For twenty-eight years Mary Rutan Foundation has recognized deserving individuals or groups who have made substantial contributions to the health and well-being of the community, while placing service to humanity ahead of personal gain or recognition.
The Bellefontaine Joint Recreation District and Mandy Goble, MRH President and CEO were selected as the 2019 Meritorious Service Award recipients.
The Bellefontaine Joint Recreation District (BJRD) was formed over thirty-five years ago as a vehicle to promote park and recreational opportunities to the citizens of Bellefontaine. Today, BJRD remains a thriving organization making wellness and physical activity a priority in its operation for not just Bellefontaine, but all of Logan County.
The BJRD administers youth sports for more than 1,250 youth annually, as well as adaptive sports facilitated for children with developmental disabilities. Swim lessons are provided to more than 300 children annually and over 11,000 children and families visited the Hoffman Municipal Pool in 2018. In addition, the BJRD has expanded its operations to include Myeerah Nature Preserve; offering additional opportunities for physical activity to community members as well as nature educational programs.
Bellefontaine Joint Recreation District Superintendent Kris Myers and his team are recognized as community partners and active leaders in the promotion of health and well-being for the community. Some of their many efforts include:
- Active partner and co-chair of the Logan County Healthy Living Coalition
- Promotion of the Health Habits Healthy You Initiative
- Leader in the Community Winter Walking Program; now offered at Bellefontaine, Indian Lake and Benjamin Logan Schools.
- A partner in the Sun Safety Awareness Program in City Parks and Hoffman Pool
- Facilitating partner for the Annual Bike Safety Rodeo
Two new projects that foster community involvement support and increase opportunities for all community members to become more physically active include the development of a new dog park located in Jack Martin Park and the construction of an inclusive playground at Mary Rutan Park.
In May, Mandy Goble, attained 30 years of service to the community and Mary Rutan Hospital. Mrs. Goble began her tenure as vice president of operations at Mary Rutan Hospital in 1989, serving in that capacity until 2001, then promoted to executive vice president and maintaining that role until 2004. Currently, Mrs. Goble continues her leadership of Mary Rutan Hospital as President and Chief Executive Officer of all corporations of the organizations.
Mrs. Goble and her husband Dr. Robert Goble moved to Logan County in 1987 becoming engrained in the community as active members through participation and support in numerous school activities with their children, community organizations and boards.
In addition to many contributions locally, Mrs. Goble has represented Mary Rutan Hospital and rural health care services at the national and state levels through her involvement in:
- The American Academy of Medical Administrators (1989-2015)
- The American College of Healthcare Executives (1989-present)
- Ohio State Health Network Board Member (1992-present, Board Chair 2009-2010)
- Ohio Hospital Association
- Board of Directors (2014-present)
- Audit/Finance Committee ( 2015-present)
- Executive Committee (2018)
- PAC Committee (2014-2018)
- Nominee Committee
- Research & Education Foundation
Mrs. Goble has brought increased health care services to the residents of Logan and surrounding counties through expanded service networks and partnerships, increased service lines, building projects and the physical structure of Mary Rutan Hospital. Under her leadership, the organization has grown in number of employees from 323 in 1989 to over 1,000 today and in physical size from 103,088 to 380,000 gross square feet including the Hospital, Health Center and 13 offsite locations in Bellefontaine, Indian Lake, Jackson Center and Urbana.
Mrs. Goble is a dedicated professional who exemplifies the true meaning of Leader and worthy recipient of the Meritorious Service Award: Giving when she doesn’t have to, caring for others; empowering others; living authentically; managing hardship and serving with humility.