Mazzari celebrated with Zelkowitz award

Lisa Mazzari, third from right, was honored with the 2024 Stephen W. Zelkowitz Memorial Award by Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Food For The Hungry. Joining Mazzari, from left, are: Joe Rinehart, FFTH Board Member; Austin Swallow, FFTH President; Marcy Rinehart, FFTH Board Member; Becky Samples. Mazzari’s sister; Mazzari and her husband, Joe; and MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman. (Photo courtesy of Mount Vernon Nazarene University)

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MOUNT VERNON, Ohio — Mount Vernon Nazarene University and Food For The Hungry are pleased to announce Lisa Mazzari as the recipient of the prestigious Stephen W. Zelkowitz Memorial Award. This annual award honors a dedicated individual from Knox County who exemplifies the spirit of community service, particularly through their exceptional contributions to FFTH. The award is presented jointly by MVNU and FFTH, with the recipient selected by the FFTH Board of Directors.

The Stephen W. Zelkowitz Memorial Award is named in honor of Stephen W. Zelkowitz, the former president and general manager of Mount Vernon Broadcasting and president of Mount Vernon Cablevision. Zelkowitz was a respected community leader and a driving force behind the success of FFTH in Knox County. His work alongside Charlie Kilkenny helped establish the foundation for the organization’s long-lasting impact.

Mazzari, a long-time resident of Danville, served as FFTH’s executive director for over a decade before stepping down earlier this year. Throughout her tenure, she demonstrated unwavering commitment and leadership, playing a key role in the organization’s continued success.

“Lisa has always been a rock when it comes to the food drive and making sure that things always run smoothly,” said Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr. “The job is meant for one person doing the work of five people, and when she had a staff, it was two people doing the work of ten people. … Lisa’s compassion, dedication, and servant leadership makes her an excellent candidate very deserving of this recognition.”

Carolyn Fergus, executive director of Interchurch Social Services of Knox County, reflected on her experience working alongside Mazzari, saying, “I had the pleasure of working with Lisa for the past two years. Her love for people and community was a true blessing. She guided me through my first season of FFTH — she was gracious and her joy for what she did was contagious.”

The FFTH Board of Directors was grateful for her leadership and dedication. Austin Swallow, president of the FFTH Board, praised Mazzari’s lasting impact.

“To me, the most noticeable attribute of Lisa is her heart,” said Swallow. “She genuinely cares about those she is dealing with, and it shows day in and day out. Her compassion to help and serve those in need is amazing. I’m thankful FFTH was able to witness the results of that compassion for so many years.”

The Stephen W. Zelkowitz Memorial Award celebrates Lisa Mazzari’s commitment to community service and her significant contributions to FFTH. Her selflessness and positive influence make her a deserving recipient of this prestigious honor.

“Lisa Mazzari poured her heart into the Food for the Hungry ministry and the Knox County community has benefitted from her energy and guidance,” said Bill Pursel, Knox County Commissioner.

For more about Food For The Hungry, visit foodforthehungrycares.org.

For more about MVNU, visit mvnu.edu.