Columbus, OH (September 23, 2026)—Today, at a reception honoring financial advisors, attorneys, and other professionals who help their clients create lasting charitable legacies, The Columbus Foundation presented the inaugural Richard H. Oman Partner in Philanthropy Award to Thomas A. Orchard. Named in honor of the Foundation's former longtime director and counsel, the award recognizes a professional advisor whose commitment to clients, community, and philanthropy reflects the highest standards of the profession.
Richard H. Oman Partner in Philanthropy Award honoree Thomas A. Orchard. Photo by The Columbus Foundation/Challen Brown.
Tom dedicated more than 41 years of his career to UBS, a wealth management firm, where he served as Senior Vice President and Senior Portfolio Manager. Now retired, Tom is a Certified Financial Planner® Emeritus and former Chartered Advisor of Philanthropy®—two credentials that reflect his dedication to his clients and the community. He also served as a Co-Chair of The Columbus Foundation's Professional Council, a network of attorneys, financial advisors, accountants, and other professionals who are dedicated to public service and education about charitable giving.
"Throughout his career, Tom has helped individuals and families align their values with their philanthropy, while generously sharing his own time, talent, and resources to strengthen our community," said Angela Parsons, Senior Vice President for Donor Services at The Columbus Foundation. "Tom's leadership in philanthropic advising and his longstanding commitment to the community make him a fitting inaugural recipient of this award."
Tom has served on numerous nonprofit boards in central Ohio and his native northwest Ohio, including the Salvation Army of Central Ohio, the Toledo Lions Club, and the Findlay Jaycees Incorporated, among others. He has also volunteered his time and skills at organizations such as the American Heart Association, United Way of Lucas County, and First Community Church in Westerville.
A graduate of Bowling Green State University, Tom is a former Board Chair of the Bowling Green State University Foundation, Inc. He is also the primary underwriter and sponsor of the Orchard Guitar Festival at Bowling Green State University, an annual jazz guitar festival featuring guest artists and clinics.
Tom's dedicated public service has earned him recognition from the Association of Governing Boards of Universities and Colleges, Bowling Green State University, Sigma Chi International Fraternity, and Lima Shawnee High School.
In 2000, Tom and his wife, Marcy, established the Orchard Foundation Fund, a Donor Advised Fund at The Columbus Foundation. Through their fund, the Orchards have supported nonprofits in central Ohio and beyond, as well as scholarship opportunities for students.
Richard H. Oman devoted much of his life to building The Columbus Foundation and advancing philanthropy in Columbus. Recruited by founder Harrison M. Sayre in 1955, he began as the Foundation's secretary and later became director. Over the decades, he guided legal matters, worked with donors, evaluated grant opportunities, and helped shape the Foundation's growth and community impact. In 2015, The Columbus Foundation established the Richard H. Oman Fellowship as part of the Foundation’s Summer Fellowship program in his honor. He passed away in 2017.