|
Kim Patton, Chair Kim’s motto is, “Leave a place better than you found it.” She lived that mission throughout her more than 20 years leading HealthSource of Ohio, expanding access to care for those who needed it most until her retirement in 2024. In addition to her professional leadership, Kim serves as Board Chair of IPM, a nonprofit food pantry serving Clermont County and surrounding communities. She enjoys traveling, exploring the small towns and scenic walks of Clermont County, and is always looking forward to her next adventure.
|
Kim's Hidden Gem: |
||
|
Ernie Ramos, Vice Chair Ernie is a graduate of Williamsburg High School, the University of Kentucky, and the Salmon P. Chase College of Law at Northern Kentucky University. He maintains a law office in Batavia, where he focuses on representing individuals with injury claims. Ernie serves as Vice President of the Board of Trustees for the Clermont County Public Library and as a Director on the Clermont County Public Defender Commission. Throughout his career, he has served as an Associate Adjunct Professor at the University of Cincinnati, a village magistrate, and Chief of the Civil Division of the Clermont County Prosecutor’s Office. He is a member and past president of the Clermont County Bar Association. Ernie served in the U.S. Army and is a Vietnam veteran. He enjoys seeing and visiting the diverse land in Clermont County.
|
Ernie's Hidden Gem: |
||
|
Cathy Jorgensen, Secretary Cathy is a CPA with extensive leadership experience, including serving as Vice President of Internal Audit, Chief Audit Executive, and Corporate Audit and Compliance Officer. She has served on the Board of Governors for the Institute of Internal Auditors Milwaukee Chapter and as a guest speaker for professional organizations and universities, including the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Institute of Management Accountants, and Oxford University. In her free time, she enjoys the arts and culture of Clermont, namely, Pierce Township Music in the Park.
|
|
Cathy's Hidden Gems
|
|
|
Seth Kirchner, Treasurer Seth has served Clermont County for the past decade through his work at Park National Bank, where he is dedicated to helping customers achieve their financial goals. Committed to strengthening the community, Seth actively supports several local nonprofits, including Connect Clermont, Batavia Rotary, Child Focus, the West Clermont Education Foundation, and United Way. His involvement reflects a passion for giving back and building meaningful relationships throughout the county. Seth is proud to contribute to organizations that create a positive impact and values every opportunity to support Clermont County residents and families. In addition to his philanthropic efforts, he enjoys visiting the local parks and hiking the trails at the Cincinnati Nature Center.
|
|
Seth's Hidden Gem: |
|
|
Alida Hart, Director Alida loves making a difference in her community and spent several years serving those in need as President and CEO of IPM Food Pantry. She retired in 2024 following the completion of a new 12,000 sq ft food pantry and distribution center in Clermont County. She also led the successful $5mm capital campaign to fund the project. In addition, Alida serves on the Board of Directors for Give Like A Mother–a nonprofit that provides clothing for school-aged children–and serves on the Finance Committee for the League of Women Voters. She enjoys hiking with her husband at the Cincinnati Nature Center in Rowe Woods.
|
|
Alida's Hidden Gem: |
|
|
Bonita Palmer, Director Bonita lives, works, and plays in Clermont County. She is a business and executive coach and trainer dedicated to helping individuals and organizations grow with clarity and confidence. In addition to her work with Connect Clermont, she serves as an Ambassador for the Clermont County Chamber of Commerce and sits on the Executive Board of the Milford Miami Township Chamber of Commerce. Outside of her professional endeavors, Bonita enjoys supporting live local music, camping, hiking, snuggling with her fur baby, and spending time with friends and family. In Clermont County, Bonita takes pleasure in shopping locally, especially at coffee shops!
|
|
Bonita's Hidden Gems: |
|
|
Clinton Louiso, Director Clinton is a Certified Financial Planner® (CFP®) with a passion for building lasting relationships with his clients. Born and raised in Williamsburg, Ohio, Clinton has spent his entire career in the financial services industry, beginning as a teller at his hometown bank and advancing through internships and professional roles. He graduated from Ohio Northern University in 2004 and has since worked with institutions including Northwestern Mutual, JP Morgan Chase Bank, and Wells Fargo Advisors. In July 2025, Clinton took the leap to become an owner of his own practice, TruNorth Wealth Advisors, where he focuses on retirement planning and multi-generational wealth management. In his free time, Clinton loves to golf and boat during the summer and ski in the winter. He also finds joy in coaching his son’s basketball and football teams.
|
|
Clinton's Hidden Gem: |
|
|
Gail Koford, Director Gail Koford is a retired development professional with executive experience in healthcare and nonprofit organizations. For more than 15 years, she led the development program at IPM Food Pantry, laying the foundation for its current scope of service. Since retiring in 2019, Gail has served as President of the Health Source Foundation and currently serves on the HealthSource of Ohio Governing Board. She has also served on the YMCA of Clermont County Board of Directors, is a past president of the Cincinnati Eastside Rotary Club, and remains an active member. Gail’s experience also includes volunteering in the Emergency Department at Bon Secours Mercy Health and supporting IPM capital campaigns. In 2025, Gail received the William H. Over Leadership Award from the Clermont Chamber of Commerce. As resident of Clermont County for the past 20 years, she enjoys hiking the county’s beautiful trails.
|
|
Gail's Hidden Gem: |
|
|
Jeff Blom, Director As the President of Discover Clermont, Jeff brings more than 35 years of leadership experience in hospitality and tourism. Prior to joining Discover Clermont, he served as Marketing and Business Development Manager for Partnership Programs at AAA Club Alliance. Throughout his career, Jeff has also held roles with a variety of attractions and tourism organizations, including BB Riverboats, Coney Island, and the Greater Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau. Jeff enjoys hiking with his family and their 100-pound Sheepadoodle, Ziggy. He frequently hikes at the Cincinnati Nature Center, East Fork, Stonelick, Valley View Nature Preserve, and Clermont County parks.
|
|
Jeff's Hidden Gem: |
|
|
Jeff Weir, Director Jeff has served as Superintendent of the Clermont County Educational Service Center since 2012 and has dedicated his career to public education in Clermont County since 1998, holding roles as both a principal and superintendent. Beyond his leadership in education, he is deeply engaged in community service, serving as a board member of the Clermont County Board of Developmentally Disabled, a steering committee member for the Dolly Parton Imagination Library of Clermont County, and a member of the Board of Advisors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Clermont County. He also contributes his expertise as a member of the United Way of Greater Cincinnati Eastern Area Action Council. In his free time, Jeff takes pleasure in the fantastic golf courses Clermont County has to offer.
|
|
Jeff's Hidden Gem: |
|
|
Jody Thompson, Director Jody Thompson is a healthcare leader with more than 25 years of experience in clinical laboratory operations, healthcare strategy, and leadership development. He currently works at Vizient, supporting healthcare organizations through strategic and operational improvement. Jody is passionate about connecting people to meaningful opportunities and giving back to the community. As a member of the Connect Clermont Board of Directors, he is proud to support efforts that strengthen volunteerism, engagement, and quality of life across Clermont County. Beyond his professional work, Jody enjoys the outdoor activities Clermont County has to offer, particularly the fantastic parks and recreation areas. |
Jody's Gem: |
||
|
Renee Koerner, Director Renee spent much of her career in the wine and food industry, working with some of the finest restaurants and wine companies in the Midwest. Several years ago, she became captivated by the idea of producing caviar. Today, she is a principal at Big Fish Farms, one of the first domestic free-range caviar producers and a pioneer in low-impact, sustainable aquaculture. Big Fish Farms’ innovative network of “reservoir ranches” provides its indigenous paddlefish with protected natural environments from hatch to harvest, resulting in caviar known for its exceptional quality and taste. Renee is deeply invested in Clermont County’s agricultural community and broader farming ecosystem. She is actively involved with the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and works to advance sustainable aquaculture practices that support local landowners, strengthen regional agriculture, and contribute to the county’s long-term economic vitality.
|
Renee's Hidden Gem: |
||
|
Zach Gambill, Director Zach brings 18 years of experience in financial services and currently serves as Treasury Manager at RiverHills Bank, following earlier roles in retail, commercial, and mortgage banking. A committed community leader, he has served on the Board of Directors for the Milford Miami Township Chamber of Commerce, most recently as President. As a board member of Connect Clermont, Zach applies his financial expertise and leadership experience to advance the organization’s mission of strengthening community connections and fostering local growth. In his free time, Zach enjoys exploring Clermont County’s natural beauty, often kayaking down the scenic Little Miami River. |
|
Zach's Hidden Gems: |
|
Bob Pautke, President & CEO Act 1: Bob led corporate teams across the U.S., Australia, New Zealand, Japan, the U.K., and Europe. Act 2: He became a small business entrepreneur, founding and leading a Leadership Development company. Act 3: A committed community servant, Bob is a 25-year Clermont County resident who has served as a Pierce Township Trustee and on the boards of the Clermont Boys & Girls Club, Clermont Public Library, Legendary Run HOA, and multiple School Business Advisory Councils. He also served as Executive Director of LEAD Clermont and LEAD Ready and is a co-founder of Connect Clermont. Bob is a U.S. Army veteran, published author, podcaster, facilitator, and inspirational speaker, and he holds a U.S. patent. Simply put, Bob is one of Clermont County’s most enthusiastic champions. He lives and breathes the community, serving as both advocate and connector in everything he does.
|
Bob's Hidden Gems: |
||
|
Anthony Palmer, Chief Editor Anthony serves as Connect Clermont’s Chief Editor, leading efforts to deliver relevant news and events to Clermont County residents. A graduate of the University of Cincinnati, he began his career as a web writer and freelance content creator, working primarily with organizations focused on healthcare accessibility and inclusivity. He later shifted his focus to local reporting in Clermont County, driven by a desire to create direct, positive impact across Southwest Ohio. In 2025, Anthony joined Connect Clermont, where he oversees editorial strategy and mentors junior writers in ethical journalism. Outside the newsroom, Anthony is a community and cultural advocate who enjoys writing prose, performing music, and volunteering. He enjoys visits with family and exploring the many scenic trails along the Little Miami River.
|
Anthony's Hidden Gem: |
||
|
Aubree Story, Marketing & Brand Specialist Aubree is a nonprofit program and operations leader with a deep passion for service-oriented initiatives. She oversees programs, fundraising, and communications for Give Like A Mother (GLAM) and provides marketing and communications support for Connect Clermont. She also serves on the Clermont County YMCA Board of Advisors. Having grown up in Clermont County, Aubree brings a strong understanding of the community and a practical approach to strengthening local programs and systems that move our county forward. In her free time, Aubree loves to travel, hike scenic trails, and discover new restaurants, always seeking out fresh experiences, great food, and the kind of places that bring people together.
|
|
Aubree's Hidden Gems: |
|
|
H. Brewer, Production Specialist H is a third-year Media Production student at the University of Cincinnati’s College-Conservatory of Music. He is passionate about visual storytelling and enjoys creating and directing documentaries, commercial productions, and short films that capture authentic voices and meaningful moments. At Connect Clermont, H manages all long-form video content and podcast editing, bringing stories to life through thoughtful composition, pacing, and sound design. He is driven by the belief that strong storytelling can inform, connect, and inspire communities. Beyond his work and schooling, he enjoys spending time hiking outdoors at East Fork Lake State Park.
|
|
H's Hidden Gem: The Cardboard Boat Museum in New Richmond
|