Urban League names 32nd class of Legendary Lions Society

The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio has named seven local leaders to the 32nd class of its Legendary Lions Society, recognizing individuals whose work has made a lasting impact across Cincinnati and beyond.

The 2026 honorees are: Thane Maynard, executive chair of the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden; Dr. C. Keith Melvin, internal medicine physician at Mercy Health; John C. Merchant, partner at Dinsmore & Shohl LLP; Sheila Mixon, president and CEO of The SASH Effect LLC; Maribeth S. Rahe, president and CEO of Fort Washington Investment Advisors; Deborah White Richardson, president of DWR & Associates LLC; and Carolyn Wallace, owner of The Perfect Brew and co-founder of It’s Commonly Jazz.

“This year’s honorees are extraordinary,” said Christie Kuhns, president and CEO of the Urban League, which works to end generational poverty through advocacy and programs that help individuals build careers, start businesses, create wealth and develop leadership skills.

With its annual Lions Society prize, the Urban League aims to recognize individuals who demonstrate leadership, service and dedication to the Greater Cincinnati community. Representing a wide range of industries and backgrounds, the 2026 recipients “truly embody the very best of Cincinnati,” Kuhns continued.

The honorees will be celebrated at the 32nd Annual Glorifying the Lions Luncheon on Monday, April 20, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at Cintas Center. Tickets are available at ulgso.org/lions.

“We are so fortunate to have such outstanding talent and leaders in our community,” Kuhns said, “and we are excited to honor and thank them for all they have done to make our city and indeed the world a better place.”

Meet the honorees

• Thane Maynard has worked at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden for nearly 50 years, serving as director from 2006 to 2026. He hosts the nationally syndicated radio series “The 90-Second Naturalist.”
• Dr. C. Keith Melvin practices internal medicine at Mercy Health, teaches at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and leads nonprofit initiatives focused on cancer awareness and community health.
• John C. Merchant has spent 35 years in public finance law, advising state and local governments on complex financial transactions. He previously served on the Urban League’s board of trustees.
• Sheila Mixon leads The SASH Effect LLC and advises small businesses through Goldman Sachs’ 10K Small Business Program. She serves on multiple community boards focused on business development and inclusion.
• Maribeth S. Rahe heads Fort Washington Investment Advisors, one of Ohio’s largest investment advisory firms, and serves on boards including Xavier University’s business school and The Greater Cincinnati Foundation.
• Deborah White Richardson runs DWR & Associates, a consultancy on legislative and community affairs, and has held leadership roles with the Urban League, Lighthouse Youth & Family Services, and other civic organizations.
• Carolyn Wallace has spent decades building community through music and food. She co-founded It’s Commonly Jazz, one of Cincinnati’s longest-running free concert series, and runs the catering company The Perfect Brew.