MANSFIELD — Margaret Ann Ruhl was named Advocate of the Year on Wednesday by the Area Agency on Aging Ohio District 5.
The agency hosted its annual meeting at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center in Mansfield.
A former Ohio State Representative and Knox County Auditor, the meeting’s program specified Ruhl’s advocacy for older adults, leveraging her extensive public service career to champion their needs.
“She has worked on legislative initiatives addressing workforce development, adult protective services, mental health, healthcare access and financial security — issues critical to seniors’ well-being,” the program said.
Ruhl is currently a member of the Area Agency on Aging Ohio District 5 Advisory Council.
“I just care for people and I’ve always been involved in community stuff,” she said during her acceptance speech Wednesday.
Additional awardees recognized Wednesday
Three additional awards were given Wednesday during the annual meeting.
Doug McLarnan was posthumously inducted into the Hall of Fame for his dedication to the Area Agency on Aging Ohio District 5.
He passed away in March 2024 after his courageous battle with T-Cell Lymphoma.
“Doug was a mentor who prioritized leadership development, ensuring the organization’s long-term impact,” the program said.
“Even after his board term ended, he remained actively involved, offering guidance and advocating for senior housing solutions, particularly through his strong community ties in Knox County.”
Shelby Mayor Steve Schag was named Elected Official of the Year.
“His collaborative nature has strengthened connections across the Area Agency on Aging’s planning and service area,” the meeting’s program said.
Richland County Regional Planning was given the Project Collaboration award for its “visionary partnership and commitment to improving transportation services for older adults and individuals with disabilities in Richland County.”
Steve Andrews, executive director of the Mansfield Metropolitan Housing Authority, was given the Award of Excellence for his “dedication to promoting accessible and affordable housing.”
The meeting’s program noted under Andrews’ leadership, MMHA has “excelled in its mission to provide stable housing for those in need.”
(Below are photos from Wednesday’s meeting at the Mid-Ohio Conference Center in Mansfield. Credit: Hayden Gray, Shelby/North County reporter)
AAA5 Ohio celebrating 50 years of service
This year’s meeting also celebrated the Area Agency on Aging’s 50 years of serving its communities.
Trae Turner, chief of community living, said the meeting is an opportunity to highlight the past year’s accomplishments.
Enhancements to initiatives around technology are something Turner said he’s particularly proud of from 2024.
The annual meeting also provides an opportunity to celebrate accomplishments and individual achievements.
“It allows us to recognize other individuals, our staff and partners, who also support and contribute to our mission,” Turner said. “That’s really exciting, to have the opportunity to do that.”
