Local man receives recognition for community involvement

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- One local man is being recognized for his involvement in the community.

Chris Zemba has been names as the recipient of the Brian T. Wagner Community Leadership Award.

The award recognizes volunteer leaders between the ages of 18 and 55. It is aimed to encourage others to lead efforts to improve Muskingum County.

“The community leadership award is an award designed to honor young professionals and volunteers in the community who already have stepped up and begun to really support our community and make it a much better place to live,” said Brian Wager, CEO of Muskingum County Community Foundation.

Wagner said Zemba has been wonderful within Southeast Ohio, particularly in Muskingum County.

“Chris is only making a tremendous difference with the work that he’s done,” said Wagner.

Zemba is the owner of Champion Services, LLC and devotes his time to volunteering with Forever Dads and Bishop Rosecrans High School, his alma mater.

“[He] volunteers not only his time, his talent and his treasure, but is a really great role model for individuals within Muskingum County,” said Wagner.

But Zemba is modest about his award.

“Its very humbling to receive this award. It means a lot. Since this is a leadership award, this is my chance to thank those people in my life who have led me,” said Zemba.

For him, giving back to the community is just a part of his everyday life.

“When you just realize how blessed you are everyday and how quite frankly easy we have it compared to those who have come before us and kind of paved the way, so when you realize that and when you have people in your life that lead you to show you whats really important, it kind of makes it easy to give back,” said Zemba.

The foundation awards a $1,000 donation to a non-profit organization of the winners choice. Zemba chose Forever Dads because he said he’s passionate about their mission.

“It’s a great organization that in short helps fathers who have maybe made a mistake as a young father and they’re trying to fix those mistakes,” said Zemba.

Zemba will receive his award at Ohio University Zanesville/Zane State College Campus Center on Friday, January 27th at the annual Groundhog Day Event celebrating MCCF’s 32nd anniversary.