The Van Wert County Foundation is excited to announce Joel Germann as the newest addition to the team.  Joel will take over for Amanda Miller, who is leaving The Foundation to pursue her entrepreneurial dreams. Joel will be the point person for engagement and outreach by managing the marketing for VWCF and Van Wert Forward while expanding existing and creating new relationships with donors, community nonprofits, and area residents.

Joel originally hails from Van Wert County, having graduated from Crestview High School in 2017. He is returning to Van Wert after receiving a Bachelor’s of Science in Hospitality Management in December 2020 and a Master’s of Science in Human Environmental Sciences in May 2021 from the University of Alabama. Joel’s professional experiences stretch from Hawaii to Georgia, having worked with Atlanta, Columbus, Honolulu, and Tuscaloosa companies. These experiences have expanded his perspective. He is excited to leverage his background to further strengthen ties in the Van Wert community and surrounding area on behalf of The Foundation. Outside of his professional engagement, Joel enjoys working outside, especially with the goatherd he has maintained since leaving for college.

“We are glad to see Joel return to our community after college and excited for him to join our team,” said CEO Seth Baker. “Joel’s role will allow us to build off of the momentum already created in the last few years. We look forward  to infusing his knowledge of hospitality, events, and experiences into community placemaking as we enhance the downtown redevelopment master plan.”

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A meet & greet for Joel will be held on Thursday, September 16, 2021, from 3:30 – 5 pm at the VWCF office at 138 E. Main St., Van Wert, OH 45891.