Staff & Board - Clinton County Ohio Foundation

Meet Our Staff and Board

The Clinton County Foundation is built around a set of core values that drives our culture and central purpose of managing funds/major endowments and enabling nonprofits to focus on advancing their causes. Community Spirit, Respect, Excellence, and Inclusion are the values embodied by our board and staff members as we strive to build a thriving and resilient community where people want to live, work, and grow.

Staff

Alison Belfrage

Executive Director, Clinton County Foundation

Alison brings over 15 years of executive-level experience working with boards of trustees in strategic planning, grantmaking, administration, communications, marketing, and development.

Past employers include the Ohio State Bar Foundation, Bricker & Eckler LLP (a 150-attorney law firm), The Ohio State University, and her own consulting firm. Past association memberships include the National Conference of Bar Foundations, Philanthropy Ohio, and the Council on Foundations. Raised in Maumee, Ohio, Alison was a proud member of the Gauchos 4-H Club and participated in the Lucas County Fair with her Appaloosa, Apache’s Sparkle Plenty. She received her B.A. in Psychology from Wittenberg University and her Master of Science in Family Relations & Human Development from The Ohio State University.

Pat Thompson

Administrative Assistant, Clinton County Foundation

Pat brings over 45 years of office management, governmental accounting, and financial management expertise to her role at the Clinton County Foundation.

Past employers include Wilmington College, Southern State Community College, Wilmington City Schools, Southern Ohio Educational Service Center, Clinton-Massie Local Schools, East Clinton Local Schools, the City of Wilmington, and the Clinton County Port Authority. She has served on several Ohio boards and associations focused on education and accounting and is a past member of the Downtown Wilmington Community Improvement Council and Main Street Wilmington. Pat received her Associate Degree in Accounting from Southern State Community College and holds a current school treasurer license issued by the Ohio Department of Education.

Board Members

Barbara Deibel, Marketing Cmte.

Retired, United Methodist Pastor/Funeral Planning Professional

Barb offers an extensive background as an Ordained United Methodist Minister and in Advance Funeral Planning.

Prior to her retirement, she worked for several funeral homes in the Cleveland-Akron area and today continues to assist families when needed as a Certified Funeral Celebrant. She moved to Wilmington in 2017 and resides at Ohio Living Cape May where she serves as a member of the Ohio Living Cape May Advisory Board. Barb joined the Clinton County Foundation Board in 2021. She received her B.A. in Sociology from Baldwin-Wallace College, and both her Master of Divinity and Master of Christian Education from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary. Barb is also an Ohio Licensed Life Insurance Agent.

Brad Reynolds, Marketing Cmte.

Director of Human Resources, City of Wilmington, OH

Brad has over 40 years’ experience in human resources leadership and operations management positions in a variety of for-profit and nonprofit organizations.

In his current role with the City of Wilmington, he oversees all policies, procedures, and activities related to human resources support for all city employees. Past employers include, among others, Ohio Living Cape May, where he served as Executive Director, Asbury Communities, Ohio Presbyterian Retirement Services, and Franklin University. Brad has a strong history with Wilmington, having moved here at an early age and graduating from Wilmington High School. He joined the Clinton County Foundation Board in 2019 and currently serves on the board of the Murphy Theater. Past boards on which he has served include AM Rotary, The Ohio State University (Marion Campus), Hope House, and the Delaware County Foundation. Brad received both his B.A. in Sociology / Criminology and M.A. in Public Administration / Labor-HR from The Ohio State University and is an Ohio Licensed Nursing Home Administrator.

Chip Murdock, Grants & Scholarships Cmte.

Director of Diversity & Inclusion and Service & Civic Engagement, Wilmington College

Chip brings a strong background in diversity and inclusion to his role on the Clinton County Foundation Board.

A Wilmington resident since 1999, he serves as the Senior Director of Diversity and Inclusion and Service and Civic Engagement at Wilmington College. In his role, Chip facilitates a wide array of programs that benefit the entire campus with a focus on promoting service, dialogue, and understanding. He also serves as Adjunct Professor in Digital Audio Production and Multicultural Leadership. Prior roles at WC include Associate Director of Admissions and Director of Multicultural Student Recruitment. Chip joined the Clinton County Foundation Board in 2020 and is currently active on the Diversity Committee of the Wilmington City Schools; the Diversity & Inclusive Excellence Committee of the Strategic Ohio Council for Higher Education; and the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Professional Committee of the Greater Cincinnati College Connection. Chip received his B.A. in Music Composition from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, OK and a master’s in Music from Miami University in Oxford, OH. He earned a Diversity and Inclusion Certificate from Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.

Eric Salyers, Marketing Cmte.

VP Human Resources, Ferno Washington

Eric is a senior human resources professional with strategic level responsibility in multiple disciplines including recruitment, compensation, employee relations, training, benefits, performance management, and restructuring / change management.

Past employers include Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services, Bagshaw Enterprises, and ABX Air. He earned his B.S.S. in Human Relations from Ohio University and holds a PHR certification with the Society for Human Resources Management. Eric is a U.S. Air Force Veteran, where he served as Military Police for four years. He joined the Clinton County Foundation Board in 2021 and also serves on the Clinton County Business Advisory Council and the Clinton County Workforce Development Roundtable.

Jeff Drapalik, Finance & Investment Cmte.

Semi-retired Health Care Finance Professional

Jeff brings a strong background in financial management, primarily in the healthcare field.

He has extensive experience analyzing, identifying, and implementing financial and operational improvement solutions that result in greater efficiency, productivity, and profitability. Past employers include Mercy Health Partners, UC Health, and TriHealth Hospice of Cincinnati. He has resided in Wilmington since 2010, joined the Clinton County Foundation Board in 2019, and is extremely active on several local boards, including Energize Clinton County, HealthFirst, the Clinton County Park District, and the Clinton County Master Gardeners. He is also a CASA volunteer. Jeff received his B.S. in Industrial Engineering from Purdue University and an M.B.A. from Bellarmine University.

Rebecca T. Strafford, Marketing Committee

Doctor of Medicine

Becky, now semi-retired, has practiced medicine specializing in developmental disabilities for over 25 years. As the Medical Director of both the Gallipolis Developmental Center (GDC) for 20 years and a group home for 10 years, she worked to ensure continuity of high-quality healthcare beyond the GDC into the local medical community.

Her efforts included the diagnosis and treatment of the clients’ chronic and acute diseases along with oversight of nursing, physical therapy, dietary, audiology and speech therapy services. Becky also served as President of the Gallia County Medical Society and as President of the Medical Staff at the Holzer Medical Center. Today, she continues to provide medical reviews for the Ohio Dept. of Developmental Disabilities.

Past professional associations with which she has been involved include the Ohio State Medical Association, the American Medical Association, Holzer Medical Center Quality Assurance Committee, and Medial Director Area VIII Peer Review Organization.

A Clinton County native, Becky returned to the family farm near New Vienna in 2013 after nearly 50 years away and embraced several volunteer activities, including serving as Clerk Ministry & Council of Fairview Friends Meeting, and serving on the boards of Energize Clinton County (2015-2022) and the Sabina Library (2015-2020).

She earned her B.S. with Honors in Zoology from Ohio University and her M.D. from the Ohio State University College of Medicine. Becky completed her residency in Medicine and Anesthesiology at the Indiana University Medical Center in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Jermaine Issac, Grants & Scholarships Cmte., Marketing Cmte.

Director, City of Wilmington Parks & Recreation

A Wilmington resident since 2004, Jermaine brings over 10 years of professional experience working within the nonprofit and public sectors.

In his current position he oversees, manages, and leads all aspects of the City of Wilmington’s Parks & Recreation department, including maintenance, grounds operations, project management, adult and youth sports leagues, marketing, and strategic planning. Prior employers include the City of Dayton and Camp Joy. Jermaine joined the Clinton County Foundation Board in 2020. He is also a board member of United Way of Clinton County and the Wilmington Rotary Club, and has been the Wilmington High School Boys’ Basketball Head Coach since 2021. He earned his B.S. in Sports Management Administration from Wilmington College and holds numerous certifications including CPI Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Trainer, Certified Parks & Rec Professional, Certified Youth Sports Administrator, a State of Ohio Pupil Activity License, and an Ohio Realtor License.

Joe Hete, Finance & Investment Cmte.

Chairman, Board of Directors, Air Transport Services Group, Inc.

In May 2020, Joe retired as President and CEO of Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (ATSG) and now serves as their Chairman of the Board of Directors.

Joe joined ABX Air in 1980 as an Accounting Manager and moved up in the company to become CEO of ATSG in 2003. Joe’s work ethic was well known throughout the ATSG companies and he served as an inspiration for those that were part of his team. Joe’s dedication extends to the Clinton County community where he resides and where he has held multiple board positions for Clinton Memorial Hospital, United Way of Clinton County, YMCA, and the Clinton County LEGACY Fund. He served on the Economic Task Force in Wilmington that focuses on the redevelopment of the local area, and was a former board member of the Air Transport Association (ATA). He joined the Clinton County Foundation Board in 2021. In addition to serving his local community, his belief in the value of education and being a distinguished alumnus has led him to currently sit on the Foundation board for the University of Akron College of Business and serve as a member of the college’s Advancement Council. Joe received his B.A. in Accounting from the University of Akron.

Joshua Engel, Grants & Scholarships Cmte.

Engel and Martin, LLC, Managing Partner

A civil rights attorney for nearly 30 years, Joshua currently provides representation to individuals in civil rights matters, appeals, and high profile criminal litigation.

Past employers include the Warren County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, the Ohio Department of Public Safety, and the Lycurgus Group. Joshua has strong ties to the Wilmington community, where he has lived since 2002. His children attend the Wilmington City Schools, and his wife is a Wilmington College professor. He currently serves on the HealthFirst Board and provides counsel to Energize Clinton County. He previously served as Advisory Board Member to the Wilmington College Peace Resource Center. Joshua has been a Clinton County Foundation Board member since 2018 and holds a B.A. in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and graduated cum laude from Harvard University Law School.

Joyce Kelly, Grants & Scholarships Cmte., Marketing Cmte.

Retired Teacher

A Clinton County Foundation Board member since 2017, Joyce possesses nearly 40 years of teaching experience at the elementary, high school, and college levels.

Past employers include Blanchester Local Schools, Kettering City Schools, Chatfield College, and Wilmington College. In addition to coaching track and advising students, Joyce has supported the growth of our youth as a girl scout leader, a bible school teacher, and a swim instructor. She is active in a variety of local associations including the American Legion Auxiliary (Buckeye Girls State), The Blanchester Lions Club (scholarship), and Eastern Star. She is scholarship advisor for the Clinton County Retired Teachers Association. Joyce, who resides on a Clinton County farm, holds a B.A. from Wilmington College and a master’s degree in Education from Miami University, Oxford, OH.

Justin Holbrook, Finance & Investment Cmte.

Vice President of Sales, Paul Hall & Associates

Justin joined Paul Hall & Associates insurance company in 2004, shortly after graduating from Wilmington College, and was promoted to VP of Sales & Company Liaison within four years.

His primary responsibilities are ensuring the growth of the operation through effective insurer relationship management and overseeing the sales staff’s writing of new business. As a commercial and farm sales specialist, he has helped triple the Company’s casualty premium base to over $15 million since joining the company. Justin joined the Clinton County Foundation board in 2016 and plays a key role in managing the Foundation’s finances and investments. A lifelong Clinton County resident, he has been a long-time volunteer with the Clinton County 4-H Program, serving as Poultry Department Chair and current Sales Committee Chair. Justin is a Blanchester High School graduate and earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Wilmington College.

Justin Dickman

Assistant Prosecutor for Tax and Blighted Properties Division, Clinton County
Of Counsel Attorney, Peelle McCoy Moyer Law Offices, Co., L.P.A. Wilmington, OH

Hailing from Van Wert, Ohio, Justin has been a resident of Wilmington since early 2020 when he joined the Clinton County Prosecutor’s Office. In his role, he is responsible for initiating tax foreclosures, and deed-in-lieu of transfer for tax delinquent, blighted, and abandoned properties in collaboration with the County Treasurer and Clinton County Land Reutilization Corporation.

He has assisted in spearheading the Clean-Up Clinton County Initiative which has seen the acquisition, clean up, and development of over 100 previously blighted, abandoned, or tax delinquent properties throughout the county. Justin also represents the county in civil litigation, administrative matters, and advises county elected officials as well as provides litigation assistance as needed on various court dockets.

Justin also serves as Of Counsel Attorney at Peelle McCoy Wilkin Moyer Law Offices where he provides legal advice in estate planning, real estate, business law, civil litigation, and foreclosures.

Additionally, he serves as a 1st Lieutenant in the Ohio Air National Guard JAG Corps and is a part-time Assistant Judge Advocate pending schooling for the 178th Wing at Springfield Air National Guard Base, Ohio where he is responsible for providing legal aid and assistance to the 1,300+ airmen of the 178th WG.

Justin is a new board member of the Ohio Land Bank Association, a nonprofit organization which supports the work and advocates on behalf of all county land re-utilization corporations, commonly known as land banks, across Ohio.

Justin received his bachelor’s degree from Youngstown State University in Political Science and Communications and his Juris Doctorate from Ohio Northern University. He is admitted to practice law before the Supreme Court of Ohio and Supreme Court of Michigan.

Lynn Deatherage, Board President, Grants & Scholarships Cmte.

Accountant and Grain Exporter, Settlemyre Seed Company

Lynn has over 30 years of experience in accounting and management acquired primarily through working for Krug International, Modern Technologies, and her current employer, Settlemyre Seed Company.

She has been active in the Clinton County 4-H program and formerly served on the Clinton-Massie Board of Education during its campus expansion. She currently serves as the Scholarship Chair for the Outstanding Women of Clinton County and joined the Clinton County Foundation Board in 2021, where she now serves as its President. Lynn is a graduate of Clinton-Massie High School and received her B.S. in Agriculture from The Ohio State University.

Pam McCoy, Marketing Cmte.

Retired Marketing Professional and Farmer-in-Training

Raised a Quaker, Pam grew up on her family farm near New Vienna with deep ties to Wilmington College, where both her parents (Bob & Helga) worked for nearly 30 years.

Pam spent most of her professional life in Seattle, WA and has over 40 years of experience in branding and the creative development and leadership of marketing and communications campaigns. Past employers include Battelle Memorial Institute, the University of Washington Foster School of Business, Milliman Care Guidelines, Philips Medical Systems, and several financial institutions and high-tech start-ups. Today Pam resides on the farm where she grew up and oversees the operation of it as well as her grandparents’ farm nearby. Pam served on the Wilmington College Board of Trustees for eight years, joined the Clinton County Foundation Board in 2021, and is also currently a board member of the Clinton County Joint Recreational District. A graduate of Westtown Friends School, Pam received her B.A. from Lake Forest College and master’s in Public Administration from Seattle University.

Allison Katter, Finance & Investment Cmte.

Project Manager, Connection – Wilmington, OH

Allison brings over 35 years of experience in finance, learning & development, human resources and grant writing / accounting to the Foundation Board. As Project Manager for Connection, a business IT solutions company, Allison manages small to large complex projects for customers that involve assessing and developing business requirements and functional specifications, integrating chosen solutions with back-office systems, and overseeing project implementation.

Past employers include Fidelity Investments, the Clinton County Community Action Program and Wilmington Transit System. During her 26 years at Fidelity, she gravitated towards project management work after serving as a trader for several years. She designed training programs, managed participant communication and education projects for 401(k) clients, along with written compliance projects for plan sponsors.

A Wilmington, OH native, Allison returned to Clinton County after 35 years and quickly became involved in community activities, joining such groups as the Family and Children First Council, the Miami Valley Regional Planning Commission, the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission, and the Clinton County Workforce Collaborative.

Allison received both her B.A. in Professional Communication and her Master of Education in Executive Human Resources and Development from Xavier University.

“As citizens, we are challenged to repair the world. We have an obligation to confront the many issues facing our community and to fight injustice in our own time. Serving on the Foundation Board is but a small step in fulfilling this mandate.”

Joshua Engel, Clinton County Foundation Board Member, Grants & Scholarships Cmte.
Engel and Martin, LLC, Managing Partner