This month we are spotlighting our Board Member, Lisa Keltz. Lisa joined The Children’s Center’s Board of Directors in 2019. She served on the Executive Committee as the Board Secretary from 2020-2024.
Lisa served on several committees during her time on the Board including the Nominating Committee, Finance Committee, and the Executive Committee. She openly shares her financial expertise help The Children’s Center ensure financial security today and in the future. On the Nominating Committee, she has helped bring strong candidates to the Board of Directors and currently serves as the Chairperson for this committee.
We asked Lisa to share a little more about herself so we could all get to know her better.
Roles and Responsibilities
How did you learn about The Children’s Center of Medina County? Why did you decide to join the Board of Directors?
I toured The Children’s Center as part of the Leadership Medina County – Class of 2019. A good friend, Tonia Fisher, was on the board then and encouraged me to join.
That tour touched my heart. I was one of the thousands of county residents unaware of the impact The Children’s Center has on the community. Thinking about the need for The Center drove me to join the board. If we can get to the point where children are not being abused and, therefore, The Center is not needed, that would be the ultimate end goal.
What is your current role on the Board? What do you do in that role?
I am in my 6th and final year on the Board ☹. I just stepped down after four years as Secretary. I continue to serve on the Finance Committee and this is my fifth year on the Nominating Committee. This year I am the chair of the Nominating Committee. I also help make thank-you phone calls to our donors.
What are you most proud of in your work with The Children’s Center?
I am most proud of helping ensure financial stability for The Center. It was a wonderful accomplishment. I’m also proud of hiring Ashley as the Executive Director. During the interview process of different candidates, she was stellar, and we are so lucky to have her. What she has accomplished at The Center is just simply amazing. 😊
Personal Insights and Reflections
What was the best advice you were ever given?
Oh gosh, I’ve been given soooo much good advice. One piece of advice that always sticks with me is “Take the high road.” I feel if we were just nicer to each other, the world would be a happier place.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Well… I wanted to be a California Highway Patrol officer. I grew up in the north valley of Los Angeles. After graduation and during college, I applied for the California Highway Patrol. I passed the written test and the oral test. I was getting ready for the physical test when my friends and family discouraged me from continuing – a big regret in my book. ☹
What would we be most likely to find you doing on the weekend?
I like to work out at the Medina Rec Center and take walks with my Yorkieshon, Layla. This usually turns into me carrying her.
Most weekends I am enlisted to sit with my granddaughter Charlotte. She is 3 years old and such a joy. I jump at the chance to hang with her! I have 5 other grandchildren, but they are a bit further away in South Carolina.
What is one song you have completely memorized?
This might be silly, but anyone who knows me knows I could sing every Kenny Chesney Song word for word. 😊 I have attended upwards of 17 concerts in several locations. His beach vibe is me through and through. When it is not Kenny Chesney season, I enjoy Broadway Shows at Playhouse Square.
Community Engagement and Support
What does the community need to know about The Children’s Center?
The Children’s Center of Medina County is a place of warmth and healing. It’s a safe place for all children. The staff is warm, professional, and caring. It’s not a great situation that brings children to The Center, but they are treated with the utmost care and compassion.
