Telah L. Archer Taylor, MHA, CPC

Class of 2000
Outstanding Professional Achievement

Telah L. Archer Taylor is the 2015 recipient of the Distinguished Alumna Award for Outstanding Professional Achievement. While working full-time and raising a family, Telah earned an Associate in Applied Business degree from WSCO, graduated Summa Cum Laude from Franklin University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Healthcare Management, continuing on to earn a Master of Health Administration degree from Ohio University. Telah is a Certified Professional Coder, a member of the WSCO OAST Advisor Committee and is currently preparing to take the American College of Healthcare Executives exam. Her 17-year professional career includes positions with Camden Clark Memorial Hospital, Marietta Health Care Physicians, and Memorial Health System where she is currently Vice President, Clinical Quality and Medical Staff Services. Telah has also served WSCO as a very popular adjunct faculty member. Whenever possible, Telah volunteers at the Free Medical Clinic, Humane Society, food pantry, community meals, Washington County Department of Health and Human Services, and local schools. Colleagues at Memorial Health System view Telah as an outstanding preceptor and mentor with a strong desire to help others succeed, advance their careers and attain a high level of personal satisfaction.

Heather Nicole Allender

Class of 2005
Outstanding Community Service

Heather N. Allender is the 2015 recipient of the Distinguished Alumna Award for Outstanding Community Service. A member of Phi Theta Kappa, Heather received an Associate in Arts degree from WSCO. She proceeded on to Marietta College where she is currently seeking a Bachelor of Arts degree. In 2007 she began her professional career assisting the president, managing the office and performing bookkeeping duties at the Marietta Community Foundation. Her ability to handle financials, manage records, maintain external communications, and represent the Foundation in the community was rewarded when she was named Director of Finance and Operations in 2011. In 2014, she became President and CEO of the Foundation. Heather served the community as an AmeriCorps VISTA volunteer and is presently president-elect of the Rotary Club of Marietta. Heather’s parents taught her the importance of helping others and instilled in her the belief that she could make the world a better place. To that end, she has dedicated her life to community service and, in her capacity at the Marietta Community Foundation, is well on her way to achieving that goal. Heather credits WSCO faculty members Dr. Deborah Thomas, Dr. Dean Hirschi and David Edwards for contributing to her personal and professional development.