Leading with a Servant Heart Carolyn Copus on Building Community Through 50 North

Great leaders rarely set out simply to build organizations. They build opportunities, strengthen communities, and create places where people feel connected and valued. In this episode of Women in the Driver Seat, we sit down with Carolyn Copus, Executive Director of 50 North, to discuss servant leadership, innovation, and how one organization continues helping adults over 50 live active, healthy, and fulfilling lives.

Carolyn's path to 50 North was shaped by a career rooted in service. From coordinating community events with the Findlay Area Arts Council to fundraising for the Findlay Hancock County Community Foundation and later serving at Birchaven Village, every role helped prepare her for the work she leads today. Looking back, she believes each experience equipped her with skills that now come together under one roof through wellness, nutrition, outreach, activities, travel, and supportive services for older adults.

When Carolyn became Executive Director in 2013, she and the board recognized that the organization needed to evolve alongside the generations it served. Rather than making assumptions, they asked members, volunteers, staff, and the community a simple question: What do you want? One answer rose to the top. People wanted an organization that reflected a vibrant, active lifestyle rather than outdated perceptions of aging. That feedback led to the organization's new identity as 50 North, a name that better represents today's adults over 50 and the opportunities available to them.

The transformation did not stop with a new name. Programming expanded dramatically to serve multiple generations, recognizing that today's baby boomers have different interests and expectations than previous generations. Fitness, wellness, lifelong learning, travel, hobbies, nutrition, social opportunities, and outreach services all grew to meet changing needs. The result has been remarkable growth and national recognition. In 2024, 50 North was named one of Ohio's Best Senior Centers, an honor awarded by the Ohio Association of Senior Centers.

The conversation also highlights one of the organization's biggest accomplishments. During the COVID pandemic, while many organizations paused growth, 50 North completed a major expansion and renovation project that doubled the size of the facility. The project finished ahead of schedule and under budget, creating additional space for programming while preparing the organization for future growth. Even today, demand continues to grow as more adults discover everything 50 North has to offer.

Looking ahead, Carolyn is excited about the next phase of expansion. Outdoor wellness spaces, walking paths, a pavilion for classes and events, bocce courts, a woodworking shop, and expanded facilities for the organization's chore services will continue helping members stay active, independent, and connected. The woodworking program, in particular, allows volunteers to build wheelchair ramps for community members while also teaching woodworking skills to participants.

When asked what advice she would give women leading organizations, Carolyn's answer reflects the values that have guided her entire career. Leadership begins with purpose. It requires humility, grace, and a servant heart. Most importantly, she believes leaders must listen. The best ideas often come from the people closest to the mission, whether they are members, staff, volunteers, or community partners.

This episode is a reminder that leadership is not about being at the center of attention. It is about putting the people you serve at the center of every decision.

👉 Watch now to hear how Carolyn Copus is helping 50 North redefine aging through wellness, lifelong learning, community connection, and servant leadership.