Greater Toledo Heritage and Horizons
The Greater Toledo Heritage and Horizons Board of Directors provides leadership, governance, and vision to ensure our mission of honoring Toledo’s past while building a sustainable future. Each member brings unique expertise, community connection, and a shared commitment to revitalization.
Board Members and Officers
Lawrence F. Davidson – President and Founding Member
Lawrence F. Davidson (known locally as Larry) has family roots in Toledo dating back to 1900, giving him a deep, lifelong connection to the community. He holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington, an MBA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, and a Master’s Certificate in International Business from Seattle University. He is also a certified Project Management Professional (PMP).
Larry’s career has included work across multiple industries and large-scale scientific projects, most notably serving as Chief Project Engineer and Senior Project Manager on the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), a $454 million nationwide environmental research facility. Throughout his career, he has focused on practical problem-solving, collaborative leadership, and building systems that support long-term public benefit.
He is also active in several community and professional organizations that support GTHH’s mission, including the Toledo Historical Society, Vision:Toledo, the Cowlitz Prairie Grange, the Washington State Farm Forestry Association (Lewis County Chapter), the South Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, and the Project Management Institute (PMI). These connections reflect his ongoing commitment to local history, responsible land stewardship, and collaborative community development.
As President and founding member of Greater Toledo Heritage and Horizons, Larry is committed to honoring Toledo’s past while guiding a sustainable vision for its future. He works to ensure that revitalization efforts preserve community character while creating opportunities for generations to come. At this stage of the organization’s growth, Larry also serves as GTHH’s Executive Director, supporting day-to-day operations and helping guide early development.
Joe Notch – Secretary and Founding Member
Joe Notch is a retired U.S. Coast Guard veteran with more than 30 years of service in emergency management, information technology, and operational leadership. His career reflects a longstanding commitment to public service and the ability to manage complex responsibilities with precision, integrity, and care.
Raised in a rural community, Joe brings a strong appreciation for the balance between growth and small-town character—perspectives that guide his support for thoughtful revitalization in Toledo. In retirement, he actively supports local businesses and community initiatives, believing that long-term residents play an essential role in shaping the town’s future.
Joe is also involved in several community and professional organizations that support GTHH’s mission, including Vision:Toledo, the South Lewis County Chamber of Commerce, the Chief Petty Officer Association (CPOA), and the Chief Warrant Officer Association (CWOA). These connections reflect his ongoing commitment to community collaboration, mentorship, and service.
As Secretary and a founding member of Greater Toledo Heritage and Horizons, Joe brings strategic insight, practical experience, and a deep dedication to preserving Toledo’s heritage while helping create a sustainable and welcoming future for generations to come.
Dan Gorton – Treasurer and Founding Member
Dan Gorton is the retired former owner of Bonanza BBQ & Catering in Toledo, which he operated full time from 2013 to 2024 following a successful 40-year career in the commercial tire industry. His work reflects both entrepreneurial spirit and a long-standing dedication to serving the local community.
A lifelong advocate for community involvement, Dan has held numerous leadership roles over the years, including serving on the Toledo Lions Club Cheese Day Committee—where he eventually served as Chairman—and helping guide several local initiatives that strengthen civic life in Toledo.
Dan is also active in organizations that support community collaboration and volunteer service, including the Toledo Community Foundation, and he currently serves as President of the South Lewis County Chamber of Commerce. These connections reflect his ongoing commitment to fostering local partnerships and supporting the well-being of the greater Toledo area.
As Treasurer and a founding member of Greater Toledo Heritage and Horizons, Dan brings financial stewardship, practical business experience, and a strong commitment to making Toledo a welcoming and thriving place to live and work.
Sandy Hare, EdD – Board Member and Director of Education Programs
Sandy Hare, EdD, is one of the newest members of the Greater Toledo Heritage and Horizons board, having moved to Toledo from the Seattle area just two years ago. She quickly came to appreciate the community’s character, history, and potential, and is enthusiastic about contributing to its thoughtful growth and revitalization.
Sandy brings more than 30 years of experience in education, having taught across elementary grade levels, served as an elementary principal, and later worked as Assistant Superintendent of Educational Affairs for a K–12 school district in the San Francisco Bay Area. She earned her Doctorate in Education (EdD) and has applied her expertise to both public education and nonprofit leadership.
Sandy also participates in several community organizations that support GTHH’s mission, including the Toledo Historical Society and Vision:Toledo, and she currently serves as Secretary of the South Lewis County Chamber of Commerce. These connections reflect her commitment to strengthening local partnerships and supporting opportunities for learning, engagement, and community collaboration.
A former CEO of a nonprofit organization in Eugene, Oregon, Sandy has a deep understanding of organizational leadership and the importance of working together toward shared goals. Her experience, vision, and commitment to service make her a strong contributor to GTHH’s educational initiatives and community-focused mission.