall is a Principal Attorney in the Constitutional Offices section of the Ohio Attorney General's office. In his 19 years as a public servant, he has worked in five different sections, held numerous management and litigation positions, and represented a variety of state clients. He also serves as the Ethics Counsel for the office. Kent's undergraduate degree is from the College of Wooster, and his law degree from the University of Toledo College of Law. Kent and his wife, Lisa Morris, have two sons, Courter and Wyatt, and a number of pets. He enjoys composting, cooking, reading, and watching his sons in their athletic and music activities.

George Sontag is the Transportation Supervisor for Worthington Schools. The majority of his career has been devoted to the safe and efficient transportation of students to and from school. He currently contracts as a routing consultant with other school districts throughout the country assisting them with school bus routing and implementing routing software. Outside the work place he is a devoted husband and father to six children. He is an avid bicyclist and enjoys cooking. He and his wife Kim also own and operate a non-profit catering service, In Service to HIM; they offer wedding and fund raising party catering.

Janna Stanford is Events Coordinator at Worthington Industries. A member of the Corporate Communications department, she also assists with employee communications, media relations, public relations and government relations, managing the company's political action committee. A "big-city transplant," Janna grew up in rural Coshocton, OH, received a BA in communications from Otterbein College and now lives in Sunbury with her husband. She is a Junior Achievement volunteer, Sunbury Mills Homeowners Association trustee and Leadership Worthington board member. When not wearing her "band director/ coach's wife" hat, Janna enjoys home improvement projects, reading and spending time with family and friends.

Clover Ward has worked in information technology most of her career. Clover grew up in South Africa, lived in Australia before making Worthington her home 20 years ago. Her family consists of two teenagers, a poodle and a hydrology professor spouse who travels much with his job. She has a Masters degree in Computer Science from The Ohio State University. Many of her volunteering experiences resulted from being associated with The Junior League of Columbus. Clover enjoys yoga, gardening and many creative craft activities. She is currently developing her passion for quilting she discovered 4 years ago, into a career.

Lynn Warner is the Director of Christian Education at Worthington Presbyterian Church. She is responsible for Children's Ministries and many Church wide activities. She is a graduate of Newark High School and has a BA in Religion/Christian Education from Grove City College in Pennsylvania. Lynn and her husband have two daughters, a recent Worthington Kilbourne graduate and a current sophomore at WKHS. She has volunteered in the schools, her church and other areas. Lynn enjoys walking, reading, spending time with her family and friends and getting to the ocean as often as possible!

Diane Wright is an apprentice funeral director/embalmer with Schoedinger Worthington Chapel. She is married to Michael Wright, also a funeral director/embalmer with Schoedinger. They have three children and one grandson. They lived in Barnesville, Ohio for over 20 years where Diane was the secretary of the First United Methodist Church. She attended Ohio State University in Mansfield where she received her Associate of Art degree; she received her Bachelors of Mortuary Science degree from Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science. They have lived in Columbus for one year and love it here. Diane and Mike love to be spontaneous and take off every chance the get!

Tom Wyatt works at Boord & Associates as a financial planning, business planning and retirement planning consultant. Tom grew up in Painesville, OH. He relocated to Columbus to attend law school at Capital in 2000, after graduating from the University of Toledo. Tom graduated from Capital University Law School in 2003. During his free time, Tom likes to race sailboats with his wife (he is the President of the FJUS sailboat class), work on cars, play computer games or just settle down with a movie.