The Clinton County Community Champions (C4) Awards began in 2020 to honor service and leadership during the pandemic. The event began as a virtual ceremony and has since expanded to be held at the Murphy Theatre. This year, there were 119 nominations for 75 individuals in 7 categories. The winners are chosen based on their commitment to community through a special project or ongoing activities, unselfish leadership and service to others, and an inspiration to others. They are selected by a panel of judges from the Board of the Chamber of Commerce and the Board of the Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Dr. Jeffrey Manser, Cincinnati Children's
Nominated for: Healthcare
Nominated by: Nanette Bentley, Cincinnati Children's
Dr. Manser’s nominator(s) stated:
“As a longtime pediatrician in Clinton County, Dr. Manser has dedicated over 30 years to the health and well-being of local families. His unwavering service to community is evident through his decision to return to practicing medicine after a serious illness and a period of retirement…When pediatric services became scarce after the retirement of several local doctors, Dr. Manser stepped forward, not only to restore care but to ensure its lasting availability. His decision to lead Cincinnati Children's Wilmington Primary Care office is the result of years of selfless dedication…His leadership is also marked by creativity and cooperation. Dr. Manser has worked closely with …local health professionals [to create] a collaborative environment that fosters a holistic approach to pediatric care…Through his leadership, dedication and commitment to his patients, he has set an example for young physicians and healthcare professionals in the area. His story of recovery from COVID-19 and his return to medicine after being ill has sparked the admiration and gratitude of his community. The #ManserStrong campaign, which saw local families light candles in his honor, is a testament to the deep connection Dr. Manser has with the families he has served for over three decades. His return to practice and his leadership in this new clinic are not only a sign of his enduring commitment but also a source of inspiration for those who see him as a role model of resilience, hard work, and care…”

Renee Quallen, Clinton County Health District
Nominated for: Healthcare, Education, Govt./Public Service
Nominated by: Anonymous, Michaella Quallen, and Monica Wood
Renee’s nominator(s) stated:
“…As the County WIC Director, Renee has for several years, played a crucial role in
supporting families [through grief, raising] awareness about grief throughout our community, including schools, and with her grief recovery program supports those experiencing loss. She provides a safe and healing environment for participants but also fosters connection, resilience, and hope. She normalizes conversations around this topic and listens. Renee's work in grief recovery these past couple of years reflects her unwavering commitment to our community and her genuine desire to help improve the lives of those who are seeking peace and to move forwarding in a healthy healing process.”
“…With a focus on women’s health being an underlying theme throughout her career, she has led the charge in supporting her clients and their young families and their nutritional goals. Renee has also developed programming for children with the 26 Mile Program...which encourages physical activity for school aged children. Most recently her continued advocacy for breastfeeding families has been highlighted through collaboration with the Ohio Milk Bank and their work to support the most fragile babies in the Midwest by creating a local drop site for breastmilk at the Clinton County Health District.”
“… Renee provides daily leadership to an exceptional team that aims to safeguard the health of low-income women, infants, and children…Renee’s resourcefulness supports our most vulnerable infants with safe and screened human milk to promote optimal health and growth…In 2024, Renee expanded her work as a Grief Recovery Method Specialist by supporting more individuals and groups that are experiencing a loss of any kind- death of a loved one, loss of a job or opportunity, or any other change…Renee’s dedication to seeking meaningful solutions to complex barriers to health concerns, her reliability, incredible work ethic and kind heart are what make her truly deserving of this recognition.”

Dr. David Cohen, Clinton Memorial Hospital
Nominated for: Healthcare
Nominated by: Anonymous
Dr. Cohen’s nominator(s) stated:
“…In 2024, Dr. Cohen spearheaded the Community Health Outreach Initiative, which
focused on bringing lifesaving education and preventive care to underserved populations in Clinton County. Partnering with local organizations, he organized health screenings, CPR training sessions, and seminars on recognizing medical emergencies. This program empowered residents with the tools to save lives and created stronger trust between the community and the hospital…Dr. David Cohen exemplifies a patient-first approach, unrelenting determination to save lives, and exceptional leadership. Whether implementing life-saving measures, mentoring young doctors, or collaborating with the community, his contributions have profoundly impacted Clinton Memorial Hospital and Clinton County. His work inspires others to prioritize compassion, creativity, and hard work in the service of others, making him a truly deserving nominee.”

Earla Combs, Clinton Memorial Hospital
Nominated for: Healthcare
Nominated by: Anonymous
Earla’s nominator(s) stated:
“In her role as Director of Revenue Cycle, Earla has demonstrated exceptional creativity and leadership by streamlining processes that enhance the efficiency of our hospital's billing and authorization workflows…Her willingness to share her expertise and foster cooperation among teams is a testament to her unselfish leadership. She has played a pivotal role in shaping policies that have enhanced revenue cycle processes, making her an invaluable resource for colleagues throughout ScionHealth…Earla's commitment to the community is equally noteworthy. She is an active volunteer with Head Start Heroes, serves with Leadership Clinton, and [has] lent her time to the Sleep in Heavenly Peace project…Through her innovative approach to solving problems, her dedication to the community, and her inspiring leadership, Earla has made a profound impact on her colleagues, patients, and the greater Clinton County community…”