County enhances development program

VW independent/submitted information

The Van Wert County Board of Commissioners has recently made some exciting decisions with respect to the county’s economic development efforts.

The commissioners’ office has named County Business Outreach Coordinator Sarah K. Smith as the official Van Wert County economic development director and made her position full time. Her duties of promoting and marketing the county will be countywide, including townships, villages and the city of Van Wert.

Additionally, the position of program manager has been added, which will be filled by communications veteran Leesa Brown. Brown is a Van Wert County native with a rich history of public service in communications, much of it at the state and federal government level.

Serving as press secretary and executive director of policy and public affairs for the Ohio Attorney General’s Office, public affairs officer for the United States Department of Justice, various communications positions for The Ohio State University Medical Center and Ohio University, and public affairs director for the Franklin County Board of Commissioners, as well as the Ohio Treasurer’s Office, her credentials as a professional communicator are very impressive.

Brown will assist the Economic Development Office and enhance communications, while working with rural constituents to access grants for infrastructure and community development will be an emphasis.  Her duties will commence this coming Monday, April 28.