About ADF

Our Mission

Our mission is to help create more jobs of a high quality that keep residents financially secure, match good employers to job-ready workers, and advance efforts to support livable 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.

Vickie Sant – Chair of the Board

Former President

First Knox National Bank

Adam Garn – Vice-Chair of the Board

Senior Tax Manager

Plante Moran

Mark Ramser – Treasurer

President

Ohio Cumberland Gas Company

Hon. Teresa Bemiller

Commissioner

Knox County

Hon. Matt Starr

Mayor

City of Mount Vernon

Jim Buchwald – ADF Founder

Founder

Ariel Corporation

Bill Buckley

Vice-President

Eagle Engineered Solutions

Hon. Rick Carfagna

State Representative

68th District in the Ohio House of Representatives

Mitch Durbin

Vice-President and General Manager

Ver-Mac Industries

Renee McDaniel

Greg Sands

Mayor

Village of Centerburg

Hon. Ryan Shoemaker

Council Member

Village of Fredericktown

David Stuller

Corporate Treasurer

Ariel Corporation

Bruce White

Chief Executive Officer

Knox Community Hospital

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.