Washington County, OH – Now that stockings have been emptied, presents have been opened, and all the cookies have been eaten by Old Saint Nick, Marietta Community Foundation has one last surprise gift for the people of Washington County.

“The Foundation is pleased to announce that Johnny Wharff, of WMOA Radio, and Teri Ann Zide, of the downtown boutique Teri Ann’s, will be joining our Board of Directors on January 1st, 2021,” said Heather Allender, President & CEO of the Foundation.

Both Wharff and Zide are already well-acquainted with the Foundation and the services it renders to the community.

Wharff is a long-time fundholder at the Foundation with the ‘Big John Wharff Fund’ and the ‘WMOA Christmas Zoo Fund.’ Wharff, a second-generation broadcaster, will help steer the Foundation towards success, alongside the other members of the Foundation’s board.

“It’s an honor to be asked, and I want to earn my seat on the board,” said Wharff. “The more experience that I get serving on boards, the more I realize that positive impact is tied to actions. It’s a lot like the mission of MCF itself, to make good decisions that compound the effects of giving. So ideally, when I step away I’ve helped make a good thing better.”

Zide is a returning board member, having served with the Foundation in the same capacity from 1992 – 2016 and Board Chair from 2002 - 2008. She will take up the mantle once again to faithfully serve Washington County with style.

“I am honored to be back with this group,” said Zide. “The Foundation does so much good and I am happy to be a part of it!”

Board members who have completed their terms include, Dr. Bret Frye, current Chairman of the Board, Marcy Wesel, current Secretary of the Board, and Jennifer Christy.

While the remaining board members will miss the knowledge and expertise the three exiting members brought to the table, they are excited about how the new additions will help the Foundation further its mission for the future.

“Teri Ann has a long history with MCF as a board member and it will be good to have her back on the board,” said Eric Erb, incoming Chairman of the Foundation’s board. “She has a great feel for the pulse of the community and where there is need and opportunity. Johnny’s radio station is the heartbeat of the community. So they both will be able to hit the ground running in January.”

Although 2020 was a difficult year, the Foundation continued to serve the Washington County community despite the major obstacles.

“We look forward to keeping the momentum going in 2021,” said Erb. “The Foundation continues to grow in size (assets) and total giving to the community. We have a staff with a great deal of experience in running a community foundation, and the impact of the Foundation in our community continues to grow.  As more and more people learn about the Foundation and have confidence in the organization, then we can continue to give more to where it is most needed.”

“I have learned so much from the board members who are completing their terms with the Foundation this year,” said Heather Allender, President & CEO of the Foundation. “It’s sad to see them go - I’ve had the privilege to learn from them for ten years - but we will continue to build upon their legacies!”

New members and board officers will begin their roles on January 1st.

Marietta Community Foundation meets National Standards for operational quality, donor service, and accountability in the community foundation sector. Founded in 1974, the Marietta Community Foundation has grown over the years thanks to a number of generous gifts.

Marietta Community Foundation works to improve Washington County through grants and initiatives. If you would like to give a gift in honor of a past or existing board member, please visit www.mcfohio.org/donate. For those who wish to speak to an individual, please contact Heather Allender at 740-373-3286 or heather@mcfohio.org.