ATHENS, Ohio –– Otis Crockron, Ginger Schmalenberg and Molly Wales were honored as this year’s Wiseman Award recipients by the League of Women Voters of Athens County at the organization’s annual meeting Tuesday, May 20.
“All three recipients make Athens County a better place through their strong commitment to community and their service to individuals,” said League Co-President member Debbie Schmieding.
The Wiseman Award is presented to non-League individuals who have demonstrated deep community concern related to mental health, children and/or community building. The award is named in honor of Barbara Wiseman, a LWVAC president who worked to improve children’s mental health. Other recent recipients include Dr. Katy Kropt of Ohio University & Ohio Health and Arian Smedley of Athens County Board of Developmental Disabilities.
Otis Crockron has been the Executive Director of Athens County Children Services (ACCS) since 2020. He started with ACCS in 2008 in their Finance Operations department. He also serves as a board member of the Athens County Foundation. He has worked at several social service organizations, including as a Chief Financial Officer. Otis was recognized for his leadership to protect children and strengthen families in Athens County.
Ginger Schmalenberg is the Executive Director of Athens Mental Health Inc. which operates the Gathering Place and Mike’s Bridge House. She previously worked at other arts and social services organizations throughout our Appalachian area. Ginger was especially recognized for her work to provide emergency housing in Athens. This includes work on the emergency shelter at the old fire station during the winter and continuing work to install Conestoga huts, micro-shelters, in Athens.
Molly Wales is a school nurse for Athens City School District and a postpartum nurse at O’Bleness Hospital. She previously served as the executive director of the Birth Circle. She led the creation and implementation of a comprehensive sexual education program for the Athens City School District. Molly was recognized for her commitment to educating youth, not only on puberty and sexual health, but also body safety and sexual violence prevention.
The LWVAC is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. To learn more, visit www.athensleagueofwomenvoters.org.
This posting is a press release.
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