Shepherd of the Valley's Board of Directors named a new president on Monday, with the announcement of Youngstown State University (YSU) Professor Adam Earnheardt changing titles. 

Earnheardt, who works in the Department of Strategic Communication and Media at YSU, has served on the Shepherd of the Valley's board since 2019 and was named president of the board in November 2025. 

"It is an immense honor to be entrusted with the presidency of an organization as vital as Shepherd of the Valley," Earnheardt said. "This organization plays a crucial role in providing compassionate care for our community's seniors. I look forward to leveraging my experience in collaborative governance and communication from my two decades at YSU to further the board's mission and ensure the highest standards of service are maintained."

Earnheardt holds a Ph.D. in communication from Kent State University and is a past executive director of the National Society of Newspaper Columnists and the Youngstown Press Club. He also currently serves as a student media advisor at YSU. 

"Adam's dedication to service — at Shepherd of the Valley, at Youngstown State, in the Mahoning Valley and beyond — exemplifies the core values of both our organization and the university," said Shepherd of the Valley CEO Rich Limongi. "His appointment to this leadership role is a recognition of his exceptional administrative skills and his commitment to delivering outstanding long-term care in the Valley. We are proud that he will continue to serve our organization."

Shepherd of the Valley is a nonprofit, faith-based organization that has supported older adults in the Mahoning Valley for over 50 years.