Leadership Tuscarawas graduates 18, gives Ian Wamboldt the Alumni Award of Excellence

NEW PHILADELPHIA — Eighteen members of the Leadership Tuscarawas Class of 2022 graduated Tuesday during ceremonies at Kent State Tuscarawas. The evening began with a reception for the class, board members and invited guests, followed by class project presentations and a keynote presentation by Brad Bielski, dean and chief administrative officer at Kent State Tuscarawas.

Members of the graduating class include Jill Cunningham (Tuscarawas Senior Center), Jen Armstrong (Mako’s Market), Shannon Bailey (Kent State Tuscarawas), Dan Baker (Kraton Chemical), Jade Boffo (Tuscarawas County YMCA), Dawn Jones (Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital), Kandi Eckhardt (Tuscarawas County Board of Developmental Disabilities), Daniel Everett (Everett Consulting), Ryan Grewell (SmartWay Communications), Christina Grove (First Federal Community Bank), Mike Impagliozza (Small Business Development Center), Joey Kopp (Retail Products Solutions), Denise McEnroe-Petitte (Kent State Tuscarawas), Brenda Pope (Eagle Machine), Steve Rippeth (Buckeye Career Center), Niza Rodriguez (Redwood House of Real Estate), Sarah Spies (East Central Ohio Educational Service Center) and Polly Stark (Indian Valley School District).

Ian Wamboldt, 2007 Leadership Tuscarawas graduate, was selected the recipient of the 2022 Leadership Tuscarawas Alumni Award of Excellence. Wamboldt, managing director at House of Stones, was described as a creative and passionate leader who is fully committed to community service. He holds a master of business administration degree from the Kellogg School of Management, a bachelor’s degree from DeVry University and is a graduate of the Gemological Institute of America. Wamboldt is a U.S. Air Force veteran.

According to his nominator, Diane Lautenschleger, Wamboldt serves the community in his life and in his career. He is a true servant-leader, she wrote, leading in such a way that goals are reached, and tasks are accomplished with ease and without strife. He always gives freely of his time for the betterment of our community.

Wamboldt started his career in Tuscarawas County working for the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum and is frequently seen in the community supporting organizations such as the Tuscarawas Chamber of Commerce, Community Hospice and the Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital Auxiliary.

Wendy Zucal, executive director of the Dennison Railroad Depot Museum said this of Ian: “Working with Ian is like working with a ray of sunshine. He is full of light and amazing ideas. Truly one of the most talented and creative people I have ever met.”

Scott Robinson, president of the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce, shared this: “Ian has applied the lessons learned from his Leadership Tusc. experience by volunteering with several community organizations including the Tuscarawas County Chamber of Commerce where he served as board chairman. Ian continues to serve on our Governance Council. He is an asset to each organization which is fortunate enough to have his participation.”

Alan Rodriguez, owner of the House of Stones and Wamboldt’s employer shared these thoughts about Ian: “Great leadership has several components — humility; lead by example; inspire those around to you achieve their maximum potential and be fulfilled in their own lives. And, in the credo of Rotary, service above self. Ian has excelled in all these qualities … at the store, in the community, and in himself." He continued, “Ian, I am so proud of you!”

Kim Nathan shared these words: “As last year’s recipient of this prestigious award, I am honored to be in the company of this year’s incredible and most deserving winner. Having the wonderful opportunity to work alongside Ian on the Leadership Tuscarawas board, his commitment to community, family and his servant leadership are a natural part of his fabric. There are people that just shine and this year’s winner does just that. He instantly lights up a room when he walks in and you are drawn to his kindness and charm. His love for his community and animals shows everything one hopes for in a leader with compassion, empathy and willingness to serve a greater good. His passion to make our area a better and more beautiful place to live is evident.”

Recent prior recipients of this award include Mark McKenzie (2017), volunteer president of the Tuscarawas Valley Farmers Market; Diane Lautenschleger (2018), director of partner development at the Tuscarawas County Convention & Visitors Bureau; Jim Gill (2019), director of the Dover Public Library; and Kim Nathan (2021), formerly with Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital.

For additional information, please contact William H. Beisel at wbeisel@kent.edu.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Reporter: Leadership Tuscarawas graduates 18 participants