The Licking County Chamber of Commerce named Melissa Owens, special event and donor relations coordinator at Hospice of Central Ohio, Young Professional of the Year.

She was selected out of 11 nominees. “Melissa was selected because of her impact on the community and the passion she demonstrates daily,” said Brittany Misner, vice president of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce.

Owens was nominated by Brian Haught, a community member and marketing director of The Midland Theatre. “She’s a type A personality with the ability to lead, organize and execute a plan from start to finish before most people have their first cup of coffee,” Haught said in the nomination form. “In addition to working at Hospice of Central Ohio and serving numerous people through her tireless fundraising and ‘friend-raising’ efforts, she has been actively involved with United Way of Licking County for several years and currently serves as a board member.”

Haught described how serving others is the core of who Owens is. “If there is a fundraiser, she’s there. If there’s a group project that needs extra hands, she’s there,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s cleaning up, helping with a mailing, setting up tables and chairs, gathering auction items or planning a full-on day of events…she’s ready, willing and more than capable.”

As part of being named Young Professional of the Year, Owens received the opportunity to give a $500 grant from the Young Leaders of Licking County (YLLC) community giving fund to a nonprofit organization of her choice. YLLC is an affiliate of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce. She chose Hospice of Central Ohio.

“I serve with many of the not-for-profit organizations in Licking County, and I am inspired daily by the work these organizations are doing in our county,” Owens said. “I have the most wonderful privilege of spreading kindness and serving the community with HOCO.  I’m thankful for the home and family I have found at the Hospice of Central Ohio.”