Director out at Van Wert Forward

Editor’s note: This story has been updated with additional comments from former Van Wert Forward Executive Director Hall Block, as well as comments from Van Wert County Foundation CEO Seth Baker.

SCOTT TRUXELL/independent editor

A major change has occurred at Van Wert Forward, the organization leading a multiphase facelift of the downtown area.

Late Wednesday afternoon, Executive Director Hall Block announced in a Facebook post that he is out of that position.

“I am no longer working with the (Van Wert County) Foundation,” he wrote. “It seems that certain folks felt they were better off without me. Early on in the life of Van Wert Forward, I began conveying broadly that this project was a total paradigm shift and that by the end it would likely look nothing like anybody expected at the beginning. Little did I know the paradigm shift would not involve me.”

“Despite wanting to be involved for the long haul, I am involved no longer and I am moving on,” he added.

Block also thanked those who have supported him and said he hopes to remain in the Van Wert area, but realizes as his job search moves toward Fort Wayne, Lima and other communities, the chances will increase that he and his family will move out of Van Wert.

Block began as a property manager for the Van Wert County Foundation in February of 2020, then was named executive director of Van Wert Forward in January of this year. His final day on the job was June 21. During his time, he oversaw the downtown restoration and development project.

Block responded to a request for an additional comment Thursday morning, and said he hopes the best for the Van Wert County Foundation and the Van Wert Forward project.

“I’m grateful for the great things I was able to do in my time with the project and I know that this experience has opened doors to my next big opportunity,” he said.

Van Wert County Foundation CEO Seth Baker also issued a brief statement Thursday morning.

“The Foundation and Van Wert Forward are grateful to Hall for his three years of service to our community and wish him luck in all his future endeavors,” Baker stated in the emailed statement. “We are confident in the direction of the downtown development project and are committed to improving quality of place in our community.”

Baker added no timetable has been determined in the search for a replacement. In the interim, Baker is directing operations and former Van Wert Area Economic Development Director Stacy Adam is directing leasing in a volunteer capacity.