Child of Appalachia honorees

Dr. John Kopchick - 2023

One of Ohio University’s first eminent scholars and a distinguished professor of molecular biology, Kopchick’s ground-breaking discovery of a growth hormone antagonist became a life-saving drug used to treat acromegaly, a rare condition caused by excess growth hormone. His discovery also shows remarkable promise for the treatment of other diseases, including cancer.

A world-renowned scientist, Kopchick has received numerous awards and has used the royalties he’s earned to create scholarships that are nurturing future scientists and innovators.

Kyle Zimmer - 2019

Kyle Zimmer was born in Zanesville, Ohio, and went on to co-found the nonprofit social enterprise, First Book. The organization’s research arm amplifies educator insights at the crossroads of poverty and education, and its transformative models address those deep disparities. First Book has distributed more than 200 million books and resources across the U.S., Canada and globally, and serves over 5 million children annually, including children of Appalachia where First Book is partnering with FAO to deepen its impact.

Jordan Phillips - 2018

Jordan Phillips, a 14-year-old Athens resident, was honored for her dedicated work on Cozys for the Cure, a project she started to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation and make a difference for the millions of people impacted by breast cancer – a statistic which includes Jordan’s mother.

Jordan was only 11 when her mother was diagnosed, and she was quickly spurred to action, sewing coffee cup cozys to raise money for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Jordan’s innovative idea and initial success captured the attention of the Komen Foundation nationally, and as a result of this connection, Walmart agreed to stock Jordan’s cozys in their stores. The cozys have now raised more than $100,000 for the Komen Foundation.

Marianne Boggs Campbell - 2014

Ask people in Gallia and Meigs counties what keeps community spirit alive and well, and you are likely to hear about Marianne Boggs Campbell and her bi-weekly radio program, Talk of the Town, now in its 10th year on the air. Those same people will tell you the spirit of Marianne 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, Marianne 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, Marianne has been nothing but a sense of inspiration, energy and encouragement to others. She chaired the Foundation for Appalachian Ohio Board, 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. Marianne passed away in 2024.

Richard Hubbard - 2014

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 Dick 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 Peoples Bank of Nelsonville and Athens, Dick 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 known 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. Dick passed away in 2021.

Greg Adams - 2013

A New Concord native, Greg Adams has spent his life serving his community and family. Greg’s commitment to his community has been an inspiration to those who are close to him. As a full-time volunteer director for the Ohio Appalachian Business Council, Greg supported FAO in leading the incubation of the Appalachian Partnership for Economic Growth, a regional economic development organization. A successful entrepreneur, Greg launched and built Resource Systems, which was acquired by Cerner, with his business partner Larry Triplett. In addition to service on a variety of boards, church and civic groups, Greg is the CEO of TDPI Ventures and served as the mayor of New Concord in Muskingum County for 26 years.

Bill Morgan - 2012

Bill Morgan started his career as a deputy sheriff in Perry County, where he also served as the mayor of Shawnee. From there he went on to spend 25 years working with the Ohio Bankers Association, serving as a strong champion for the region’s and state’s competitiveness. Bill has also provided leadership to numerous agricultural advancement initiatives, educational and economic development networks, and is currently the longest serving member of the Ohio Ballot Board.

David Scholl - 2010-2011

Dr. David Scholl served as president and CEO of Diagnostic Hybrids Inc. (DHI) in Athens, Ohio, from 1995 to 2009. One of DHI’s early technology founders, David joined the company as director of research in 1983. Under his leadership, DHI grew from a four-person startup to the Inc. 500 list, emerging as a world leader in cell- and MAb-based diagnostics. This dynamic growth led to its sale in February 2010 to Quidel Corporation. In 2003, Scholl was the recipient of the Central Ohio Ernst and Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award in Life Sciences, and in 2006 was awarded BioOhio’s Bioscience Leadership Award.

Ora E. Anderson - 2009

The legacy of Ora Eaton Anderson, a well-loved naturalist and writer who passed away in 2006, continues to live large in Appalachian Ohio. Throughout his life, Ora used the perspective and passion he gained as a young reporter, documenting the development of Appalachian Ohio’s forests, to create environmental education experiences for those around him.

Ambassador John and Mary Lee Ong - 2009

Ambassador John and Mary Lee Ong have leveraged the assets of their Appalachian Ohio upbringing to create a wealth of cultural and educational opportunities for people around the world. After a successful career as CEO of the BF Goodrich Company, John served our nation as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Kingdom of Norway. Mary Lee continues to share her passion and expertise through service to both education and medical communities. Mary Lee passed away in 2019.

Governor Ted Strickland and Frances Strickland - 2008

Ted and Frances Strickland share a passion for education and a commitment to Ohio. Frances is an educational psychologist and author of a widely-used screening test for kindergarten-aged children. Ted, the son of a Scioto County steelworker, has served Ohio as a minister, psychologist, professor, and Member of Congress. In 2007, Ted and Frances began serving Ohio as Governor and First Lady and continued to ensure the state’s future prosperity by growing Ohio’s educational system.

Senator John and Annie Glenn - 2007

The Glenns are natives of Muskingum County and graduates of Muskingum College. Annie, who once struggled with a severe stutter, is an inspiring model of success in overcoming challenges and has been a dedicated and effective advocate for those who struggle with communicative disorders. John, who was a fighter pilot in World War II and the Korean conflict, became the first astronaut to orbit the Earth in 1962. He later served four terms as a U.S. Senator for Ohio and, at the age of 77, became the oldest person to venture into space. Senator Glenn passed away in 2016; Annie passed away in 2020.

Leona Hughes - 2006

Leona Hughes’ generosity made her a renowned figure in regional and educational philanthropy. Leona supported higher education for students from her Oak Hill High School alma mater through several scholarship initiatives, including Ohio University’s Cutler Scholars program. Leona passed away in 2008.

Wayne F. White - 2006

The founder and former executive director of the Ohio Appalachian Center for Higher Education, Wayne White passed away in 2004 and was honored posthumously. During his life, Wayne dedicated himself to helping others. An educator for more than four decades, Wayne worked to change the landscape of education in Appalachian Ohio, fighting for equal funding for rural schools and encouraging young people and adults to pursue higher education.

David Wilhelm - 2006

An Athens High School, Ohio University and Harvard University graduate, David Wilhelm is a founding partner of New Harvest Ventures, as well as a founding member of the Ohio Appalachian Business Council. He previously served as president of Woodland Venture Management, a $140-million company that focuses on creating and supporting business and economic opportunities in rural areas.

Mike Brooks - 2005

Mike Brooks grew up one block from his father’s shoe factory in Nelsonville, Ohio. He graduated from a footwear design and pattern engineering school in Milan, Italy, and then returned to the family business in 1975. With annual net sales of nearly $300 million, Nelsonville-based Rocky Brands, Inc. is internationally recognized.

Robert L. “Bob” Evans - 2005

Bob Evans used his secondary and college education to fuel his entrepreneurial spirit. The 12-stool diner he established in Gallipolis, Ohio, to market his own sausage has grown to the Bob Evans Restaurants we know today with 560 restaurants in 19 states.

Dr. Nancy Lusk Zimpher - 2005

Access to education enabled Nancy Zimpher, born in Gallipolis, Ohio, to follow her dream to become an educator herself. Nancy was honored as the first woman President of the University of Cincinnati and has since become the Chancellor of the State University of New York (SUNY) system.