Allen Lima Leadership (ALL) celebrated the graduation of its 38th class on Wednesday night, recognizing 37 individuals at Lima's City Club. The 2026 class undertook a community project in partnership with the United Way of Greater Lima, utilizing a $2,500 grant to plant trees across Lima and Allen County.
During the ceremony, Matt Childers, ALL president and a 2001 alumnus of the program, presented two significant awards. Linsey Paul, chief nursing officer at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center, received the 2026 Lois Rubens Spirit of Leadership award. Scott Hittepole, a sales manager at Perry ProTECH, was honored with the 2026 Chad King Spirit of Leadership award.
Prior to the award presentations and certificate distribution, graduates heard from Lima Police Chief Curtis Hile. Chief Hile addressed the class on the pillars of leadership, emphasizing the importance of listening to employees, maintaining a professional appearance, and, for those promoted from within, remembering their beginnings.
Ms. Paul, who is the chief nursing officer at Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center, told attendees she initially applied to Allen Lima Leadership to expand her professional network. She described the most challenging yet rewarding aspect of the program as participating in leadership and emotional intelligence assessments. Through these evaluations, Ms. Paul indicated she gained significant self-awareness, though it required vulnerability among individuals who were initially strangers. She stated that she "had to get comfortable with being uncomfortable."
Mr. Hittepole, a sales manager for Perry ProTECH, joined the ALL program after his boss encouraged him to participate. He commented that he now cannot imagine not having completed the program. Mr. Hittepole shared that he values his routines, and the program prompted him to step outside of them, an experience he ultimately found enjoyable.
Mr. Childers, the ALL president, spoke about the core of the program, stating that it is focused on "the people." He highlighted the community members who demonstrate their affection for the area and who support individuals in participating in the leadership academy.
The Allen Lima Leadership program aims to develop local leaders through its annual curriculum. The 2026 graduating class included a diverse group of professionals from various local organizations. Among the graduates were Jeremy Amstutz, Jennifer Fisher, Michelle Helmig, and Linsey Paul from Mercy Health-St. Rita’s Medical Center. Josh Froehlich represented Lima Memorial Health System. From Allen County government, graduates included Jordan Baughman of the Allen County Juvenile Court, Megan Harmon of the Allen County Children Services Board, and Melissa Weaver of the Allen County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Other graduates included Ian Anderson from Superior Wholesale Distibutors, Jaiden Johnson from EXP Realty/Westgate Entertainment Center, Deb Katzenmeyer from the Lima Chamber of Commerce, Trevor Kline from First National Bank of Pandora, Nick Sammetinger from Apollo Career Center, and Scott Hittepole from Perry ProTECH.
