Thurber House Board of Trustees
Paula Cole
President
Nationwide Financial Services
Michael Bowman
Treasurer
Global Tax Management
Aman Garcha
Secretary
The Ohio State University
Victor Dandridge
Vantage:Inhouse Productions
Lisa Eschleman, Esq.
Friedman & Mirman Co. LPA
Elizabeth Howard, Esq.
Vorys, Sater, Seymour & Pease
Denise Mirman, Esq.
Friedman & Mirman Co. LPA
Barbie Tootle
Community Volunteer & Emeritus Trustee
Emeritus TRUSTEES
Luke Feck
Win Logan
Alan Radnor
Barbie Tootle
HONORARY TRUSTEES
Rosemary Thurber
Sara Thurber Sauers
Thurber House Staff
Laurie Lathan
Executive Director
Contact me for:
+ Media inquiries/public relations
+ Donations
+ Sponsorships
+ Grants
+ The Thurber Prize for American Humor award show
+ General community partnerships
Laurie Lathan has been with Thurber House since 2016. She previously served in arts administration roles at Columbus Children’s Theatre, Franklin Park Conservatory, Columbus Dance Theatre, and Columbus College of Art and Design. Her passion for the arts is embedded in her soul as an artist herself. As a tap dancer and calligraphy artist, her love for creatives of all genres is integral in all she does to support the humorists, writers, and cartoonists that Thurber House engages.
Meg Brown
Director of Children’s Education
Contact me for:
+ Children’s programs (ages 7-12)
+ Teen programs (ages 13-18)
+ Youth workshops at schools/libraries/community centers
+ School field trips
+ Flip the Page: Central Ohio’s Teen Literary Journal
+ Youth community partnerships
+ Youth program teaching
+ Summer internships
Meg Brown joined the Thurber House staff in 2006 after spending three years as a volunteer. A friend and mentor to all, Meg has been the backbone of Thurber House for nearly two decades (which is AGES, as her kids and teens like to remind her). Outside of work, Meg serves on the boards of the Discovery District Civic Association and the Heart of the City Foundation. An avid reader, Meg also works with the Ohioana Library Association and the State Library as a Choose to Read Ohio reader and committee member.
Leah Wharton
Operations Director
Contact me for:
+ General questions
+ Event scheduling
+ Adult program scheduling and teaching
+ Adult workshops at libraries/community centers
+ Adult community partnerships
+ The Thurber Prize for American Humor submissions/judging
+ Thurber House museum/store
+ Social media and marketing
Leah Wharton came to Thurber House in 2017. She has worked and volunteered in the nonprofit arts community most of her life, but has also spent time in the event production and film industries. She currently serves on the Word is Art Stage Committee for the Columbus Arts Festival. Her favorite things about Thurber House are its atmosphere of creativity and humor, and all of the people who make Thurber House the incredibly special place that it is.
Jess Cox
Event Coordinator
Contact me for:
+ Event tickets and questions
+ Adult program registrations and questions
+ Facility rentals
+ Private ghost investigations
+ Volunteering
Jess Cox has been with Thurber House since 2023. She is a dedicated event and media professional focused on creating meaningful experiences that bring people together. With a background in media production and live event coordination, Jess thrives on delivering impactful moments that engage audiences, celebrate creatives, and inspire connection and conversation.
To reach a board or staff member, email thurberhouse@thurberhouse.org or call 614-464-1032.