Board of Directors
Mary Andres Russell, Chair
Retired Professional Development Director, Matthews Aurora Funeral Solutions
“A friend introduced me to the Character Council in 2001, just shortly after its founding. I was instantly attracted to the 49 (at that time) character qualities. The focus on character over the past 19 years has been life-changing – so simple, never easy, and surprisingly powerful through its combination of ethics, excellence, and caring. Now more than ever we need this focus on high character to illuminate our lives.”
Don Larrick, Vice Chair
Retired Principal, Three Rivers Elementary School
“As a former Elementary School Principal, I have seen how Character effects our relationships with others and our own success. Nine years ago we adopted the Character Council’s “Words of the Month” after an In-Service Program presented by Mary Russell.
We chose the nine words that we feel most impact our young students. As we have practiced these words (Kindness, Cooperation, Honesty, Respect, Compassion, Enthusiasm, Patience, Responsibility and Determination) the climate of our school has changed. There is a sense of Cooperation, Caring, Friendliness, a TEAM spirit and discipline referrals have decreased dramatically.
We believe that “Character Matters” and that “Character Begins with Me”.”
Derrick Gentry, Treasurer
HR Manager, City of Cincinnati Park Board
“I am honored to be a part of the Character Council. Empowering our community to embody qualities like respect, compassion, generosity, trustworthiness, and forgiveness is essential to enhance and connect the lives in our community for generations to come. I believe there is kindness in everyone and the Character Council helps to make all of us respect each other regardless of our differences. I appreciate the opportunity to serve on the Board of this great organization.”
Doris Adotey, Secretary
Deputy Human Resources Director – City of Cincinnati
“As a public servant, I joined the Character Council to amplify opportunities for me to be involved in my community to make a meaningful impact. I appreciate the intentional approach to actually do good in the community and consciously promote good character and enhance and enrich the spirit of Cincinnati. “
Dolores J. Lindsay
Founder & Retired CEO, The Healthcare Connection
Mrs. Lindsay has been called the “dean of community health centers in Ohio” and has been a mentor to hundreds of health care professionals, working at local, state, and federal levels to ensure quality health care for those who need it most. Her passion for serving diverse populations in our community has resulted in a model for health centers across the nation. She has been a champion for medical translation services. She has led the Healthcare Connection since 1967 and recently mentored a culturally diverse staff of over 90 at three health centers, four primary care sites in mental health facilities, and three school-based health centers until her recent retirement. The key to her longevity is what the lifelong Catholic refers to as the ninth beatitude, “Blessed are the flexible,” she likes to say, “for they never shall get bent out of shape.” As a character advocate, Mrs. Lindsay partnered with the Character Council to encourage character in the culture of health centers.
“It takes godly, strong, persevering women who are always serving other people,” said Lindsay.
Kausha Mehta
Teacher, Heritage Hill Elementary
“A friend introduced me to the Character Council last year. As a third grade teacher at Heritage Hill Elementary in the Princeton City School District, Character Education has always been a priority in my curriculum. Instilling the importance of respecting and valuing each other, regardless of differences, is critical to the emotional development of every child. What I enjoy most about our organization is seeing the continuation and growth of what I teach in the classroom, to other parts of our community.”
Diane Brueggemann
Retired – Public Safety, University of Cincinnati
“I see the Character Council as the inspiration for a world where through good character each citizen is living the best version of themselves. I imagine a world full of these best versions displaying kindness, compassion, honesty, generosity, positivity, trustworthiness, and creativity. I am inspired and honored to be a part of an organization which is a catalyst for promoting a world encompassed and filled by good character. “
Jill Tomey
Retired IT Professional
“I have been a volunteer with the organization almost since the beginning. Now that I am retired, I am excited to join the Board. I started my journey in the anti-bully area and quickly realized that we need to do more things to prevent bullying in the first place, and that’s when I discovered the Character Council and the solution. I began writing resources for an Educational bulletin on the Quality of the Month. That has grown over the years to include resources in all 4 of our pillars and being the Webmaster. Through those roles, I’ve watched Character Education grow from simple programs to the foundation for improving the culture in an organization. These organizations can be as small as families or as large as corporations. I am eager to see where we take it next!”
Michael P. Daly,
Emeritus Board Member
Character Council Founder
Owner, Estate Planning Institute
Michael is the owner and founder of the Estate Planning Institute and Founder of the Character Council. Michael & his wife Pamela began the Character Council of Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky out of their driving passion to see lives improved through good character and a clear conscience. Michael knows firsthand what it means to struggle with character issues, having worked for many years on improving his own character. During his youth, he was what he now considers “an energy taker” and was expelled from several high schools. Because of his own struggles, he brings a unique perspective to the Council and can reach out to the youth of this community to assist them in changing their lives and investing in their own character.
