Schedule a research and archives appointment with Ronan Thompson here.
Courtney Thraen stepped into the Executive Director position at GVS in March 2025. Hailing from Coal City, Illinois, Courtney participated in the Navy ROTC program at The Ohio State University, where she received her commission into the U.S. Navy. Courtney’s active-duty service extended for seven years, including two overseas deployments as Ship’s Navigator aboard the USS MOMSEN (DDG 92) and as an instructor at the Massachusetts Maritime Academy. Courtney supported fellow veterans as a disability claims processor at the Boston VA Regional Office, where she was named the employee of the year. She later served as a program coordinator within the City Planning division at Boston University, and she earned her city planning certification through the American Planning Association in 2021. For over four years, Courtney was Executive Director of Downtown Framingham, Inc., a non-profit Main Streets organization that demonstrated continued, measured success in placemaking, forging productive partnerships, demonstrating best practices for business attraction and retention, and amplifying area marketing. In this role, Thraen received numerous awards and citations, including the Emerging Leader Award from the MetroWest Chamber of Commerce and the Woman Making History Now Award from Framingham State University. Courtney has also served as the Economic Development Manager at the City of Gahanna. Courtney most recently was the Director of Sector Partnerships at Aspyr (The Workforce Development Board of Central Ohio), where she facilitated the Healthcare Career Collaborative of Central Ohio that won Ohio’s best workforce project in September 2024. Courtney holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from The Ohio State University, a Master of Public Policy from the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth, a Master of City Planning from Boston University, a Certificate in Non-Profit Leadership from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs, and an Executive MBA from the Fisher College of Business.
Rachel Lewellen joined the German Village Society after relocating to Columbus in the summer of 2021 with her husband and two daughters, following two decades in Los Angeles. There, she worked in Education and Public Programming for a renowned botanical garden, developing a passion for connecting people through learning and shared experiences. Rachel holds a B.A. in Performance Arts and an M.A. in Human Development, studies that continue to shape her creative and people-focused approach to community engagement. A longtime admirer of German Village, where her parents have lived for 25 years, Rachel has always been drawn to its unique sense of place and vibrant neighborhood spirit. Now as part of the GVS team, she’s excited to strengthen those community connections, engage members, and share the stories that make German Village so special.
Ronan Thompson joined the German Village Society in January of 2026 after graduating cum laude from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in Ancient History and English Literature. Growing up in German Village and Victorian Village instilled in him an early love for history and architecture, as well as a deep passion for historic preservation. Before joining the German Village Society, Ronan spent four years as an intern at the Delaware County Historical Society in Delaware, Ohio. There, he was able to gain experience in research, curation, and collections management. As a member of the German Village team, he is thrilled to continue work in local, community oriented public history and preservation in order to help foster a connection between the neighborhood’s past and present. He is particularly interested in highlighting voices from the past which are often overlooked and underrepresented, like those of women, queer people, and indigenous people. He hopes to make local history accessible and engaging by working closely with German Village residents and ensuring that the Village’s rich and diverse stories continue to be told.
Jack Doran joined the German Village Society in May of 2026. His work centers on helping homeowners see their spaces from fresh angles, uncovering the hidden potential in historic structures, and guiding them toward solutions that honor both character and livability. With a talent for translating architectural possibilities into clear, inspiring visions, Jack approaches preservation as a collaborative process that deepens a homeowner’s connection to their home and its story. Beyond his preservation practice, Jack is also an accomplished piano teacher who has spent years nurturing creativity, discipline, and confidence in students of all ages. This dual path—technical understanding of historic homes and artistic mentorship—shapes his approach to community involvement: patient, detail‑oriented, and grounded in the belief that heritage is something we actively pass forward. Jack is passionate about the German Village neighborhood’s unique architectural fabric and the stories embedded in its brick, timber, and streetscapes. He aims to be a steady, knowledgeable guide for residents navigating the German Village Commission’s often daunting Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) guidelines, helping demystify the process and empowering homeowners to make informed, preservation‑minded decisions. He is committed to supporting the German Village Society’s mission by advocating for responsible preservation, fostering public appreciation for historic craftsmanship, and helping ensure that the neighborhood remains a vibrant, welcoming place for generations to come.
Anthony Meyer has been a proud renter, landlord, and owner in the village for over a decade. He seeks ways to foster friendship comradery and community with all neighbors. Mr. Meyer wants to champion the rich history of our architecture and the efforts of our preservationists. Anthony participated on the team and led the '20, '21, & '22 Holiday Lights Competition app. Anthony and his husband Tyler had their home at 626 S 5th on the Haus und Garten Tour in '19. Anthony served as a member of the '17 Monster Bash committee and the winning stop in '18 & '22. Anthony has honed leadership skills and program/project management tools and techniques necessary to execute on time and within budget. He completed 5 years as Chair of PROUD ERG where he developed teams and strategies. Anthony most recently chaired the 2022 Haus und Garten Tour and co-chair with his husband Tyler the 2023 Haus und Garten PreTour.
Anne McGee has lived in German Village since August 2017. Having spent most of her life in Huntington, WV. Anne and her husband, Bill, moved to Columbus for his job at Encova Insurance. They have three sons who are partially launched and living in Chicago, Washington DC, and Huntington, WV. Anne, a graduate of Boston College and the University of Cincinnati College of Law, briefly practiced law in WV with a primary focus on commercial litigation. Over the years Anne has volunteered in many capacities and served on multiple community nonprofit boards. As a former director and founder of a community coalition, Anne has experience in communications, grant writing, organizing, facilitating community outreach, and strategic planning. Since moving to Columbus, Anne has volunteered weekly in the visitor center and has performs house history research for the GVS plaque project.
Cynthia Watson “Ohio roots, Buckeye heart and Family soul.” Personally, she enjoys shopping, travel, cooking, working out and spending time with family and friends. Cynthia loves to garden, and she and her husband Jeff are in their 4th home in the German Village area. She is a fan of all things GV: events, volunteer opportunities, local businesses, historic preservation and interesting walking experiences. Professionally, Cynthia is a retailer thru and thru. She studied fashion merchandising at THE Ohio State University and has worked in the Ohio area at several major retail companies! Look for her around the Village!
Scott & his wife Kristy moved to German Village in 2021 after raising their family in Upper Arlington. They’ve enjoyed participating in “Village life” through GVS events, Prost!, and neighborhood gatherings. Scott serves on both the Finance and Organizational Development Committees. Scott joined LBrands in 1994 after starting his career in consumer products at Procter & Gamble in Cincinnati. He was the Chief Financial Officer at Lane Bryant for many years, and he now works with smaller, privately-owned businesses and private equity firms as a consulting CFO. Scott graduated from Miami University with degrees in economics, French, and international studies and has been a guest lecturer at Miami’s Farmer School of Business. Philanthropy and community involvement are a top priority for Scott. He was a long-time board member and Treasurer of the American Red Cross of Greater Columbus and a member and President of Miami University’s Alumni Board of Directors. He currently sits on the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland’s Business Advisory Council, and he has been very engaged with Pelotonia as both a rider and a team captain. He and Kristy attend First Community Church and have two grown children (Jacob, 27 in Columbus, and Kate, 23 in New York City). He enjoys cycling, golf, theater, travel, and reading.
Robert Caplin has called German Village home since 2019 and is deeply involved in the civic, preservation, and cultural life of the neighborhood. He currently serves as Chair of the German Village Society's Civics Pillar and Chair of the German Village Business Community (GVBC), and previously chaired the Historic Preservation Committee. He also serves as a Trustee of the Fund for Historic Preservation and volunteers on numerous community initiatives, including Maifest, Haus und Garten Tour, and Visitor Center projects. A frequent volunteer and advocate, Robert has contributed to efforts ranging from historic preservation and neighborhood engagement to business development, tourism promotion, and civic advocacy. He is a tour host for the Haus und Garten Tour, contributes to German Village Magazine, helps lead community outreach through @germanvillagers, and plays vintage base ball with the German Village Hobnobbers. In 2025, his home was awarded Best House at Monster Bash. Originally from Athens, Ohio, Robert spent fifteen years in Manhattan before relocating his family to German Village. He and his wife, Laia, are raising their two sons in the neighborhood, both of whom attend Saint Mary School. He is passionate about preserving German Village's historic character while helping ensure it remains a vibrant place to live, work, and visit for generations to come. Professionally, Robert is an editorial and commercial photographer whose work has appeared in major publications including The New York Times, Sports Illustrated, and National Geographic. His long term documentation of Justin Bieber's early career appeared in the autobiography First Step 2 Forever and served as the visual foundation for the documentary Never Say Never.
Mary Connolly Ross has lived in German Village for more than 35 years and brings a long record of professional experience and community involvement to the German Village Society Board. She earned her undergraduate degree from Miami University and her graduate degree from the University of Cincinnati. Mary spent 32 years as a consultant working with retail, hospital systems, financial institutions, and law firms, focusing on employee counseling, program development, assessments, and seminars related to work life issues. She later transitioned to a second career as an interior designer, which she continues to practice, and has served on numerous nonprofit boards. Mary’s commitment to German Village is deep and longstanding. Her home has been featured on the Haus und Garten Tour four times, and she has hosted and co-chaired multiple Pre Tour events. She is a recipient of the German Village Society Village Valuable Award, has welcomed local and national visitors through her home as part of neighborhood tours, and volunteers weekly at the Visitor Center. In her free time, Mary enjoys working in her German Village yard and remains passionate about preserving the neighborhood’s history and the stories of the people who have shaped it.
Michael Cornelis is a GVS Past President, board member emeritus, and co-chair of the Quality-of-Life committee. He is a founding member of Maifest: Legends and Landmarks. He is a current member of the Village Engagement Committee, Maifest Committee, Boogie for the Bricks Committee, and player/manager of the German Village Hobnobbers vintage baseball club. Michael and his wife, Susan Riley, served as Co-Chairs of the 2001 Haus und Garten tour, and have lived in German Village for 34 years.
Jess grew up in Canton, Ohio, and moved to Columbus in 2006 to attend graduate school at The Ohio State University. She progressively moved south and landed in German Village in 2014. She loves everything about this neighborhood, including the beautiful homes and gardens, the access to amazing coffee shops and restaurants, and most importantly the people. The ease in which to make friends and to be able to walk to their homes is such a perk of living in German Village. As a board member, Jess wants to promote community involvement and connectivity within German Village because she believes this is what makes this neighborhood so special. She co-chaired the 2023 Haus und Garten Tour and enjoyed engaging with friends and neighbors to benefit the German Village Society. Jess is an avid runner and biker and has also taken up playing squash at the Athletic Club of Columbus. At the Athletic Club, she also serves on the Membership Committee and considers the club her home away from home. She has worked as a cancer researcher at The James Cancer Center for a little over a decade and is passionate about developing personalized therapies for cancer patients.
As a Board Member and Co-Chair of the Historic Preservation Committee, Michael Gallaugher is dedicated to preserving the historic character of German Village while fostering a thriving and engaged community. Before joining the board, Michael spent three years working to revitalize the Historic Preservation Committee when it was at risk of fading away. His dedication helped reestablish its purpose, involve more community members, and strengthen preservation efforts, ensuring that the architectural and cultural heritage of German Village remains a priority. With a background in problem-solving, strategic planning, and leadership, Michael has spent his career bringing people together to tackle challenges and accomplish shared goals. His ability to work with neighbors, local organizations, and community leaders directly supports the German Village Society’s mission. As a board member, Michael remains committed to expanding preservation efforts, encouraging community involvement, and ensuring the long-term success of The German Village Society, keeping its legacy alive for generations to come.
A resident of German Village for 5+ years, but a recent addition to the board, Jeff's love of German Village began decades ago with his love of Actors' Theatre of Columbus, the group that puts on "Shakespeare in the Park" in Schiller Park every summer. He still makes a point of seeing at least one performance of each of the four shows they put on every summer. Jeff's home is often a stop for Monster Bash ("The Pirate House" and "The Moulin Rouge House"). He is actively involved in many of the technology initiatives of German Village; chairing the Technology Task Force before joining the board, joining efforts to refresh the website, and creating the package system (which he wrote the computer programming for). Jeff is an active member and supporter of Germania, the Athletic Club of Columbus, and Actors Theatre of Columbus. Professionally, Jeff is the Chief Technology Officer of DOmedia, a software company headquartered here in Columbus.
Sherri serves as General Counsel of Lazear Capital Partners, Ltd. She also advises business owners on ESOP transactions, particularly in the construction, architectural, and engineering sectors, helping ensure smooth and compliant ownership transitions. Sherri had more than 30 years of experience as a litigator at BakerHostetler, a major national law firm, where she focused on construction, bankruptcy, and real estate litigation, as well as alternative dispute resolution. She is a member of the National Council of the Moritz College of Law and serves on several nonprofit boards in Central Ohio, including Families Flourish and Jewish Family Services.
In 1977 Jim purchased his home in German Village and has been active in the community since then. He quickly gained an appreciation for the GVS (German Village Society) mission, especially historic preservation, and the many community activities. Jim Nichols and Tammi Hall were the Presenting Sponsors for the 2021 German Village Garten Tour. Jim has volunteered for over 30 years for the Haus und Garten Tour, mostly in tickets and cash management with several years in operations. Tammi and Jim’s home was on the 2016 H&G Tour, and they hosted H&G Pre-Tour dinners. He also volunteered for 20 years for Octoberfest, mostly as Chair of the Volunteer Check-In Committee (10 years) and Chair of the Tickets and Cash Management Committee (8 years). Jim is one of the founding Board members and sponsors of Village Connections. As well as supporter and sponsor for GV Garden Club, Tea 43206, Friends of Schiller, GVS H&G Tour and Village Connections. Art Crawl volunteer. Tammi and Jim have provided items for the GV organizations silent actions. He is a past and current GVS Board member, GVS Finance Committee (29 years), GVS Long Range Planning Committee (20 years), GVS Meeting Haus Maintenance Committee (1 year) and GVS H&G Planning Committee (1 year). Long time Chair of the GVS Elections Committee. Graduate of The Ohio State University with a major in Finance from the College of Business. Jim retired from a long career in finance and management and currently does consulting for both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Jim is currently and, in the past, has served on several Central Ohio non-profit Boards and for-profit corporate Boards. Through the years he has acquired an in-depth knowledge about the GVS and the GV community. Mr. Nichols states, “I strongly believe in maintaining/increasing property values, increasing community safety, improving our infrastructure and quality services for the GVS members in addition to continuing GVS fiscal integrity and transparency.” Jim hopes to continue to promote GVS members and community engagement while serving on the board.
Lucy Whittier moved to German Village with her husband, Todd, in August 2015. Originally from the UK, she has lived in New York and Los Angeles, where she worked for The Walt Disney Company. She later moved to Columbus, continuing her career in retail marketing with Victoria’s Secret. With a professional background spanning marketing, retail and e‑commerce, operations, and project management, Lucy brings a thoughtful blend of expertise, strong community relationships, and a passion for stewardship and preservation—helping to celebrate and sustain the values that make German Village unique. This is Lucy’s second year serving as Chair of the H&G Pre-Tour. She has also volunteered with previous H&G tours, Village Lights, and Maifest, reflecting a long-standing commitment to the community.
April 28, 2023
April 25, 2023