Circle of Excellence

Kathy Keller has had an extraordinary career centered on strengthening small businesses and expanding economic opportunity throughout west central Ohio. After completing her degree while working full time and raising her family, she went on to become a Certified Business Advisor through the University of Toledo, positioning herself as a respected expert in entrepreneurship support.

For two decades, Kathy served as a driving force within the Ohio Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Rhodes State College, ultimately retiring in 2025. Under her leadership, the SBDC doubled its client support, eventually assisting more than 300 individuals and businesses annually. The upward trajectory can be attributed to her commitment to strategic planning, financial coaching, and business growth.

Earlier in her career, she served as Executive Director of both the Wapakoneta Area Chamber of Commerce and the Wapakoneta Area Economic Development Council. Her leadership across sectors earned her numerous accolades, including the Ohio SBDC Advocacy Award, Collaboration Award, Young Entrepreneur Leadership Award, and the Lima/Allen County Chamber of Commerce Athena Award.

Kathy has also given of her time through service to organizations including the Wapakoneta Rotary Club, Spencer Township, multiple veterans’ auxiliaries, and the Auglaize Mercer County Convention and Visitors Bureau.

A steadfast advocate for housing stability and community empowerment, Tiffany Wright has dedicated nearly three decades to serving families throughout Allen County. Her journey began at Lima Technical College, an education she credits with laying the foundation for her lifelong calling to serve others.

Since joining the Allen Metropolitan Housing Authority in 1999, Tiffany has advanced through roles including Section 8 Occupancy Specialist, Family Self Sufficiency Coordinator, and Assistant Director, ultimately becoming Executive Director. Her leadership is marked by compassion, accountability, and a deep belief that every individual deserves a safe, stable place to call home. She has guided families through some of their most vulnerable moments, helping them find both stability and hope.

Her nominators emphasize her exceptional character, highlighting her empathy, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to lifting others up. Colleagues credit her with strengthening the agency, inspiring staff, and expanding community partnerships that improve quality of life across the region.

Tiffany’s leadership extends beyond her profession. She has served on the boards of Samaritan House and the West Ohio Community Action Partnership, volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters, and held trustee and youth leadership roles within local churches. She also contributes to statewide housing initiatives through the Ohio Housing Authority Conference and the State Housing Authority Risk Pool.

Brandi Schroeder has spent nearly three decades advancing the mission of Lima’s Samaritan House and uplifting women and families experiencing homelessness. Her commitment to service began shortly after earning her degree from Lima Technical College in 1997, an education she credits with strengthening her understanding of the emotional and practical needs central to her work.

Since joining Samaritan House in 1998, Brandi has served in roles including Administrative Assistant, Volunteer Coordinator, Assistant Director, and, since 2015, Executive Director. Under her leadership, the organization has continued to provide critical shelter, support, and hope to women and children in crisis. Her nominators describe her as a leader who “lifts others up,” inspires her team, and strengthens the broader community through her dedication to the mission.

Community partners praise Brandi for her deep compassion, resilience, and ability to empower those who are marginalized. These qualities have shaped her long term impact on the Lima region. Her career reflects consistent professional excellence as well as a profound heart for service, demonstrated through her involvement with the Exchange Club of Lima, where she previously served as President and Board Member.

A nurse, educator, and advocate for veterans and vulnerable patients, Letese Dobbins Dixon exemplifies the strength of a Rhodes State College education and the impact of compassionate service. She has continued to advance her expertise through intravenous therapy training, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing, and ongoing graduate nursing studies.

Over the course of nearly two decades in healthcare, Letese has served in diverse clinical roles, including positions with Mercy Health, the Cincinnati VA Medical Center, Blanchard Valley Hospital, and St. Rita’s Medical Center, where she earned the prestigious DAISY Award for exemplary patient care. She currently serves patients at the Lima VA Clinic while also teaching future caregivers as a program instructor at Apollo Career Center.

Throughout her career, she has demonstrated clinical proficiency in vascular access, same day surgery care, endoscopy, and patient education, holding advanced certifications including VA BC, CRNI, ACLS, PALS, and Ohio teaching credentials. Her colleagues commend her for her strong advocacy on behalf of patients—particularly those who struggle to speak for themselves.

Letese is also engaged in community service as a volunteer at veterans’ programs and clinics and has organized efforts to support local organizations such as Our Daily Bread of Lima. She was honored with the “I Have a Dream” Nursing Award in 2026 for her impact and leadership.