WARREN Ex-resident heads child advocacy group

By AMANDA C. DAVIS
VINDICATOR TRUMBULL STAFF
WARREN -- David Lippy is still pinching himself.
The former Warren resident never thought in his wildest dreams he'd be chosen from more than 200 people worldwide as executive director of World of Children Inc., an international organization that recognizes those who dedicate their lives to children.
He is the first leader of the nonprofit organization that manages the $100,000 Kellogg's Hannah Neil World of Children Award, established in Columbus in 1998.
The award was established by the Hanna Neil Center Foundation Board that governs Columbus' oldest residential charity, the Hanna Neil Center for Children.
It is presented annually to an individual who has made a significant contribution to the health, well being, social environment or education of children.
Corporate sponsors are Kellogg's, Bob Evans, Kroger Co. and America West Airlines.
In his new position, Lippy will scout for major sponsors, try to increase nominations and raise international awareness of the award.
He said it's important to recognize children, who he called "the world's biggest, voiceless minority."
Mother being honored: Lippy was to be in town today to visit his mother, Sandra, of Hawthorne Lane N.E., who is being honored as a woman of valor by the Youngstown Federation of The United Jewish Appeal.
She was to be honored at 7 tonight at Squaw Creek Country Club in Vienna for her work on behalf of Jewish people.
David Lippy gained national recognition in 1992, along with his father, Dr. William Lippy, for establishing what they named the Jumpstart America Campaign.
David Lippy helped with public relations for the campaign, which his father established to encourage Americans to support the domestic automobile industry.
It began when the doctor offered his employees $600 to buy American-made cars. The campaign attracted national attention and took off across the country, eventually garnering support from 110,000 companies.
Biography: Lippy, who grew up in Warren, has a bachelor's degree in foreign service from Georgetown University and a master's degree from the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.
He was chief operating officer of First Investment Co. in Columbus until 2000.
Lippy and his wife, Pam, live in the Columbus suburb of New Albany with their children, Carly and Harrison.
He says he's gratified and humbled, and finds his new position bittersweet because he had planned to continue his most recent role as a stay-at-home father.
"It's the best job I've ever had -- challenging, yet rewarding."
davis@vindy.com