Meet Anderson – Leadership Coshocton County Class of 2022
Mary Ann Anderson grew up in Pike Township, Coshocton County, and was raised on a dairy farm that transitioned to a farrow to finishing hog operation to contract finishing; in addition to growing corn; beans and hay.
This 1982 graduate of River View was in 4-H where she showed beef cattle and was a member of Future Business Leaders of America and Future Homemakers of America – although Anderson admitted she joined this club for the “opportunities to do projects.” While she did briefly consider working for her father on the family farm, she admitted she was not cut out for that. She was in college prep courses at River View and stated, “Mrs. McFarland and Mrs. Reiman were very good accounting teachers.” Following graduation, Anderson attended Mount Vernon Nazarene College (now University) and obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Accounting.
Her first job after graduation from college was in Upper Sandusky where she worked for a CPA for four years. She then worked in accounting for Consolidated Biscuit Company, a third-party manufacturer for Nabisco and other store-brand cookies and crackers, in McComb. From there, Anderson accepted a position in Columbus to work for the Murfin Division of Menasha Corporation, a Wisconsin-based company which made a variety of products, including overlay for Bell bicycle helmets; the “indiglo” for watches; and the Duracell battery tester that was included on packaging at that time. Something that Anderson appreciated was the company provided training to all employees at their headquarters in Wisconsin to learn about the products they sold. While employed in Columbus, Anderson obtained her Master’s in Business Administration at Capital University. Following receiving her MBA, she worked for Elmer’s Glue in downtown Columbus. After a year in that position, Anderson became branch controller for Fruehauf, which later became Wabash, in Columbus. 1999 found her traveling the United States to National Trailers Centers to convert the accounting software; eventually moving to St. Louis, MO for three years.
The year 2004 was pivotal for Anderson. She turned down the opportunity to relocated to Indiana to move back to Ohio. The timing was right, as she was blessed to help family through difficult times. She moved back home to assist with her mother’s care while she battled cancer, taking her to appointments and radiation. A member of the Nazarene Church, Anderson then found herself volunteering with a field office and seminary in the Philippines, where she was involved in office and accounting work. They “needed someone to document QuickBooks processes” and she fit the bill. In addition, she also helped students from a multi-country area served by the church.
Later that year, she accepted a position in Columbus with Abbott Nutrition, a division of Abbott Labs, and found herself moving to California. Anderson remained there for 15 years, during which time she met and married her husband Harry Rasmussen; living in Alameda, an island in the San Francisco Bay near Oakland. During that time, she worked with Abbott Diabetes Care, and while in that division, had “five jobs in 10 years; assigned a variety of work.” She worked five years for Mattson Technology in the semiconductor industry.
She and her husband moved back to Ohio in 2020; buying her grandparents’ home in 2004 had her connected to her childhood farm; and Anderson began working as director of finance for Echoing Hills. In this capacity she manages the accounting functions and finances for the non-profit which has facilities in Athens; Coshocton; Lorain; Montgomery and Stark/Summit counties. They employ 500 people; serve 250 individuals with disabilities; have 30 programs and group homes in varying sizes. In the summer, Echoing Hills is host to a summer camp, serving individuals with disabilities all over the state. Like many organizations who serve this population, Echoing Hills greatest need is for an increased awareness of the staffing crisis, due to funding and pay gap issues related to how these organizations are reimbursed by Medicaid. In addition, there is always a need for volunteers to help at Echoing Hills, whether it be in landscaping or maintenance, or providing activities for the residents or campers.
Anderson is a member of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants, Coshocton Canal Quilters, Zanesville Piecable Quilters, and attends the Church of the Nazarene in Coshocton. Moving back during the pandemic, however, made it difficult to join any clubs so Anderson is “still looking.” As she stated, “That’s what great about Leadership Coshocton – learning about what’s out there.”
She decided to participate in Leadership Coshocton County to learn more about what’s going on in Coshocton County. “Already,’ Anderson states, “hearing from the Port Authority; the things that are going on are pretty impressive; businesses big and small. The diversification of Schumaker Farms and successful small businesses such as Reconditioning Professionals in West Lafayette. And of course, learning leadership skills.”
Of the community, Anderson loves seeing the Coshocton in Bloom planters and baskets. They show a real pride in the community, along with the revitalization of downtown Coshocton. Being in Leadership Coshocton and seeing new businesses gives hope for the community. It’s encouraging; inspiring to get involved and make a difference.”
To make the county stronger, Anderson would like to see “people getting involved. Learning about opportunities like the Clary Gardens Scarecrow Trail and expansion into the county and education in the county – opportunities for people and businesses to get involved.”
Anderson would recommend Leadership Coshocton for others stating, “What I’ve really enjoyed is making connections and learning about the community. It’s ideal for that and very intriguing. It’s also good to learn about leadership and improve your skills.”
Category: Clubs & Organizations
