Michael Jared O’Roark, age 46, passed away suddenly on March 18th, 2026, in Cincinnati, Ohio. He was born on June 13th, 1979, in Jacksonville, Arkansas.

Jared was a devoted husband, son, and brother whose life was rooted in love for his family and friends. He leaves behind his partner and husband of eight years, Benjamin Herrin, parents Michael Ron and Jody L. (Stobbs) O’Roark, brother Jordan (Ashley Rountree) O’Roark, nieces Tatum and Piper O’Roark, mother-in-law Vicky (Weitz) Herrin, father-in-law Mark (Liz Potter) Herrin, brother-in-law Bradley (Anna Sebastian) Herrin and nephew Lincoln Herrin.

Jared was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, John (Evelyn Rymal) Stobbs and paternal grandparents, James (Barbara St Clair) Roark.

Along with Jared being a loving and devoted family member and friend, Jared was an award-winning arts leader, educator, and community builder whose work over more than two decades left a lasting imprint across Cincinnati, Tampa Bay, and far beyond. He believed deeply that the arts should belong to everyone. He did not just talk about equity, accessibility, and inclusion. He lived those values, showing up with an authenticity in his work and in his life that people could feel, creating spaces where people felt welcomed, seen, heard, and valued.

He approached his work with care and intention, building something strong, beautiful, and deeply human. Young people found their voice through him. Communities connected. The arts became a bridge. He had a gift for bringing people into the same room, listening, and helping shape something meaningful and wonderful. Those who worked with him knew his integrity, felt his empathy and love, and saw the impact he made.

At the Cincinnati Arts Association, Jared poured himself into connecting young people to the arts and to one another. He built a group of teaching artists who reflected the communities they served, because it mattered to him that every student could see themselves in the room and in what was possible. What he helped create became more than an after-school program. It became a space where students could express themselves, feel supported, and begin to understand their own voice.

Jared was always thinking about who else could be reached. He worked to bring the arts into classrooms, supported young artists through the Overture Awards, and contributed to healing-centered work that met people where they were. He believed that when people are met with care, creativity, and connection, something shifts, sparks ignite, and lives change.  Continue reading