Earlier this year, WCF enjoyed celebrating our amazing community leaders at our annual event.

Now, we’re excited to keep the celebration going. Over the next few weeks, we’ll be spotlighting our 2025 awardees in our weekly newsletters, sharing their stories and the incredible work they’re doing to make a difference.

Presented to a Warren County resident who exhibits enthusiasm, integrity, and perseverance beyond the ordinary to help fellow citizens, the community, and the world through selfless giving, be it talent, time, or money.

Jonathan D. Sams is a partner at Sams Fischer, LLC and a U.S. Navy veteran who served as a Cryptologist and Persian Farsi Linguist during Operation Earnest Will and Desert Storm. He earned a Juris Doctorate from Emory University, a B.B.A. in Accounting (summa cum laude) from the University of Cincinnati, and a B.A. in Literature and Persian Farsi, along with honors from the Defense Language Institute.

Jonathan has devoted decades to public service and community leadership. He has served as a Turtlecreek Township Trustee for 15 years and currently chairs the Warren County Convention and Visitors Bureau. He is active on multiple regional boards, including the Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments and the Area Progress Council, and has held leadership roles with Mason Kiwanis, Mason Christian Village, Cincinnati Christian University, and the ARUNA Project. His contributions also extend to local arts, cultural, and faith-based organizations. Recognized as one of Cincinnati’s Leading Lawyers for over a decade, Jonathan combines professional excellence with a deep commitment to serving his community.

The Warren County Foundation is now accepting applications for several grant programs:

• Women’s Fund Grants – Supporting programs that improve the lives of women and children in Warren County.
• Deadline: October 8th

• Klingling Trust Fund Grants – Assisting nonprofit organizations serving youth-in-need.
• Deadline: October 31st

• WCF Impact Grants – Strengthening nonprofits addressing key community needs across Warren County.
• Deadline: October 31st

The 12th Annual Lebanon Oktoberfest, presented by Molson Coors, will take place October 10–11, 2025, in Downtown Lebanon.

While the festival brings music, food, and family fun, its impact goes much deeper; all proceeds benefit the Warren County Environmental Forum, supporting initiatives that protect and preserve our local environment.