Board Members

Michael Pell

Mike graduated from Morehead State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration and brings more than 30 years of banking experience to his role. Mike joined First State Bank in 2006 and is the President and CEO. Prior to First State Bank, Mike acted as a Vice President at Fifth Third Bank for more than two decades. Mike is very involved in the local community and currently serves on several boards including: First State Bancorp, Ohio Bankers League, Southern State Community College, Hospice of Hope, and Leadership Adams. Additionally, Mike serves as an Elder at the Winchester Church of Christ in Christian Union. In his free time, Mike enjoys spending time with his wife and five children, golfing, hunting, fishing and serving with his church.

John Lawler

Born in West Union, Ohio.  Attended West Union High School.  Obtained Bachelor of Business Administration degree in accounting from University of Cincinnati 1982.  Worked for Dayton Power and Light Company, Dayton, Ohio, as financial and accounting analyst, 1982-1984.  Former CPA, now inactive.  Obtained Juris Doctor degree from West Virginia University College of Law, 1987.  Worked for Jackson & Kelly, Charleston, West Virginia, as associate attorney, 1987-1992.  Served as intern in the West Virginia State Senate, regular session 1989-1990.  Returned to West Union, Ohio, March 1992 and have continuously maintained a private law practice since then.  Licensed stock broker and registered investment representative for HD Vest since 2005.  Also served as Adams County Prosecuting Attorney from 1997 through 2000.  Treasurer, board of directors, past chairman, Hospice of Hope, Maysville, KY. Resides with wife, Anita, in West Union.  Two sons, Andrew Hizer (grandson Brandon), in West Union and Justin, in Stamford, CT.

John Condon

John is a semi-retired businessman in Adams County and a graduate of Miami University. John has a background in banking and finance and was formerly President of Fifth Third Bank of Southern Ohio.

Kent Gulley

Kent is a semi-retired businessman who earned a BBA degree from Ohio University and an MBA degree from Xavier University. Kent has worked in management positions at Procter and Gamble, Kroger/SuperX and the Dayton Power & Light Companies.

Paul Worley

Paul is a seasoned leader with extensive experience in public service, business, military service, and community development. As the Director of the Adams County Economic Development Office, Paul is dedicated to driving economic growth, attracting investment, and creating opportunities for local businesses and residents. His leadership efforts focus on improving infrastructure, supporting entrepreneurship, and enhancing the overall quality of life in Adams County.

In his role as Vice President of the Adams County Community Foundation, Paul plays a key role in supporting charitable initiatives and strengthening the local nonprofit sector. His leadership helps connect donors with community organizations, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to address the county’s most pressing needs.

Paul’s career also includes serving as a county commissioner, where he contributed to shaping policies and initiatives that advanced the county’s development. He served as an Army Captain and led soldiers during multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, honing his leadership skills and strategic thinking while facing complex challenges in high-pressure environments. Before transitioning into his current roles, Paul gained valuable business experience as a General Manager with Schwan’s Home Service, where he developed expertise in operations management, team leadership, and customer relations.

Paul holds an undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University and an MBA from Xavier University. With his education and diverse professional background, Paul brings a results-driven approach to his work, focusing on sustainable economic growth and regional collaboration. Paul is married and has two sons. He remains committed to ensuring a prosperous future for Adams County through thoughtful, community-driven projects and strategic initiatives.

Linda Stepp

Linda earned a Bachelor’s in Education from Ohio University and a Master’s in Educational Administration from the University of Dayton.  She invested 30 years in the Adams County/Ohio Valley School District serving as a teacher, principal and various district administrative roles.  From 2007-2017, she served school districts in Adams, Brown, Clinton and Fayette Counties as a member of the Region 14 State Support Team.  From 2017-2020 she was a consultant for the Region 15 State Support Team serving school districts in Ross, Pike, Scioto and Lawrence Counties.

Mrs Stepp was born in Adams County and has spent most of her adult life in Adams County except for a few years residing in neighboring Scioto and Highland Counties.  She and her husband, Steve, have an adult daughter who is a product of the local schools and is a Professor at Boston University in Sargent College of Health and Rehabilitative Sciences and Director of the Stepp Lab for Sensorimotor Rehabilitation Sciences. 

In addition to her service on the Board of the Adams County Community Foundation, she serves her community as a member of the Adams County Public Library Board of Trustees, member of the Southern Ohio Educational Service Center Board and as a member of the Adams Brown Community Action Board.  She is a member of Adams County’s own Liberty Cornet Band, the oldest community band in Ohio!  She and her husband are also proud grandparents!