The Shelby Foundation is proud to announce Jason McCoy as the new Chair of its Board of Trustees. A lifelong Shelby resident and long-time supporter of the Foundation, McCoy steps into the leadership role with deep ties to the community, years of board experience, and a passion for building a stronger future for all who call Shelby home.
McCoy joined the Foundation board in 2018 and has served in numerous leadership roles including Committee Chair, Treasurer, and Vice Chair. Most recently, he’s played an active role on the committee overseeing the Foundation’s downtown revitalization projects.
“During his time, Jason has been a solid presence around the table,” said Carrie Kemerer, Executive Director of The Shelby Foundation. “He has an aptitude for numbers and an impressive business savviness. As we navigate the revitalization of our acquired downtown buildings, Jason is the right person to be at the helm.”
A graduate of Shelby High School, McCoy attended Ashland University and earned his associate degree in finance management from North Central State College. He spent much of his professional career at MTD’s Shelby Operations, rising to the role of Controller. After stepping away in 2022 to focus on his family and his growing real estate business, he and business partner Kirk Lamb purchased and rebranded Tucker Car Wash into Whippet Wash.
For McCoy, the Foundation’s mission is personal.
“The sense of pride and inspiration I have felt in the past seven years in the community is what I have really had my eyes opened up to,” he said. “I have been able to witness so much generosity and selflessness that it makes you feel so much pride to be a part of this community. The Shelby Foundation exists to truly benefit all citizens.”
As board chair, McCoy says he’s honored to serve and excited to help shape the Foundation’s impact in both traditional and new ways.
“The Shelby Foundation’s future is bright, and over the next two years during my term, I am most excited to see what our downtown can start to transition into,” he said.
“The Foundation plans to help this by overseeing the completion of construction to our downtown buildings we purchased last year, and finding some new businesses to occupy them. I also hope we can see some additional investments from others into our downtown buildings to keep that momentum going.”
McCoy noted the Foundation’s collaborative support of the Richland Area Chamber of Commerce, Shelby CIC, and the City of Shelby for the economic director position, Jessica Gribben, has been invaluable.
“Needless to say, I’m excited to see how the Shelby Foundation can continue to lead and help others with some of this change over the next several years,” he said. “We are a strong community and we will continue to be one.”
McCoy succeeds Dr. Marissa Miller, who served as board chair and is stepping down after nine years of dedicated service. Fellow long-serving trustee Joe Wechter will also be rotating off the board this spring.
Kemerer said during their term, Miller and Wechter were proactive leaders during the COVID-19 crisis, and they strategically guided the Foundation to make bold decisions by investing in the historic downtown.
“It is always bittersweet to say goodbye to long-time board members,” said Kemerer. “Both are leaving us financially stable and prosperous, which allows us to have a real impact. Because of their leadership, the entire community is benefiting.”
About The Shelby Foundation:
The Shelby Foundation is a nonprofit community foundation serving the greater Shelby area. Dedicated to strengthening the community through charitable giving, the Foundation provides scholarships, grant funding, and support for programs that make a lasting impact. Since its founding, The Shelby Foundation has helped connect generous donors with vital local needs to create a stronger, more vibrant community for all. Learn more at www.theshelbyfoundation.org.