The Friends was established in 2006 as a non-partisan, non-profit 501(c)3 organization to help preserve, enhance and promote the Ohio Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden. Our Board of Directors consists of business and cultural leaders from across the state who value the significance of this historic landmark and are committed to ensuring its legacy for generations to come.
Why do we need The Friends?
While the Ohio Governor’s Residence is a state owned and operated facility, state tax dollars cover only basic maintenance and building repairs. The state budget does not provide for the long-term preservation, protection or utilization of the Governor’s Residence and its many treasures.
Prior to 2006 each gubernatorial administration established its own non-profit foundation to help preserve and enhance the building, gardens and collections. In 2006, then First Lady Hope Taft recognized the need to bring continuity and structure across administrations to care for the long-term perpetuation of the Residence and Heritage Garden. Thus, the Friends organization was established and grew under the leadership and collaboration between Mrs. Taft and former First Lady Frances Strickland. Today, First Lady Karen W. Kasich continues that mission and has provided notable leadership to the restoration, preservation and enhancement of the Residence interior.
Why do we need The Friends?
While the Ohio Governor’s Residence is a state owned and operated facility, state tax dollars cover only basic maintenance and building repairs. The state budget does not provide for the long-term preservation, protection or utilization of the Governor’s Residence and its many treasures.
Prior to 2006 each gubernatorial administration established its own non-profit foundation to help preserve and enhance the building, gardens and collections. In 2006, then First Lady Hope Taft recognized the need to bring continuity and structure across administrations to care for the long-term perpetuation of the Residence and Heritage Garden. Thus, the Friends organization was established and grew under the leadership and collaboration between Mrs. Taft and former First Lady Frances Strickland. Today, First Lady Karen W. Kasich continues that mission and has provided notable leadership to the restoration, preservation and enhancement of the Residence interior.
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Copyright 2012. Friends of the Ohio Governor's Residence and Heritage Garden. All rights reserved.
Our Board
The Friends’ Board is comprised of non-partisan business and community leaders from around the state.
Executive Committee
First Lady Karen W. Kasich
Chairman of the Board and Residence Committee Chair
Barbara B. Lach
President
Pamela Bennett
Immediate Past President
Valorie Schwarzmann Treasurer
Susan Meeder
Assistant Treasurer
Lee Ann Parsons
Recording Secretary
Jeanne Reed
Corresponding Secretary
Former First Lady Hope Taft Heritage Garden Committee Chair
Directors
Victoria Bergesen
Lisa Bishoff
William P. Blair, III
Lisa Casciani
Julie Coughlin
Guy Denny
Kristin Ferraro
Dewey Hollister
Douglas R. Jennings
Debra Knapke
Burt Logan
Paige Minor
Gary Meisner
Jane Rogers
Ginger Warner
Friends’ Staff
Paige Sifford Bilotta
Executive Director
Mary Lewis
Heritage Garden Assistant
Residence Staff
Ann Boeckman
Residence Manager
Mary Alice Mairose
Residence Curator
The Friends’ Board is comprised of non-partisan business and community leaders from around the state.
Executive Committee
First Lady Karen W. Kasich
Chairman of the Board and Residence Committee Chair
Barbara B. Lach
President
Pamela Bennett
Immediate Past President
Valorie Schwarzmann Treasurer
Susan Meeder
Assistant Treasurer
Lee Ann Parsons
Recording Secretary
Jeanne Reed
Corresponding Secretary
Former First Lady Hope Taft Heritage Garden Committee Chair
Directors
Victoria Bergesen
Lisa Bishoff
William P. Blair, III
Lisa Casciani
Julie Coughlin
Guy Denny
Kristin Ferraro
Dewey Hollister
Douglas R. Jennings
Debra Knapke
Burt Logan
Paige Minor
Gary Meisner
Jane Rogers
Ginger Warner
Friends’ Staff
Paige Sifford Bilotta
Executive Director
Mary Lewis
Heritage Garden Assistant
Residence Staff
Ann Boeckman
Residence Manager
Mary Alice Mairose
Residence Curator
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ABOUT THE FRIENDS
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EDUCATION
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OUR SUPPORTERS
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GET INVOLVED
Mission Statement
The Friends of the Ohio Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden is dedicated to promoting Ohio’s history and future through education, preservation and conservation.
The Friends of the Ohio Governor’s Residence and Heritage Garden is dedicated to promoting Ohio’s history and future through education, preservation and conservation.