ATHENA Award winner described as compassionate and dedicated leader
A long-time Marion City Schools employee and community volunteer is the winner of the 2024 ATHENA Leadership Award.
Jodi Rife received the honor during the Marion Women's Business Council awards banquet April 16 at the Palace Theatre Pavilion. Traci Costa, president & CEO of ATHENA International and keynote speaker, presented the award along with 2023 ATHENA recipient, Heidi Jones, and WBC President Angela Carbetta.
Rife started at Marion City Schools as a classroom aide and progressed to administrative assistant to the treasurer of the district.
“Jodi’s 23-year tenure is a saga of unwavering dedication,” said nominator Jennifer Lawson. “She seamlessly navigated through pivotal roles showcasing versatility and a commitment to excellence.”
While implementing numerous programs, such as an automated bus routing system and fiscal software programs for Marion City Schools, Rife always took time to mentor new administrators and building secretaries. She also served as a union officer, helping to protect the rights of fellow employees.
Rife was named Marion City Schools Classified Employee of the Year 2000. She also served as a cheerleading coach and volunteered with Harding Athletic Boosters and chaired the concessions committee.
Community good deeds underscores her 'compassionate nature'
Rife was a founding member of the Marion City Youth Football and cheerleading program. She volunteered with the City of Marion Love Our Neighborhoods, the Palace Theatre, Leapin’ Outreach Ministries, Christmas Clearinghouse, the Peanut Push and Junior Service Guild.
As an associate member of the Marion Area Harley Riders Association, Rife contributes to community initiatives and charitable causes. A natural leader and tireless worker, she is a member the 2024 Marion Chamber of Commerce Leadership Class.
“Jodi’s involvement in Christmas Clearinghouse over the past 24 years underscores her compassionate nature,” nominator Bev Young said.
Nominators Kelly Mackay and Veronica Reinhart said Rife's kindness is unmatched, noting she coordinates Junior Service Guild volunteers to raise money and distribute food and toys to hundreds of families and thousands of children.
Ten other women were nominated and recognized for their leadership and contributions in the community.
They are: Marcella Barrios (Baire's Restaurant); Tammi Cowell (Tri-Rivers Career Center); Jamie Cunningham (OhioHealth); Misty Hayden (The First Citizens National Bank); Evelyn Lisiecki (St. Mary Church Latino Ministry); Elizabeth Moore (Marion County Children Services); Bre Napper (The Ohio State University and OhioHealth); Kim Niedermier (Graphic Packaging); Emily Ollervides (ECO Center LLC and River Valley Farms); and Erin Slater (Denton-Prater Chiropractic).
Nonprofit groups benefit from annual auction
The mission of Marion Women's Business Council is to inspire women to reach their full potential through mentoring, relationship building, education and recognition. The ATHENA Award promotes professional excellence, creativity, and initiative and recognizes individuals who contribute time and energy to improve the quality of others.
Each nominee was asked to designate a local nonprofit. Proceeds from the ATHENA auction, with a $2,500 match from Modern Woodmen Fraternal Financial, are donated to the ATHENA recipient's specified charity.
The Junior Service Guild Christmas Clearinghouse, ATHENA recipient Rife's designated nonprofit, will receive $5,000 as it enters into the holiday fundraising season. For more information about the Christmas Clearinghouse, contact Jsgchristmasclearinghouse@gmail.com.
More information about the Marion Women's Business Council can be found on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Marion Star: Jodi Rife presented with Marion Women's group's 2024 ATHENA Award
