2014 Child of Appalachia Honorees from Foundation for Appalachian Ohio on Vimeo.

Marianne Campbell

Ask people in Gallia and Meigs Counties what keeps community spirit alive and well, and you are likely to hear about Marianne Campbell and her bi-weekly radio program Talk of the Town, now in its tenth year on the air. Those same people will tell you the spirit of Marianne Campbell is her ability to bring out the best in everyone and everything she touches. Known for her pioneering work as one of the first women to lead in broadcasting, Campbell then went on to the Holzer Medical Center where she served for over three decades and helped found what is now the Holzer Heritage Foundation.

Since retiring, Campbell has been nothing but a sense of inspiration, energy, and encouragement to others. She chaired the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio board of trustees, is an Elite Ohio Commodore, serves on the AAA East Central board and the Ohio Valley Regional Development Commission’s Revolving Loans Committee, and volunteers for the Gallia County Chamber of Commerce all while helping to create the Gallia Community Foundation, grow the French Art Colony, and establish a support group for caregivers of those with Alzheimer’s.

Dick Hubbard

When Dick Hubbard talks about returning to his hometown of Nelsonville, Ohio, he says, “As soon as I see the rolling hills of southeast Ohio, it’s like having my mother’s arms wrapped around me.”

It is no surprise Hubbard would respond this way. He has always been known for his love of the region—and for the inventive role he played in establishing opportunities locally.

As the President of The People’s Bank of Nelsonville and Athens, Dick Hubbard demonstrated a deep commitment to the community, helping lead the development of the Hocking Valley Scenic Railway and what is now Hocking College. He was also deeply involved in growing locally-based healthcare in Nelsonville. Yet, those in Nelsonville will say he was best know for the impact he had on people, including his efforts to mentor and encourage an entire generation of business leaders to also be civic leaders.