Leadership Tuscarawas

10/15/2026

ANOTHER LEADERSHIP TUSC CLASS DAY IS IN THE BOOKS! 🍂

The 2026–2027 Leadership Tuscarawas class enjoyed another outstanding day of learning, leadership development, and community engagement on Tuesday, October 13, at Kent State University at Tuscarawas. Mother Nature even cooperated with a picture-perfect fall day!

Community Action Projects: Making a Difference

The primary focus of the day was selecting community action projects. Six excellent projects were presented, each offering an opportunity to make a meaningful difference in Tuscarawas County and beyond. This year's projects include:
• TAP (Tusc Arts Partnership): Assessing workforce infrastructure and economic impact — Wilma Mullet
• Empower Tusc: Developing a substance abuse toolkit for high school students — Sierra Schweitzer
• Newcomerstown VFD: Administrative and operational support — Kristie Wilken
• TUSC BDD: Accessibility awareness initiative — Kerri Silverthorne
• Tuscarawas County Health Department: Developing a toolkit for local employers — Natasha Yonley
• United Way of Tuscarawas County: Developing a workplace and recruiting campaign — Sarah Spies

As is often the case, every class member was able to select their number-one project preference! Following the selections, teams met with their mentor-sponsors to begin planning their nearly year-long projects.

A heartfelt thank-you to all our project mentors for sharing their ideas, expertise, and commitment to our community. We look forward to seeing these projects take shape and create lasting impact!

Professional Development: Leading with Self-Awareness
Faith Sheaffer-Polen led a thoughtful and engaging session titled “Beyond Your Personality Type: Turning Self-Awareness into Leadership Impact.” Continuing our strategic theme inspired by Brené Brown's Dare to Lead, the session explored curiosity and assumptions and how self-awareness can strengthen our effectiveness as leaders.

Leadership Through Service
Two valuable service opportunities were shared with the class:
• John Kelly, board member of Friends of the Homeless of Tuscarawas County, presented a variety of opportunities to get involved.
• Kelsy McConaha prepared an overview of volunteer opportunities with the Tuscarawas County Literacy Coalition.
Both John and Kelsy are Leadership Tusc alumni and wonderful ambassadors for our program. Thank you for helping our class discover new ways to serve!

Building on the Experience
Dee Grossman led a debriefing session of the September bus tour and assured the class that participant feedback and suggestions are being incorporated into the program. We appreciate this ongoing commitment to listening, learning, and continuous improvement.

A Few More Thank-Yous!
Thank you to Maria Feik for hosting the class for a Makerspace tour, to Log Cabin Kitchen of Sugarcreek for providing a delicious breakfast and lunch, and to Carol Mace of Kent State University at Tuscarawas for her expert assistance in making the day a success.

From selecting meaningful community projects to strengthening leadership skills and exploring opportunities to serve, it was another excellent day for Leadership Tuscarawas!

Developing leaders. Strengthening communities. Making a lasting impact.

ANOTHER LEADERSHIP TUSC CLASS DAY IS IN THE BOOKS!

10/06/2026

Awesome Fall day on the campus of Kent State University Tuscarawas!!

09/24/2026

MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TUSC BOARD OF DIRECTORS

This week we’re highlighting Tiffany Kail, a valued member of the Leadership Tuscarawas Board!

Tiffany brings a strong sense of community, collaboration, and leadership to our board, along with the experience and perspective she gains through her work at First Federal Community Bank.

We’re so grateful for Tiffany’s time, dedication, and continued support of Leadership Tusc and our mission to develop strong leaders throughout Tuscarawas County. We’re lucky to have her on our team!

09/17/2026

MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TUSCARAWAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

This week we’re highlighting Erica Van Pelt, one of the newer members of the Leadership Tuscarawas Board!

Erica brings a heart for service, community connection, and helping others through her work with the American Red Cross — qualities that make her a wonderful addition to our board.

We’re so excited to have Erica’s energy and perspective as we continue growing Leadership Tusc and developing leaders throughout our community. We’re lucky to have you, Erica! 👏

09/11/2026

Leaders of Tomorrow planning committee announces call for presenters for the March 5, 2027 annual summit. Click link below for more information.

https://www.kent.edu/tusc/bcs/leadership-tuscarawas/leaders-of-tomorrow

09/10/2026

Leadership Tuscarawas Community Bus Tour, September 8, 2026.

Another successful Leadership Tuscarawas Community Bus Tour is in the books!

With a picture-perfect blue sky and warm temperatures, our 2026–2027 Leadership Tuscarawas class enjoyed a full day of learning, connection, and discovery as we explored the people, organizations, businesses, and services that help make Tuscarawas County a wonderful place to live, work, and grow.

A heartfelt thank-you goes to our knowledgeable and enthusiastic tour guide, Dee Grossman, Executive Director of the Tuscarawas County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Dee once again did an outstanding job sharing the history, stories, and unique qualities of our community while keeping the day moving with energy and enthusiasm.

We are also incredibly grateful to Mr. Jeff Mathias for his longstanding support of Leadership Tuscarawas. Jeff exemplifies what servant leadership looks like in our community, and we appreciate his continued commitment to helping develop and inspire future leaders.

Our day included visits to:
• Dennison Depot Railroad Museum
• Carlene Farms
• Advocates for Success
• Superb Industries
• Hoodletown and Farmers Market
• Allied Machine
• Our City Coffee
• Tuscarawas County Homeless Shelter
• New Philadelphia Fire Department

At each stop, our class was welcomed by community leaders who generously shared their time, knowledge, experiences, and passion for what they do. From agriculture and manufacturing to nonprofit organizations, small businesses, community services, and public safety, each visit offered a unique perspective on the many ways individuals and organizations are contributing to the strength and vitality of Tuscarawas County.

The day was a wonderful reminder that servant leadership is happening all around us. Our class had the opportunity to see leadership in action, learn about the challenges and opportunities facing our community, and build connections with people who are making a difference every day.

And, of course, a special shout-out to our outstanding 2026–2027 Leadership Tuscarawas class! Your enthusiasm, curiosity, and willingness to learn made the day even more enjoyable. We are excited to see where this incredible group of leaders will take their experiences throughout the year.

At the end of the day, Michele Spring – Milburn coordinated a well-attended after-tour happy hour reception at Pilot Brewhouse. Great turnout and enjoyed by all!

Overall, it was another memorable and enriching Leadership Tuscarawas programming day—and a great reminder of the incredible people and organizations that make our community special.

Thank you to everyone who welcomed us, shared their stories, and helped make the 2026 Community Bus Tour a success!

09/10/2026

MEET OUR LEADERSHIP TUSCARAWAS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

This week we’re highlighting Freda Martin, one of the newer faces on the Leadership Tuscarawas Board and our recently elected Treasurer! 👏

Freda has already become a wonderful addition to our board, bringing her talents, perspective, and willingness to serve to Leadership Tusc. We’re so excited to have her stepping into this important leadership role and grateful for her commitment to our organization and community.

Congratulations, Freda! We’re lucky to have you on the Leadership Tusc team!

09/09/2026

What a great night!

A HUGE thank you to everyone who came out for our Alumni Happy Hour last night! It was so much fun catching up, reconnecting, sharing some laughs and spending time with such much a great group.

We hope everyone had a great night, and we can’t wait to do it again! 🥂

09/07/2026

TOMORROW, LT ALUMNI!! 🍻

Grab your classmates, stop by after work, have a drink and catch up with some of your favorite LT people at our Alumni Happy Hour at Pilot Brewhouse from 4:30–6:30 PM!

All LT alumni are welcome, the more, the merrier! Tag your LT crew and tell them you’ll see them there! 🍻

🍻 Happy Hour is back!!

Come hang out with the Leadership Tuscarawas community for an evening of good drinks, great conversation, and even better connections.

LT alumni, current class members, future applicants, friends — everyone is welcome!

📍 Pilot Brewhouse
📅 September 8th | 4:30–6:30 PM

Tag someone who should join you! ⬇️

08/24/2026

🍻 Happy Hour is back!!

Come hang out with the Leadership Tuscarawas community for an evening of good drinks, great conversation, and even better connections.

LT alumni, current class members, future applicants, friends — everyone is welcome!

📍 Pilot Brewhouse
📅 September 8th | 4:30–6:30 PM

Tag someone who should join you! ⬇️