MarionMade! is about loving where you live–and, loving the people, places, products, and programs that make Marion a vibrant community. One group of people who are proud to serve the community are our public and elected officials, many of whom serve the communities of Marion County in these roles above and beyond their family and career obligations. MarionMade! offers this series of feature stories on local officials as a way to get to know those who serve us better.
Husband, father, and devoted citizen, Mayor Scott Schertzer has been a part of the Marion community for most his life. As a graduate of Ridgedale High School, small town values were instilled in Scott at a young age. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in social studies education from University of Toledo, he headed to Columbus for a period; but, ultimately, family and the small-town values once stressed upon him, led him back to Marion.
Scott credits his family and lifelong role models for preparing him to be the mayor of Marion. His grandmother, Millie, was the head of volunteer services at Marion General Hospital for 43 years. Millie spent a significant portion of her life pursuing ways to better her community. Scott has fond memories of his grandmother’s response when asked why she chose that career — “It’s simply the right thing to do,” she said.
When it comes to his career, Scott is quick to recognize the influence of his grandmother and the values of those who led him. Throughout his career, he worked under former U.S. Treasurer Mary Ellen Withrow in the Treasurer of the State of Ohio office, as well as for Senator Sherrod Brown in the Ohio Secretary of State’s office. He participated in John Glenn’s re-election campaign. He served the City of Marion as an at-large City councilman for nine years. On top of that, Scott spent 13 years sculpting young minds as a teacher in the Elgin Local Schools. Collectively, these experiences helped him understand the importance of being engaged in his community.
Currently, Scott holds positions on more than a dozen Marion area boards and committees and is part of the State Board and Council membership. He enjoys time with local groups and organizations, volunteers for the Salvation Army, and is a life-long member of Marion First Presbyterian Church.
“There is a sense of pride in our community that has been rekindled,” he said. Scott believes MarionMade! is the first community project in which everyone is on board, including business leaders, religious leaders, and city officials. Collaboration is at an all-time high.
