Verville 2016 United Way campaign chair

VW independent/submitted information

United Way of Van Wert County Executive Director Vicki Smith announced that Mark Verville has been named the 2016 United Way Campaign chair.

“I am really excited to work with Mark this year; he has so much compassion for our agencies and it shows in his drive to make this the best campaign ever,” Smith said. “This will be my second campaign as executive director and having Mark as the leader makes my job easier.

“Mark has many ties with the community through his family and job so he will be working at sharing the United Way story with everyone,” Smith added.

Verville joined the United Way Board of Trustees in 2015 and served as the co-chair for the 2015 Day of Caring. He will oversee fundraising efforts by visiting businesses and organizations to explain how support of the United Way of Van Wert County positively impacts the community.

The theme for 2016 is “I am the United Way,” while Eaton Corporation will kick off this year’s campaign as the 2016 pacesetter organization.

“Eaton Corporation is eager to participate and we are thrilled to be working with them,” said Verville. “I am proud to be involved with the United Way because of the meaningful impact it has within our community.

“The goal is to support agencies that provide vital social assistance and educational opportunities,” he added. “We have an excellent committee of devoted volunteers (and) I am looking forward to working with Kim Bruns, Heather Germann, Erica Brown, Kylee Moody, Mitch Price, Suzie Grimes, Tisha Fast, and Renee Jutte on this campaign and I am excited for the opportunity that lies ahead.”

Verville is originally from New York, but has resided in the community for over 20 years. He is a Banking Center manager for First Financial Bank in Van Wert, and is active in Rotary, the Van Wert High School Booster Club, Elks Lodge, Main Street Van Wert, and Lifehouse Church.

He and his wife, Tonia, have four children: Emma, Rachel, Sarah, and Benjamin.