Mary K. grew up in Nelsonville.  In the 1950s she had the privilege of touring the shuttered Stuart’s Opera House several times, an experience that created a childhood wish that it would open again.   A degree in home economics from The Ohio State University prepared her for employment at Columbus and Southern Ohio Electric Company in marketing and consumer services and at Columbus-based American Electric Power corporate headquarters where she was involved in volunteerism, education initiatives and corporate philanthropy.   She retired after 42 years of service and enjoys her home in Worthington, Ohio with husband Marty Walsh and children and grandchildren nearby.  In addition to Opera House board service, she is active in the United Methodist Churches in Worthington and Nelsonville, volunteers at the Nelsonville-based Foundation for Appalachian Ohio and is a director of the Nelsonville High School Alumni Scholarship Fund.  Mary K. and Marty spend time restoring and visiting their second home in Nelsonville and caring for its historic neighborhood as well as helping to improve the Victorian-era guest home, Verity Hall, owned and operated by Stuart’s Opera House.