Our Story

A Proud Legacy

The Morrow County Community Foundation was born in 2025 out of our community's proud legacy of local health care, provided at Morrow County Hospital for over 70 years.

Prior to the Hospital transitioning to OhioHealth, the Board voted to make a $9.5 million donation to establish what is now The Morrow County Community Foundation.

An Independent Community Foundation

We are dedicated to strengthening Morrow County by connecting people, resources, and ideas. We honor Morrow County’s roots, giving spirit, and traditions. We will be transparent and collaborative in everything we do.

Through grants to new and existing non-profit organizations and scholarships to students, we will help support our County in areas such as health and wellness, education, economic vitality, and quality of life. We also hope to serve as a catalyst to strengthen and establish connections among the people and groups that are focusing on these needs.

Together, we will build a stronger Morrow County for future generations.

Our Board

  • A lifelong resident of Morrow County, Dan Ebert currently serves as Chief Operating Officer of AgCredit, an agricultural lending cooperative. Inspired by the many family members, friends, and neighbors he has seen give back through civic service, Dan values the power of community involvement. His service on the Cardington Vocational Agricultural Farm Association board has been a rewarding opportunity to contribute locally. He looks forward to supporting the Morrow County Community Foundation’s mission to enhance the quality of life throughout the county.

  • Gene Gompf is a lifelong Morrow County resident and a dedicated community volunteer. As the owner of Gompf Funeral Service with multiple locations, Gene has spent four decades serving families with compassion and integrity during their most difficult times. Beyond his professional role, he is deeply invested in strengthening the fabric of the community through volunteerism, philanthropy, mentorship, and civic involvement. Gene brings to The Morrow County Community Foundation a strong commitment to preserving local heritage, supporting charitable initiatives, and fostering opportunities that will benefit future Morrow County generations.

  • Eddie Lou Meimer’s family has been part of Morrow County since the late 1800s, with deep roots in agriculture and maple syrup production. A lifelong resident, Eddie Lou is a former dairy farmer and a seventh-generation maple producer at Pleiades Maple Products, working alongside her son, Jim, who owns the family farm. Her decades of service include over 30 years as a 4-H advisor, membership on the OSU Extension Advisory Committee, and active roles in the Farm Bureau and Morrow County Dairy Association. She also chaired the Headwaters Outdoor Education Committee and previously served on the boards of the Morrow County Hospital and the Ohio Jersey Breeders Association. Eddie Lou is proud to support the Foundation’s efforts to strengthen Morrow County, especially its agricultural community.

  • Daniel Schwartz is President of Fishburn Services Inc. and affiliated businesses spanning farming, camping, sport-shooting, and construction. His involvement in conservation work and local churches reflects a strong commitment to community impact. The Fishburn family’s scholarship program has helped many local students pursue higher education, and Daniel is proud to continue giving back through his service on the Foundation board. He views this role as an opportunity to contribute to the well-being and future of Morrow County.

  • Cheryl's relationship with Morrow County started in the year 2000 when she began serving as President of Morrow County Hospital. Since then, she has remained involved with the Hospital and the County through her work with OhioHealth. When the decision was made to start a community foundation in the county, Cheryl offered to serve as the first executive director. With experience serving on and leading several boards, and having worked on the establishment of the Marion Community Foundation, Cheryl brings a unique perspective and is excited to be giving back to the county and the people with whom she has worked for so long.

  • With more than 30 years of nursing experience in Morrow County and surrounding areas, Lois Stauffer brings a healthcare-focused perspective to her community work. She has served on the Morrow County Hospital Board, the Gilead Christian School and Preschool board, and has held various roles in church and community organizations. Her family has farmed in Morrow County for over four decades. Lois values the Foundation’s commitment to strengthening local resources and supporting legacy planning for future generations.

  • A resident of Lincoln Township since 1993, Jennifer Williams spent much of her career commuting from Morrow County, serving as a vice president of marketing and communications at JPMorgan Chase before running her family’s business. Since retiring, she has focused on community service, drawing on her professional experience to contribute locally. Jennifer currently serves on the board of HopeWood Outdoors and the Lincoln Township Board of Zoning Appeals. Her past service includes roles with the Morrow County Hospital Board, the Morrow County Regional Planning Commission, the township’s Zoning Commission, and Marketing Morrow. She is honored to serve on the Foundation board and is excited about its potential to create meaningful, lasting impact.

  • A lifelong Morrow County resident, Brad Woods traces his family roots in the area back to 1831. He recently retired after more than 40 years as a pharmacist at a locally owned, independent pharmacy. Brad has held leadership roles with numerous organizations, including the Mount Gilead Recreation Board, Mount Gilead Exempted Village Board of Education, Morrow County Hospital Board, Morrow County Council of Drug and Alcoholism, Cardington Food Pantry, Morrow County Historical Society, and the Emmaus Community. He has also been an active member of the First Baptist Church of Mount Gilead for more than 50 years. Brad is committed to advancing the Foundation’s mission to expand opportunities for all residents of Morrow County.