CreativeOhio announces finalists advocacy awards finalists

FINDLAY — CreativeOhio has announced the finalists for the 2025 CreativeOhio Champion Advocacy Awards which will be held Oct. 15 in the Great Gallery of the Toledo Museum of Art. This year's luncheon highlights the Northwest Ohio region, celebrating community leaders, educators, businesses and artists whose advocacy has strengthened the state's creative sector. Finalists include some businesses and individuals from the Findlay area. — Individual Advocate Champion: Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz — Arts Educator Champion finalists: Roy Young, music director, Anthony Wayne Schools; Beth Sheets, Bowling Green State University, Toledo Museum of Art, founding board member of Scrap4Art; and Sally Windle, executive director, ArtSpace/Lima — Business Champion finalists: Ohio Logistics – Chuck and Dee Dee Bills Family; KeyBank; and Reineke Family Dealerships — Artist Champion finalists: Jonie McIntire, Lucas County Poet Laureate; Dan Hernandez, associate professor of art, University of Toledo; and Philip Sugden, assistant professor of fine arts, Bluffton University — Lifetime Achievement Award: Susan Palmer, chair elect, Toledo Museum of Art Board of Directors The CreativeOhio Champion Advocacy Awards honor Ohioans who enrich their communities through leadership and advocacy in support of the arts, culture and creative sector. Each year, the awards spotlight a different region of the state bringing together civic, business and creative leaders to celebrate the power of advocacy. Launched in 2023, the awards build on the legacy of the William R. Joseph Advocacy Medal, honoring the lifelong advocacy work of Ohio Citizens for the Arts co-founder, William R. Joseph. "Our finalists exemplify the many ways advocacy can shape stronger, more vibrant communities," said Sarah Sisser, executive director and CEO of CreativeOhio. "From classrooms to city halls, from small businesses to cultural institutions, these leaders demonstrate the essential role creativity plays in Ohio's economy and the overall wellbeing of its residents. We are proud to celebrate their impact." While finalists have been announced, the winners in three categories will not be revealed until the luncheon. Guests will be the first to hear who is named the 2025 Champion Advocacy Award recipients during the program. A plated lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m., followed by the awards program at noon. For tickets and more information, visit creativeoh.org