Ann Downs
CEO/Owner, MHS Industrial Supply (local distributor since 1940)
Community Involvement: Chairperson, The Shelby Foundation; member, Regional Manufacturing Coalition; member, United Way Power of the Purse Committee
Bio: I was born and raised in Shelby and am married to Phil. I have three children and two grandchildren. I am a second-generation owner and our son (third generation) is currently President. I brought my grandchildren to the Little Buckeye Children’s Museum and saw how much they enjoyed their experience. I became interested in the museum after meeting their Executive Director, Fred Boll, during the Imagination District fundraising. I am very excited to see how Richland county has changed over the past several years and am looking forward to the future for our area.
Scott Heimann
Vice President & Trust Officer, Park National Bank
Bachelor’s Degree, Ashland University
Master’s Degree, Kent State University
Community Involvement: Richland Young Professionals Board Chair, Richland Academy of the Arts Board Member, Mansfield Area YMCA Board Member
Bio: I live in Ontario with my wife, Kayla, who is Assistant Principal at Galion Primary School, and our two boys, Lincoln and Jefferson. I saw the positive impact play and imagination at the museum has had on my two sons and bought in immediately. Any chance I have to support or spread the word, I do.
Nyasha Oden, LSW
Open Tables Coordinator & Community Organizer, North End Community Improvement Collaborative
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Wright State University
Master of Science and Social Administration in Social Work/Children, Youth & Families, Case Western Reserve University
Community Involvement: Mansfield City Schools, Harmony House, Catholic Charities of Mansfield, Hesed Agape Ministries
Bio: I have always found joy in working with children and serving the community since a young girl. Whether it is through my role as youth advisor, mentor, or program coordinator, I am always looking to work with older youth and keep them involved. I am beyond excited to serve on the board of Buckeye Imagination Museum as it begins to incorporate learning through play for older children.
Linda Sampson
Supervisor – Assitant Secretary Treasurer, Mechanics Bank
Over 20 years of banking experience and many more in customer service related positions
Community Involvement: Mansfield Area Beautification Committee, Habitat for Humanity, Toy Time, United Way, board member of Downtown Mansfield Inc., volunteer for Final Fridays at the Brickyard
Bio: All my life, I have lived in the Richland County area, and I graduated from Clear Fork High School. I have raised three children and have been blessed with four grandchildren who all love to go to the museum with their parents or me. After visiting many times and seeing how much enjoyment my grandchildren receive every time they visit, I am very excited by the opportunity of serving on the board of the museum.
I am really looking forward to watching and participating in the growth and future of the Buckeye Imagination Museum in Mansfield!
Jodie Snavely
Project Specialist, Destination Mansfield-Richland County
Graduate of North Central State College
Graduate of the US Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organizational Management
Bio: I have been employed with Destination Mansfield-Richland County since I graduated from North Central State College in 1988. My professional achievements include graduating from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Institute for Organizational Management and being a Certified Travel Industry Specialist from the American Business Association. I’m also a 1994 Leadership Unlimited graduate. I have organized and implemented Shawshank events, including the 2013 20-year reunion, 2014 20th anniversary, and 2019 25th anniversary. I also maintain Destination Mansfield’s website and calendar of events, as well as The Shawshank Trail and Haunted Mansfield websites. I’m proud to work with our team, marketing our region to travelers and to Richland County residents. In my free time, I am always training for half marathons and races. In 2014, I started my own company, Dazzle Hound Collars, creating custom-made leather dog collars.
Margie Tasseff
Market President, iHeart Media Ashland/Mansfield/Marion
Graduate of Ashland University
Community Involvement: Member of Mansfield Rising Committee 2018, TWIN organization
Bio: I began my career as Account Executive in 1987 with WMAN an Y105. I was promoted to Sales Manager in 1994, then became Market President in 2011 for Ashland/Mansfield. In 2021, I became Market President for Marion, in addition to current market. I oversee ten radio stations and digital platforms in Mansfield and Marion, Ohio – stations include Y105, WMAN, WNCO-FM/AM, WSWR, WFXN, and WXXF in the Mansfield area.
I am married to Lee Tasseff and have two adult children, Natalie and Grant. Both children had very rewarding internships at Little Buckeye Children’s Museum during their college education. In addition, iHeart Media sponsors the Red Carpet Photo Booth Exhibit at the Museum.
Barrett Thomas, Treasurer
Director of Economic Development, Richland Area Chamber & Economic Development
Bachelor of Science in Business Systems, Taylor University
Master of Business Administration, Taylor University
Community Involvement: Richland Community Development Group, Destination Mansfield Richland County, Mosaic Mansfield, Friends of Sterkel Park, Richland County Growth Corporation
Bio: My wife and I moved to Mansfield for a job during the worst of the 2008 recession, and we weren’t sure how long we would be living in the area. More than ten years and two children later, the quality of life in Richland County has made me a believer in all that our community has to offer. I spend my days working toward creating more economic opportunities in our community and my evenings and weekends living the high life with my wife and two amazing kids. We regularly enjoy local gems like Final Friday concerts at the Brickyard, The Renaissance Theater, Mansfield Motor Speedway, The Ohio Bird Sanctuary, the Richland Carousel, Apple Hill Orchard, pontooning on the local reservoirs, and, of course, the Buckeye Imagination Museum. I wanted to join the board primarily because my kids love the museum, and secondly because I’m impressed with its commitment to play.
