Board Members Appointed Ahead of Strategic Planning Initiative
(COLUMBUS) April 19, 2022—COCIC: The Franklin County Land Bank today announced new members. Prairie Township Administrator James Jewell joined the organization’s Board of Directors on March 25, 2022. Additionally, Joy Bivens, Emily Cooner and Michele Reynolds have been selected as board alternates.
“We are very pleased to welcome James to the board as our new township representative,” said The Honorable Cheryl Brooks Sullivan, Franklin County Treasurer and Chair of the Board of Directors for COCIC. “Since COCIC’s inception by the Board of Commissioners in 2012, our goal has been to bring together a diverse group of individuals to find creative and meaningful solutions to improving our neighborhoods throughout Franklin County. Jim’s leadership in Prairie Township and experience with the County Engineer’s office will no doubt help us to advance this goal.”
Beginning in April 2022, the COCIC board will undergo a four month strategic planning process to layout the vision for the next 10 years. The new board members will play a valuable role in setting the organization’s agenda and supporting the organization’s transformation. The planning process will run from April – July and culminate with a 10-year Impact Study being released in the fall.
“On behalf of the team at COCIC, I want to welcome James, Joy, Emily and Michele to the board and thank them for their willingness to bring their ideas and expertise to the outstanding group of leaders who currently comprise the board,” stated Curtiss L. Williams, Sr., President and CEO of COCIC: The Franklin County Land Bank. “As we embark on a new strategic planning initiative, it’s important to have the right people in the room. This group will be tasked with not only creating the future vision for COCIC, but also laying out our plans to support the greater affordable housing crisis facing our county.
James Jewell is currently administrator for Prairie Township and serves as the chief deputy of operations for the Franklin County Engineer’s Office.
Joy Bivens, serving as alternate for Franklin County Commissioner Erica C. Crawley, is currently the director of Job and Family Services. Bivens was also recently appointed to the new role of deputy county administrator for health and human services.
Emily Cooner, serving as alternate to Franklin County Commissioner Kevin Boyce, is the policy aide for County Commissioner Boyce.
Michele Reynolds, will serve as the alternate for Administrator James Jewell. Reynolds is the director of the Governor’s Office of Faith-Based and Community Initiatives and currently serves as chair, Madison County Board of Trustees.
About COCIC: The Franklin County Land Bank
COCIC is a non-profit organization formed by the Franklin County Commissioners in 2012 to improve the quality of neighborhoods and communities within Franklin County. More information about COCIC can be found at www.cocic.org.
