Meet the Donors: Jeff & Renanne Welch

Renanne and Jeff Welch

Mason Beuhring, Communications & Program Services Director at Marietta Community Foundation, talks with Foundation donors, Jeff & Renanne Welch to gain insight into local philanthropy.

Mason Beuhring: Jeff, thank you for speaking with me. If you don’t mind, I always like starting by learning about the person I’m interviewing’s back story. So, what is your background?

Jeff Welch: My wife Nann and I grew up in Marietta. I graduate from Marietta High School in 1973 and Nann graduate the following year in 1974. We started dating in high school…

MB: Wow, so you were high school sweethearts!?

JW: Yep, and we attended Marietta College where I would later graduate with a B.A. in Accounting with a Minor in English. Nann graduated with a B.A. and a Masters in Education. I also earned an MBA from Ohio University.

After graduation, we left town to pursue our careers -teaching for Nann and finance for me- never expecting to come back.

But, after five years at an international accounting firm, Ernst & Young, I was contacted by your spotlight member, Bob Kirkbride asking if I would be interested in a job in Marietta at a local Oil & Gas Company. He remembered me from Marietta College when he was the VP of Finance.

The industry took a turn for the worse so that job was never filled, but Bob asked if I would be interested in talking to Peoples Bank about a job.

MB: What did you do at Peoples Bank?

JW: Nann and I had wonderful childhoods growing up in Marietta and decided to raise our sons Ryan, Brett, and Kyle here. They enjoyed growing up in Marietta and are enjoying happy and successful lives.

I ended up taking a job in the Trust Department of Peoples and actually worked on the Marietta Community Foundation account for several years. I held a number of senior management positions at the bank until going to work at Settlers Bank.

Nann secured a teaching job at Marietta City Schools where she worked at the Middle School and Washington School. We both retired within the last couple of years, and are currently working for Marietta College. I am teaching two sections of Management Information Systems and Nann is supervising student teachers. 

MB: It seems like both you and Nann have experienced a lot of progress, not just in your life and careers, but also in the community. What has been a major change in our community that excites you?

JW: We really like the emphasis on the outdoors, Nann and I enjoy daily walks around Devola. I also enjoy walks around the grounds of Marietta Country Club. The bike path downtown is also great.

I have been involved with the Broughton Foundation for many years, and we really enjoy the hiking trails out there. The Rivers, Trails, & Ales Festival makes us so happy as we see a different group of people actively engaged in promoting the area.

MB: What attracts you and Nann to the outdoors?

JW: It’s just nice to get out and enjoy the fresh air… it’s relaxing.

MB: Even in this cold weather?

JW: Yep, we are even trying to figure out when we can take a walk today! We just enjoy each other’s company.

MB: It’s great to have that kind of relationship with your spouse! Why do you believe it is important to practice philanthropy?

JW: Nann and I believe that it is important to give back to our community. We have been blessed and get satisfaction from supporting local charities. 

MB: You mentioned that you are both from this area and that you worked on the Foundation’s account when it became active. You have had an incredible perspective when it comes to the Foundation’s growth over the years… What about our growth caused you and Nann to contribute to the Foundation’s mission?

JW: One of the things that happened recently was the emphasis on giving funds to the local schools through your $60K For 6 Campaign. We really enjoyed seeing that… education is so important to us and our family.

There are so many other things that the Foundation is able to do, but that was the primary thing that attracted our attention.

MB: What would you say to someone to encourage them to support the Foundation and our efforts in the community?

JW: Just look around… look around at our community and see the needs.

You can’t help everybody, but the Foundation is actively engaged with helping out so many people. You can help out with a lot of needs by supporting this one organization.

MB: Well Jeff, I appreciate your time and insight into your perspective on local philanthropy.

JW: It was nice talking to you, call anytime.