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Council honors CHLOE Inc. and founder Connie Nassager as she retires; Melanie O'Neil named incoming director
Summary
Council presented a resolution on the consent agenda recognizing CHLOE Inc.'s 25 years of service to young mothers and honored founder Connie Nassager, who announced her retirement and endorsed Melanie O'Neil as incoming executive director.
Gahanna City Council presented a recognition May 19 for CHLOE Inc., a local nonprofit serving young mothers, and honored founder Connie Nassager as she prepares to retire after 25 years of service.
Council President Marissa Bowers introduced the resolution on the consent agenda, praising CHLOE's work supporting mothers ages 13 to 21 with parenting resources, mentorship and a small boutique to help participants provide for their children. "CHLOE stands for community, health, life skills, opportunities, and education," Bowers said, and she thanked Connie Nassager for her "visionary leadership."
Connie Nassager addressed the council, describing her work with CHLOE as "an absolute joy" despite difficult moments, and spoke about the program's focus on mentorship, reading to children and practical supports. "They get a free book every time they come," Nassager said, and she described the program's twice-monthly meetings and incentive system that allows participants to earn points to shop in the program's baby boutique.
Nassager said she chose Melanie O'Neil as her successor and said she had no hesitation handing the organization to her. Melanie O'Neil, identified in the meeting as the incoming executive director, told the council she planned to work on reducing barriers that keep mothers from attending meetings, such as transportation. "We are very excited to continue Chloe's work, very excited to work on some of the barriers that keep our moms from attending our meetings, like transportation," O'Neil said.
The recognition was on the consent agenda; the council approved the consent agenda by roll call later in the meeting.
Why this matters: CHLOE Inc. provides local services to young mothers and their children; the transition in leadership was formally recognized by the council and will be reflected as part of the city's acknowledgments.
Direct quotes come from Connie Nassager and Melanie O'Neil as recorded in the May 19 meeting.
