Fehrman retires after 31 years of service
COSHOCTON – After 31 years of dedication and service, Mindy Fehrman, director of Coshocton County Job and Family Services, has officially retired. Friday, Sept. 29 was her last day and the community came out in support and to celebrate all the hard work and dedication Fehrman has given to the organization over the years.
“Our kids grew up in our social service system,” said Fehrman. “Leslie was four months old when I started. When you have that kind of support from your family it’s amazing how much you can enjoy the work that you do. It’s been wonderful. I have to tell you that I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every day of work. I know that some people just can’t believe that that’s possible. But I just really enjoy what we do and I believe in what we do. But if I didn’t have the great people to work alongside of, it wouldn’t have been a great ride. All the people that I have worked with, my work family, are people that I care deeply about. I wish them the best of success.”
Proclamations were presented by the Coshocton County Board of Commissioners, Representative Bob Gibbs with Tim Ross presenting, Governor Kasich and Lt. Governor Mary Taylor, the Ohio House of Representatives from Larry Householder, and the Ohio Senate from Jay Hottinger.
Danny Brenneman took over the role of director on Monday, Oct. 2.
“I feel very personally fortunate to be the person following in her footsteps,” said Brenneman. “As the old adage says, I have big shoes to fill. That’s very true. Mindy is probably one of the most amazing people to have the largest impact on the community that I know. Mindy always looked at things collectively; what is best for the community, what we could do to build the community, and what was best for the city of Coshocton. I think that’s a lesson for all of us when we’re using factors for decision making. This is a better agency because of Mindy. I just want to express gratitude for Mindy’s leadership and certainly the support of her family for their support over the past three decades.”
Brenneman said he hopes the future of the agency can adapt to the future of Coshocton.
“My vision for the future is status quo,” said Brenneman. “We’re going to continue the course charted with the ability to adjust as the community needs adjust. I want to be sure to include all the stakeholders in the community to continue the priority of building positive teams and use our resources the best we can to positively effect change. I honestly believe with the resources given, tax payers, consumers, and elected officials can be pleased with the results with the resources we’re given.”
Fehrman believes that Brenneman is the right man for the job of director at JFS.
“He makes decisions based on logic,” she said. “He is someone who will make really researched-based decisions. He’s got a great sense of humor. Danny has a lot of compassion so he will do a really good job collaborating with other agencies to continue our work.”
She also has big plans for retirement.
“Russ and I want to travel, day trips and longer trips,” she said. “I love wine, so we will definitely be visiting wineries in Ohio and Michigan.”
However, she will never forget her time at Coshocton County Job and Family Services.
“I think the most profound moment is when you can be a part of someone’s success,” she said. “When you witness it and help them along and be a partner in their success, that is profound to me.”
Category: People & Places
