Bruce E. Bailey Recognized as the 2024 Westerville Champion

The Westerville Champion award was created more than a decade ago to recognize the contributions of volunteers and servant leaders in our community who make a difference in Westerville. These are people who donate their time, treasure or talent - and usually all three - to improve the quality of life for others. They are among the most selfless people who prioritize their community and focus on giving back–not for recognition, but because they are capable of fulfilling a need. 

Bruce E. Bailey was named the 2024 Westerville Champion. Bailey has had a lifetime of contributions of making a better Westerville, because he’s spent his life in Westerville. He is nothing short of a legacy in the community; graduating from Westerville High School, raising his family here and serving the public as the Law Director of the City of Westerville. 

Bailey has helped Westerville in ways that most people would not know. He has always been interested in protecting the history, community and integrity of Westerville. His advice over time has protected a beautiful and vibrant Uptown, a thriving business community and an unmatched quality of life for residents. 

Advocacy has always been central to Bailey’s mission for Westerville. He and his family have supported Westerville parks and facilities, Westerville for Honor Flight and countless Otterbein University activities and initiatives. He has also protected a part of Westerville’s history through the commission of “The American Issue,” a sculpture representing Westerville's role in prohibition. 

Bailey is thoughtful by definition. He puts intention and care into his words, deeds and actions. He has been the protector and friend of Westerville his entire life. He’s always there to help. Westerville is transitioning to a future that is very bright and that is overwhelmingly a legacy of citizen Bailey.

The Westerville Champion program provides recognition of outstanding citizens whose service and activities significantly enhanced the quality of life in Westerville. Since the inception of the program, the following individuals have been recognized as Westerville Champions: 

• Bruce E. Bailey (2024)
• Kathy Cocuzzi (2023)
• Norma Westervelt (2023)
• John Parimuha (2022)
• Diane Fosselman (2021)
• Rick Bannister (2020)
• Jeff Hartnell (2019)
• Mikal “Mike” Townsley (2019)
• Don Barlow (2017)
• Mary Bailey (2016)
• Francis “Red” Bailey (2016)
• Dick Rano (2016)
• Warren “Ernie” Ernsberger (2015)
• James McCann (2015)
• Mary Lou Prouty (2014)
• Edwin “Dubbs” Roush (2014)
• Damon “Chip” Wetterauer (2013)

Categories include:

• Outstanding Individual(s) Acknowledges the sustained and lasting contribution that has been made by individual(s) to the City of Westerville, State of Ohio and/or Nation.
• Historical Event, Person, or Place Preserves and honors the history of Westerville, it's founders, or other historical figures.
• Benefit/Organization Acknowledgement Major gift, acknowledges the significant benefit of a donation.

Citizens must meet the following qualifications to apply for this recognition:

• Visionary and Community Role Model
• Exemplary Leadership in Westerville Community
• Forever Changed or Improved Community
• Lasting Impression evident in Future Generations
• Significantly Impacted Local History and Quality of Life
• Resident of Westerville at time of Accomplishment

Interested in nominating? Fill in this form and return it to the Champions of Westerville, Westerville Parks & Recreation Department, Administration Office, 350 N. Cleveland Ave. Westerville, Ohio 43082

• Champions of Westerville Nomination Form
• City of Westerville Mapping