MEDIA RELEASE__CreativeOhio is proud to announce the finalists for the 2025 CreativeOhio Champion Advocacy Awards, which will be held on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, at 11:30 a.m. in the Great Gallery of the Toledo Museum of Art.

This year's luncheon highlights the Northwest Ohio region, celebrating community leaders, educators, businesses, and artists whose advocacy has strengthened the state's creative sector.

2025 Honorees
Individual Advocate Champion

• Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz, City of Toledo

Arts Educator Champion Finalists

• Roy Young, Music Director, Anthony Wayne Schools
• Beth Sheets, BGSU, Toledo Museum of Art, Founding Board Member of Scrap4Art
• Sally Windle, Executive Director, ArtSpace/Lima

Business Champion Finalists

• Ohio Logistics – Chuck & Dee Dee Bills Family
• KeyBank
• Reineke Family Dealerships

Artist Champion Finalists

• Jonie McIntire, Lucas County Poet Laureate
• Dan Hernandez, Associate Professor of Art, University of Toledo
• Philip Sugden, Assistant Professor of Fine Arts, Bluffton University

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Susan Palmer, Chair Elect, Toledo Museum of Art Board of Directors

About the Awards
The CreativeOhio Champion Advocacy Awards honor Ohioans who enrich their communities through leadership and advocacy in support of the arts, culture, and creative sector. Each year, the awards spotlight a different region of the state, bringing together civic, business, and creative leaders to celebrate the power of advocacy.

Launched in 2023, the Awards build on the legacy of the William R. Joseph Advocacy Medal, honoring the lifelong advocacy work of Ohio Citizens for the Arts co-founder, William R. Joseph.

"Our finalists exemplify the many ways advocacy can shape stronger, more vibrant communities," said Sarah Sisser, Executive Director & CEO of CreativeOhio. "From classrooms to city halls, from small businesses to cultural institutions, these leaders demonstrate the essential role creativity plays in Ohio's economy and the overall well-being of its residents.. We are proud to celebrate their impact."

Honorees Announced Live
While finalists have been announced, the winners in three categories will not be revealed until the luncheon itself. Guests will be the first to hear who is named the 2025 Champion Advocacy Award recipients during the program.

Join Us
Join CreativeOhio and leaders from across Ohio in celebrating the 2025 Champion Advocacy Awards at the Toledo Museum of Art. Guests will enjoy a plated lunch beginning at 11:30 a.m., followed by the awards program at 12:00 p.m.

For tickets and more information, visit creativeoh.org.

About CreativeOhio
CreativeOhio is the statewide voice for Ohio's creative sector. With over 130 member organizations, we provide leadership, advocacy, and support to strengthen and enhance Ohio through arts, culture, and creativity.