CAMBRIDGE, Ohio (AVC News) — The Ohio Valley Educational Service Center has named Dr. Richard Hall as the recipient of its 2026 Difference Maker Award.
Established in 2011, the award recognizes individuals who have made lasting contributions to children, schools, communities and public education across the region.
Hall has spent nearly 40 years in public education, working as a teacher, coach, principal, superintendent, sports broadcaster, career center leader and educational service center executive.
“Dr. Hall’s career in public education represents the highest standard of service to our students, educators, and communities,” said Dalton Summers, superintendent of the Ohio Valley ESC.
Hall began his education career in 1988 as an elementary and middle school teacher in the East Guernsey Local School District. He also coached and mentored student-athletes.
He later served as an Occupational Work Experience teacher and attendance officer before becoming principal of the district’s K-5 elementary school in 2003.
In 2008, Hall became superintendent of East Guernsey Local Schools, a position he held for seven years.
Hall moved into career and technical education in 2015 when he became superintendent of the Mid-East Career and Technology Center. During his five-year tenure, the career center experienced significant growth and was recognized as one of Ohio’s fastest-growing career centers.
After retiring from public education in 2020, Hall returned to education in 2021 when Summers recruited him to join OVESC.
Over the past five years, Hall has advised local school boards, assisted with superintendent and treasurer searches, supervised personnel, supported recruitment and retention efforts and helped guide organizational growth.
He currently leads the MOV Driving School, a partnership between the Ohio Valley ESC and Muskingum Valley ESC.
Hall has also served on numerous educational, athletic and community organizations, including the Ohio High School Athletic Association Board of Directors, the East District Athletic Board, the Council of Rural Ohio Advancement in Secondary Schools, the Career Based Intervention Board of Directors, Ohio Association for Career and Technical Education and Guernsey County Children Services.
His previous honors include the 2013 BASA Exemplary Leadership Award, the 2004 Distinguished Service Award from the Career Based Intervention Board of Directors and the PACESETTER Award for Career Based Intervention.
Hall and his wife, Linda, a retired East Guernsey teacher, have one son, Grant.
The OVESC said the award recognizes Hall’s continued dedication to students, educators and schools throughout the Ohio Valley.
Last Updated on August 12, 2026 by AVC News
