Lee Snyder owns Snyder Concrete Products, a fifth-generation family business that began in 1949 by Milton Snyder. The business continues to expand and has multiple locations around the area. Lee’s father was a volunteer firefighter in Kettering and Lee followed that example through 35 years of service as a volunteer firefighter. He served our community as a zoning commissioner for 18 years and a trustee for 12 years. He has lived in Washington Township since 1961 and in the historic John Harris home since 1976.

Tom Ovington was born in the country of Rhodesia which is present day Zimbabwe. He became an architect and got a master’s degree from Yale. He eventually moved to Centerville where he was employed as an architect. Now retired, Tom spends much of his free time volunteering. He is a 2019 Winner of the Mayor’s Award for Community Service and has completed over 4,000 hours of service at The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

Toniya Singh was born in India and immigrated from Bombay before settling in Ohio. Toniya is a public speaker, consultant, trainer and coach for schools and Fortune 500 companies. In her public speaking she often shares the perspective of immigrants. She is a Certified Master and Professional Coach and has an MBA from Antioch University. She is fluent in five languages.

Jenell Ross is the daughter of Robert Paul Ross, Sr and Norma J. Ross. Her father, Bob, became the first black automobile dealer in the state of Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky and West Viginia. Bob became the first black Mercedes-Benz Dealer in the world. When Bob passed away unexpectedly, Norma successfully ran the business. Jenell has taken over the role since her mother’s passing in 2010. Jenell was recognized in 2022 by the Centerville-Washington Foundation for the business’s contribution to the community. She has served on numerous boards of several foundations and community service. She is the only second-generation African American Woman Automobile Dealer in the USA.

Dr. Thomas Connair owned the Centerville Animal Hospital on Franklin Street. The business opened in the early 1960s, and he began caring for cattle from the surrounding farms. He retired and closed his practice in 2001 after serving the community for almost 40 years. Dr. Connair started studying mechanical engineering at the University of Dayton but transferred to Ohio State University to complete his degree in animal science.

Al Price, a retired engineer, uses his hobby as a metal detector to find historical artifacts. Metal detecting has been an interest for over 20 years. He has created many educational display cases from his local finds which he has donated to Centerville-Washington History. He does extensive research to discover the significance of the artifacts. Beyond metal detecting, Al is also interested in researching the history of his family.

Honorable Mayor Brooks Compton has lived in Centerville with his wife Ruth since 1979. They raised their two sons in Centerville. He has been an attorney for over 40 years and has been involved in local government for over 40 years. His parents were both active in politics with his father serving on the Kettering City council. He became Mayor in 2016.

Carol Kennard was with the Centerville-Washington Park district for almost 33 years with the last 17 years as director. She started in 1982 as the first program director and introduced popular programs such as Hidden Meadows and Winter Woods Day Camps. During her tenure many new parks were acquired and features such as the Nature Nook, skate park, dog park, and an all-access playground. The Nature Nook on McEwan is named after Carol due to her contributions to the park district. John also has been involved in the community as a GM retiree, Centerville School Bus Driver, and regular volunteer both for the park district and Centerville-Washington History.