Skip to main content

Embrace your failures. You will never learn if you don’t allow yourself to fail.”

+John Theobald

Chief Operating Officer

Bring On the Processes

I loved my time in public service for the last 28 years but I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to become part of Wilderness Agency. The creative energy and energetic atmosphere is the most exciting thing I have ever experienced, and that’s saying something after my time on a U.S. Navy ship in the middle of a hurricane above the Arctic Circle.  

Originally from Sarasota, FL, I moved to Dayton in 1968. After serving in the U.S. Navy, I enjoyed my time working at Dayton-local manufacturer Gosiger, Inc, earned a dual degree in Political Science and Philosophy from Wright State, and then dove into an exciting career working in public service. Most recently, after being the Commission Assistant to Montgomery County Commissioner Debbie Lieberman for the last 16 years, I decided to throw my career for a loop.

I’m amazed at how easily my years of government experience have translated to this new environment, and I look forward to being able to continue growing along with the rest of the team here. Once the resident teacher at my previous organization, I’m thrilled to become an avid student.  

My objective as a problem-solving, collaborative, and success-oriented COO is to harness Wilderness’ creative energy and translate it into greater success. It is incredibly rewarding to get to help this organization build to the next level and to help both our clients and team achieve their goals.

john theobald navy portrait
John and wife Dawn at beach

Meet More Of Our Team

Emily Gilles

Executive Assistant
Meg Terlau

Meg Terlau

Project Manager

Mardi Humphreys

Marketing Strategist

Richard Kaiser

Founder
Whitney Manfreda

Whitney Manfreda

Graphic Designer

John Theobald

Chief Operating Officer

Mariesa Brewster

Content Strategist
Check out the whole team
We’re Proud of the Work We Do

Take A Look At Some Of Our Past Projects.

Ready to tell your story better?

Let's get started