OACAA would like to extend our warmest welcome to six new executive directors in Ohio’s Community Action Network who have joined us over the past several months. While some are new to our network, others you may already know due to their strong history within the network. We are confident each will lead their agency well. Please join us in welcoming them!
Julie Bolen, Ross County Community Action Agency
Julie started as the executive director at Ross County Community Action in August 2019. While Julie is new to the Community Action Network, she has a strong background including her work at Ohio’s Area 20 Workforce Development Board, Pickaway Ross Career and Technology Center, and Pickaway County Job and Family Services. Julie is really enjoying the new position and is excited to be part of Community Action. She is originally from the Cleveland area and now resides in Chillicothe with her two sons, Jackson, 16, and Conner, 12.
Clinton Davis, Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Agency
Clinton joined Lancaster-Fairfield Community Action Agency as the executive director in January 2020, and was appointed to the OACAA board as District 4 Representative for the remaining term of retired Executive Director Kellie Ailes. Though new to the agency, Clinton is not new to the network. He previously worked as Highland County Community Action Organization starting with the Healthier Buckeye programs and most recently served as the Director of Community Programs. Clinton grew up in Southern Ohio but spent a decade away working and pursuing graduate education. He received a Master’s degree in Geography from West Virginia University, a Bachelor’s in Physics from Ohio Wesleyan, and fled part way through a doctoral program in Geography and Urban Studies at Temple. Clinton was also appointed to the remaining term of retired Executive Director Kellie Ailes.
Clinton enjoys talking about data analysis, governance, and data collection and monitoring social service agencies, though he is most excited to talk about maps, social justice, and food and housing (in)security in Appalachia and the city. He’s looking forward to hearing perspectives from other agencies as to what has worked well (or not well), and areas that have made a lasting impact for people and communities.
Rebecca (Becky) Hammond, Pickaway County Community Action Organization
Becky is another familiar face known to many in Ohio’s Community Action Network. She has been with PICCA since 2003 where she started as the Emergency Services Director. Later she was promoted to Deputy Director, and this year became Executive Director of the agency.
Becky has a strong background in strategic planning, risk assessment, and community needs assessments, and is well-versed with many Community Action programs including CSBG, transportation, mobility, HEAP, Veterans Transitional Housing, representative payee programs, HCRP, United Way, and Toys for Tots programs. Before joining the staff, Becky served on the PICCA board of directors and served for 18 years as Human Resources Manager in the plastics manufacturing industry.
Jane Newkirk, Clinton County Community Action Program
Effective March 1, 2020, Jane succeeded Dean Knapp as the executive director of the agency. Mr. Knapp served as Executive Director since 1976. Jane has been with the agency since 1988 and served in various roles with her most recent position being the Executive Assistant and Housing Manager. She graduated from Wellston High School and, after moving to Wilmington, attended Southern State Community College. She currently resides in Wilmington with her husband Mark.
Jane has remained an active member of the community and serves on the RACI (Residential Advisory Council, Inc.) Board as well the Compliance Advisory Committee for the Ohio Housing Finance Agency. She is excited to continue working with local agencies and the community to build partnerships that will enhance the lives of Clinton County residents.
Lisa Stempler, Miami Valley Community Action Partnership
Lisa Stempler was named President and CEO of Miami Valley Community Action Partnership this month by the Board of Trustees. Lisa had acted as interim in the role since September 2019 and previously served as Vice President and COO at the agency since April 2017.
“I’m honored to have the opportunity to lead MVCAP as we continue our critical work of eliminating and preventing the causes of poverty, promoting self-sufficiency, and ensuring that families receive the necessary resources to thrive,” said Stempler. “During these uncertain times, MVCAP has been a leading force in eradicating poverty in the Miami Valley and I look forward to building on our past success and helping to write the next chapter.”