President Fell Chairing Alliance Board of Directors

Collaboration between public and private sectors has always been vital to this region’s stability and success. This year, University of Findlay President Katherine Fell, Ph.D., is serving in a key role that will help further economic development initiatives targeted to community growth and prosperity. As the chair of the Findlay-Hancock County Alliance Board of Directors, she will be a key advisor to the umbrella organization that drives the city and county’s economic development activities, chamber of commerce, and convention and visitors bureau.
The Alliance oversees strategic activities that range from job creation to promotion of community events.
According to John Haywood, the Alliance’s president and chief executive officer, the organization’s nominating committee first considered Fell for the job. The full board, which includes 15 members representing businesses, government, nonprofits and education, approved her appointment.
“In fall 2015 she was invited to serve as an officer in the upcoming year (2016) as chair-elect to prepare her for the role as chair in 2017,” Haywood explained.
Fell’s educational expertise and standing within the community make her a natural fit for the role, said Haywood. “Higher education is an important segment to represent the community on The Alliance board of directors. With her strong collaboration skills, vision and forward-thinking approaches, we’re confident in the direction the organization is heading under her leadership,” he added.
The influential nature of the position cannot be discounted, said Haywood. “The Alliance board chair heads the largest volunteer business and community development organization in the Findlay/Hancock County region. As such, the chair is a major force of influence in the community. The roster of past chairpersons is a ‘who’s who’ of the business and professional leadership in the community,” he said.
Fell’s term will end Dec. 31.
Fell said she considers her inclusion on the board an important and essential commitment. “The University of Findlay is and should remain an integral part of this wonderful, multi-dimensional community,” she said. “As UF’s leader, I have a responsibility to serve the community that encircles and supports our students, faculty and staff.”
The opportunities to contribute to measurable improvement in myriad areas were also compelling enough reasons for Fell to accept the position, she said.
“We advocate for causes that enhance Findlay and Hancock County as a great place to live, work, learn and play. With that mission in mind, we work with each of our three divisions to set measurable goals, and we monitor the progress of each, providing guidance and support,” Fell said.
For more information on The Alliance and its subsidiary organizations, visit www.FindlayHancockAlliance.com.