Colleen Rice is leaving Leadership Medina County

MEDINA, Ohio — When the word began to spread Thursday, you could almost hear the “Oh, no’s” in the air. That word came from the Leadership Medina County Board of Directors and the news was that Colleen Rice, who had shepherded the organization over the past 10 years, has made the decision to leave.

A joint statement with the Leadership board announced: “We are writing to share some important news about a leadership transition at Leadership Medina County. After a decade of dedicated service, our Executive Director, Colleen Rice, has made the difficult decision to take on a new position. Colleen is returning to her roots in domestic violence advocacy and will be taking on the role of Executive Director at The Domestic Violence Shelter in Richland County.”

Rice explained it was a series of interesting coincidences that helped her make the decision to take on a new challenge.

“It was 25 years ago when I was offered a job at the Medina Battered Women’s Shelter,” Rice explained. “After graduating from the University Akron, I had the opportunity to teach English in South Korea. I felt I should do it while I was single and it was a wonderful experience,” she said. She was dating Brad Rice and they continued their relationship through “letters and Hotmail – there were no cell phones yet,” she noted.

She returned after her year’s contract, and it was Feb. 14 when she not only was offered the job but that same day, Brad proposed. She accepted both.

“I was responsible for the Medina County shelter, which we helped open 23 years ago. It is paired with the shelters in Akron and that works out very well, especially for those escaping domestic violence,” she said. She loved the work, despite it being very difficult at times. In 2008, she was working with the health department and was in the Leadership class and was an active alumna.

Then 10 years ago, she became executive director of Leadership Medina County and has watched it grow, nurturing emerging and existing leaders in the community and touching hundreds of lives. Then there came a tug at her heartstrings.

“Recently, Teresa Stafford, the director of Hope & Healing — the Medina County Battered Women’s shelter – asked me to speak at a program. I really like the direction she has taken the program and her vision to help those affected by domestic violence,” Rice said, so she agreed to speak.

“A week later, I got a call from a recruiter who saw my profile on Linked In (which doesn’t have any information about her work experience with the shelter.) “She didn’t tell me what position she was trying to fill but thought my background was a good fit. I wasn’t planning to leave. I had never thought about Mansfield, either, but I visited and was very impressed with what I saw and the support of the community and their extraordinary team.”

The director is retiring and they really hit it off, she said. “She’s offered to do my orientation. There is a wonderful coalition around the state and they will be providing a mentor for me.”

“This decision comes after much thought and consideration. I feel drawn to serve once again in a sector that is close to my heart. I am eager to make a difference in the lives of those affected by domestic violence. Leadership Medina County has always been in good hands, the hands of our alumni who serve on committees and help plan class days. I encourage alumni to get involved to help with this transition.”

Leadership Board President, Karen Gaub, expressed her gratitude for Colleen’s invaluable contributions to Leadership Medina County, “Colleen’s dedication and passion have been instrumental in shaping the organization we are today. We are deeply grateful for her service and wish her every success in her new role.

Her last day is Aug. 4 and she urges people with an interest in the organization to apply – as well as to fill some part-time and interim positions that are available. “Just go to https://leadershipmedinacounty.org/ and check careers,” she said.

A lot of people know her and are talking about the move, but here are some things you may not know about her.

Her father was in the Air Force. She was born in Maine but spent two years as a youngster in Alaska. They were assigned duty in several states, but luckily, she said, her dad never had to go to Vietnam during the war. When he retired he came back to Ohio and then was hired by the Cleveland Clinic. That’s when, on the recommendation of others, they moved to Medina County. She is a 1991 graduate of Medina High School.

She has a degree in psychology and classical opera. She still sings and continues to take lessons. “It’s a good self-care thing,” she said.

While in college she interned at Cleveland Clinic and Hospice of Medina County. “That taught me a lot about others and about myself,” she said.

She and Brad are married and have two daughters, Diana who recently graduated from the University of Akron with a degree in painting and drawing and Elizabeth who is a hair stylist and recently bought her first home. Brad works for the Society of Manufacturing Engineers and, Colleen proudly states, “Is a wonderful artist and you can see his work at https://www.bradrice.com/.

Her job in Richland County will give her an opportunity to be closer to her grandmother, with whom she speaks every day.