By JAN LARSON McLAUGHLIN
BG Independent News
Martha Woelke is a self-described “townie” – and city of Bowling Green officials hope to capitalize on the connections she has cultivated for years.
Woelke is a familiar face to many – serving in local banking, insurance and community organizations. So when the city created the position of community development administrator, she was picked as a perfect fit.
Woelke’s first day on the job was last Monday, and her office is still uncommonly tidy. But her mind is racing with ideas of how to create partnerships that benefit Bowling Green.
Part of her job will be filling the grants administration position that was formerly held by Tina Bradley. But the newly created position of community development administrator will go beyond securing grants.
“I think there’s probably some grant money out there that we could find. But I think there’s a lot more we could do with partnerships.”
And Woelke is all about making connections “where we can make a difference.”
As a member of the Wood County Port Authority, Woelke has seen the benefits of communities partnering with the port authority to get funding for improvements. Bowling Green has worked with the port authority on a couple road projects – but Woelke wants to build on those possibilities.
“There are a lot more opportunities out there,” she said.
She comes to the job with a deep knowledge of the community she is serving.
“I’ve been in town forever,” she said.
After graduating from college, Woelke was hired at Huntington Bank, where she worked for 13 years, followed by three years at Wood County Insurance Agency. Then alongside Tim Harris and the late Paul Windisch, the trio started the First Federal branch in Bowling Green, where she worked for 21 years. For the last few years, she has held a corporate role where she gained experience complying with regulations.
“I’ve had lots of practice with that,” she said.
Woelke’s community roles include service on the Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the port authority, St. Mark’s Lutheran Church, the Bowling Green Chamber of Commerce, and the Kiwanis Club.
“They are hoping they can leverage my connections,” she said of the city.
In her new position, Woelke works with the city’s Housing Specialist Matt Snow and Planning Director Heather Sayler. She has added chairs to her office – for people interested in talking partnerships with the city.
“I want people to come see me. I want people to be comfortable coming in,” she said.
