February is Black History Month
All month long we celebrate achievements by African Americans and recognize the contributions and central role the Black community has in U.S. history. As an extension of this celebration and in honor of Black History Month, we are honored to recognize Black professionals and public servants in the Grove City area.
If you would like your Black-owned business or organization to be spotlighted, please forward your information to our Business and Community Relations office.
Chief Richard Fambro, Grove City Police
Chief Fambro stands with Chaplain Jeff Broadnax
Chief Richard S. Fambro joined the Grove City Division of Police in September 2022. Fambro brings significant experience to the division following more than 30 years of service with the Ohio State Highway Patrol. As he celebrates six months as chief, he offers his perspective of what’s on tap for the next six.
You recently surpassed the six-month mark as Chief of Police for the City of Grove City. What has been the best part of your job so far?
The best part of the job is getting to know the people within the Division of Police and the Grove City community. In addition, getting to see the pride that is on display within the police department.
What makes you most proud?
I am most proud of the commitment to serving I see within the Division of Police.
What do you hope the next six months will bring for you and the division?
I am hopeful in the next six months that we can continue building a communicative environment that will accentuate the service-minded culture on display in the department.
What have these last six months meant to you?
I am proud of the people within the police department who have been accepting of my leadership style and that the City as a whole has been very welcoming.
Charles R Peery IV, Legislative Aide
Despite a busy travel schedule across the state as a legislative aide, Grove City resident Charles R. Peery IV is happy to call Grove City home.
Legislative Aides wear many hats – what would you say is the best part of your job?
I really enjoy getting to see more of Ohio, especially Senator Brenner’s district. I also find it fascinating to watch the inner workings of government and how policies are developed and implemented.
What’s something that makes you proud?
The Ohio Senate. I love what I do whether it’s helping constituents or making improvements to education policy.
How long have you been a resident of Grove City?
I have lived in Grove City for six years. The reason I decided to make Grove City home is the small-town feel even though it’s rapidly expanding.
What do you like doing around Grove City in your free time?
I enjoy the Food Truck Festivals, the Farmers Market, walking my dog at Scioto Grove Metro Park and beekeeping in my backyard.
Duane Gray, i9 Sports Franchise Owner
As an 
i9 Sports franchise owner in the Grove City area, Duane Gray and his family spend countless evenings and weekends in town coaching, mentoring and celebrating the next generation of athletes. His philosophy is simple: emphasize sportsmanship values and of course, have fun!
Why did you decide to bring i9 to the Grove City area?
i9 Sports is the oldest and largest youth sports franchise in the U.S. As a franchise organization, the territories are predefined, and the southwest territory was the only area still available for purchase. Once we researched the area, we learned how vibrant and growing Grove City is and it really is the friendliest town you will ever visit. We couldn’t wait to become part of this amazing community!
You are creating a fun environment for athletics, but you’re also teaching lessons about sportsmanship and respect – why is this so important?
There are so many reasons we emphasize learning sportsmanship values as part of our programming. As adults, we can reflect on what participating in sports taught us: communication, leadership, teamwork, etc. These same skills are transferable to school and work environments to help us be successful. Additionally, our programming focuses on the whole athlete – not just their ability on the court or field. We want to help guide our young athletes to become people with strong character who work to make our shared community an incredible place to be.
What makes you most proud?
What I am most proud of is the fact that we work hard to deliver programming that offers families a fun and safe place to go, that athletes of all abilities are welcome and included. Each season we receive emails and cards from parents thanking us for what we do – and this is what we treasure most.
You spend a lot of time in Grove City – what’s something you like doing around town when you’re not preparing for the next sporting event?
There is simply so much to do in Grove City. In warm weather, we love walking Scioto Grove Metro Park and enjoying the various festivals that are held on Fridays/Saturdays. Catching a show at the Little Theatre Off Broadway is always a special treat. And we love checking out all the local restaurants – Memories, Three Brothers and Grove City Brewery to name a few.
To learn more about Duane or i9, visit i9sports.com, Facebook and Instagram.
Danielle Hobson, The ACT Coach | ACT & SAT Prep Coach
To Grove City resident and business owner Danielle Hobson, education and empowerment are two of the most important things to teach our youth. With more than 15 years background in ACT and SAT test preparation, Dani officially launched her business, Dani-the-ACT-Coach, more than three years ago once her own children were college-bound.
You help educate and build confidence – why is empowering our youth so critical?
Nowadays, our youth are faced with so many challenges. Once I set the goal of becoming an educator, my passion to make a positive impact on the lives of our “future leaders” drove me to give my ALL to help build their confidence – academically and emotionally.
What makes you most proud?
I’m proud for taking that leap of faith and stepping out to do what I absolutely love doing! Yes, I miss teaching in the classroom – but there are no regrets. I’m proud of all my students’ willingness and determination to set goals and attempt to achieve them!
How long have you been a resident of Grove City?
I have been a Grove City resident for a little over seven years but in the South-Western City School District for 22 years.
What do you like doing around town in your free time?
I love attending all the festivals around town, including the Food Truck Festivals because I love to eat! I love taking my son to the Grove City library and, in the past, taking him to story time! I love taking strolls in the parks and attending the Farmers Market. I may be biased, but I absolutely love watching my boys perform with all the talented students in the Grove City High School Marching Band and all of Grove City’s athletes and musicians!
To learn more about Dani or to contact her, visit danitheactcoach.com or Facebook , Instagram, LinkedIn and Twitter.