New Era of Impact: Nathan & Abby Lord

When Nathan Lord was young, he moved from Texas to West Virginia to Maine and finally to Marietta, Ohio at the age of ten. A move that would begin to shape much of his family and professional life.

Abby Lord’s story began a few states over in a small town outside Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. She came to Marietta to attend college and row on the Marietta College team, not knowing then that the river city would one day become the place she would build her life. After graduation, she returned to Pittsburgh, but when an opportunity arose to coach rowing at her alma mater, she packed up and headed back.

“When I came back,” Abby recalled, “I hoped this would become my home.”

She began attending Freedom Gate Church, led for decades by Nathan’s grandfather, and for the past 20 years by his father. It was there, that Nathan and Abby met and a few years later were married.

Together, they are planting deep roots in this community, and they are raising their family to do the same. Nathan said, “Everybody is supposed to be somewhere and we feel this is the ‘somewhere’ we are meant to be.”

That sense of purpose guides the way they live. Nathan serves on the board of the Marietta Area Chamber of Commerce, leads within Freedom Gate Church, and plays an active role in various community development initiatives.

“Communities and people are made to thrive and prosper, and healthy things grow,” Nathan said. “If we want to see our communities reach their potential, we have to invest in keeping them healthy.”

Abby brings the same intentionality to her community work. She serves on the Washington County Dolly Parton Imagination Library Committee, inspired not just by its mission but by its relevance to her own life. “As a mom of young kids, I know how important early literacy is,” she explained. “Books lay the foundation for learning, and for life. I love being part of something that gives kids that kind of start.”

Their commitment to service is not limited to occasional projects; it is a lifestyle they try to model every day for their children.

“I often explain to them why I am involved and why it matters. I want them to grow up seeing that community is not just something you live in…it is something you help build.” Abby said.

For Nathan, that legacy starts with the little things. “When I am leaving for work or dropping my three and a half year old son, Alexander, off at school, I tell him he is a leader,” he shared. “Then I ask him, ‘What does that mean?’ He fumbles around but eventually will say— ‘to help others and to build things. That is what we are trying to instill. That serving and leading are the same.”

Still, they are quick to say they have not figured it all out. “We are a work in progress,” Abby laughed. “Perfectly imperfect.”

But over time, they have discovered that it’s less about doing everything and more about doing what matters. “I have to remind myself we are human “beings” not human “doers”,” Nathan said.

Their faith is the foundation of their outlook; it anchors their approach to service and generosity. “We believe that God gives each person unique skills and talents,” Abby said. “And what we choose to do with those things matters. It matters to us and the world around us.”

When it comes to shaping the future of Washington County, both Nathan and Abby see Marietta Community Foundation as a vital partner in progress.

“I’ve worked closely with Heather and the team for some time now,” Nathan said. “There are three things that stand out to me where the Foundation has a huge community impact. It bridges generations by honoring our history while looking forward. It supports visionaries by turning their passion into impact. And it promotes a culture of generosity.”

Abby agreed. “The Foundation has this incredible perspective,” she said. “It sees the big picture. It connects people and ideas in ways that allow real impact to take place.”

Their advice to other young families? Don’t wait for the perfect opportunity, just start.

“Find something you are passionate about and be a part of it,” Abby encouraged. “The organizations and the people in this community are waiting for your leadership,” Nathan added. “The community needs each one of us to grow because the culture inside of us will create the culture around us”.

With hearts rooted in purpose and eyes set on the future, the Lords represent a new generation of changemakers shaping a lasting legacy for Washington County.