“I always believed that the best communities are built on quiet acts – the kind that strengthen the backbone of the community and endure for generations.”

For Carol Wharff, Marietta is more than just a place on the map; it is the fabric of her life, a community she believed in wholeheartedly.

Born and raised in Marietta, Carol’s connection to her hometown runs deep. After graduating from Marietta High School in 1981, she set off to the University of Cincinnati to earn a business degree. But the pull of home was strong, and she soon returned to Marietta, where she married her high school sweetheart, John Wharff, and laid the groundwork for their future.

Carol’s path took her to Ohio University, where she earned a teaching certificate. Though she initially envisioned a career in consulting and business workshops, life had other plans.

A chance phone call from her best friend led Carol to apply for the Executive Director position at Marietta Community Foundation. This role would define her career and deepen her love for her hometown.

“When I stepped into the role, I felt like I’d found my purpose,” Carol recalled. “It wasn’t just about the work – it was about the people, the community, and the impact we could make together.”

Carol hit the ground running, bringing with her a wealth of experience from her time on various boards and her background in sales and marketing. But it was the Foundation’s mission that genuinely resonated with her. “I believed in the Foundation and for what it stood. It was easy to get behind, and I loved my role in building community relationships.”

Surrounded by a remarkable board – individuals like Bob Kirkbride, Bill Thompson, Hubert Holland, Bill Fields, and Teri Ann Zide – Carol found herself in an environment that encouraged growth and innovation. “I learned so much from them,” she said with admiration. “They were more than just a board; they were mentors who supported me every step of the way.”

As the years passed, Carol’s love for the Foundation only grew. Her favorite part? The people she worked with, the relationships she built, and the knowledge she contributed something lasting. “Bob Kirkbride always said that we were building relationships that might not come to fruition until 20 or 30 years later, but knowing that we were laying the groundwork for the future was fulfilling.”

When Carol decided to step down from her role as Executive Director after her son was born, it was not an easy decision, but it was the right one. “I wanted to be there for my kids,” she said. “But even when I stepped back to a part-time position, I stayed connected to the Foundation, collaborating with donors and helping with the grant cycle process.”

Eventually, Carol returned to the role of Executive Director, but when the time came to leave for good, she did so with confidence. “I knew it was time,” she said. “My kids needed me, and I wanted to be more involved with their lives. But I also knew that the Foundation was in good hands with Heather Allender. She has taken it to a whole new level, and I could not be prouder.” This capped her time with the Foundation to 16 years and a lifelong legacy.

Today, Carol’s connection to Marietta Community Foundation remains strong. Her husband, John, serves on the Marketing Committee, and they continue supporting the Foundation as donors. “It was an easy decision,” Carol said, reflecting on her decision to give back.

“We believe in this community and want to make it the best we can be, not just for us, but for our children and their children.”