As the Hamilton County Leadership Academy approaches its 25th anniversary in 2016, Current is highlighting local leaders who have helped build and sustain the program, which focuses on strengthening our community by developing informed leaders. In June, another class of engaged citizens will join the 600-plus graduates already working to make a difference.
Bruce Kettler, HCLA Class of 2009
Hometown: Kettlersville, Ohio
Lives: Westfield
Works: Atlanta
Family: Wife Tammy; son, Cory; daughter Christy.
Career: Director of public relations, Beck’s Hybrids. Before joining the family-owned firm, he spent 17 years at Dow AgroSciences.
Community involvement: Hamilton County Economic Development Corporation, board chairman; Advocates for Children and Families board.
Nice to know: The entire Kettler family is into farming. Tammy is director of corporate relations for Purdue University’s College of Agriculture, Cory works at Beck’s, and Christy is a Purdue sophomore majoring in agricultural economics and agronomy.
Biggest HCLA takeaway: “The dynamics between government, private business and non-governmental entities that provide a tremendous community. How neat this county is in terms of its business and suburban cities and yet there is so much rural and agricultural land and heritage to be enjoyed.”
How has HCLA changed your perspective on community leadership? “It has made me evaluate how much more involved I need to be, and I have accepted some roles because I remember how that was stressed by the class leadership.”
Favorite Hamilton County restaurant, venue, etc.: “Palladium for great entertainment and Puccini’s for pizza.”
Best-kept Hamilton County secret: “The impact of several family-owned businesses in this county in the field of agriculture. Most of my professional career has been spent in agriculture, and I appreciate the importance of the industry to all people.”
For more from other HCLA leaders, visit HCLA.net.
