on the path
By Mallory Arnold
Get on Board with Volunteering
Remarkable New Albany women with a passion for giving back
Cindy Hilsheimer
been honored with many service awards such as the OSU John B. Gerlach Sr. Outstanding Development Volunteer Award, the YWCA Women of Achievement Award and more. While many people would bask in accomplishments and perk up at the word “award,” Hilsheimer prefers to stay out of the spotlight. “I usually hide from being recognized for service,” she admits. “However, others say the benefits are that you become a role model and people emulate you,
Within the first few minutes of speaking with managing principal of BeecherHill Cindy Hilsheimer, we are astounded by her accomplishments. She has served on the boards of The Ohio State University Foundation, Pelotonia, James Cancer Hospital Foundation, COSI, Columbus Symphony Orchestra and more. “I’m not amazing,” she insists immediately. Her humility proves the opposite. Hilsheimer moved to New Albany in 2000, motivated to find a space to Linda Brown continue hosting community Cindy Hilsheimer events, professional gatherings and board functions. inspiring more volunteers to give back.” “We wanted to host in a larger, more Hilsheimer says she would spend organized way,” she says. “We wanted a all her time volunteering if she could, but home where we could open our doors when she isn’t doing so, she’s enjoyto the community.” ing time with her family. She has a simiThe first board she ever joined was larly philanthropic husband, Larry, three the Ohio History Connection. Back then, grown children and a grandchild. a client of her husband asked her to join, “Our kids are really special,” she and although she was new to the posi- says. “They sacrifice time with me and tion, she soon realized this kind of ser- are understanding so I can spend time vice was infectious. volunteering. I’m so grateful they em“I engaged and enjoyed the rela- brace that I do this.” tionships with some very seasoned volHer children emulate her acts of unteers and learned a great deal from service, carrying her kindness through them,” she says. “I cannot imagine my the generations. life without volunteerism.” “I see them caring about people; all Hilsheimer has, not surprisingly, three volunteer,” she says. “It’s just car16
ing about people – even if it’s just one person at a time.”
Linda Brown
Sometimes it’s about being in the right place at the right time. Linda Brown was recruited by Huntington Bank to move from New York City to Columbus. So, she left her city, where she sat on the Children’s Aid Society for five years, and moved into New Albany. “It’s just so warm and welcoming,” she says. “It has those classic white picket fences and is such a good, friendly community.” Immediately upon moving in, the first thing people began asking her was, “Do you have any interest in being on boards?” Having board experience in New York, she jumped on the opportunity and filled a conveniently open spot with the Jazz Arts Group of Columbus. “I’m passionate about the arts whether it’s music or dance – and I love jazz,” Brown says. “It was a great introduction to the community and board leadership in Columbus.” Since then, she’s been busy in the community giving her time, passion and efforts to making the city better. Brown served on the boards of Children’s Hunger Alliance, served as a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority and is a member of the Columbus Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. Brown has been on the board of Goodwill Columbus since 2017 and says this position holds a special place in her heart. “This is more personal,” she says. “I have a niece and nephew that are chalwww.healthynewalbanymagazine.com
Photos courtesy of Cindy Hilsheimer, Linda Brown and Sarah Underhill
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here’s something in the water in New Albany. The community is known for its service-oriented residents – so much so that we decided to recognize a few people who are active on executive boards and volunteer committees, giving back to a greater cause.
