November 7, 2025

Licking Memorial Health Systems (LMHS) is pleased to announce that F. Jennifer Utrevis is the 2025 recipient of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award.  LMHS is also honoring Louis (Lou) A. Mitchell, posthumously.  Created in 1989, the Lifetime Achievement Award is the highest honor that LMHS confers each year and recognizes individuals for contributions that reflect LMHS’ mission to improve the health of the community.  Nominees must be of good moral character, show that their work has provided a better quality of life for Licking County citizens, and have provided strong leadership in more than one organization or activity. 
 
After serving as President and General Manager for the Granville Inn, Jennifer was appointed Interim Executive Director for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Licking & Perry Counties in 2004 during a difficult time for the non-profit organization and accepted a permanent position as Executive Director in 2005.  During her 17 years with the organization, BBBS of Licking & Perry Counties achieved “Quality Agency” status and became known for serving the most children on the smallest budget.  In addition, Jennifer was elected to serve a two-year term as President of The Ohio State Association of Big Brothers Big Sisters in 2016.
 
“Jennifer has shown compassion, integrity, and passion in assisting the children in Licking County and the entire community with her service to multiple nonprofit organizations,” LMHS President & CEO Rob Montagnese said.  “Her drive to create more opportunities for others, especially youth, stands as a testament to her commitment to providing a better quality of life for our residents.  We are honored that she has partnered with LMHS in numerous endeavors to improve the health of the community.”
 
In addition to her work with the BBBS, Jennifer has served as a board member, mentor, and advocate for mental health and youth education and has been a steady force behind initiatives that continue to serve Newark and surrounding communities.  She has served as the Chair of the Licking County Chamber of Commerce and as the Vice Chair of the Licking Memorial Hospital Development Council where she is also a member of the Community Relations Committee.  She continues to serve the community as a member of Newark Rotary and a longtime supporter and volunteer with United Way of Licking County.
 
Jennifer received the John Alford Community Service Award and the Paddy Kutz Mental Health Award for Education in 2021 for her impact on youth through the school-based “Lunch Buddies” mentoring program.  She is well-known for leading with integrity, demonstrating unwavering commitment to the mission of helping children and families overcome adversity, and for her skills at organizational turnaround, stakeholder engagement, and nonprofit growth.
 
Born and raised in Newark, Lou Mitchell graduated from Newark High School in 1952 and Denison University in 1957, where he had a distinguished athletic career.  He was inducted into the Denison University Athletic Hall of Fame, the Newark High School Athletic Hall of Fame, and the Ohio Basketball Hall of Fame.  After serving two years in the United States Army, Lou worked for an investment firm, then became the President and owner of County Savings Bank in Franklin and Licking Counties until it was sold in 1996.  In 1971, he became President of First Financial Group until his passing in 2012.
 
Lou felt strongly about supporting his alma mater and served as a Lifetime Trustee of Denison University.  In 1994, he funded the building of the Mitchell Athletic Center, a recreation and fitness facility at Denison.  He also donated funds to add an auxiliary gym at Newark High School.  In addition, Lou started the Licking County Settlers, a summer wood bat baseball league for college players striving to make it in the major leagues. 
 
During his lifetime, Lou supported Newark and Licking County through his charitable interests including The Works and the Licking County Family YMCA, where the Mitchell Family YMCA Recreation Center was dedicated in his honor in 2005.  For many years he helped sponsor Newark Middle School students on an annual trip to Washington, D.C.  Along with Jane McConnell, Lou established A Call To College, a program that provides college scholarship money to Newark High School students.  A Call to College has awarded over $4 million in funding over the past 31 years.  Lou’s commitment to youth also included being actively involved in the Big Brothers Big Sisters Program, where he served as President and as a big brother himself.