STACY ADAM | Former Executive Director Van Wert Area Economic Development Corp

Stacy, the former Executive Director of Van Wert Area Economic Development Corporation, propelled the city and county's economic growth. She spearheaded business retention, attraction efforts, and supervised Van Wert County Land Reutilization Corporation, Van Wert Area Visitors Bureau, Van Wert County Workforce Development, and grant administration. With a remarkable 30-year tenure at TruGreen LandCare, Stacy excelled in operational roles, achieving Six Sigma Black Belt certification and serving as Division Vice President of Operations. A dedicated board member of The Van Wert County Foundation, Regional Growth Partnership Board of Trustees, and Western Ohio Educational Foundation, Stacy is also an active member of the Van Wert Rotary Club.

ANTHONY ADAMS | VP Commercial Underwriter First Financial Bank

Anthony, a Findlay, Ohio native, earned a Business Administration degree from Bowling Green State University. Married to Nikki, a Preschool Teacher, they have three children. As First Financial Bank's VP and Commercial Underwriter, he's deeply committed to Van Wert. Anthony serves as School Board President and on the boards of Van Wert Service Club and Business Development Corporation. Passionate about volunteering, he supports various community organizations like Community Connections, Salvation Army, and United Way.

AARON BAKER | Attorney-at-Law Keister & Baker, LLC

Aaron, the managing partner at Keister & Baker, LLC, is a skilled attorney specializing in real estate, estate planning, and business law, with a focus on agricultural matters. Licensed in Ohio and Indiana, he brings valuable expertise to his clients. Hailing from a farming background in southern Van Wert County, Aaron completed his education at Crestview High School (2003), Indiana Wesleyan University (2007), and Ohio Northern University College of Law (2010). Beyond his legal practice, he actively contributes as a member of the Advisory Counsel at Van Wert Hospital and as a musician in the LifeHouse Church band.

 

SETH BAKER | Chief Executive Officer The Van Wert County Foundation

Seth Baker, CEO of The Van Wert County Foundation, leads philanthropy efforts. With an MBA focusing on management, innovation, and change, and a BSc in Landscape Architecture with a minor in City and Regional Planning, he brings diverse expertise. Seth's experience spans economic development, downtown revitalization, and community planning. Passionate about his community, he volunteers for Van Wert Rotary Club, Visit Van Wert, Wassenberg Art Center, Niswonger Performing Arts Center, and First Presbyterian Church. Seth's commitment extends to his family farm, staying connected to local agriculture.

J. ANDREW CZAJKOWSKI | President of BDC Statewide Ford Lincoln

Andy Czajkowski, President of Statewide Ford Lincoln, owns Superior Collision, Quick Lane Tire & Auto, and Statewide Emergency Products in Van Wert. Originally from Detroit, he entered the automobile industry in New Jersey in 1982. Relocating to Van Wert in 1993 with his wife, Mary, and daughter, Alex, Andy actively participates in community service. He serves on the Van Wert County Foundation, is a Director at First Federal Savings & Loan Association, and has held leadership roles at United Way of Van Wert County and Van Wert County Hospital Board of Trustees. A dedicated member of Van Wert Rotary Club, Andy strives to make a positive impact.

SCOTT ETZLER | Director of Facility & Property Vancrest Management Corporation

Scott Etzler, Corporate Director of Facility & Property Management at Vancrest Management Corp, is a lifelong resident of Van Wert County. With a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering from Indiana Tech and an MBA from the University of Saint Francis, he brings extensive expertise. Scott's 35-year career includes 20 years in plant and risk management, holding positions such as Vice President and Plant Manager. He's a three-time Adjunct Faculty of the Year at Indiana Tech and actively coaches youth sports. Serving on boards like the YMCA, United Way, and Junior Achievement, Scott is deeply involved in his community. Married for 35 years with two children and three grandchildren, he's an active member of LifeHouse Church, contributing to leadership and youth ministries.

 

BRIAN GREVE | General Manager Greve Chrysler

Brian, General Manager of Greve Chrysler Jeep Dodge in Van Wert, proudly hails from his hometown. With a degree from Northwood University in Midland, Michigan, he brings a solid educational foundation to his role. Brian's commitment to the community is evident through his involvement on the board of the Van Wert County Health Department and his active membership in the Van Wert Service Club. As a passionate advocate for the betterment of Van Wert, Brian dedicates himself to fostering a thriving community.

MICHELE PURMORT MOONEY | Former Owner / CEO of Purmort Brothers Insurance Agency

Michele Purmort Mooney, former Owner/CEO of Purmort Brothers Insurance Agency, led its merger with local agencies to form Advanced Insurance Group in 2021. With 25 years in the insurance industry, she values the relationships built with customers. A Van Wert native and Van Wert High School graduate, Michele actively serves the community. She currently presides as President of the Van Wert Optimist Club. Residing in Van Wert with her husband Mike and their children Ethan and Ellie, Michele is deeply rooted in her hometown.

TAYLOR RAY ORSBON | Sr. Director of Brand & Marketing Central Insurance

Taylor oversees marketing and brand strategy at Central Insurance. Previously, she held positions as Director of Development for Experience Columbus and Director of Client Services at Geben Communication. Recognized as a top young professional in Ohio, she serves as President of the Board of Directors for Van Wert Forward. Taylor has contributed to the anti-bullying efforts of Ruling Our eXperiences (ROX) and actively supports The Women's Fund of Central Ohio, Columbus StartupWeek, and TEDxColumbus. As a guest lecturer at Columbus College of Art & Design, she guides young artists in marketing their small businesses. With a Bachelor's degree in Journalism (Public Relations focus) and Marketing minor from BGSU, Taylor is committed to making a positive impact.

 

FRED POND | Owner Pond Seed Company

Fred, owner of Pond Seed Company, a local agricultural seed business since 1927, is a dedicated supporter of independent enterprises. Holding a Bachelor of Science Degree in Communication Arts from The Defiance College, he actively contributes to the community. Fred serves as Vice Chair of the Ohio Seed Improvement Association, VP of Advanced Genetics, Inc., and Malting Seed Producers of Ohio. With a history of leadership, including past Chair of Ohio Foundation Seeds, Fred is committed to advancing the industry. Locally, he has served on boards such as Van Wert County Hospital, Van Wert County Airport, and Wells Fargo Bank, all with the goal of building a better community. Fred finds fulfillment in his active engagement at LifeHouse Church, and his hobbies include aviation, road cycling, and golf.

ADAM RIES | Vice President of Lending First Federal of Van Wert

Adam Ries, VP of Lending at First Federal of Van Wert, a local bank for over 130 years. With a passion for his hometown, he previously led a downtown revitalization non-profit for six years. Adam, a Van Wert native and graduate of Kent State University's College of Architecture & Environmental Design, offers a unique perspective to his role. Serving on the board of Visit Van Wert and as a member of the Van Wert Rotary Club, he actively contributes to the community's growth. Adam's dedication and involvement exemplify his commitment to making a positive impact in Van Wert.

PATRICK J. RYAN | Sr. VP Commercial Lending Citizens National Bank

Pat Ryan is Senior Vice President Commercial Lending of Citizens National Bank, a 750 million dollar community bank. Pat also serves as President of the Van Wert Ohio market for Citizens. As a community bank, Citizens National Bank actively pursues lending opportunities of all sizes. They maintain a close working relationship with a network of partners specializing in small business lending. These partners include local revolving loan funds, SBA program specialists, Ohio Department of Development loan division, JobsOhio and others. Pat has 45 years of experience in the banking industry with the last 20 years at Citizens. He also provides volunteer service for many local nonprofit entities.

 

JON STOLLER | CPA Bashore, Reineck, Stoller & Waterman Inc.

Jonathan Stoller is an owner in Bashore, Reineck, Stoller & Waterman Inc, a local Certified Public Accounting Firm with offices in Van Wert, Paulding and Columbus Grove.  As an active CPA, he enjoys meeting and working with clients, following in the footsteps of his father, Rodney Stoller, CPA, who he has worked with since graduating college in 2004.  Jon graduated from The Ohio State University, Fisher College of Business, with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and Masters in Accounting.  He is a current member of the American Institute of CPA’s, the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants, and the Latty Apostolic Christian Church.  He is also treasurer of the Van Wert Service Club.

TOM TURNWALD | President Millwork Brands

Tom Turnwald is owner and President of National Door & Trim, Inc., Teem Wholesale, Inc., and a partner in The Landings at Dickinson Farms.  He is a graduate of the University of Toledo with a B.S. in Marketing.  He is a Director at Van Wert Federal Savings Bank and also serves on Van Wert Health’s Board of Trustees.  Tom has served as both Secretary and Treasurer of the Van Wert Business Development Corp.  He resides locally with his wife, Michelle, and has three adult children.

MARK WHITE | Chief Executive Officer Vancrest Health Care Centers 

Mark White is president of Vancrest Management Corp and has been involved in long term health care and real estate development his entire career.  He is a graduate of Ohio Northern University with a B. S. in management.  White has been active in the community and is currently serving on the board of Trustees for the Van Wert County Foundation and is a board member of the Van Wert Business Development Corp., the Salvation Army Advisory Board and is active in his church, First Presbyterian, where he serves as Treasurer.  He is also a member of the board of Trustee of Ohio Northern University and additionally serves on the Dicke College of Business advisory board.

 

Sara Zura | President Alexander & Bebout, Inc.

Sara is President of Alexander & Bebout, Inc., an engineering and design commercial and industrial contractor.  She holds a Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Toledo in Civil Engineering and is a licensed Professional Civil Engineer. Sara currently serves as CIC VICE President, van wert forward board member, and van wert area economic development board member. She Is a past board member of the Van Wert Area Chamber of Commerce and Previously served on the County Revolving Loan Fund Committee. She resides locally with her husband, T.J., and their two children. She is a member of St. Mary’s of the Assumption Catholic Church in Van Wert