United Way of Van Wert County Executive Director Vicki Smith announced Jacob Hamman as this year’s campaign chair for 2021-22.

“Jake has been a great addition to our United Way Board. His background as a lawyer has made him an asset to our decision-making process. The greatest thing about Jake is that I am able to ask him for his help with anything and his answer is always ‘yes’.  He has helped with events such as: Day of Caring, Agency Reviews and now Campaign Chair. I expect that he will do great things for our campaign this year.” remarked Vicki Smith, United Way Executive Director.

Jake moved to Van Wert with his wife Betsy (Wilhelm) in 2019. After previously serving with two non-profit organizations in the Columbus area, he wanted to continue to try to make a positive contribution in his new hometown. In 2020, Jake joined the United Way Board of Trustees and immediately recognized the incredible impact the United Way and its partner agencies had, and continue to have, on our local community. Jake has served on the Admissions & Review and Day of Caring committees for the United Way of Van Wert County.

“Even through a difficult 2020 and global pandemic, the United Way and its partner agencies never stopped providing hope and needed resources to organizations, families, and individuals in Van Wert county.  From a record-setting Rivals United event to the new-look Fiesta Fun Friday took on, the 2020 campaign was hugely successful and demonstrated the compassion and kindness our community has.  I’m proud to try and build off of those successes as this year’s Campaign Chair.

This year’s campaign theme is ‘Neighborhood of Good.’  My short time as a resident of Van Wert county has affirmed my belief that at our core, we all want to take care of our neighbors.  No organization exemplifies this more than the United Way and community agencies.  Though a pandemic threw a wrench in our ‘normal’ day-to-day, the pandemic couldn’t deter the selflessness of our volunteers and donors.  My hope is that the 2021 campaign continues to tap into that sense of togetherness so the United Way can continue its good and necessary work.  With the help and generosity of those able, we can continue as a community to look out for our neighbors and provide resources wherever and whenever needed.”

United Way 2021-22 Campaign Chair, Jacob Hamman