Community leader shares how her time at OHIO prepared her for a career in public service

For Tracy Kelly, the desire to help others has always been at the center of her work.

Today, she serves as executive director of the Fairfield Medical Center Foundation, where she connects community members with opportunities to improve access to quality healthcare across Central and Appalachian Ohio. A two-time Ohio University alumna, Kelly credits her experience at the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service with providing the hands-on learning, mentorship and professional foundation that prepared her for a career dedicated to serving others.

It was a privilege to sit down with Kelly and hear about her journey in her own words, which are shared below.

Finding a calling in public service

I grew up in Lancaster and actually started my educational journey at Ohio University Lancaster. It was a phenomenal experience and a wonderful opportunity for personal growth. After earning my master of public administration (MPA), I was fortunate to join Big Brothers Big Sisters serving Athens, Vinton, Washington and Meigs counties. That experience strengthened my commitment to both Central Ohio and Appalachian Ohio.

When the opportunity came to join Fairfield Medical Center Foundation, it felt like everything came together. It allowed me to return to my hometown, be closer to my family, and continue serving communities that mean so much to me. I've now been with the organization for more than nine years.

Even before college, I knew I wanted a career helping people. What I didn't realize was that there was an entire nonprofit sector built around serving communities. Through Ohio University and the Voinovich School, I discovered nonprofit leadership as a career path and knew it was exactly where I belonged.

Learning beyond the classroom

The Voinovich School stood out because of its reputation for service learning and community engagement throughout the Appalachian region. Beyond teaching nonprofit leadership and strategic planning, the program immersed students in real-world experiences through partnerships with local organizations.

Those hands-on opportunities made all the difference. Being able to work alongside professionals in the field taught lessons that simply can't be replicated in a classroom. I also appreciated the small class sizes and the collaborative environment.

It felt like everyone belonged, and the relationships I built with classmates and faculty have continued long after graduation. Those connections have remained an important part of both my personal and professional life.

Improving communities through healthcare

Working for a hospital foundation means serving as a bridge between generous community donors and the healthcare services that patients rely on every day. Throughout her career, Kelly has helped secure transformational gifts that have expanded access to care across the region.

Two moments stand out to me the most. We were able to make two separate $1 million donations, one for a linear accelerator used in cancer treatment and another to renovate one of our cardiovascular catheterization labs.

For many families in Appalachian Ohio, transportation and access to specialized healthcare can be significant barriers. Having advanced equipment available closer to home allows patients to receive the same quality of care they might otherwise have to travel to Columbus to receive.

Knowing that our community came together to make those investments possible makes me incredibly proud. It's rewarding to know we're helping bring life-changing healthcare to people who need it most.

The power of community and leadership

For Kelly, community extends beyond geography. It is built on shared values, collaboration and a commitment to creating a better future together.

To me, a community is a group of people united through shared experiences and a collective vision. You won't always agree on everything, but if you're willing to work together toward something bigger than yourselves, that's what truly defines a community.

That same philosophy guides her approach to leadership.

I think vision is incredibly important. Sometimes you'll feel called to make a particular contribution, even if others don't immediately understand it. If you listen to that calling, it can open opportunities to make a meaningful difference

Kelly also believes courage and humility are equally important qualities.

You'll never have all of the answers, no matter how much experience or education you have. Sometimes you have to move forward despite uncertainty and be humble enough to recognize that the people around you may have knowledge that can help bring your vision to life.

Words of wisdom

Looking back on her journey, Kelly encourages current students to fully embrace every opportunity available to them during their time at Ohio University. Kelly earned her bachelor's degree in English and History from the College of Arts and Sciences and then her MPA from the Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service.

Give it your all. These are the years when you're building the foundation for the difference you'll make throughout your career.

Challenge yourself. Take difficult classes, meet new people, volunteer in your community, and seek experiences that push you outside your comfort zone. Those are the moments that shape you into a stronger leader.

She also hopes students understand that waiting until they feel completely prepared may keep them from making the impact they hope to achieve.

You're probably never going to feel fully ready to make the difference that's in your heart, and that's okay. Stop waiting for that perfect moment. Go for it, because that's how meaningful change happens.