Meet the Board: Michelle Secrest
Growing up on a small farm in Newport, Ohio, Michelle Secrest learned early on the power of community. The values instilled by her small-town upbringing—hard work, responsibility, and the belief that giving back is a way of life—have shaped who she is today.
As a newly appointed board member of Marietta Community Foundation, Michelle is excited to continue making a difference. "Washington County is so special to me because it's where I grew up," she shared. "This community played a big part in shaping the person I am today, and I want to continue giving back in ways that matter."
Michelle attended Frontier High School before pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Accounting at Marietta College. In 1989, she began working at Mar-Pak, a local business where she has dedicated more than three decades. She worked her way up through the company, becoming Vice President of Finance in 2006 and later President and co-owner in 2019.
While her career flourished, Michelle remained unwavering in her commitment to both her family and her community. She and her husband, J.D., raised their two children with a strong foundation in philanthropy, teaching them the importance of giving back and making a difference.
One of the most cherished traditions in her household was working Kiwanis Pancake Days. “If I didn’t wake my kids early to go work with me, they’d be mad at me!” she laughed. “They grew up knowing that being involved isn’t just something you do—it’s part of who you are.”
That lesson stuck. Today, her son, Skyler, remains local and is a member of the Kiwanis Club, while her daughter, Lakyn, now at The Ohio State University, is actively engaged in organizations on campus. “It makes me proud to see them carrying those values forward,” Michelle said.
Michelle’s dedication to service extends beyond her family. A proud member of the Kiwanis Club for 22 years, she recently joined MCF’s board, eager to expand her impact.
When Jill Witucky, the current secretary of the Foundation’s board, reached out with an invitation to join, Michelle didn’t hesitate. “I’ve always admired the work MCF does, and when Jill called, I knew it was the right time to get involved in a bigger way.”
Michelle quickly took on active roles within the Foundation, joining both the Imagination Library Committee and the Scholarships Committee. “I’m passionate about children and education,” she explained. “Being so involved with my kids over the years made me realize how important it is to support opportunities for young people in our community.”
As she settles into her new role, Michelle hopes to help elevate the work of the Foundation throughout Washington County.
“MCF is doing incredible things for our community, and I want more people to know about it,” she said. “I hope to use my voice and connections to help the Foundation grow and make an even greater impact.”