LISA ALLEN
WHEELING — Lisa Allen’s relationship with the YMCA started early. As she entered the working world, one of the Wheeling native’s first jobs was with the organization.
That relationship grew deeper as Allen climbed to the roles of president, CEO and chairperson of the board of directors at the Ziegenfelder Company, a Wheeling-based industry leader in frozen treat manufacturing.
Her longtime mission to lend a hand to the YMCA and many other groups in the Ohio Valley has led to her being the 2021 recipient of the Dr. Lee Jones Patron of Youth Award, which will be presented at the annual Chambers YMCA Light of the Valley event.
The event will be held at noon Wednesday, Sept. 29 at Wheeling Park’s White Palace. For tickets, call YMCA Executive Director Adam Shinsky at 304-242-8086.
Allen is the second woman to win the award in the 14 times it has been presented. Linda Bordas shared the 12th award with the late Jim Bordas.
Allen became Ziegenfelder’s president and chief executive officer in 2003, leading the company through years of product development, growth, expansion, and profitability. She retired from that role in 2019 and remains chair of the board of directors.
“Zigenfelder, for years, has always been good to us,” Shinsky said. ”
The YMCA long has benefited from the generosity of Allen and Ziegenfelder. Shinsky said the Y essentially has a “lifetime supply” of popsicles from the makers of the popular Twin Pops. The YMCA’s flag football championships also get a big boost from Allen and the company.
“Instead of playing on the grassy field, they make sure we can play at Wheeling Island Stadium,” Shinsky said.
The support doesn’t end at providing a marquee playing field. Allen makes sure the entire experience is memorable. The company supplies t-shirts, DVDs of the games, awards, pizza and popsicles.
Beyond Allen’s dedication to the YMCA, she also is being honored for her dedication to giving others a second chance at life. Ziegenfielder hires those just released from jail, allowing them to get back on their feet and make a solid living in a supportive environment.
“It’s her overall care and compassion for people,” current company CEO Kevin Heller said. “We realize that things happen and people make mistakes, but everyone deserves opportunities to better themselves.
“Living in this community, she’s really made it a big part of who she is and who we are as a company,” he added.
Heller has been a part of Ziegenfelder since 2003. From that time, he has worked closely with Allen in both business and in philanthropy. Watching her lead and watching her work toward making a lasting difference in the community is something that he said has been impressive to watch.
“It’s pretty amazing,” Heller said. “She thinks so differently than most people. Her thought processes are about three steps further down the road. What can we do to make permanent change? It’s not just about helping this cause tomorrow. How can we make permanent change?”
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August 21, 2021 at 12:58PM
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Ziegenfelder CEO Lisa Allen Is Named YMCA Light of the Valley - Wheeling Intelligencer
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