BEAVERCREEK — Name a business in Beavercreek and it’s likely that Jeff McGrath played a major role in its existence.
Greene Towne Center? Check.
Wright-Patt Credit Union headquarters? Yes.
Pentagon Tower? That too.
As Beavercreek’s planning director, he was the city’s principal representative on hundreds of projects so it’s only fitting that McGrath, who died unexpectedly in January, received the 2019 E.G. Shaw Lifetime Achievement Award from the chamber of commerce. It was announced Feb. 27 and the posthumous honor will be officially bestowed upon McGrath during the annual meeting and award ceremony March 11.
To receive the award, the individual must have exemplified the character and memory of E.G. Shaw: service to others, and characteristics including honesty, sincerity, integrity and benevolence. The nominee also must have performed prolonged outstanding service for the betterment of the Beavercreek community.
That defines McGrath.
“Jeff’s involvement with the Beavercreek Chamber was invaluable to not only the organization but also our member businesses,” President and CEO Amanda Byers said. “Jeff was always willing to help us and our members with any issue and was always focused on economic growth in the Beavercreek community. He was truly a treasure who will be missed by so many.”
McGrath was hired as a planning intern in 2000 and also served as code enforcement officer, associate city planner and city planner before being named planning director in 2007.
An email from the chamber said McGrath was a “fantastic boss, friend, and mentor, of whom his staff had the utmost respect.”
“Jeff would be so honored to receive the Shaw award,” his wife, Cecilia, said. “He loved everything about Beavercreek and enjoyed working for the city for so many years. This means so much to my family and I. We are grateful to accept the award on behalf of Jeff.”
Jeff Frantz, who played high school baseball with McGrath’s brother-in-law Ian Baltzer, said Beavercreek “is a town where you can get lost in the shuffle or know everybody.”
“Jeff was connected to so many and he was an incredible champion for this city,” Frantz said. “I think that’s an incredible honor and great to hear.”
Mike Sheets, who coached McGrath on the Carroll baseball team, saw the potential in McGrath years ago.
“I remember him as being a very hard-working and conscientious guy,” Sheets said. “Willing to work on the small details to improve himself. At the same time, pretty funny and lighthearted.”
