About ADF

Our Mission

Our mission is to cultivate an environment that creates high-quality jobs, match employers to job-ready workers, and support vibrant communities throughout Knox County.

The Area Development Foundation is the primary contact for economic development in Knox County. Our staff encourages the growth and prosperity of local industry by supporting local companies through tax-abatement services, resource connection, workforce solutions, and other various services. Knox County is a well-educated and proudly rural community located in the growing Columbus Region, and the ADF is the area representative for companies looking for new business locations.

Board of Directors

The ADF Board of Directors advises the ADF staff on the mission and activities of the foundation.

Bruce White – Board Chairman

Chief Executive Officer

Knox Community Hospital

Bill Buckley – Board Vice-Chair

Vice-President

Beehive Industries

Mark Ramser – Treasurer

President

Ohio Cumberland Gas Company

Hon. Matt Starr

Mayor

City of Mount Vernon

Hon. Teresa Bemiller

Commissioner

Knox County

Gary Chapman

Superintendent

Fredericktown School District

Michele Englebach

CEO

Ohio Eastern Star Home

Bill Hanna

Vice-President & General Manager

Ver-Mac Industries

Todd Hawkins

Vice President and Trust Officer

Park National Bank

Brian Huprich

Chief Financial Officer

Ariel Corporation

Darrell Kick

State Representative

98th District in the Ohio House of Representatives

Greg Sands

Mayor

Village of Centerburg

Hon. Ryan Shoemaker

Council Member

Village of Fredericktown

Matt Wushinske

General Counsel

Corna Kokosing

Gordon Yance

Former President

First Knox National Bank

ADF Staff

ADF staff actively supports the foundation’s mission as well as represents and manages the Knox County Land Bank, and the Cooper Progress Park. The staff serves on many boards that keep them connected and educated for their role.