From the Director’s Chair

A message from the Executive Director, Tammy Forrest

Together, we are strong – Introduction to Central Leadership

Together, leadership at Central bring all the gifts needed to holistically support staff and community. We include those who grew up in the Near East, have worked with youth and families for decades, have deep roots in the Columbus arts community, and bring strategic and development skillsets that support organizational growth and sustainability. Together, we have 100+ years supporting Ohio communities. And, most importantly, we are all deeply devoted to the mission of Central.

• Tamar Mott Forrest, Executive Director

• Allie Cozzone, Associate Director

• Jackie Calderone, TRANSIT ARTS Director

• Dauntea Sledge, Director of Youth & Family Services

• Amber Aitken, Development Director

• David Cooper, Director of Outreach & Engagement

We are also fortunate to have a diverse group of Board Members who live in the Near East, work for non-profit and university partners, are local artists, and bring unique skillets – such as IT, Marketing, Legal, Advocacy, and Finance. They each support Central in unique ways, including through committee work, coaching, financial support, and volunteer engagement.

Last month we had the opportunity to vote in a new Board of Trustees President – Paul Bryson!

Paul describes himself as a “roving do-gooder at Law focused on community solutions to economic and social challenges.” Most recently, he has been with the Legal Aid Society of Columbus, and is their Managing Attorney for Community Economic Development. Paul has been on the Central Board since 2019. During his tenure, he has engaged as part of our Advocacy Committee, working to support local seniors achieve housing stability and create viable assets to pass down to their family members. He has conducted community workshops, with topics that include planning for the future (wills, trusts, powers of attorney, advanced directive), consumer protection, and eviction support/diversion. He has helped develop and enhance organizational policies and procedures, and participated in an ad hoc committee that conducted market research to help us update business terms and leases with tenants. And he has served as Secretary and Vice Chair prior to taking on his current role. Paul is clearly committed to Central and the good work we do, and we are thankful to have him on our team!

The following are the other amazing Members of Central’s Board of Trustees. We hope in the upcoming months you will have an opportunity to get to know them!

Paul Bryson
President
Columbus Legal Aid

Matthew Schlingman
Treasurer
Cardinal Health

Amber Linebarger
Secretary
Nationwide Insurance

Ashley Berry
USAA

Lisa Durham
The Ohio State University, College of Social Work

Minerva Elzaga
Supreme Court of Ohio

Art Krumsee
Retired IT Professional

Jerzelle Pierre-Louis 
Sprout Early Education Center

Marisa Ratajczak
Everest Insurance

Pamela Shields
Community Activist and Leader

Amanda Strausbaugh
Park National Bank

Nick Stefanik
Columbus Downtown Development Corporation

John Sunami
Local Artist and Community Activist