Joellen Heatherly’s interest in local philanthropy helped lead her to service on the board of the Tipp City Foundation.
A Tipp City native, Heatherly participated in her first foundation board meeting in March.
“For some time now, I have routinely contributed to a variety of the funds linked to the Tipp City Foundation and believe firmly in supporting philanthropy locally.” Heatherly said. “Tipp City is a big part of my past and I hope to invest in a more inclusive future while retaining our small-town appeal.”
Heatherly said she sees herself working as a connector to bring people and resources together where it makes sense.
“I also consider myself to be a ‘big picture’ thinker who respects those who plan ahead and foresee how the decisions we make today impact future generations. I have good common sense, the ability for critical thinking and can conduct myself respectfully, even with difficult people,” she said.
She has focused her career in the area of public service, specifically adults with disabilities. Heatherly retired in 2019, then re-entered the workforce the same year. She now works for the State of Ohio as a vocational counselor, assisting people with developmental disabilities get jobs in their communities.
After serving four years on the Tipp City Exempted Village Schools Board of Education, Heatherly chose not to seek re-election last fall. After that high profile service, she said she “was searching for healthy functioning outlets to share my strengths.”
“The Tipp City Foundation is a community minded group of people with diverse values who seek to invest in Tipp City and the people who reside in surrounding communities. I have volunteered with several local nonprofits in Tipp City and also Miami and Montgomery County,” Heatherly said.
She is married to Jim Heatherly. Both are active in the Tipp City schools and the community. Jim Heatherly owns his own business and is a former football coach and umpire assignor in the area.
Both of their adult children graduated from the Tipp City schools. Their daughter is a Montessori teacher in Tennessee and their son is a medical cannabis cultivator in Dayton.
She said family and friends have inspired her willingness to give back to the community.
“My parents and in-laws were role models for civic inclusion and volunteerism. I also credit my high school civics teacher-turned lawyer, Tom Cochran; my professional mentor, Sue Curtis; and consider several past school board members as mentors,” Heatherly said.
She said she would also like people to know that, ‘I am proud of our community and the residents who want better for current and future generations.”