Complete Story
03/06/2025
OLA Announces 2025 Board of Trustees and President's Award Recipient
COLUMBUS, OH – The Ohio Lobbying Association (OLA) held its Annual Meeting on March 4, 2025, at the Riffe Center in Columbus, where members elected the 2025 Board of Trustees and presented the prestigious Darryl Dever President's Award.
Dave Salisbury of Statehouse Impact Group was honored with the 2025 Darryl Dever President's Award in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the organization. Salisbury has been instrumental in the OLA Foundation's fundraising efforts, leading initiatives such as the Ohio Night events and the spring fundraiser. Under his leadership as the former fundraising committee chair and his continued service as a board member, the Foundation raised significant funds that enabled the awarding of four $2,000 academic scholarships to deserving students: Kaitlyn Reed, Emma Robinson, and Caitlyn Percival from Ohio State University, and Sasha Antonyuk from Capital University.
"Dave has gone above and beyond on behalf of our organization," said Don Boyd, outgoing OLA President. "His exceptional leadership in fundraising initiatives for the OLA Foundation has been instrumental in providing educational opportunities through our scholarship program."
The OLA membership also elected the following individuals to serve on the 2025 Board of Trustees:
- President – Melissa Kuhn Wheeler, Westfield
- Immediate Past President – Don Boyd, Ohio Bankers League
- President Elect – Chrisy Wright, IGS Energy
- Vice President – Michelle Holdgreve, Ohio Contractors Association
- Secretary/Treasurer – Ronnie Romito, Governmental Policy Group
- At-Large Member – Hunter Wright, The Batchelder Company
- At-Large Member – Dave Salisbury, Statehouse Impact Group
- At-Large Member – Aaron Ockerman, Ockerman Consulting
In his outgoing remarks, Boyd highlighted the organization's achievements over the past year, including reaching a record-high membership of 380 members with 21 new members joining since last year. The association held six certification classes in 2024 and recognized the significant contributions of members like Dave Salisbury, whose fundraising leadership was crucial in supporting the OLA Foundation's mission. Melissa Wheeler thanked Don for this many years of service to the OLA Board and presented him with a gift on behalf of the membership.
The Annual Meeting was followed by the OLA Legislative Reception at the JoAnn Davidson Theater Lobby, where over 250 OLA members, legislators, and staff of the General Assembly gathered to connect and discuss policy issues. The well-attended event provided valuable networking opportunities for advocates from around Capitol Square.
